Taste of the Grove Food and Wine Festival This Weekend

​What does Coconut Grove taste like? We're guessing left-over granola, beer, chicken wings, a side of college recklessness, and a bit of seafood fresh off a yacht docked at the marina. But a more precise sampling of the flavors of this neighborhood, will be found at the free outdoor festival this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Last year, more than 30,000 people attended Taste of the Grove, and event organizers are planning for a similar crowd this time around.

The fest, taking place at Peacock Park, will be split into a large tasting section, where area restaurants will set up individual tables; two wine and spirits lounges; and a "coffee house."

Though admission is free, tickets for beverages and samples cost $1 each, and all samples will go for one to eight tickets. This year's list of restaurants is heavy on hotel eateries: Mutiny Hotel's Atchana's East/West Kitchen, Sonesta Hotel's Panorama Restaurant, Ritz Carlton's Bizcaya, and Mayfair Hotel's Spartico. Others include Chart House, Sweet Art by Lucila, Doña Arepa, Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill, and Sandbar.

Entertainment will consist of mainly house music DJs, but there will also be performances by local music acts. LaVie, who combines neo/soul and dance sounds, will hit the stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday and Prince Haiti, a hip-hop artist who infuses tracks with soulful melodies and Caribbean sounds, will perform at 4:40 p.m. the same day. Events such as chef competitions and children's activities will also take place throughout the day.

The Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival takes place at Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove) on Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the festival is free, and food and drink tickets cost $1 each. VIP admission, which includes special tastings and butler service, costs $20. Call 305-444-7270 or visit thegreattasteofthegrove.com.

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