The Greater Fort Lauderale Food & Wine Festival is back — and ready for a socially-distanced take on its annual foodie fun.
After postponing its second annual event in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (GFLFW) has announced it will return with its week-long series of events from Monday, March 15 through Sunday, March 21.
In light of ongoing pandemic restrictions, the festival's offerings have been reimagined to ensure each is not only fun and fulfilling, but also safe and socially distant, says GFLFW co-founder Kate Reed.
"Due to the pandemic, we had to change the format this year, but I think that inspired us to get more creative," adds Reed. "The new format gave us an opportunity to focus on making sure each experience will have a more intimate, personal, and VIP feel."
The 2021 festival will feature four private dining events — two of which have already sold out — organized for reduced capacity that places safety as a top priority. This year, Broward County venues and establishments both old and new have been tapped for each experience, from Heritage and Sardelli Italian Steakhouse to the Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery and Atlantic Hotel & Spa’s 5th floor pool deck.
While many of the festival's regular events have been postponed until 2022, attendees can still experience the GFLFW's signature event, Cocktail Confidential. The spirited affair will take place at Fort Lauderdale's new Sistrunk Marketplace and will feature cocktails made using the market's own Shady Distillery vodka. Cocktails are also inspired by the neighborhood where the market is located, created in partnership with 12 Mile Rum and Somrus Cream Liqueurs.
The festival will culminate with its "Catch The Love" drive-up toy drive to benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The event is free to attend, and will take place at Cali Coffee in Hollywood on Sunday, March 21.
"The warm reception the festival has received from the South Florida community is an encouraging sign that people are ready and feel comfortable venturing out to attend events in safe, socially distant and limited capacity," adds Reed.
2021 GFLFW TICKET INFO
Wednesday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
Cocktail Confidential
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, 115 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale
The event will feature cocktails by Shady Distillery's Shady Vodka, 12 Mile Rum, and Somrus Cream Liqueurs. Each of the cocktails are inspired by the FAT Village Arts District, where Sistrunk Marketplace is located. The VIP event is sponsored by FreshPoint of South Florida, Shady Distillery, Somrus Cream Liqueurs and Sistrunk Marketplace. Tickets: $49
Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
Shady Distillery Dinner
Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, 115 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale
Guests will experience the launch of Shady Distillery, located inside Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery. The dining experience features 4-courses, each paired with a signature Shady cocktail. The event is sponsored by FreshPoint of South Florida and Sunshine Provisions. Tickets: $99
Friday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m .
Veg Out Vegan Dinner Experience
Atlantic Hotel & Spa, 5th Floor Terrace, 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
This 4-course, plant-based dining experience features two of Fort Lauderdale’s most celebrated chefs, Chef Josie Smith-Malave and Chef Paula DaSilva. The event is sponsored by FreshPoint of Kwaya, The Atlantic Hotel & Spa and SEED Food and Wine Week. Tickets: $125
Sunday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Catch the Love Toy Drive
Cali Coffee, 2650 N. 29th Ave., Hollywood
The event is drive-up only and guests can donate toys to benefit the patients of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Tickets: Free to attend with a suggested donation of one new/unwrapped toy.
For additional information, or to purchase tickets, visit gflfoodwine.com.