Why Tampa Bay is coming to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
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"Is Tampa Bay trying to steal Miami's shine, or am I just being paranoid?"
- That's what I asked myself when I saw Visit Tampa Bay announce it will send local chefs to this weekend's South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Why it matters: It probably doesn't, but the thought of a rival Florida city coming to our turf during one of Miami Beach's flagship events to entice foodie travelers made me wonder.
Driving the news: Visit Tampa Bay, a sponsor of this year's SOBEWFF, says it is participating in the festival for the first time and bringing several Tampa-based restaurants to the party.
- They include the Tampa EDITION's Michelin-starred Lilac, the EDITION's Punch Room, Mise en Place and Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters.
What they're saying: For their part, Visit Tampa Bay kept it cordial when I asked if they wanted to persuade Miami tourists to visit Tampa the next time they're in Florida.
- "We're hoping to entice potential travelers everywhere to check out everything that Tampa Bay has to offer," a spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for SOBEWFF says St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism, Bahamas Tourism and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association are also attending this year's festival.
- "The festival does not see it as competition; they welcome culinary talent from other parts of Florida and beyond!"
A spokesperson for the Greater Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau did not respond to an Axios request for comment.
The bottom line: I was just being paranoid, I guess. I blame the string of restaurant closures here last summer.
- We're all one big Florida family, so feel free to support all the restaurants participating in the festival this weekend.