Prepare to dive into the world of cooking as the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) announces its thrilling array of culinary classes and seminars for the 2025 event. Taking place from Jan. 13 to Jan. 19, both food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs are welcome to discover a diverse range of flavors, cooking techniques and wine pairings led by renowned chefs and experts. These hands-on classes add an exciting dimension to the festival’s already dynamic lineup of signature events, such as grand tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions, ensuring an engaging week of culinary exploration.
The VLFWF is committed to highlighting Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse and innovative food scene; this year’s culinary classes reflect that dedication. Whether learning farmhouse-style cooking, perfecting the art of making ramen, or discovering the ideal wine pairings, there’s something for every taste and skill level. The lineup for this year features a mix of local and national talent, including several celebrity chefs who will share their expertise.
Chef Nancy Fuller, a festival headliner, starts the culinary classes with her Farmhouse Rules session, where attendees will learn to create heartwarming, farmhouse-style meals. Chef Jason Smith, known for his Southern flair, leads the Country Bling Cooking class, offering guests a taste of the South with a contemporary twist. Chef Jorge Montes, a local favorite, hosts two classes – one on the Flavors of Spain and the other on French Cookery, allowing attendees to explore two of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. The Art of Ramen class with Chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng promises to be a fun occasion, especially for those eager to learn the intricacies of crafting the perfect bowl of ramen. With ramen’s rising popularity in the culinary world, this class offers a unique opportunity to delve into the broth-based art of Japanese cuisine.
“We want to give our attendees the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, and the culinary classes are the perfect way to do that,” says Phil Marro, co-founder of the festival. “Whether you’re learning to pair wines or mastering a new cooking technique, these classes will provide you with skills you can bring into your own kitchen.”
The festival’s main events highlight Broward County’s diverse food and drink scene. It starts on Jan. 15 with Bar Fight!, a lively mixologist competition, followed by Wok’ n Roll on Jan. 16, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. On Jan. 17, BBQ at the Beach with Chef Jason Smith presents Southern-style barbecue and a pitmaster competition. The festival’s highlight, the Grand Tasting on Jan. 18, offers over 100 tastings, celebrity chef demos, and live entertainment. The festival wraps up with the family-friendly Picnic in the Park on Jan. 19.
Attendees will not only enjoy delicious food but also have the opportunity to support a charitable cause. The VLFWF is dedicated to giving back to the community by donating all proceeds to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This partnership demonstrates the festival’s commitment to making a positive difference in the local community, and every ticket purchase will contribute to this worthy cause.
The full schedule of classes, seminars, and signature events can be found on the festival’s website at VLFoodWine.com. Tickets for classes are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
