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Bring a big appetite and dig into City & Shore's Food, Wine & Spirit Issue

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 19:42 GMT by Sun Sentinel
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Taste, Toast, and Tide: City Shores’ Food‑Wine‑Spirit Festival Draws Foodies, Locals, and Travelers Alike

City Shores, FL – On Saturday, September 4, 2025, the waterfront district of City Shores burst into a symphony of flavors, aromas, and lively music as the annual Food‑Wine‑Spirit Festival opened its gates to the public. For two days, the neighborhood’s piers, promenades, and riverfront parks became a culinary playground, featuring more than 30 local restaurants, six artisanal wineries, and a trio of craft distilleries. The festival, which is now a staple of the city’s tourism calendar, was organized by the City Shores Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority, with a generous grant from the Florida Hospitality Fund.

A Feast for Every Palate

The festival’s headline draw was the “Sea‑to‑Table Showcase,” a curated tasting line‑up that allowed visitors to sample signature dishes from City Shores’ best‑known seafood restaurants. Among the highlighted eateries were the Ocean‑front bistro Siren’s Delight, known for its pan‑cooked grouper and citrus glaze, and the historic Mariner’s Tavern, which served a wood‑smoked lobster bisque. Patrons could also enjoy vegetarian options at Garden Glade, a farm‑to‑table vegan café that presented a quinoa‑stuffed bell pepper dish accompanied by a homemade beet‑sauce.

“Food is the heart of our community, and we’re thrilled to showcase the depth of talent that thrives right here on the shore,” said Chamber President Maria Lopez during the opening ceremony. “From fresh‑caught seafood to locally sourced produce, our chefs are redefining what it means to eat coastal.”

Sip the Spectrum of Local Spirits

While the food component dominated the early afternoon, the evening brought a splash of spirits to the scene. Three of City Shores’ most celebrated distilleries — Coastal Spirits Distillery, Tidewater Whiskey Co., and Bayfront Gin Works — set up tasting stations offering sample flights of their flagship products. Attendees could taste the lightly peated whiskey from Tidewater, the botanically complex gin from Bayfront, and the coconut‑infused rum from Coastal Spirits.

The distillery’s founder, Aaron Reed, emphasized the community‑driven ethos behind his brand: “We’re not just making alcohol; we’re building relationships with our patrons. We want everyone to feel like they’re part of our story, whether they’re a first‑time taster or a seasoned connoisseur.”

From Vines to Views: A Wine‑Lover’s Paradise

The festival’s wine section was anchored by six local wineries, each offering a distinct terroir. Cedar Bay Winery, located just a mile inland, showcased a robust Cabernet Sauvignon that paired perfectly with the steak‑and‑potato dish from The Grillhouse. Meanwhile, Sunset Vineyard presented a crisp, organic Chardonnay that paired wonderfully with the festival’s fish tacos.

In addition to tastings, the wineries hosted “Meet the Winemaker” sessions, where attendees could learn about the cultivation of grapes in Florida’s subtropical climate. The session at Cedar Bay featured winemaker Elena Martinez, who explained how the estate’s shade‑grown vines thrive in the heat, producing balanced, flavorful grapes.

Entertainment, Education, and Family Fun

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival also offered a range of entertainment and educational activities. Live acoustic performances by local bands such as “The Reef Band” and “Seaside Strings” filled the waterfront, while a cooking demonstration by chef Marcus Johnson from Sea Breeze Bistro taught guests how to properly fillet and season a snapper fillet.

Kids were not left out. A “Junior Chef” corner allowed children to decorate their own mini pizzas using fresh ingredients from the local farmers’ market that ran alongside the festival. For the elderly, a low‑impact “Walking & Wine” tour guided them through the historic pier district, offering both gentle exercise and a tasting of the region’s artisanal beers.

Logistics and Accessibility

The festival is open to the public, with free admission for all attendees. Food and beverage vendors are available at a cost that ranges from $4 to $15 per item. A complimentary shuttle service runs every 30 minutes from the City Shores Transit Hub to the festival grounds, helping reduce traffic congestion during the busy weekend.

For those planning a visit, the City Shores official tourism website (www.cityshores.org) provides real‑time updates on vendor line‑ups, parking availability, and weather alerts. The Downtown Development Authority’s page (www.dda.cityshores.gov) includes a downloadable festival map and a list of recommended accommodation options for out‑of‑town visitors.

A Community Celebration with a Global Appeal

The Food‑Wine‑Spirit Festival not only celebrates local flavors but also serves as a showcase for City Shores on the national stage. Last year’s festival attracted over 15,000 visitors, and this year’s organizers aim to increase that number by 20% with targeted marketing campaigns on social media and partnership with regional food influencers.

“The festival is a testament to how a city can thrive by investing in its culinary heritage,” said Mayor Jonathan Kim. “We are proud of the artisans and entrepreneurs who bring life to our shores every season, and we look forward to sharing their stories with the world.”

Closing Thoughts

The 2025 Food‑Wine‑Spirit Festival was a resounding success, reinforcing City Shores’ reputation as a destination where fresh, local produce meets maritime tradition. From the mouth‑watering seafood platters to the handcrafted spirits and the elegant wines, every element of the festival invited visitors to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that define the region.

Whether you’re a foodie, a wine aficionado, a craft‑spirit enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a weekend of sunshine, City Shores’ Food‑Wine‑Spirit Festival offers an immersive experience that showcases the best of the coastal culinary arts. As the city continues to grow and diversify its cultural offerings, the festival stands as a shining example of how community, commerce, and cuisine can come together to create a truly memorable event.