Sunday.  "God's Day."  And, for Emily and I, the perfect day to sleep-in after an adventurous, rambunctious, and very late night.  It's not often that yours truly stays in bed until 10:30am but, last Sunday, it just felt appropriate.  A bit rebellious, if you will.  And oh-so comfortable. 

When we finally came to, Em and I decided that this would be the perfect afternoon to wander over to uber-famous Joe's Stone Crab for lunch.  After all, the sky was cloudy and the wind was angry.  There wasn't a chance in hell that either of us would get a lick of color on our winter-white skin.

As luck would have it, the moment that we arrived at Joe's, the sky miraculously returned to its familiar shade of blue... Sigh.

Em and I didn't realize how large Joe's was.  Within moments of stepping out of the taxi, we were approached by an employee who informed us that "the restaurant is not open for lunch on Sunday's, but you can get take-away and sit in the market."  

If you've never had the pleasure of tasting stone crab for yourself - and plan to be in Miami - Joe's is an absolute MUST!  You have not had crab until you've had stone crab.  Trust me!

Joe's Stone Crab:  11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

From lunch, we hopped in to a cab en route to the Miami Convention Center for our first event of the afternoon:  "Bank of America Lifestyle Seminar - Foods and Fine Wines of the Rich and Famous," with Ariane Daguin & Andrea Robinson.  Unfortunately, the event held in the room prior to ours was running over, and Em and I had to be in Coral Gables before 4pm.  It was already 3:15pm!  Alas, we had to make the painful, executive decision to skip the Seminar and, instead, head straight to the 'Gables.

First (but, technically 2nd) event of the afternoon:  "Swine & Wine," presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats and hosted by Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos.

Our ding-dong of a cab driver mistakenly assumed (emphasis on ass) that, by us telling him that we needed to go to Coral Gables, we meant the mall in Coral Gables!  Not "The Biltmore" in Coral Gables.  So, nearly an hour and 20 extra dollars later, we arrived at the sprawling and fabulous Biltmore Hotel.

Held in one of The Biltmore's outdoor patios was, without a doubt, my favorite event of the entire weekend!  More than a dozen chefs from across the country were chosen to prepare their own special version of a whole-roasted Duroc & Hampshire-breed pig.  To accompany, the hotel provided various Cuban savory dishes and bite-sized desserts.  Padron and La Flor Dominicana were also on-hand to gift smokers with gratis cigars.  A gent's favorite way to commence or end a pig-out! 

Spotted:  the gorgeous Debi Mazar, Marc Murphy, Jonathan Waxman, Michael White, Seamus Mullen, Marcela Valladolid and, my personal favorites, The Real Housewives of Miami, who were filming on-location!  #starstruck

Participating Chefs & Featured Menu Items:

Nick Anderer:  Maialino al Forno
Yuhi Fujinaga:  Suckling Pig with Heirloom Bean Casoullet, Morcilla Dip with Chicharones
Mayor Carlos Gimenez:  Pan con Lechon
Ingrid Hoffmann:  Mini Pulled Pork Taco Bowl with Guava Salsa Negra & pickled Mustard Seeds
Linton Hopkins:  Chopped Smoked Pig, Buttermilk Johnny Cakes, Craklin'and Pickel Salad
Mark Ladner:  Bolito Misto Terrina alla Paesana              
Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos:  Tuscan Porchetta Sandwich
Marc Murphy:  Southern Stryle "Porchetta" with Corn Bread & Andouille Stuffing
Seamus Mullen:  Smoked Berkshire Pork Jowl & Whole Suckling Pig
Jorge Padrón:  Tradicional Lechon Asado
Isiah Thomas:  Brined Baby Swine with Passion Fruit Habanero Mojo
Marcela Valladolid:  Cochinita Pibil
Jonathan Waxman:  Blood Orange Pig Tacos
Michael White & Bill Dorrler:  Porchetta Tigelle con Pesto di Lardo e Salsa Verde

And, here's when I nearly lost my marbles...

On our way out of the event, I made Em come with me to check out The Biltmore's famous pool and common areas.

Second (but, technically 3rd) event of the afternoon, now evening:  "Trucks on the Beach," presented by Cultivate Wines: The Official Festival Closing Party hosted by Andrew Zimmern

While the concept of having food trucks on the beach was brilliant in theory, there was simply not enough space, food, drink, or breathing room.  The lines at each food truck were at least 20-deep.  Same goes for the beverage huts!  Em and I got out of there just about as quickly as we arrived.  Le bummer.

While we made our way out of the event, Em grabbed my arm.  "Hey, look over there," she pointed towards a bright stall selling 'Festival tees.  "You really should get something," she said.  As we made our way over, the company's name caught my eye.  "Flavour Gallery," I mumbled, as I read the logo.  "Love it."

Seriously, how cute are those?  I grabbed two tees for myself and was reassured that, by god, a little retail therapy always seems to cure the blues.

Since we had left the event prematurely and did not want to return to our hotel to order room service and stare at each other, Em and I walked over to The Shore Club for a drink on their fabulous outdoor/pool deck.  What a gorgeous space!

And that marks my final day at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, but stay tuned for my "The Lunch Belle does Miami" guide!

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle