The flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean are returning to Miami as Food, Wine, and Fete makes its anticipated return on May 17, 2025, at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion. Now in its third year and celebrating its 80th anniversary, the beachside Soca fete, produced by Vanessa James Media Productions, will take place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The event highlights the Caribbean’s top chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. Attendees can expect curated dishes, wine and spirits tastings, live cooking demonstrations and nonstop Soca music from renowned DJs and performers.
“As we prepare to celebrate 80 years of all things Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, we are excited for the return of Food, Wine & Fete to host an incredible experience celebrating Caribbean culture through its chefs, artists, and community,” said Athalie Edwards, Executive Director/CEO of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, in a press statement.
A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup
Headlining the culinary program is Chef Irie, the event’s returning culinary ambassador and a James Beard Award winner known for his globally inspired Jamaican flavors. Joining him is Emmy award-winning Chef Simeon Hall Jr., representing the Bahamas with a live cooking demo, and Chef Troy Tingling, who will serve two signature dishes after a recent culinary tour in Dubai.
Other featured chefs include:
- Chef Paul Griffith (Barbados) – leading the VIP culinary experience
- Chef Kimesha Chong (Kanin Catering) – offering Caribbean-inspired vegan and vegetarian dishes
- Chef Myriam “Chef Mimi” Charles – known for her Haitian-infused desserts
- Chef Christian Barruos-Brens (Dominican Republic) – presenting his signature Freddy SmashBurger
- Chef Arry (Trinidad) – debuting his Indo-Caribbean fusion cuisine
The high-energy atmosphere will be powered by a full lineup of Soca DJs including DJ Spice, LL Cool Blaze, DJ Eternal Vibes and DJ Sinister, with emcees Barrie Hype and Giselle “The Wassi One.” Trinidadian Soca icon Farmer Nappy will perform live, delivering fan-favorite hits as part of the entertainment lineup. The evening will conclude with a drone light show sponsored by LunaLite Drone Technologies, offering a visual finale over the Miami skyline.
Food, Wine, and Fete added a philanthropic component through a partnership with the Miami Foundation. The newly established VJMedia x FWF Culture and Caribbean Leadership Fund supports Caribbean creatives, chefs and entrepreneurs across South Florida.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite and special hotel rates are available through a partnership with Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South for attendees making a weekend of the event.
For more information, visit foodwineandfete.com.
