The annual Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) in partnership with Wine Spectator, renowned for its culinary excellence and immersive gastronomic experiences, have just announced its four-day lineup of food-related happenings taking place Thursday through Sunday, December 12-15, 2024. Festival tickets are now available at PBFoodWineFest.com, where an updated schedule of events will be available. As part of PBFWF’s continued charitable endeavors, this will mark their second year donating a portion of proceeds to benefit the Els for Autism Foundation, a non-profit organization serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families around the world.
Guests can anticipate a star-studded lineup of renowned chefs and culinary personalities from around the globe, sizzling live cooking demonstrations and wine tastings to intimate chef-led workshops and private dinners. Between signature events from the past or newcomers, all of the Festival’s programming continues to grow with their enhanced lineup of fine wines and spirits resulting from its joint venture with Wine Spectator, renowned for its commitment to showcasing the finest in culinary and oenological craftsmanship. The partnership continues to catapult the festival’s wine capabilities, which is most evident at the Festival’s Grand Tasting closing event this year, where they will offer an expanded wine program with over 100+ wineries pouring only selections with a prestigious 90+ rating by Wine Spectator, a record-breaking increase from the dozen wine tables featured in the 2022 event. (Note: All wines poured throughout the festival will also be rated 90+ by Wine Spectator).
This year’s PBFWF schedule begins Thursday, December 12, with new and fan-favorite events held at some of the Palm Beaches’ most sought-after venues. The annual celebration of culinary excellence draws to a close on Sunday, December 15 with the beloved Grand Tasting at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
A listing of the events for this year’s festival are as follows:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
The four-day festival kicks off with five individual, multi-course sit-down dinners throughout Palm Beach County all beginning at 7 p.m.
● THE FIRST BITE featuring Terlato Wines — The popular four-course seated dinner with wine pairings features a chef roster this year including Clay Conley and first-time PBFWF participating chefs Andrew Carmellini, Paul Kahan + Dylan Patel, and Neil Fraser in the Buccan kitchen. This family-style meal will include premier wine pairings.
● BEEF N BOURBON EXPERIENCE — One of the Festival favorites, this four-course dinner experience returns to Okeechobee Prime Event Hall, with owner Ralph Lewis being joined by celebrity guest chef Robert Irvine. $100 from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Robert Irvine Foundation.
● SPICE featuring Paul Hobbs Wines — Co-hosts Pushkar Marathe and BootlegGreg are joined by PBFWF newcomer chef Leah Cohen along with notable chefs Stephanie Izard and Jose Garces for a bold, culturally infused five-course dinner. $
● DINNER AT OCEANO presented by The Ice Cream Club, featuring Booker Wines — Taking place at their highly anticipated Lake Worth location (scheduled to open this fall season), chef-owners Jeremy and Cindy Bearman of Oceano Kitchen team up for a special evening with guest chef Mike Lata to create a memorable five-course menu.
● DINNER AT FLORIE’S featuring Taub Family Vineyards — This year’s five-course seated dinner will be hosted by Florie’s distinguished chef and partner Mauro Colagreco at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. This exclusive event will showcase Colagreco’s notable Mediterranean spirit, multicultural background, and international vision centered on live fire cooking; which has garnered his concepts numerous accolades including multiple MICHELIN stars and inclusion in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant list.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Three PBFWF signature lunch events will excite culinary connoisseurs, followed by a wine tasting, three dinner events, and the lively return of the Festival Kickoff Party at The Boca Raton Resort and An Evening at The Breakers.
● LUNCH WITH FRIENDS featuring The Calling Wines — Kick off the weekend early at Meat Market with guest chefs Ashley Christensen and Elizabeth Falkner with festival newcomer Ayesha Nurdjaja, and host chef Sean Brasel, for this lunchtime favorite featuring a four-course seated lunch with included wine pairings.
● LUNCH AT CAFÉ CHARDONNAY featuring Damilano Wines — Host chef Frank Eucalitto welcomes guest chefs David Burke and Beau MacMillan to Café Chardonnay to prepare a truly authentic Italian four-course lunch.
● SUSTAIN featuring Bouchaine Vineyards — The four-course seated lunch with wine pairings features ingredients caught by local fishermen. The collaborative dinner focusing on sustainable seafood will be held at PB Catch Seafood & Raw Bar and includes the talents of guest chefs Alex Seidel and festival newcomer Paula DaSilva, and is hosted by Kevin Sawyer.
● SUNSET & SWIRLS presented by Tour Office of Spain — Held at the stunning Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, this blissful gathering features a distinguished wine expert guiding guests on a tasteful tour of the various wine regions of Spain while elaborating on the secrets of the wine pairing.
● SHABBAT DINNER featuring Cakebread Cellars — Chef Michael Hackman welcomes guest chefs Michelle Bernstein, Lior Lev Sercarz and Duff Goldman for the third annual Shabbat dinner including traditional, but not strictly Kosher dishes, that are elevated by the chefs and beautifully paired with wine for a five-course meal.
● THE FOUNDER’S DINNER featuring Terlato Wines — Marcello’s La Sirena’s Wine Spectator Grand Award is front and center as host chef Marcello Fiorentino welcomes chef Clay Conley for an intimate dining experience featuring exceptional wines.
● **New Event** DINNER AT POLPO featuring Zenato Winery — Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is elated to host their first official seated Festival dinner at Polpo. Guests will join celebrated chefs Joe Flamm, Sarah Grueneberg and Giorgio Rapicavoli with host chef Neall Bailey for a dinner blending authentic Italian fare with seafood complemented with excellent wine pairings.
● FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY presented by Cheney Brothers — For the second annual year, the Festival partners with The Boca Raton Resort, where ticket holders can expect a beautiful display of food, wine and spirits, prepared by executive chef Andrew Roenbeck and his team, along with an array of culinary options by guest chefs Lindsay Autry, Tiffani Faison, Ben Ford, Neal Fraser, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathon Sawyer, Stephen Stryjewski, and festival newcomer James London.
● AN EVENING AT THE BREAKERS — This splendid event hosted along the Beach Club’s poolside terrace features a delectable selection of food and beverages from the resort’s exclusive dining outlets, while The Breakers’ executive chef Anthony Sicignano alongside Master Sommelier Virginia Philip welcome guests to sip on delicious wines from their celebrated Wine Spectator Grand Award collection.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Day 3 of the festival offers a schedule filled with wine tastings, a cocktail workshop, kids’ cooking sessions, a new lunch option, debut nighttime walk-around tasting event, and much more.
● KIDS KITCHEN — Kids roll up their sleeves and get messy in the Four Seasons Resort’s kitchen with female power chefs Maneet Chauhan and Stephanie Izard, who will join forces and lead groups through two sessions (9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) of 60-minute cooking classes. Kids will receive an apron, chef’s hat, and finished dishes. Limit one parent per child.
● MASTER TASTE — Explore the world of wine through the eyes of Master Sommelier Virginia Philip of Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, as she offers insight into select wines’ color, aromas, flavors and acidity.
● **New Event** LUNCH AT NIMO featuring Far Niente Wine Estates — Hosted by chef Niven Patel with featured chefs Ayesha Nurdjaja and Timon Balloo, guests can indulge in the extravagant four-course brunch prepared by this trio of South Florida’s top culinary talent.
● LUNCH AT ELA — In honor of his third-year hosting this “can’t miss” lunch, chef Pushkar Marathe welcomes guest chefs Dean Max, Michael Hackman and Jordan Rubin to gather at the notable Ela Curry & Cocktails to serve up authentic and traditional Indian inspired dishes.
● CRAFTING COCKTAILS: A MIXOLOGY CLASS — This energetic two-session workshop (11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.) is led by Coolinary & The Parched Pig’s mixology team who will guide guests in creating two cocktails to celebrate the winter holidays in a festive and delicious way. Light, seasonal bites will also be served.
● CHILLIN’ N’ GRILLIN’ — This much adored oceanfront walk-around event is hosted by Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa’s executive chef Neall Bailey and features cocktails and food stations towering with mouthwatering grilled dishes by guest chefs Michelle Bernstein, Ben Ford, Duff Goldman, Mason Hereford, Paul Kahan, Lior Lev Sercarz, Antonia Lofaso, Beau MacMillan, Dylan Patel, Jonathon Sawyer, and Alex Seidel.
● **New Event** A NIGHT AT THE BEN — Hosted by chefs Daniel Diaz, Fritz Cassel and Daniel Pundik of The Ben, Autograph Collection, this walk-around event newcomer draws guest chefs David Burke, Ashley Christensen, Joe Flamm, Jose Garces, Sarah Grueneberg and Stephen Stryjewski to prepare tasty bites while guests enjoy sipping on delicious wines and spirits.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
What better way to end the festivities than with a roster of the festival’s most anticipated annual events including one new, unforgettable brunch experiences and the indulgent PBFWF Grand Tasting, where attendees eat, drink, and socialize to their heart’s content.
● **New Event** BRUNCH AT RAVISH — This new delicious walk-around brunch serves up everyone’s morning favorites cleverly paired with inventive cocktails to add to the flavorful fun. Set up spaciously at Ravish Off Ocean, this new Sunday highlight will be hosted by chef Johnny DeMartini, renowned Miami chefs Brad Kilgore and Daniel Serfer with Elizabeth Falkner, Mason Hereford and Tiffani Faison.
● REAL FOOD REVOLUTION — Hosted by chef Tim Lipman of Coolinary & The Parched Pig and featuring guest chefs Leah Cohen and James London, this event gives guests what they need to fuel up for the day: exceptional wine-pairings and innovative brunch offerings that delight the senses.
● DANIEL & FRIENDS — This epically delicious walk-around brunch serves up everyone’s morning favorites cleverly paired with inventive cocktails to add to the flavorful fun for its 13th year. Set up spaciously at Café Boulud, the popular brunch is hosted by its namesake renowned chef Daniel Boulud and newly appointed executive chef Christopher Zabita.
● 17th ANNUAL GRAND TASTING — Make your way to the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 2 to 6 p.m., a foodie haven filled with stations serving hearty dish and dessert samplings from more than 60 of South Florida’s best chefs and restaurants as well as 100+ incredible wines all rated 90+ by Wine Spectator, spirit tastings and more. The afternoon culminates in the Grand Chef Throwdown, where hosts Mo & Sally, welcome three local chefs as they compete for the $10,000 local charity prize. This year’s competition will be judged by celebrity chefs Maneet Chauhan and Robert Irvine.
Several ticket options are available for purchase. Ticket packages include the “Pick 4, Save 15%” option; and the Pick 3, where guests can save 10%. The festival will offer an Early Bird ticket option for Grand Tasting until September 30th.
