6 Months Out, Guest Blogger Dishes on SBWFF

Hey Guys! Happy Friday! I am super busy this week (taking off to CaterArts in Louisville tomorrow) so I thought I would treat you to something a little different...MY FIRST GUEST BLOGGER; Brittany Peitsmeyer. I first met Brittany at CASA DECOR in 2007 (seems like so long ago) and have ran into her at numerous events over the years, always keeping in touch. Besides being hilarious, Brittany knows a lot about events so I thought I would let her fill you in on her favorite....

Guest Blogger: Brittany Peitsmeyer

Hey fellow foodies and Chef Brian Aaron fans! I am so thrilled to be taking over the reigns for Brian's blog this week. When he approached me about filling in, I instantly thought about three things; food, events and the MIA. What better topic then The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival! The event is about 6 months away and I am getting pumped-up just thinking about it and I think you should too!

Okay, so I have sat front row during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, fist pumped at WMC's Ultra and even made my first "big-girl-purchase" during Art Basel Miami Beach, but nothing nothing nothing beats the Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival. I have ate and drank my way through more than 25 festival events over the past three years. Here is my personal list of reasons why to attend and a few personal memories from the top food festival in the country.

Grand Tasting. This is where it all comes together people. Hundreds of restaurants, wineries and spirit companies offer samples of their products. If you can't afford to attend serveral umbrella events, Grand Tasting is one that will entice all of your SIX senses. Taste, smell, touch, hear, see and FREE SWAG. Hint: flats are a must (your directly in the sand) and it pays to be a VIP and get in early before the masses.

The entrance to the Grand Tasting Tents, 2009

Inside the tents in 2010

Top Chefs. They're Just Like Us. The festival doesn't just attract the biggie Food Network celeb-chefs. Mixed amongst the foodie crowd? Bravo's past and present Top Chef contestants. During the festival it is not uncommon to be in line at a bar or even at the restroom with a "cheftestant". The best part is they are friendly and willing to take pictures and or gush about the food that your sharing at the given time.

A friend with winner of season 5 , Hosea

Season 3 winner, Hung, and I in 2009

Celebrity Chef Interaction. Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility. At the festival you WILL shake hands with your favorite chef. Why? because they are the ones who are serving you. You WILL be able to ask them questions and garner feedback? Why? because they host demonstrations all weekend long with lengthy Q&A sessions. You WILL be able to take a picture with them. Why? because the festival is just that damn awesome.

Michelle Bernstein stops for a fan autograph during Rachel Ray's Burger Bash in 2010

Paula Deen interacts with audience member during a 2010 cooking demonstration

Entertainment. From Rachel Ray's husband's band to fire-eaters, what's good food and drinks with out entertainment, right? Every year Seven Daughters Wine sponsors a performance by Ray's husband's band, The Cringe. The event is usually kept small and held at an intimate venue. During a 2009 Cringe performance, a senior editor from Food & Wine magazine hit the stage for an impromptu guitar solo. The crowd (consisting of Ray, Bobby Flay, Rocco Dispirito and Katie Lee Joel) went wild!

Ray's husband and Cringe frontrunner, John Curimano, during a 2009 performance atop

Hotel Victor

Paula takes over the pipes at her 2009 Poker Party

A fire-dancer at the Mandarin Oriental during a 2009 event

2011 will mark the 10 year anniversary of the festival and Founder, Lee Schrager is hinting towards an expanded footprint and an increase in event programing. Mark your calendars, February 23-27.

*Peitsmeyer is former Assistant Editor of event industry publication, BizBash Florida and is currently the Creative Media Liaison for AARON'S CATERING.