The story is brought to you by our partners at Easterseals South Florida.
On November 7th, Easterseals South Florida invites you to the 34th Annual Festival of Chefs, an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence, community, and creativity, set at the lush and vibrant Jungle Island in Miami.
This prestigious event will showcase the talents of Miami's top chefs and the incredible students from Easterseals South Florida Culinary Arts High School, a program that offers pathways to success for students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Photo Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
Chef Chris Valdes, a Miami native and passionate advocate for community-driven initiatives, will lead the event as Event Chef Chair. Known for his vibrant cooking style and dedication to inclusivity, Valdes brings his expertise and enthusiasm to this year’s festival. The night will feature diverse chefs from a range of backgrounds, each presenting their signature sweet and savory dishes, offering attendees a taste of Miami's rich culinary diversity.
Photo Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
This year, the event is made even more impactful through a collaboration with Equalpride — Out’s parent company and a leader in LGBTQ+ media. Equalpride’s CEO, Mark Berryhill, a champion of equality for both the LGBTQ+ and disability communities, brings his experience in journalism, marketing, and branded content to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. His leadership ensures that the festival serves as a platform for the intersection of food, culture, and advocacy.
Mark Berryhill, CEO of equalpride, sampling tasty foodPhoto Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
“Equalpride works with Easterseals to create opportunities for diverse voices and talents to shine,” Berryhill tells Out, “whether it's by partnering with chefs who are advocates themselves, or by highlighting the intersectionality of our community's experiences through food and culture. It's about breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and making sure that everyone, regardless of their identity or abilities, feels seen and valued.”
Photo Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
Around 500 guests are expected to attend the event, where they will indulge in a variety of cuisines from Miami’s top restaurants, caterers, and food trucks — both established and emerging. Guests will also experience the luxury of a cigar lounge, as well as a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences.
Chef Chris ValdesPhoto Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
For VIP attendees, the first hour of the evening will include access to a private lounge offering premium food, spirits, and wine pairings, providing top-tier sponsors and guests with an exclusive experience. As the night unfolds, the coveted Golden Chef Award will be presented, recognizing culinary excellence in both sweet and savory categories.
Don’t miss the chance to support Easterseals’ life-changing programs while enjoying an evening of outstanding food, wine, cigars, and entertainment. Join us on Thursday, November 7th, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at Jungle Island for a celebration of talent, diversity, and community.
Photo Courtesy of Easterseals South Florida
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Festival of Chefs website, or follow @chefchrisvaldes for event updates.
