#1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The biggest destination party for gourmands from around the country, the South Beach fest reeled in 64,000 people in 2014 for a series of tasting parties, seminars, and cook-offs with 300 celebrated chefs and winemakers. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits and Florida International University, the 13-year-old gathering benefits Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center; Food Network remains the title sponsor. Next: February 19-22, 2015
#2 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The most pungent event on the list, everything from garlic barbecue to garlic ice cream is on hand at the eccentric food festival and live music showcase, which raised $430,000 for local charities this year. Next: February 6-8, 2015
#3 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #4)
From AQ to Wynwood, 50 of the area’s most notable restaurants participate in the annual fund-raiser for antihunger nonprofit Share Our Strength. Next: Summer 2014
#5 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #6)
Fried conch, fresh lobster, and lots of Caribbean flavor are on hand at the annual fish fry and fund-raiser for the Deering Estate Foundation. Next: March 2015
#6 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #10)
More than $13 million was raised to help Collier County’s underprivileged and at-risk children at the most recent edition of the exclusive wine auction, held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Next: January 23-26, 2015
#7 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 3,000 food lovers gather to mingle with chefs, sommeliers, and other top-flight industry professionals at the three-day fund-raiser for the United Way of Miami-Dade. Next: January 25-26, 2015
#8 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
The benefit for the American Lung Association regularly attracts 2,000 guests for food from more than 70 Florida eateries and will mark its 20th year in 2015. Next: Spring 2015
#9 Food & Restaurant Industry Event
After hosting 2,000 people for an evening of beverage and culinary samples, plus raising $175,000 for the museum, the venerable event will return for a 20th time next year. Next: Spring 2015
#10 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #11)
Miami culinary legend Allen Susser served as host and judge for the cook-off portion of the grand tasting and chef’s competition, held at the Hyatt Regency Miami this year. Next: Summer 2015
#11 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (up from #12)
A number of notable TV chefs and local restaurant stars flock to Palm Beach Island for the annual high-end celebration of all things edible. Next: December 11-14, 2014
#12 Food & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
Peacock Park in Coconut Grove does its best impression of Munich—home of Oktoberfest—for South Florida’s largest beer festival, with more than 6,500 guests sampling 200 beers from around the world. Next: October 18, 2014
