Top chefs from across the country came together Thursday evening, February 23, to kick off the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.  The opening event hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri, The Q, featured chefs cooking barbecue at the Delano on the beach.  Chefs showing off their ‘cue skills included Elizabeth Karmel, Marc Forgione, Stephanie Izard and Chris Hastings.  Some of our favorite dishes of the night included Michael White’s grilled pancetta, Saba-glazed figs and toasted pistachios, Michelle Bernstein’s yogurt and kumquat roast lamb with falafel and flatbread and Tim Love’s bourbon and cola smoked pork with pickled chiles and cotija taco.  The band was jamming and the champagne was flowing; the ideal start to a great festival!

Tim Love’s bourbon and cola smoked pork with pickled chiles and cotija taco, Four Rivers Croquettes topped with warm garlic and honey vinaigrette, Michelle Bernstein’s yogurt and kumquat roast lamb with falafel and flatbread,  Chef Stephen Stryjewski’s White BBQ, Jalapeño sausage and grilled boudin,  Chocolate treats under the Godiva tent,  and Roy Choi’s Grilled Korean Short Ribs with Salt Chive Kimchi