World Red Eye has partnered together again with THE COLLECTION for the #FoodDrive305, to give readers a closer look into the stunning new Maserati Levante, this time through the force behind Miami’s culinary scene, Lee Brian Schrager. The 17th year of the SOBEWFF® started on Wednesday, Schrager is widely recognized for his creation of both the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals and also is the Senior Vice President of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
Now entering its 17th year, SOBEWFF® is back, and bigger than ever as this year make it the largest festival yet. The five-day destination festival offers over 85 events that attract more than 65,000 food and wine lovers. Central to Schrager’s business philosophy is the notion of giving back to the community, and appropriately both Festivals are charity organizations. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival has raised more than $26 million for the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center located on campus. Proceeds from the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival have raised more than $11 million to date for the hunger relief organizations No Kid Hungry® and Food Bank For New York City.
World Red Eye caught up with Schrager for the day at the famous Zak the Baker Deli in Wynwood. Zak the Baker is Schrager’s favorite deli in Miami, as the culinary king drove to the deli in the jaw-dropping Maserati Levante, to make bread with master baker Maxine Rossetto. Schrager travels to the deli on a weekly basis to pick up the best bread in town, so it was only fitting for World Red Eye to to get an insiders perspective on what the hottest car has to offer and what a day is like for Lee Brian Schrager.
WRE: What does the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival experience entail?
LBS: Our tagline – EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. – really says it all. There are more than 90 events taking place across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, featuring more than 400 chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, celebrities, and culinary personalities.
WRE: Do you feel a huge sense of accomplishment celebrating 17 years of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival?
LBS: As I’m often fond of saying, I never could have dreamed the Festival would be what it is today.
WRE: How has this years South Beach Wine & Food Festival evolved throughout the past 17 years?
LBS: The Festival has grown up fairly quickly – not only in size, now spanning two counties with our expansion into Broward County with the CRAVE Greater For Lauderdale Series, but also in scope of events offered. Incorporating more music elements, family-friendly and fitness-focused events, niche programming that speaks to current food and beverage trends, and more.
WRE: How many people are expected to attend this years South Beach Wine & Food Festival?
LBS: We expect this year to be in line with last year’s 65,000 guests.
WRE: Do you have plans to expand the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals to more cities?
LBS: It’s certainly something we’re evaluating carefully.
WRE: Have you ever driven a Maserati Levante before this drive?
LBS: No I had not – but I was very excited to!
WRE: How would you describe the driving experience of the Maserati Levante?
LBS: Very serene and comfortable.
WRE: The Maserati Levante is packed with technology. What was your favorite tech feature?
LBS: I like the large multi-touchscreen in the center of the dashboard – I could read everything on it!
WRE: What was the most memorable feature about the Maserati Levante?
LBS: It’s such a sleek vehicle, but I was impressed by the power behind it. It almost looks too luxurious to pack such a punch under the hood.
WRE: Did you drive the Maserati Levante to any of your favorite restaurants in Miami?
LBS: I did! I took it back to one of my go-to spots in my old neighborhood in the Miami Design District – Buena Vista Deli – and I went to go visit my mother.
WRE: What would be Lee Brian Schrager’s perfect day driving the Maserati Levante?
LBS: I would probably take my dogs – The Browns – to the dog park for a picnic.
WRE: Whats next for Lee Brian Schrager?
LBS: Finalizing the program for our sister Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival this Fall.
