This is “Small Bites,” a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tiny tidbits on the food and beverage scene — because we know that sometimes you just don’t have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy!
WHAT:
If sharing a border with Port Everglades, myriad marine industries and the ocean hasn’t made it obvious, know this, landlubbers: Dania Beach is a seafood mecca.
And the center of it all is the 10th annual Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival on Saturday, March 9, a smorgasbord of vino, suds, spirits, live music, sand sculpting, chef demonstrations and, of course, seafaring cuisine. Forty beverage vendors and 20 food trucks and restaurants will be angling for your sand dollars at the dog-friendly festival.
Yes, the name is new (so long, Dania Beach Arts and Seafood Celebration), and so is the venue: Dania Beach City Hall. The bash swapped out its former haunt of nine years, Frost Park, for a new port of call after the city opted last year to stage all future special events exclusively on the municipal campus, city spokeswoman Nannette Rodriguez says.
“We’re synonymous with seafood. We’re Broward’s oldest city and a gateway to the sea,” Rodriguez says. “What better way to complement your seafood meal than with wine and beer?”
WHEN:
Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 9.
WHERE:
Head to Dania Beach City Hall Plaza, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd.
Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival / Courtesy
Johnny Alarcon, executive chef at the Luxe Restaurant at the Casino at Dania Beach, will once again prepare his seafood paella at the 10th annual Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival. (Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival / Courtesy)FOOD & WINE LINEUP:
Among the food vendors are Bahama Mama, Garlick Seafood and More, 681 Seafood & Southern Bites, 3 Sons Brewing Co., Mr. Lobster, The Lobsta Rolls, Kay & A Soul N Seafood, Crumbl, Chick-fil-A and Larry’s Ice Cream.
Beverage vendors include Fenestra Winery, San Sebastian Winery, Merlo Family Estate Vineyards, Copa Di Vino Premium Wine, 3 Sons Brewing Co., Cove Brewery, Gulf Stream Distilling Co. and Papa’s Pilar.
(Francky Jean for Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival / Courtesy)
With a new name and venue, the Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival will take place March 9 at Dania Beach City Hall’s plaza. (Francky Jean for Dania Beach Wine and Seafood Festival / Courtesy)EXTRA TIDBITS:
At the Little Chefs Station, young cooks will take turns creating a seafood dish during 30-minute sessions. They’ll join the returning Chef Showcase, featuring chili-spiced seafood paella from chef Johnny Alarcon (Luxe Restaurant at the Casino at Dania Beach) and a ceviche-beer pairing from chef Jonathan Garr (3 Sons Brewing Co.).
Meanwhile, local acts DJ Mills, Locos Por Juana and Journey cover band Never Stop Believin’ will be slappin’ the bass (guitar, not fish) onstage.
COST:
Free admission, but tickets are $55 in advance and $70 at the gate for unlimited wine and beer tastings and a commemorative glass.
PARKING:
It’s abundant at City Hall’s garage, plus park-and-ride shuttles will transport festivalgoers from Oakwood Plaza and from the Casino at Dania Beach.
INFORMATION:
Call 954-696-0882 or go to DaniaBeachWineandSeafoodFest.com.
