The Cookout brings Caribbean and African flavor to South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The 25th Annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival reached a cultural high point on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as The Cookout, hosted by Chef JJ Johnson, returned to the iconic Eden Roc Miami Beach.

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The event drew nearly 600 attendees, transforming the oceanfront poolside into a vibrant backyard party celebrating the culinary heritage of the African Diaspora. The crowd included a strong Caribbean presence, reflecting the festival’s wide-reaching appeal and the region’s deep connection to the flavors and rhythms of the Diaspora.

The afternoon featured an electrifying mix of food, music, and energy. Internationally acclaimed DJ Too Much curated the soundtrack, keeping guests moving as they sampled unlimited tastings from a premier lineup of Black chefs. The festivities peaked with a special performance by hip-hop icon Fat Joe, whose Bronx-born energy and hits provided a memorable finale.

Reflecting on the event, Johnson said, “The Cookout is rooted in the tradition of how Black communities gather — around food, music, and joy. Over the past four years, we’ve created more than an annual event; we’ve created a cultural moment. From chefs honoring the flavors of the Diaspora, to DJ Too Much keeping that rhythm in our bones, to Fat Joe bringing raw hip-hop energy — this was about celebrating the brilliance of Black culture. This is how we honor where we come from while showing the world how we move forward with an unwavering commitment to Black excellence.”

The Cookout remains a cornerstone of the festival’s mission, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting students at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, supporting the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.