MUST EXPERIENCE: Hallandale Beach’s SOBEWFF® Event Series February 24 – 25, 2023

February 6, 2023

February is a fun month here in South Florida! The weather is gorgeous, love is in the air, and foodies from near and far get ready to indulge at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) presented by Capital One. Now in its 22nd year, SOBEWFF® is one of THE MOST anticipated events of the year and the City of Hallandale Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency has once again partnered with SOBEWFF® to host the annual Hallandale Beach Event Series.   Tickets are now on sale for a Celebrity Chef Dinner at Icebox Café on Friday, February 24, 2023, and a 1001 Arabian Nights Themed Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience at Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Park Village on Saturday, February 25, 2023. These culinary events will not only spotlight Hallandale Beach’s eclectic international food scene, but also the budding art and cultural hub the City has become. 

Jumpstarting the weekend, the intimate celebrity chef dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on February 24, 2023, will be hosted by chefs and entrepreneurs Jernard Wells and Omar Martinez. The acclaimed chefs are teaming up for this flavor-packed dinner for one night only. Jernard Wells is an award-winning TV host, author of several cookbooks, who also appeared on “Food Network Star." Omar Martinez is a skilled culinary professional with over 22 years of experience in the kitchen and is recognized for his impressive knowledge of international cuisine. These two chefs will helm the kitchen at Icebox Café, the vibrant and contemporary hotspot in Hallandale that highlights modern American cuisine with a global twist.

Then on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Hallandale Beach Food & Groove event will take place at Village at Gulfstream Pegasus Park.

At Food and Groove 1001 Arabian Nights, you will be transported to an elevated experience and delectable journey through international flavors and sights upon entry. With a wide range of dishes from all around the world, this is one place where the five senses will never get bored. You can explore a vast selection of cuisines and tantalize your palate with the best that Broward County has to offer.
Food and Groove will feature refreshing cocktails, international bites, and vegan options, from more than 25 top restaurants in Hallandale Beach.

In addition to the palate pleasing cuisine, attendees can expect an evening of nonstop entertainment to keep you groovin’ all night long. Enjoy live performances from musicians, watch jaw-dropping fire shows from fire throwers and acrobatics from stilt walkers. From traditional henna tattoos to snake charmers, Tarot card readings, and many more interactive elements. Whether you are looking for a fun night out or want to explore something new and exciting, the 4th annual Food and Groove will provide something for all guests 21 years and older.

Guests will step into an exotic world at Food and Groove and explore the vibrant outdoor marketplace filled with tapestries and spices from around the world. At the spice tent, you’ll find a wide selection of spices from India and beyond. Experience the rich aromas and flavors of these unique spices and chef dishes as you wander through the enchanting marketplace. Your senses will take you on a journey! As a guest, you can customize your own swag bags filled with delightful items like candles, cookies, and spices for your own home kitchen– there’s something for everyone to love.

As businesses have had to adapt to ever-changing economic conditions, while navigating the destabilizing effects of COVID-19 and its multiple variants, the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) remains committed to the success of local businesses. The event series is part of a marketing strategy to enhance the overall quality of life in Hallandale Beach by revitalizing the economic integrity of the area. The goal is to solidify Hallandale Beach as a prime destination for global dining, quality entertainment and an unparalleled shopping experience.

Participating restaurants during the Food & Groove will have an opportunity to win the Best of Show awards. With first, second, or third-place awards, each restaurant will be putting their best dishes forward. These awards will be based on presentation (the visual appeal of how their cuisine is arranged on each plate, cup, or bowl), uniqueness (the originality of the culinary creation), and of course tastiness. Last year, prizes were awarded to Dr. Limon (1st Place), Dunn's River Island Café (2nd Place) and Ceviche Avenue (3rd Place) and the competition was judged by a panel of three judges. We can’t wait to see who will take the lead during this year’s chef and restaurant competition!

Restaurants participating in the Hallandale Beach Food & Groove event include: Amsterdam Bar and Grill, Belly Fish, CAO Bakery & Café, Ceviche Avenue, Chef Irie, D’s Delights, Don Lolo’s, Dr. Limon Hallandale, Dunn’s River Island Café, El Tamarindo Coal Fired Pizza & Bar, Flashback Diner, Holy Avocado, Il Mercato Café Restaurant, KAO Sushi, La Piazetta, Mable’s Island Kitchen, Marash Turkish Cuisine, Matteo’s Trattoria, Moises Bakery, Nana’s Sapibon Haitian Restaurant, See Thai & Japanese Cuisine, Ten Palms, The Juicy Seafood, The Krazy Vegan, Urban Thai & Sushi, YardHouse.

Tickets & Information
Tickets to the intimate Celebrity Chef Dinner at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Icebox Cafe are $200 per person are available at: https://sobewff.org/icebox/

Icebox Café - 219 Northeast 3rd Street, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.

Tickets to the Food & Groove experience with 25+ local Hallandale Beach restaurants at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, are $75 per person are available at: https://sobewff.org/groove/ - Guests must be 21 years and older to attend.

Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Park Village - 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.