Discover The Palm Beaches – America’s First Resort Destination
Have you been itching to travel? If so, start immediately with a trip to The Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination. The Palm Beaches combine culinary artistry and a vibrant culture to produce the highly anticipated Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival on December 7-10. This year, enhance your festival experience by traveling in style and comfort aboard the Brightline, your direct connection to paradise.
Why Choose Brightline for Your Festival Journey
Now departing from Orlando, the Brightline provides a hassle-free journey to The Palm Beaches, letting you avoid traffic and parking woes. Onboard, indulge in comfortable seating and enjoy amenities that set the stage for your culinary adventure. The train’s timely schedule will ensure you can make the most of each festival event without the stress of navigating through traffic.
Pro Tip: Remember a sweater, as it can get chilly during your train ride.
Culinary Delights at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival
The four-day Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival showcases a mosaic of flavors and talents. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the city.
December 7
Start your morning off at Pumphouse Coffee where you’ll discover coffee crafted with passion and precision, reflecting a rich legacy of quality and innovation. At Pumphouse, the team specializes in producing high-quality beans and employs special techniques to develop the flavor, sweetness, and body of the coffee during a hands-on roasting process. The large, open space is unique, even allowing you to see the lab where all the magic happens.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t a coffee lover, don’t be discouraged, the food, drinks, service and atmosphere are welcoming to all.
After a morning at Pumphouse, you’re now ready to get into the action. The Lunch at Avocado Grill event is sold out for December 8, but you can still enjoy the restaurant for an early lunch on December 7. Chef Julien Gremaud is known for his artisanal creations, blending locally sourced ingredients and international culinary expertise.
Pro Tip: The grilled avocado and octopus are to die for.
If time permits, stroll around the Norton Museum of Art, The Square or Worth Avenue before returning to your place of stay after lunch. The Palm Beaches has plenty of exquisite offerings and landmarks worth exploring.
Fast forward to the nightlife. Do you want a night of charm or a night of decadence? If charm has your name on it, visit Oceano Kitchen for an evening of simple dishes under a starry night. Husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Cindy Bearman (chefs-owners) and guest chef Jonathon Sawyer will create a menu that pays homage to their impressive resumes.
In for a night of decadence? Head over to Florie’s at Four Seasons Resort and enjoy dinner as chef Nino La Spina welcomes Ryan Ratino, “the chef behind Michelin-starred D.C. spots JÔNT and Bresca, as well as the soon-to-open MAASS at Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale, and Brandon Salomon, chef of Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale awarded Broward’s best new restaurant” to the resort. Wine pairings are available and specially selected for dinner.
December 8
Hopefully, you’re well-rested and hungry for Italian. Join host chef Frank Eucalitto and guest chefs Marc Forgione, Larry Forgione, and Bryan Forgione for a family affair. This authentic four-course lunch is worth attending at Café Chardonnay.
After lunch, prepare your mind and body for another night of extravaganza. And what says extravaganza like Buccan? At Buccan, Chef Clay Conley curates signature small-plated, big-flavor creations at this upscale, casual cafe. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself smiling between bites.
Pro Tip: The steak tartare and the grilled carrot salad are a must. Reservations are hard to come by, so call now. If you can’t secure a reservation, dinner to go is a viable option. You’ll be thankful you did it.
Another option is to enjoy food, wine, spirits and desserts prepared by executive chef Andrew Roenbeck and his team. Guest chefs include Lindsay Autry, Clay Conley, Duff Goldman, Sarah Grueneberg, and Beau MacMillan. This kick-off party marks the festival’s first expansion to the Boca Raton area in partnership with The Boca Raton. Live entertainment is included.
December 9
The ROSÉ PARTÉ PRESENTED BY CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS at Almond Palm Beach is sold out, but you can still attend during the day. The rustic French cuisine transforms farm-fresh ingredients into exquisite dishes thanks to Executive Chef Jason Weiner. The staff is extremely attentive and Almond favorites include Steamed Black Mussels with Shallots and White Wine and Roast Chicken with Hand-Crushed Potatoes and Natural Jus.
Pro Tip: Try the chicken sausage, you won’t be disappointed.
After visiting Almond Palm Beach, head over to Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy. Found at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, this shop is where education meets elegance, offering insights into the world’s finest vintages. Learn more about where different wines derive and what they pair best with. Whether you’re a beginner or an aficionado, the shop offers its guests an experience that moves beyond traditional retail.
By now, you should be so overflowed with joy after the delicious food, wine and hospitality you have received, that you might need a little break before continuing the festivities.
After you’ve refreshed, it’s time for dinner at Galley, an authentic grill house and bar nestled inside the Hilton West Palm Beach. Whether you prefer the outdoor patio or the artful dining room, your love of wood-burning grill flavors is sure to be ignited.
Pro Tip: Highly recommend ordering the Chargrilled Octopus, the Australian Wagyu Tomahawk and the Budino (in that order). Of course, feel free to explore the rest of the amazing menu, you won’t be disappointed.
December 10
Make space for the finale! Held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, the Annual Grand Tasting encourages you to eat and drink until you can’t anymore (safely). Three local chefs will compete for a $10,000 local charity prize presented by Creekstone Farms. Local media companies: Palm Beach Illustrated, The Palm Beach Post and iHeart Radio, in addition to celebrity guest judges, chefs Maneet Chauhan and Robert Irvine, will select the competitors.
Pro Tip: If you have an American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card, you can receive expedited entry into the event.
Travel Smartly with Brightline to The Palm Beaches
The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival celebrates culinary excellence, and Brightline is your ticket to this unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a food connoisseur, a wine aficionado, or simply in love with the vibrant culture of The Palm Beaches, this festival, paired with the ease of Brightline travel, promises an event that’s not just about tasting but about creating memories that last a lifetime.
Events are selling quickly, so it’s time to book your festival and Brightline tickets today! Prepare to embark on a journey of taste and discovery. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Ernie Els Els for Autism. Bon voyage and bon appétit at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival!