Food, Wine, And Fete Will Transport You To The Caribbean Without Leaving Miami

We’ve all seen the rise of culinary tourism — no matter where you are in the world, food is always a universal language and one of the best ways to get a peek into a destination’s culture. For those who might not find themselves jetsetting all over the world, food and wine festivals have become the next best thing.

If you’re in Miami and wanting a little taste of the Caribbean, Food, Wine, and Fete is the answer. Vanessa James Media Productions has announced the triumphant return of Miami’s premium all-inclusive Soca experience, set to take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 3pm at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion.

The first-of-its-kind all-inclusive Food, Wine, and Fete made its debut in 2019 to a sold-out crowd of 500 foodies and Soca aficionados who were all too keen to celebrate Caribbean culture. After a brief pause, the vibrant food-filled festival is back and will continue to highlight Caribbean livelihood through curated pop-up experiences, food, drinks, music, giveaways, and a few more fun surprises.

Featuring some of the Caribbean’s finest chefs, mixologists, artists, and musicians, all under one roof, it’s a one day escape to the Caribbean — no flight needed.

“My passion for the Caribbean runs deep. Our people, world-renowned food, infectious energy, and eclectic culture are all a part of what keeps me grounded in my roots and goals to show the world the beauty of the region beyond sun, sand, and sea.” says co-founder Vanessa James.

As proud children of the Caribbean, this legacy project is James and her partner Marcos’ unique way of highlighting the diverse Caribbean diaspora through travel, music, food, and live culinary experiences.

This year’s lineup includes Caribbean chefs such as:

• Chef Irie – a James Beard winner who will be serving as the festival’s official culinary ambassador. He’s a Jamaican culinary trailblazer, whose journey from architecture to the kitchen is as bold and flavorful as his Caribbean-inspired dishes.
• Myriam “Chef Mimi” Charles – the award-winning pastry chef from Haiti and Miami native known for her triumph on Cooking Channel’s “Cake Hunters’ and as the founder of Lux Cakery.
• Chef Alain Lemaire – the host chef of the “Luda Can’t Cook” series on Discovery+ who will bring his Haitian culinary heritage to life with his renowned dish “Ou Manje Deja”, showcasing his unique flair and flavor.
• Celebrity Chef Paul Griffith – a Barbados-born culinary prodigy, who serves up some of the best meals to celebrities in Miami and beyond, including NFL teams.
• Chef Troy Tingling of SoulFly Chicken – A Jamaican chef who will be sharing his signature jerk fried chicken sando sandwich and doing a tasting on the festival’s Foodie Avenue. Chef Troy began mixing Caribbean flavors to create fusion recipes that he uses with clients today. During his time in Jamaica, he was honored to cook for then Prime Minister, Bruce Golding.

Of course, no real fete experience would be complete without the electrifying Soca music that these parties around the Caribbean are known for. Food, Wine, and Fete has a jam-packed lineup featuring some of the most buzzed-about DJs and Soca Artists, including Teddyson John of St. Lucia and King Bubba of Barbados, who are set not only to perform at this year’s experience, but will be getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, too!

I chatted with Vanessa James about the upcoming festival and also asked her to explain the meaning of fete to those who might not be in the know. Here’s how it went.

Amber Love Bond: Food, Wine, and Fete has finally returned — what makes this year different, and what have you learned through putting such an event together?

Vanessa James: My partner Marcos and I are extremely excited for the return of Food, Wine, and Fete. Our concept was sparked over a classic Trinidadian cocktail (a stiff scotch and coconut water) in 2019 while attending carnival on the island. Thinking intentionally about ways that we could celebrate our beloved Caribbean culture back home in Miami, we conceived a signature all-inclusive experience where the diaspora could gather to connect, meet rising stars on the Caribbean culinary scene, as well as artists and other creatives.

We took the pandemic hiatus to survey and listen to our patrons and fans on social media, and what we’ve learned is that there is a yearning for cultural experiences that transport you and highlight the Caribbean culture that we adore. Food, Wine, and Fete returns May 18th — guests can expect an elevated showcase of Caribbean chefs in a demo-style atmosphere coupled with pop-up experiences from our brand partners and topped with live performances from some of the Caribbean’s most exciting Soca artists.

ALB: What does this Food, Wine, and Fete signify?

VJ: That the Caribbean is more than gorgeous beaches and picturesque escapes. It’s a melting pot of culture, and the people, the locals, are what make it so. Their recipes and cultural experiences are the soul of the Caribbean. Our goal with Food, Wine, and Fete is to showcase our beloved diaspora of islands and the many creatives that continue to elevate the culture with their inspiring dishes, artistry, and annual festivals. If you can’t make it to the Caribbean — Food, Wine, and Fete will bring the islands to you.

ALB: What do you think people will be most excited for at Food, Wine & Fete?

VJ: Definitely the array of culinary offerings that will be on hand — like Chef Irie’s Escoviche snapper with breadfruit and Chanon Beni or Chef Paul’s Bajan-style Macaroni Pie with pork belly — to name a few. And how well classic Caribbean dishes pair with delicious wines and spirited cocktails, which is rarely seen.

We hope patrons walk away with their bellies full, craving more food pairings like these, more Soca, with an itch to book a flight to their favorite island and dive into the culture even more.

ALB: Can you describe what fete means to someone who may have never heard the Caribbean term before and why is it so important to this event?

VJ: Fete is derived from the French tradition, meaning a lavish celebration. In Trinidad, for example, where fete’n has become a way of life, synonymous with all-inclusive soirées, to fete is more all-encompassing than just to party. It’s an immersive experience combining all of the unique traditions that make the islands so special.

All-inclusive fetes, especially during carnival season, are just that — where one ticket gains you access to an array of food options, cocktails and spirits, themed theatrics, and of course, Soca music—the driving force behind the fete. After attending many carnivals and fetes throughout the Caribbean, we saw the need to create the experience here in Miami, and that’s what Food, Wine, and Fete aims to deliver.

ALB: Any tips for those attending for the first official fete?

VJ: Yes, a few actually. Come hungry, come early, and come comfortably chic! This is a beachside affair happening at Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park with multiple terrains. With live demos starting at 3pm, steel bands greeting you upon arrival, and Soca music awaiting to electrify your waistline, get ready to jam from the moment you arrive. First-timers should also come ready to “take ah wine,” meaning vivaciously moving your waist to the music without judgment—forgetting about everything else for an afternoon of the ultimate Caribbean vibes.

Tickets for Food, Wine, and Fete are available via Eventbrite for $135. Additionally, the festival has partnered with Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South to provide reduced group rates for those who are looking to make it a staycation-style weekend.