When food enthusiasts from around the world descend on Miami Beach for the SOBEWFF festivities, it would be a shame not to partake in the events of local chefs. When in Miami, eat and learn from the locals. Hedy Goldsmith, Sam Gorenstein, Antonio Bachour, and Michelle Bernstein will all showcase the flavor of the Magic City with some very special tricks and events up their chef coat sleeves.
See also: All our coverage of South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Hedy Goldsmith
Executive pastry chef for the Genuine Hospitality Group, Hedy Goldsmith knows how to sweeten any pot. This Friday, she'll lend her dessert and Miami know-how to a dinner where she'll share hosting duties with Gaston Acurio, Jonathan Waxman, Aarón Sanchez, Marcus Samuelsson, and Paul Kahan. The old idiom "too many cooks in the kitchen" doesn't apply here, especially because they're all great friends.
"I'm so thrilled and honored to play host to my friends Marcus, Paul, and Jonathan at this year's SOBE Festival," Goldsmith says. "I love these guys -- they always bring their A-game. Happy to hang with this lineup of amazing chefs."
The dinner will take place at the Mandarin Oriental, where Acurio will open his restaurant La Mar this month. We spoke to the chef in December about why Miami and why now. "In Miami, you see Peruvian food growing faster than in any other city," he said. "Young guys are opening small and medium-sized Peruvian restaurants. Mandarin Oriental recognized this and reached out. I said yes immediately."
Life's a Beach, Then You Eat! Dinner hosted by Gastón Acurio, Jonathan Waxman, Aarón Sánchez, Marcus Samuelsson, Paul Kahan, and Hedy Goldsmith: Friday, February 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. on the beach at the Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key, Miami. Tickets cost $225.
Samuel Gorenstein
You can't have a food event in the 305 without a bounty of ceviche. If you're looking for ceviche made just for you, My Ceviche in South Beach and Brickell is your special spot. Samuel Gorenstein is the man behind the ceviche. He marries the freshest catches with a casual beach atmosphere in fun and exciting ways -- think octopus Caribbean burritos.
During SOBEWFF, My Ceviche will play host for an evening of ceviche and piscos. "We feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity of hosting such an amazing event," Gorenstein says. "Miami is the sexiest city, and we love hosting locals at My Ceviche. Now we get to prepare all that we have to offer for locals and out-of-towners alike who join us at what will be the best event during the festival!"
If you want to taste the sexiness of fresh raw fish and sip pisco on an oceanfront rooftop, don't miss this event.
Ceviche & Pisco hosted by My Ceviche: Saturday, February 22, from 5 to 6 p.m. on the rooftop of the Gale South Beach, 1690 Collins Ave,. Miami Beach. Tickets cost $95.
Antonio Bachour
Miami locals are glued to the Instagram and Twitter feed of one particular pastry chef: Antonio Bachour (@bachour1234). Bachour, executive pastry chef at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, creates Wonka-esque desserts that make your mouth water and bend your imagination.
The most extraordinary thing is that every single day, he makes and photographs a different dessert, never repeating himself. This dessert dynamo and local pastry legend just penned his first cookbook, and his second is on the way later this year, securing his status as a star in the land of sweet.
With each coconut tapioca puff and passionfruit tart, we taste our city and his perspective. "I'd say where my flair really comes through is in my heritage here in Miami and my background from Puerto Rico, bringing bold tropical flavors with the Miami flair."
So it wouldn't be outlandish to expect layers of crystallized sugar fireworks when he joins forces with the "Queen of Cakes," Sylvia Weinstock, for the Art of Cake-Decorating.
"I will be showcasing the luxury and artistic techniques to making an unforgettable cake. Not only beauty, but delicious secrets too!" Bachour says. "The presentation and hands-on class with Sylvia Weinstock will take place in the St. Regis Bal Harbour private pastry kitchen, where I build my creations."
This event gives the rare opportunity to see the sugarcoated space that's the backdrop for the most delectable dessert shots on social media.
The Art of Cake-Decorating: A Master Class with Sylvia Weinstock: Sunday, February 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the St. Regis Bal Harbour, 9703 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. Tickets cost $150.
Michelle Bernstein
Among Miami chefs, there's one woman who can turn the world on with her smile. This local hero is well known not only for that dazzling smile but also for her iconic restaurant, Michy's. James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein will host the Swine & Wine Dinner. With Latin and Jewish roots, she mimics the makeup of Miami and always showcases the flavor of the city.
For this event, Bernstein will bring together her chef friends to take pig roasting up a notch, with each chef using his or her own caja china and pairing the pork with savory side dishes.
Goya Foods' Swine & Wine hosted by Michelle Bernstein: Sunday, February 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. Tickets cost $150.
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