In the not-too-distant past, South Florida's reputation in the global cuisine world was less than stellar. Besides a handful of high-end classic restaurants known around the world and enclaves of terrific ethnic food, the local dining scene was arguably best known for charging tourists high prices for mediocre food and dubious service.
As with many other aspects of life in Greater Miami, a subsequent evolution occurred, elevating dining in Miami to respectability and now to noteworthy accolades. Instead of tourist traps, dining in Miami is now characterized by famous chefs entering the market, trend-setting cuisine, innovation, a foodie culture and some of the best restaurants in the world.
While it's difficult to pinpoint a single influence that led to this evolution, the launch and growth of the now globally famous South Beach Wine & Food Festival played a key role. The Festival launched in 1997 at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus as "Florida Extravaganza," a one-day event. It was moved
