Juan Mari Arzak’s influence takes center stage at SOBEWFF

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival honored Juan Mari Arzak and Ted Baseler at its February 21 tribute dinner. Held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the evening paired recognition of the Basque chef with the work of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates executive, with Harold McGee as master of ceremonies and José Andrés as culinary chairman.

The program made influence a central theme. Honoring a chef whose work has shaped other kitchens invites attention to how culinary ideas travel: through colleagues, restaurant experiences and the techniques later adapted elsewhere. The dinner’s participating chefs gave that relationship a practical form.

The occasion also connected food with wine and the study of cooking itself. McGee’s presence brought a writer’s and researcher’s perspective to a program dominated by hospitality professionals. Within a large festival, this was a concentrated setting for considering how knowledge and inspiration pass through the culinary world.