Palm Beach Food & Wine's Ninth-Annual Grand Tasting Event Is Bigger Than Ever

The Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival kicks off today, December 10. But unless you already purchased tickets, you won't be sampling and food or wine — each of the three-day fest's 12 events are completely sold out — except one.

Tickets are still available for the festival’s crème de la crème event: the ninth-annual Grand Tasting. 

The final event of the festival, this year the Grand Tasting has received a noticeable overhaul. Twice the size of last year's event, this year it has been moved to the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens where it will take over the entire first floor.

The move to a new venue is a reflection of the festival's growth, say its creators. During the event, more than 60 South Florida restaurants will be serving their most celebrated dishes and more than 30 wineries will be pouring samples.

Participating restaurants in this year's Grand Tasting include 3030 Ocean, 3800 Ocean, Apeiro Kitchen & Bar, Cravy, Meat Market Palm Beach, Nitrogen Bar, the Alchemist Coffee, and more. 

Newcomers this year will include appearances by Jupiter's Nitrogen Bar and Grill, as well as Miami's Blue Collar, Mignonette, and the Osprey Tavern.

Lastly, don't miss the annual Grand Chef Throwdown finale, where three local chefs compete in a timed competition for a $10,000 prize. This year, the showdown will pit West Palm Beach's Emko executive chef Nick Martinkovic against Café Boulud's James Strine and Taylor Balderson.

The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival Ninth-Annual Grand Tasting event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Tickets are $75 per person, and purchase includes food samples, wine pairings, and an open bar. Visit pbfoodwinefest.com.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.