South Beach Wine & Food Festival Brunch at Red Rooster Overtown Unites Diaspora Through Food and Culture
The community gathered in full force Saturday for chef Marcus Samuelsson’s annual brunch at Red Rooster Overtown, one of the most anticipated events of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
The sold-out affair drew hundreds of guests eager to indulge in a vibrant culinary showcase that celebrated Black culture from across the diaspora. Hosted at Samuelsson’s acclaimed Overtown restaurant, the brunch transformed the space into a dynamic tasting experience, with every room offering curated bites, sweet treats and spirited hospitality.
Attendees sampled a parade of flavors from Samuelsson and a roster of celebrity chefs representing cities and cultures far beyond Miami. Visiting chefs included culinary talent from Houston and Jamaica, including Chef Tristan and Chef Andre, who infused the afternoon with global flair. Guests moved from station to station, savoring savory dishes, house-made ice cream and decadent desserts, while live bands provided a soulful soundtrack that carried throughout the venue.
The event, now considered an iconic festival staple, is rooted in Samuelsson’s commitment to honoring and amplifying Black culinary excellence. Designed as more than just a brunch, the gathering serves as a cultural bridge — connecting chefs, restaurateurs and food enthusiasts through shared heritage, innovation and storytelling on the plate.
Among the leaders ensuring the brunch remains authentically connected to its roots is Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Senior Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development Connie Kinnard. A steadfast advocate for cultural tourism and community-centered experiences, Kinnard has been intentional about elevating Overtown as more than just a backdrop, but as a historic cornerstone of Miami’s Black heritage. Through strategic support and partnership, she has helped position the annual brunch not only as a premier culinary event during festival weekend, but as an opportunity to spotlight Overtown’s legacy, businesses and cultural significance.
Samuelsson, a James Beard Award-winning chef and global restaurateur, expressed his gratitude to those in attendance, acknowledging the community’s continued support and enthusiasm for the annual gathering. He emphasized that the brunch is about more than food — it is about culture, connection and honoring the legacy of Black chefs and culinary pioneers.
As the afternoon unfolded, laughter, music and conversation blended seamlessly with the aromas of spices and slow-cooked specialties. For many, the event marked not only a highlight of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival weekend but also a meaningful celebration of heritage and hospitality.
With another successful year in the books, Samuelsson’s brunch continues to stand as a testament to the power of food to unite communities and showcase the richness of Black culinary artistry on a global stage.
