FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA — (JULY 2024) – The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) is excited to announce The Grand Tasting and lineup of signature events as it returns for its sixth annual event series from Monday, January 13 through Sunday, January 19, 2025. The week-long celebration offers a vibrant array of signature events, culinary classes, and an exclusive dinner series, all dedicated to showcasing the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Owned and produced by 66 Productions, this premier festival focuses on the region’s renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and beverage establishments. The 2025 headline celebrity personalities and chefs include Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew, and social media personality Alexa Santos of @alexawhatsfordinner. Together, these culinary luminaries promise unforgettable cooking demonstrations and an abundance of exceptional flavors at the festival.

Demonstrations will be provided by Chef Fabio Viviani, renowned from “Top Chef” and revered for his Italian culinary prowess, who brings his charismatic flair and expertise; Chef Alex Belew, the winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 21 and Head Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesars Atlantic City, is acclaimed for his innovative approach to modern American cuisine; and Alexa Santos, known for her easy, approachable, and delicious recipes, was a contestant on Hulu’s “Secret Chef” cooking competition show. She has also served as a food editor and senior producer at @thefeedfeed, and was a prominent talent at @buzzfeedtasty.

Signature event hosts include Food Network stars Nancy Fuller, known for her show “Farmhouse Rules” and as a judge on “Holiday Baking Championship” and “Spring Baking Championship;” and Jason Smith, famed for his Southern-inspired cuisine. Smith, a self-taught chef and baker, won Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” and currently serves as a judge on “Best Baker in America” and “Worst Bakers in America.”

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival showcases an enticing array of signature events starting Wednesday, Jan. 15 with Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition at Rooftop @1WLO. This lively event features top mixologists battling against one another in a scenic rooftop setting, offering guests an exciting evening of innovative cocktails and spirited competition. Continuing the festivities on Thursday, Jan. 16, Wok ‘n Roll, taking place at Backyard FTL, promises a fusion of flavors with Asian-inspired cuisine paired with vibrant live music, creating a dynamic atmosphere for culinary exploration. On Friday, Jan. 17, BBQ at the Beach presented by Demesmin & Dover takes center stage in its new home at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, hosted by Celebrity Chef Jason Smith. Attendees can relish in mouthwatering barbecue delights and a friendly pitmaster competition. As the festival’s signature events draw to a close on Sunday, Jan. 19, Beachside Brunch hosted by Chef Nancy Fuller offers a relaxing conclusion at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Guests can indulge in delectable brunch creations amidst the tranquil backdrop of the ocean, making it a perfect finale to this culinary celebration.

Exciting cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs Alex Belew, Fabio Viviani, and social media personality, Alexa Santos, will take place on Saturday, Jan, 18. These demos, held at The Grand Tasting in Las Olas Oceanside Park, will provide attendees with an up-close look at the culinary techniques and expertise of these celebrated chefs.