f you’re one of those people who likes to spend their weeknights glued to the food network, ogling delicious dishes that you would never have the time or ability to cook yourself, then prepare to get very excited. From February 20-24 The Food Network’s South Beach Wine And Food Festival will be coming to town. For three solid days Food Network celebrities will be mixing with regular folk and giving paying visitors a taste of what they’ve seen on TV for years. You’ll have over 72 hours to stuff your face, hit on Rachael Ray, and compliment Jamie Oliver on his British accent. It’s not heaven on earth, but it’s damn close.

Things kick off on the 20th with The Forge Prelude Dinner. Guests willing to fork over $200 for a ticket will be treated to a meal in one of South Beach’s finest restaurants hosted by Napa Style Television star Michael Chiarello. Thursday night will mark the return of the ever-popular Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray. For a mere $150, patrons will get to see the irritatingly perky Food Network personality host a burger competition amongst the proprietors of 18 of the finest gourmet burger joints in the country. That’s right, $150 to sample burgers, what a deal! Highlights of subsequent days include a lunch panel on healthy eating for children featuring Jamie Oliver, Alice Waters, and (of course) Rahael Ray; a night of delectable desserts hosted by former sitcom star Emeril Lagase; a seminar on the history of Tequila; several wine tastings; and a variety of children’s cooking events with celebrity chefs.

Admission to the children’s activities only cost $35, but everything else will set you back between $100-$500 per person. So, this is really only for a certain high-end clientele. If you’ve ever used a bidet, chances are you can afford to delve, while the single ply toilet paper crowd might want to stay away. There will inevitably be some food network junkies who will sell their car to attend the event, but most of the clientele will be made up of the Miami elite. So be sure to dress your best and prepare yourself for a variety of snooty conversations. It’s not everyday that you can pay $150 to spend a few hours in the presence of Rachael Ray, so be sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity while you can. –P.B.

Click here for tickets.

For more information call: 305-625-4171 ext.1040