The 6th Annual SEED Food & Wine Week (SEED) returns Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10, 2019. The country’s premier plant-based food and wine festival drew approximately 9,200 attendees in 2018 and this year over 10,000 festival-goers are expected over the course of four exciting days. With the philosophy Eat, Drink, Grow SEED’s mission continues to be centered around how to live consciously – mind, body, and spirit – and more sustainably.
Among the notable talents known nationally is Joy Bauer, the health and nutrition expert on NBC’s TODAY show. She is the author of twelve bestsellers – her latest book, Joy’s Simple Food Remedies explores the healing power of food and features natural, holistic remedies for common, everyday ailments. Also new to the team this year, serving as SEED’s Mixology Director and curating the cocktail program for the entire festival, is Jules Aron. Dubbed “The Wellness Mixologist” by Women’s Health magazine, she is a beverage consultant and holistic nutritionist that has been bridging the gap between mind, body and spirit(s) for over a decade.
The festivities begin on Thursday, November 7th with an opportunity for twenty start-ups to present their business plans, for the chance to win funding for their big ideas, at the first-ever Plant Based Pitch Off. This free event is dedicated to early-stage and emerging companies that are developing innovative solutions for improving the food, beverage and agriculture industry locally, regionally and nationally. With over $10,000 in perks and prize money up for grabs, participants will pitch an esteemed panel along with a room of the most prominent venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators and accelerators from around the country.
Day one continues with one of SEED’s most popular signature events, the 5th Annual Plant-Based Burger Battle™. Chefs, restaurants, and national brands from across the country will be competing for the title of “Best Veggie Burger in America” with this year’s competitors including: Meta Burger Denver, Plant Miami, Vegan Junkie Miami, Planta, Pincho, and more. Bubbly brews are the perfect accompaniment to burgers, and attendees will be able to sample a selection of craft beers and kombucha from Florida and around the country.
On Friday, November 8th, SEED SUMMIT presented by VegNews returns for the fourth year with a full day of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The sessions offered are geared to providing an informative and educational platform for those seeking to grow their resources, networks, and outreach within the sustainable realm.
Joining the above on Friday, two new events for 2019: Sit Stay Sip – a special “yappy hour” for pups and their parents and a Taco Tailgate presented by No Evil Foods that evening. Sit Stay Sip, sponsored by Tails Up, will be fun for Fido and the whole family with doggie treats, face painting, doggie photo booth, mocktails, cocktails and bites. The Taco Tailgate will be fire, with over 10 participating restaurants including some local favorites like Taquiza Tacos, Charly’s Vegan Tacos, Coyo Taco, Love Life Café, and Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. Each restaurant will be paired with a local mixologist making craft cocktails that complement each featured taco.
Special foodie dinners highlighting local and national chefs are an intimate option for the plant-based fan. ROOTS: A Farm to Table Dinner and GROWN: The Dinner Celebrating Modern Plant Based Living take place on November 8th and 9th respectively. Participating chefs include local favorites, Allen Susser and Michael Beltran, among others.
Saturday, November 9th is all about the Festival Day Tasting Village – a large-scale grand tasting event featuring food, wine, a craft beer garden, juice, music, gifts, organic body care, and clothing. The family-friendly event returns to Mana Wynwood this year and will feature local, regional and national chefs, restaurants, and exhibitors. Some noteworthy restaurants coming into town for the big day include L.A.’s popular Ramen Hood, Vegan Nom from Austin, and Dixie Dharma – which has locations throughout Florida.
The Baptist Health Summit Stage will showcase notable presenters, authors and wellness experts, while the Whole Foods® Culinary Stage will host cooking demonstrations of recipes that can easily be replicated by home chefs.
The final day, Sunday November 10th, brings a zen-ful end to the festival. Yogis and yoginis can start the day gazing upon the waters of Biscayne Bay at Rise + Shine: Yoga and Meditation Experience on the Bay. This free program is expected to draw over 200 people to participate for a group sun-salutation. Following this healthful beginning, the day continues with Blissful Brunch presented by LaCroix Sparkling Water located at Sacred Space in Wynwood. The event will be hosted by guest speaker, Joy Bauer and features everything from an “omelette” station and Bloody Mary Bar to vegan baked goods and sizzling, sun-soaked sounds.
“Year after year, SEED continues to innovate and lead the charge in the wellness realm by bringing together some of the nation’s most talented speakers, chefs, celebrities, athletes and authors,” says SEED’s Co-Founder Alison Burgos. “Our goal is to deliver programming that is not only fun, but informative. All of our events are designed to encourage learning, growth and education for everyone. My hope is to start a conversation that continues long after the festivities end.”
Tickets, ranging in price from $25-$459 (plus service fee), feature a variety of a la carte options and VIP all-inclusive packages. Tickets, venue locations, and additional information are available at www.seedfoodandwine.com. Follow SEED on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
