Under a moonlit sky behind SoBe’s elegant Delano hotel, grillmaster Bobbly Flay played host at Friday’s 10th annual BubbleQ—one of the Festival’s biggest signature events. During the sexy evening soiree, a lively crowd of partygoers enjoyed free flowing Perrier-Jouët Champagne and gourmet bites from barbecue’s best.
An elegant open-air atmosphere graced guests under the BubbleQ tent
Dozens of BBQ gurus, including host Bobbly Flay himself, along with Rick Bayless, Cat Cora, Todd English, the Allen Brothers, Adam Perry Lang, Marc Vetri, Michael Symon and others, were dishing up their succulent ‘cue—everything from smoky pulled pork sandwiches to saucy shanks, steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Having a selection of this caliber drew really long food lines—the event’s only drawback—but with a flute of bubbly in hand and a rockin’ live band on stage, the waits seemed to fly by. The night was capped off in the Godiva Lounge, which displayed a decadent array of desserts created by Godiva Chocolatier David Funaro. Hmm…Champagne, BBQ and chocolate—does it get any better than this!?
Even though BubbleQ’s success over the last ten years has helped put the South Beach Wine and Food Festival on the map, this edition was unfortunately its last—there will be a new themed bash for 2012. Well, what a way to go out with a bang! BubbleQ was an unforgettably fun-filled event that will surely be missed in years to come.
Perrier-Jouët Champagne was sipped throughout the night
Frank Jeanetti’s smoked beef brisket with cured tomatoes, Napa slaw & grilled mango rum ketchup
Artful confections atop an impressive ice sculpture from Sweet Street Desserts
