South Beach Wine and Food Festival Celebrates Caribbean Flavors

New 'Las' Lap Link Up' event brings island vibes to the 3-0-5

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 25th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival is right around the corner, and this year organizers are previewing the flavors of the Caribbean with a new event called 'Las' Lap Link Up'. Chefs Alain Lemaire and Nina Compton will be dishing out bold Caribbean-inspired cuisine, while DJ GQ provides the soundtrack for a late-night party celebrating the diverse culinary and musical traditions of the islands.

Why it matters

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival is one of the most anticipated annual events in Miami, drawing foodies from around the world. By highlighting Caribbean flavors and culture, the new 'Las' Lap Link Up' event aims to showcase the rich diversity of the region and its influence on South Florida's vibrant culinary scene.

The details

The 'Las' Lap Link Up' event will feature a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes, including a red snapper crudo from Chef Alain Lemaire and unspecified offerings from Chef Nina Compton. The event will also include rum cocktails, live music, and a late-night party atmosphere curated by DJ GQ.

  • The South Beach Wine and Food Festival will take place from February 19-22, 2026.
  • The 'Las' Lap Link Up' event is scheduled for late night on one of the festival days.

The players

Alain Lemaire

A Miami-based chef who will be cooking Haitian cuisine and a red snapper crudo at the 'Las' Lap Link Up' event.

Nina Compton

A chef from Trinidad who will be co-hosting and cooking at the 'Las' Lap Link Up' event, representing the diverse culinary traditions of the Caribbean.

DJ GQ

A DJ who will be providing the music and party atmosphere for the 'Las' Lap Link Up' event, keeping the energy high late into the night.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival

An annual food and wine festival in Miami, Florida that is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“'Las' Lap Link Up' is, just like in the name, link up. It's a place where people are gonna come and gather and enjoy great food, good music, good vibes.”

— Alain Lemaire, Chef

“When you think about Miami, you think about the Caribbean. You think about the tropicalness, and I think that really makes sense to have it during this festival.”

— Nina Compton, Chef

“It is one big party. And I think the music, the rum cocktails, the fun, it's late night. Let's have a good time. I think, Caribbean people, that's what we do.”

— Nina Compton, Chef

“I'm gonna bring the party from the beginning. I mean, the event is 10-to-1. So I'm starting hot, and I'm going straight through hot. As it says, las' lap. We're about to shut down the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. And it's with me.”

— DJ GQ

What’s next

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival will take place from February 19-22, 2026, with the 'Las' Lap Link Up' event scheduled for one of the late nights during the festival.

The takeaway

The new 'Las' Lap Link Up' event at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival aims to celebrate the vibrant flavors and culture of the Caribbean, bringing a taste of the islands to Miami's premier culinary celebration. By showcasing diverse Caribbean cuisine and music, the event promises to be a lively and memorable addition to the festival's 25th anniversary.