Amanda Freitag on SoBeWFF, Michael's Genuine, and New Show

Photo courtesy Brickhouse PR

Amanda Freitag

Yes, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival was supposed to be about the food. But really half the fun was looking out for celebrity chefs. Whether you were seeking your culinary idol or your foodie crush, you were on the lookout for someone. Or anyone. It's OK, we're not judging. We got the chance to chat with celebrity chef Amanda Freitag of Chopped and Unique Eats.

New Times: You participated in the Farm-to-Table lunch with Alex Guarnaschelli and Anita Lo. What did you think about the event overall?
Freitag: The event was quite a success! It was in such a gorgeous setting, and the crowd was so appreciative of the food.

What did you prepare?
I made exactly what I would want to eat for brunch after a weekend of indulgence: egg white & kale frittata, kale & farro salad, kale juice with apple & lime. It was rejuvenating.

Why this event? Is the farm-to-table movement important to you?
I've always cooked seasonally and try to source as local as possible. It's a huge concern, and I feel as a chef it is my responsibility to educate through food.

Did you get involved with any other events?
Yes, I cooked at the Soho Beach House on Saturday night.

Which events did you attend as a guest?
Burger Bash, Best of the Best, and the closing party. They all had quite a different vibe -- I loved Burger Bash and the closing party because I could have my toes in the sand while eating and drinking!

Did you get any strange festival gifts? We've heard of people going home with bulbs of garlic.
Not really. I got a crystal pineapple, but that makes sense, because it symbolizes hospitality.

How did you feel about the festival overall?
It was fantastic. It was my first time at SoBeWFF. I do the NY event every year. It's great to see all my industry friends chillin' in the sun.

Where did you eat while you were here?
I had a chance to eat at Michael's Genuine; it was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend.

We heard you're getting a new show. Can you tell us a bit about it?
I can when it happens! I've got lots of pots on the fire currently.

Aside from the new TV show, are you working on any big projects?
I am working on a cookbook and hope to be back in a kitchen in NYC this year.

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