Burger Beast Hosts SugaPie, First-Ever Dessert-Focused Event

Some serious sweet tooth indulgence is happening this weekend at Burger Beast’s 2015 SugaPie Festival. Sef Gonzalez’s Burger Beast blog has been hosting culinary events for nearly five years, but for the first time, desserts will be the stars of the show.

For just 20 bucks, you can enjoy all-inclusive, unlimited samples from nearly 30 local spots. The event will be held indoors at Magic City Casino’s Stage 305 this Sunday, December 13, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Favorites such as Knaus Berry Farm and Fireman Derek’s Pies will be showcasing their most delectable desserts. You can wash them down with creations by craft breweries and coffee shops. To provide a palette cleanser and highlight more Miami locations, savory options will also be available.

Unlike most Burger Beast events, SugaPie will take place on a Sunday and feature only sampling, rather than presentations or cooking competitions.

“I wanted to do something that was slightly different,” Gonzalez said. “I wanted it to be a little more laid-back, and so I thought that the coolest thing to do might be an event that just revolves around sweets.”

In addition to traditional desserts, there will be some special brewery-restaurant collaborations, like beer-braised buffalo chicken croquetas by MIA Brewing and Palomilla Grill, and sweet potato casserole beer (you read that right) by Funky Buddha and Swensen's.

Gonzalez says it “kills” him when locals abandon unique eateries for chain restaurants, so he sees the event as a way to expose Miamians to the city’s best sweets.

“I really like the idea that you can come and …discover a bunch of local spots and then taste them all,” Gonzalez said.

SugaPie was supposed to make its debut last year, but timing complications got in the way, so Gonzalez is ready and excited to finally see the vision come to life. As for continuing the concept in the future, Gonzalez says that’s totally dependent on this year’s success.  

“At the end of the day, the important thing is that all the attendees have a great time and that all the vendors have a great time, too.” Gonzalez said.

For a limited time, reduced-price tickets are available for $20 at sugapiemiami.com. Tickets are $40 at the door, and you must be 21 years of age or older to attend.