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12-Year-Old Chef Mateo to Appear at Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/15 .. pear-at-visit-lauderdale-food-wine-festival.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, January 15th 2026 at 20:54 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Fort Lauderdale, FL - January 16, 2026 - Get ready for a taste of the future! The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is set to welcome a very special guest this weekend: Mateo Ramirez, a remarkably talented 12-year-old chef from Pembroke Pines. Mateo's appearance is generating significant buzz, adding a delightful and unexpected element to the already popular festival.

Mateo's rise to prominence began with his captivating performance on the popular television show, 'MasterChef Junior.' While the specifics of his time on the show weren't detailed in public reports (due to the show's confidentiality agreements), his appearance clearly demonstrated a natural aptitude and passion for the culinary arts. His skills and enthusiasm have quickly garnered him a dedicated following and now, a place among established chefs at a major food festival.

"It's a big opportunity for me to cook for people and show them what I do," Mateo shared, demonstrating a surprising level of poise and enthusiasm for someone of his age. The festival provides a unique platform for young Mateo to connect with a broader audience and showcase his culinary creations. It's a chance to inspire aspiring young chefs and demonstrate that passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of age.

Mateo's mother, Maria Ramirez, has been a constant source of support throughout his culinary journey. "He just loves to cook," Maria proudly exclaimed. "He's been cooking since he was like four years old, and I just knew he had something special." This early encouragement and nurturing environment have undoubtedly played a crucial role in Mateo's development as a chef. While Mateo's talent is undeniable, Maria emphasizes the joy and genuine love of cooking that fuels his passion. This sentiment resonates strongly, suggesting that Mateo's culinary journey isn't driven by ambition but by a sincere desire to create and share delicious food.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to witness Mateo's skills firsthand during a live cooking demonstration scheduled for Saturday, January 18th, at 1:00 p.m. Details regarding the specific dishes he will be preparing have not been released, but anticipation is high. Given his demonstrated skill, attendees can expect a display of both technical proficiency and creative flair.

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival itself is a highly anticipated annual event, transforming the city into a culinary playground for three days. This year's festival officially opens Friday, January 17th, at 12:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, January 19th. The festival typically features a wide array of renowned chefs, diverse culinary experiences, and opportunities to sample a wide range of food and beverage options.

With Mateo's participation, the festival promises to be even more memorable this year, attracting food enthusiasts of all ages. Tickets for the festival, including access to Mateo's cooking demonstration, are still available. Aspiring culinary fans and anyone wanting to witness a rising star in action are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly. Details and ticket purchasing information can be found at visitlauderdale.com/foodandwine. The community is eager to witness the young chef's talent and celebrate the vibrant culinary scene in South Florida.