The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) has concluded its seventh annual celebration on January 25 with resounding success, once again spotlighting Greater Fort Lauderdale as a premier culinary destination. The weeklong festival welcomed over 22,000 attendees and delivered 35 immersive culinary experiences, bringing together Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard–nominated chefs, nationally acclaimed culinary personalities, and the region’s top local talent. Throughout the week, festivalgoers enjoyed a dynamic mix of high-energy tastings, intimate collaborative dinners, hands-on classes, and signature events set against iconic South Florida backdrops. From beachfront celebrations and waterfront promenades to chef-driven dining rooms across Greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, the 2026 festival highlighted the creativity, craftsmanship, and diversity that define the area’s food and beverage scene.
On Thursday, February 5th SAGE honored the one and only Scott Bennett for his years of philanthropy work. This was a wonderful event held at The Grateful Palate. I was invited to the event by my brother from another mother, Josue Santiago, who flew from NYC for this event. I love me some Josue! Congrats to Scott Bennett on a WELL-DESERVED honor!
On Saturday, February 7, there were 5 events. The first was the annual Pickle Paws, a fundraiser benefiting The Pet Project for Pets at Hagen Park from 11am to 2pm with the after party at Hunters from 2 to 4pm.
The second was Can Community Health in association with Hotspots Happening Out presented the 5th anniversary of “The Cookout: A Black History Month Celebration.” The Cookout took place from 1 to 6pm at Mickel Park and featured free entry, free food, great music and cash prize games, with 100% of the drink sales going to the charity “Back to Blaq.” In addition, everyone who got tested with CAN entered into a raffle to win a round-trip JetBlue flight raffle, and there was a public reading of City’s Black History Month Honoree Proclamation. Once again this was a hugely successful event.
Arts United Gallery presented the opening reception for “Masquerade of Love: Black History Meets Mardi Gras” visual art juried exhibition and once again the gallery was filled with supporters.
In Miami, The Adriene Arsht Center for the Performing Arts presented the 7th annual Heritage Fest at Thomson Plaza for the Arts from 12 to 8pm. This was a day of free, fun-filled activities for all ages. There were a variety of food vendors, and live performances. This FREE community event was designed to spotlight, celebrate and amplify Pan-African artists in our community.
The last event was the annual Our Fund Foundation Philanthropy Awards, which once again was a huge success at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Congrats to David Jobin and his entire Our Fund Foundation team.
