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We Did Shots With Guy Fieri At South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Marija February 27th
Guy Fieri brought us shots!

We Did Shots With Guy Fieri At South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

It was one amazing weekend when this girl from little ole Fort Myers was invited to make the drive across the Alley over to Miami to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

I’ve honestly never been much of a cook. I grew up in a house where my family loved to experiment with different recipes and flavors. Instead, I preferred to just be the taste tester. While I do cook, I don’t enjoy it as much as I wish I did. But what I definitely do enjoy is watching Food Network and seeing others do it. I tell myself all the time that I should try something I see on TV, but really, I’d rather the chefs just cook for me. And this weekend it happened.

FoodieCon:

I was invited to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. I’ve seen coverage of this event from afar for years, but finally I was able to be there in the flesh. The first event I attended was FoodieCon at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. At the event there were a ton of social media/YouTube chefs. Some of those in attendance were Binging with Babish, Nick DiGiovanni, The Sweet Impact, Everything Delish, The Pasta Queen and Jessica Woo. Surprisingly, I ran into Aarti Sequeira from Food Network’s Aarti Party. She and her husband were in front of us in line for the photo booth and she was sweet enough to chat for a bit and take a pic with me!

It was also at FoodieCon that we did shots with Guy Fieri. I have been a fan of Guy FOREVER and he was hosting a cooking demo with Salt Hank & Owen Han. My friend Vanessa and I were right in front, just a few feet from Guy. He talked about taste testing the Cuban sandwich they were making. Vanessa said she’d rather a shot out of his tequila bottle. He called for shot glasses and brought them right over. It was the coolest!!

The Cookout:

The next event I attended was The Cookout at 1 Hotel South Beach. Let me tell you that this is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen. The event took place at 1 Beach Club, a tropical oasis that made for the most perfect setting for an outdoor party. The Cookout was hosted by Chef JJ Johnson and D-Nice. They had the the most amazing array of African-American cuisine from restaurants all over the country. And one dish was better than the next! The cocktails were flowin’, the food was delicious and plentiful and the playlist was killer!

It was so cool seeing so many chefs I’ve watched on TV just hanging out in Miami. In addition to those I mentioned, we also saw Hunter Fieri, Geoffrey Zakarian and Mark Murphy & Scott Conant from Chopped!

Overall, it was a wonderful festival. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Truly a dream come true and I can’t wait for next year!

Pictures from the South Beach Wine & Food Festival:

 

 

Fort Myers Bar Named One Of South Florida's Most Iconic

Fort Myers Bar Named One Of South Florida’s Most Iconic

Bars are more than just places to grab a drink. They can become iconic institutions that capture the essence of a neighborhood, a city, or even an entire culture. From dive bars to cocktail lounges, some bars have stood the test of time and become beloved landmarks. But what exactly makes a bar iconic?

One key factor that can make a bar iconic is its location. Some bars are in a prime location that attracts a constant flow of customers. Others may be tucked away in a hidden alley or located in a historic building that adds to their charm.

Some bars have been around for decades or even centuries and have become woven into the fabric of a community. Some may have hosted famous patrons or have developed a signature drink or dish that has become legendary.

The decor and atmosphere of a bar can also play a big role in making it iconic. Some bars have that one thing that sets that apart from others. Whether it’s a retro theme, a minimalist design, or a quirky collection of memorabilia. Other bars may have a particular ambiance sets it apart like a cozy fireplace, a beautiful waterfront or a fun dance floor.

The Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers has only been open for a few years now, but it’s becoming quite the hot spot. TheTravel put together a list of 10 Iconic Hotel Bars in South Florida and Beacon Social Drinkery at The Luminary made the list. If you haven’t been there, the setting couldn’t be more perfect. They have a great menu and cocktails with super local names like Sanibel Sunset, Mcgregor Mule, Edison’s Fashioned and Lee County Sazerac. Beacon Social Drinkery is on the rooftop of the hotel offering amazing views of the Caloosahatchee River in a modern setting. There was a Food Network show filmed there too!

Top 10 Most Iconic Hotel Bars in South Florida, According to TheTravel:

 

 

 

Marija was born and raised in Illinois, but moved to Florida in 2018. She loves dogs, kayaking, concerts, beachin', checking out new restaurants & is always planning her next vacation. Follow her on Instagram @marija127
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