The Cookout hosted by JJ Johnson presented by Sonrisa Rum with a special performance by Fat Joe

Investing in heritage and community is priority #1 for Chef JJ Johnson. The James Beard Award–winning chef, author, and TV personality has made it his personal and professional mission to amplify underrepresented voices through food – to use cuisine not merely as a means of breaking boundaries and building bridges, but to reimagine it as a model for rewriting history.

The Cookout is Chef JJ’s way of reclaiming and celebrating the beauty and brilliance of African American culinary traditions. It’s an opportunity to honor the individuals who have shaped and sustained this extraordinary legacy. As the visionary behind this unique SOBEWFF® walkaround event, Chef JJ brings together dishes that tell the story of heritage, resilience, and creativity.

At this event, you’ll savor an array of dishes, each representing a piece of history and tradition. These creations will be brought to life by an exceptional and diverse group of chefs who, like Chef JJ, are passionate about reconstructing historical foodways and paying homage to culturally significant ingredients and techniques.

Capping off the evening, Grammy-nominated hip-hop legend Fat Joe will deliver an electrifying live performance. A Bronx native and cultural icon, Fat Joe has shaped the sound of hip-hop for over two decades with chart-topping hits like “Lean Back,” “What’s Luv?” and “All the Way Up.” His undeniable influence and charismatic stage presence have earned him global acclaim, cementing his place as one of the genre’s most enduring figures.

With Fat Joe bringing the beats and Chef JJ curating the bites, this vibrant celebration at the Eden Roc promises an unforgettable fusion of food, music, and storytelling — a night where heritage, rhythm, and flavor come together in perfect harmony.