14 February 20-26, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | A Gourmand’s Guide to Gluttony A SOBEWFF Grand Tasting Village survival manual. BY CLARISSA BUCH ZILBERMAN T he Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village is the crown jewel of the South Beach Wine & Food Festi- val, and it’s back for another un- forgettable weekend of food, drink, and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this two-day signa- ture event on Saturday, February 22 and Sun- day, February 23, has the potential to leave you feeling a bit, well, full. With unlimited tastings from over 45 of South Florida’s best restaurants, you might find it hard to stop, but don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with everything you need to enjoy the experience without ending up in a food coma. (If you’re looking for an event with a little less food, but just as much buzz, check out FoodieCon, where you can meet some of the biggest food bloggers like Keith Lee.) What to Expect at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village This year, the Grand Tasting Village spans 135,000 square feet of beachfront paradise, covering three city blocks and offering more than 1,200 different bites for sampling from over 45 of South Florida’s best restaurants. The outdoor venue is not only a food lover’s dream, but also a hotbed of energy, with live music, interactive culinary demos, and chef appearances. With so much to do and see spread across such a vast area, pacing yourself is key to making the most of the experience. What to Wear: Comfort Casual, Trust Us You might be tempted to bring out your most glamorous Miami beachwear, but re- member — you’re not on a runway, and you’ll be in an active environment filled with crowds, food, and the occasional spilled cocktail. Dressing smartly for the oc- casion means staying cool and comfortable. Think breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, not to mention shoes that won’t leave you regretting your life choices halfway through the day. You’ll be walking (and eating) for hours — on the sand! — so save those new heels or fancy sandals for another time. And if you’re wearing short sleeves or pants, don’t forget the sunscreen. Hydration Is Key Of course, the Grand Tasting Village is all about indulging, and there’s no shortage of wines, spirits, and beers to try. But, with Mi- ami’s sunny weather and the excitement buzzing around you, it’s easy to get carried away. Keep water on hand and pace yourself with the cocktails and wines to avoid getting too tipsy too early. Keep in mind that sampling everything in sight could leave you feeling more sluggish than relaxed. Try to alternate between tasting a cocktail and sipping some water to balance things out. Go Slow, Savor Every Bite With so many restaurants offering their best bites, it’s easy to get caught up in the excite- ment and dive into everything at once. But here’s where strategy becomes essential: pace yourself. Don’t act like you’ve never seen food before — take it slow and enjoy a bite or two from different food stations to get a feel for the variety. Instead of loading up on one dish early on, try a little bit of everything to avoid hitting a wall halfway through. Don’t hesitate to skip anything that doesn’t immediately grab your attention — there are plenty of standout dishes waiting for you. The goal is to savor, not stuff yourself, so make thoughtful choices and save room for the best bites ahead. Keep an Eye on the Clock The Grand Tasting Village doesn’t last forever, so making the most of it means staying mindful of the time. With so many flavors to savor, demos to catch, and performances to enjoy, it’s easy to get lost. Staying organized is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on anything. Plan out a loose schedule for yourself — whether it’s timing when to visit certain food stations or making sure you catch a particular chef demo. This way, you can take your time savoring each bite while still ensuring you don’t miss out on the best parts of the day. Time flies when you’re stuffing your face, so stay ahead of the clock and make sure to soak it all in! Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village at South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Saturday, Febru- ary 22, and Sunday, February 23, at Ocean Drive & 14th Street, Miami Beach; sobewff.org. [email protected] ▼ Café South Beach Wine & Food Festival photo Attendees at SOBEWFF
