History of the Orange Bowl Food & Wine Celebration
Previously known as the OBIEs, 2014 was the first food & wine culinary experience and it was a tremendous success! The 2014 Celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken headlined a group that included Michael Schwartz’s Harry’s Pizzeria and pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith, Fabio Viviani, Ralph Pagano, Paula DaSilva, Howie Kleinberg, YOLO, S3, Steak 954, and more! Last year’s lineup included two (2) James Beard Foundation Winners, two (2) additional James Beard Foundation Nominated chefs, two (2) Hell's Kitchen Contestants and two (2) Top Chef Contestants.
The 2015 event benefitting Make A Wish, Special Olympics and Orange Bowl Leadership Academy took place on Friday, May 29 at the Broward County Convention Center. It featured a night of extraordinary food, entertainment and giving as we celebrated those individuals who share Orange Bowl’s values in giving back to the South Florida community. More than 25 of the top South Florida restaurants and chefs had the opportunity to provide tastings and optional pairings. A panel of judges comprised of South Florida’s top foodies and culinary celebs voted to determine a Miami-Dade County restaurant winner, a Broward County restaurant winner, a dessert winner and an overall “Flavor of South Florida” winner. In addition, each event attendee also had a chance to cast their vote to award the People’s Choice Award winner!
In 2016, James Beard Award-winning chef/restaurateur Michael Schwartz headlined as the Celebrity Chef, while healthy lifestyle crusader, author and James Beard Award-winning chef, Rocco DiSpirito, made a celebrity chef guest appearance! Schwartz and his restuarant Harry's Pizzeria won the overall "Flavor of South Florida" and "Best Miami-Dade Restaurant," while over 30 restaurants and vendors from all across South Florida delighted guests all night long.
The 2017 event featured Paula DaSilva of Artisan Beach House as our Celebrity Chef and Evan Benn of Induldge Magazine as the Judge's Captain. Artisan Beach House took home the "Best Overall Restaurant" award. 3030 Ocean won "Best Broward Restaurant," Ms. Cheezious won "Best Miami-Dade Restaurant," Miami Beach EDITION Hotel - Matador Room by Jean-Georges Vongerichten won "Best Dessert" and Boatyard and SOBE Promos won the "People's Choice Award" for Best Bite and Best Dessert, respectively.
In 2018, the Celebrity Chefs of the event were Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth from Stitsville Fish Bar. Miami Beach EDITION Hotel - Matador Room by Jean-Georges Vongerichen won the awards for "Best Overall Restaurant" and "Best Dessert". Toro Toro Miami took home "Best Miami-Dade Restaurant", and NYY Steak received the "Best Broward Restaurant" award. Ms. Cheezious was voted as the "People's Choice: Best Bite", and SoBe Promos once again received the "People's Choice: Best Dessert" award.
The 2019 event raised over $100,000 and once again delighted attendees with fine foods and flavors from over 30 of South Florida's top restaurants. Dr. Eduardo Padron received the Keith Tribble Community Service Excellence award at the event, and another wish was granted for a special child from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Taquiza Tacos took home the "Best Overall Restaurant" award. Lona Cocina Tequileria and Rusty Pelican won the awards for "Best Broward Restaurant" and "Best Miami-Dade Restaurant" respectively. Nothing Bundt Cakes was awarded as the "Best Dessert" of the night. The People's Choice for "Best Bite" went to Toro Toro Miami, and SoBe Promos completed the three-peat for the People's Choice for "Best Dessert".
We look forward to getting back to normal and having over 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and chefs in attendance with all of you in the near future. Here is a look back at the 2019 event winners and participants: