Burger Belle and friends headed to the Las Olas Wine and Food Street Festival — who boasted that more than 70 wine, beer and food vendors would be out on the Boulevard.  We started the evening at Privé, the VIP reception at Historic Stranahan House on the breezy New River. We received our wine glasses and blingy lanyards, then set out for the four hour tasty extravaganza. We strategically started on one side and worked our way down and around.

We sampled 30+ stations and these are Burger Belle’s favorites of the night:

Ultimate Comfort Food: Publix Aprons Cooking School in Plantation knocked it out of the park with their version of Chicken and Waffle Beignets with a Bacon Maple Syrup passionately prepared by Resident Chef Wes Bonner and Catering Chef Richard Wilson. HEAVEN (They made enough that I could take three !!!)

Best Beer & Surf Pairing: Timpano Ft. Lauderdale’s grilled Mussels with melted butter… enough said. Executive Chef Asher Roebuck & team fired up these salty nuggets and we paired them with the crisp taste of Goose Island Brewery’s Honker’s Ale

Best Beer & Turf Pairing: Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, FL succulent fiery grilled Ribs by Executive Chef Carlos Velez & Team. We paired with Goose Island Brewery’s Nut Brown Ale with notes of chocolate and honey.

Best Wine Pairing: Grille 401 served two dishes, fresh Tuna Tartare and plump Crab Cakes creating the perfect balance of flavor paired with Apothic White Wine, a Blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato.

Best “One-Stop” Experience: TAP 42‘s Melt in your mouth Berkshire Pork Melt topped with Ommegang Three Philosophers Quad Tart Cherry BBQ Sauce, & Whiskey Infused White Cheddar paired with the luscious chocolate and roasted nut flavor of Breckenridge Vanilla Porter.

Most Creative Bite: Packed a flavorful punch with a fresh Ceviche Crisp with tropical seasonings prepared by the team at Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar

About Burger Belle: Let me tell you about my style. I am on the quest for Burger (and other comfort food) Nirvana. I spend a few weeks researching and getting to know about the establishment I plan to review. I make several visits, some known and some not. I do make an effort to meet the owners to understand their vision, so I can write a comprehensive review about my experience. I do not rate, instead I offer up an inside look into what makes the best comfort food in South Florida. At times, I may be comped all or part of a meal, but this does not in any way influence the outcome of my review. Got it? Good, now we can get back to having fun and spreading the good word about all the Burger Nirvanas yet to be discovered! Stay on the path, pilgrims, and remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!