Star Chefs Shirley Chung, Tobias Dorzon, and More Celebrate New Chapters at South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival marked its 25th anniversary with a vibrant celebration, showcasing culinary talents and inspirational stories of resilience from celebrated chefs. The festival was a weekend filled with fantastic food and celebrity chef encounters, but it also served as a platform for personal transformations and new beginnings.

Chef Shirley Chung attended the event representing her new Dallas restaurant, Night Rooster. After a tough battle with Stage 4 tongue cancer in 2024, Chung’s presence was powerful: “When I saw the banners… you should have seen me laugh, knowing that I’m back," she shared, showcasing her triumph over adversity while serving delicious dishes to festival-goers.

The evening event culminated in a competitive spirit as Chung and her team, including notable chefs like Antonia Lofaso and Tobias Dorzon, won the Tournament of Champions Live. Chung expressed her newfound perspective on life: “I have a lot more opportunities coming up. I’m living fearlessly,” she stated, reflecting on how her near brushes with death have invigorated her culinary passions.

Celebrity chefs embraced the festive atmosphere, with Eric Greenspan energizing the crowd with his spirited take on grilled salami sandwiches. Greenspan also revealed plans for his new Jewish deli, Mish, expressing that it has been his dream project for almost a decade.

The festival’s theme resonated through many personal stories. Tobias Dorzon, who overcame tragic adversity after being shot multiple times in 2024, was also part of the celebration, radiating hope and resilience alongside Chung. Rapper Ja Rule showed off his bartending skills, while chefs like Kwame Onwuachi introduced dishes from his upcoming restaurant, adding to the excitement.

The event was teeming with camaraderie as chefs mingled and dined together at iconic South Beach restaurants, such as Puerto Sagua and Joe’s Stone Crab. Highlights of the festival included dishes from top chefs, including Danny Grant’s burger and Nyesha Arrington’s buttermilk fried chicken sandwich.

As the festival concluded, Chung reflected on the emotional significance of the gathering for her and her fellow chefs, stating, “This is one of the happiest moments of my last two years. I’m ready to do so much more.” The festival was not just a culinary celebration but also a testament to the resilient spirit of those in attendance, signifying that new chapters are always possible.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!