The South Beach Wine & Food Festival Event You Have to Attend—With Plenty of Rum and a Fat Joe Performance

If you're attending the 2026 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed as you begin to plan your itinerary. In addition to the main event—the Grand Tasting—there are dozens of other happenings that promise plenty of food, LUSHWORTHY drinks and a fabulous time. I still consider myself a SOBEWFF newbie, but there is one event I attended last year that has me eager to make the trip down to Miami in February. That event is Chef JJ Johnson’s The Cookout.

“The Cookout is Chef JJ’s way of reclaiming and celebrating the beauty and brilliance of African American culinary traditions. It’s an opportunity to honor the individuals who have shaped and sustained this extraordinary legacy. As the visionary behind this unique SOBEWFF walkaround event, Chef JJ brings together dishes that tell the story of heritage, resilience, and creativity,” reads a description of The Cookout.

Not to toot my own horn, but I knew Chef JJ’s The Cookout was gonna be a good time when I saw that it was called “The Cookout.” I have never in life been to a cookout that wasn't lit, so why would this be any different?. Oh, but it was different. Different in the most amazing way possible. First off, the weather in Miami in February is divine—it's not too hot or humid and you can always expect a welcome ocean breeze. And Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be an ideal setting, with it being just steps away from the beach. The crowd was fashionable, friendly and eager for a good time.

Now on to the food…As someone from Atlanta, lemon pepper is our savior, so when I spotted Lemon Pepper Prawn at The Cookout, I was locked in. It was delicious. Tangy, saucy and a small sampling of what was expected throughout the night on the culinary side. We were treated to everything from Guava Bread Pudding with Marshmallow Vanilla Cream Sauce to Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese. No matter the bite, the flavors of the Caribbean and the soulful South were strong. You can also expect plenty of rum cocktails given that Sonrisa Rum is a sponsor this year.

Absolutely make sure you bring your appetite to this one, and your best “lean back,” because attendees will be treated to a performance from Fat Joe.

You can purchase tickets to The Cookout on the SOBEWFF website.