Naples chefs featured at Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The Annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival returned in February to South Beach of Miami for the 18th time.

Chef Rachid and Chef Asif were among the featured chefs and the only ones representing Southwest Florida and their ethnic cuisine. While chef Asif had the honor to be part of this event for the third consecutive year, for chef Rachid this was his first time at the festival.  “Being part of such a big event with so many culinary stars is a true honor. This has been definitely a highlight in my career” states the Lebanese chef.

Both chefs were participating in the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village on February 24th, providing tasting bites of their cuisine to the guests. 

Chef Asif Syed, owner and Executive Chef of 21 Spices stated: “It never gets old. I love to be here and get in touch with food enthusiasts as well as culinary stars.” Chef Asif also had a chance for a chat with his “rival”, celebrity chef Bobby Flay (see picture), who he competed against in last season’s Beat Bobby Flay back in September. “I think he still wants a rematch” says Chef Asif with a smirk on his face.