Food for thought: Local chefs talk SBWFF

Even big-time chefs love a good cheeseburger. Here's what else they're looking forward to at this year's South Beach Wine & Food Fest.

Chef Dewey LoSasso.

By Jessica Sick

It's not just the foodies who are psyched about The South Beach Wine & Food Festival, here's what area chefs are looking forward to this year:

"Best of the Best: It's a lot of fun, and I like that it combines local and national chefs. Locals have the opportunity to highlight local florida product in a national venue. This year I'll be making a boneless shortrib Sloppy Joe, topped with sliced filet mignon and local Florida lobster marmalade." - Dewey LoSasso, North One10
See him at: Best of the Best

"I love Burger Bash every year as it's in my back yard (The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach), and is a party on the sand unlike anything else. Besides, I love cheeseburgers. And THIS year I'm grilling at the DiLido Beach Club during the day Feb 19, so if you don't have a ticket to Burger Bash, come see me and a few surprise guest chefs for some pre-party action." -- Jeff McInnis, chef de cuisine at The DiLido Beach Club and former Top Chef contestant
See him at: Amstel Light Burger Bash

"I think the best event at the festival this year is going to be the Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray. It kicks off the whole event, and really, what's not to love about burgers? And you get to try over 20 different versions, then everybody votes for their favorite. I understand that Katie Lee Joel won the New York event in October -- I'm not saying she needs to look out or anything, but let's just say I'm gunning for her this year... Just kidding, Katie..." - Michael Schwartz, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
See him at: Amstel Light Burger and Dinner in Paradise

"I like working at the Bubble Q: The setting is great -- it's at night by the dunes. Lot's of great food and fire on the beach make it memorable. I like attending the Grand Tasting. It's incredible, the number of restaurants there, and everyone puts their best foot forward. Plus you can take a break and hang out on the beach for a while, too." - Jonathan Eismann, Pacific Time
See him at: Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ

"I've been part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival since the beginning and I really love all of the events, but if I had to pick just one I'd have to go with the Best of the Best. The caliber of wineries and chef participants is just astounding. And, it should be extra exciting this year at the new Fontainebleau." Mark Militello, 1 Bleu at the Regent Bal Harbour
See him at: Best of the Best

"The festival events are all terrific, and I have participated in several of them, but for me and for my tastes, nothing can beat the BubbleQ" -- Howie Kleinberg, Bulldog BBQ and former Top Chef contestant
See him at: Sizzle and Swirl: BBQ & Wine Pairing seminar

"The Festival is a great opportunity for local chefs to meet and work with different chefs from around the world. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to cook alongside Alain Ducasse and this year, I will work with [famed Spanish chef] Jose Andres." -- Philippe Ruiz, Executive Chef de Cuisine at Palme d'Or in the Biltmore Hotel
See him at: Viva Espana

"The festival is amazing from start to finish, but this year I am looking forward to the King and Queen of Spain dinner and 'Culinary Conversations', which explores the relationship between Spanish chefs and food scientists. This is one of the most talked about trends in the culinary world and the panel, which includes Harold McGee and Dani Garcia, are not only leaders in the movement, they are personal friends." -- Lourdes Castro, Biltmore Culinary Academy Director
See her at: Culinary Conversation: The Relationship between Spanish Chefs and Scientists

For more information on the events mentioned above and more, visit www.sobewineandfoodfest.com

Published: 2/09

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