Gab's Top Picks for South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2011

It's never too early to start thinking about food. That being said, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Florida's famous five-day foodie fest, is less than a month away!

Here are Gab's top picks for the SoBe Wine & Food Fest 2011:

Thursday, Feb. 24

7 to 11 p.m.
The Brilliance of France at The Biltmore Hotel. Beautiful food, beautiful hotel, and (we're guessing) beautiful guests. How can everything not be gorgeous in the historic Coral Gables hotel where presidents, royalty, celebrities (famous and infamous, like Al Capone) have stayed?
 

Friday, Feb. 25

1 to 4 p.m.

Gab will be in attendance at the invite-only 4 Orange Premium Vodka Classic Cocktail Competition as competitors take to the Wine Spectator Trade Tasting stage. Using 4 Orange Premium Vodka, the world's only vodka made from pure Florida oranges, mixologists from all over the country will present their fresh take on the Next Classic Cocktail for a panel of expert judges. The winner, whose cocktail is judged based on appearance, aroma, taste, and overall impression, receives $3,000, a trophy and certificate, and the coveted title of "4 Orange Vodka U.S. Champion 2011.”

1 to 4 p.m.

Power pair Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart host the 10-year anniversary celebration Let Them Eat Cake, presented by Ocean Drive. However, we suspect the cocktails, confections and champagne (Moet & Chandon) will steal the spotlight.

Saturday, Feb. 26

3 to 4 p.m.
Danny Meyer Shake Shack Seminar at the W. Shake Shack may be new to South Beach, but it's an old favorite of ours.

7 to 10 p.m.
Thrillist's BBQ & the Blues, hosted by Tyler Florence at The Raleigh Hotel.

7 to 11 p.m.
Wine + Dine + Design, presented by Gilt City, in the Design District.

10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at the Beach hosted by Duff Goldman and presented by Food Network. The Food Network show that is literally impossible to sit through without getting up to go to the kitchen.

Sunday, Feb. 27

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Paula’s Down Home Cookin’ Sunday Gospel Brunch hosted by Paula Deen. If you've ever or seen her kneading buttery dough with rings on every finger, or heard her drawled-out y'aaaall, you understand why this is a must-see.

2 to 3 p.m.
Prohibition Cocktails Clinic with Zane Lamprey, Bank of America Lifestyle Seminars. Like being in an episode of Boardwalk Empire, without getting offed.

11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Dim Sum & Disco at the Setai hosted by Ming Tsai, presented by Groupon


The countdown has officially begun. See you in South Beach!