Taste of the Islands hosted by Nina Compton

Las' Lap Link Up: A Celebration of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine hosted by Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton

Ticket price listed is inclusive of all taxes and fees.


Ticket price listed is inclusive of all food and drink.

WHEN?
Friday, February 20
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM

WHERE?
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
Get Directions

Favorite Event

General
Admission

Ticket price listed above is inclusive of all taxes and fees.
|

Things to Know

What's Included

All food and drink is included at this event.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

A polished yet relaxed look. Opt for slacks, button-down tops, and dresses. Low heels or dressy flats optional.

Outdoors

Spirits

Walk-around

Wines

21 years of age and older


Description

Catch the island vibe with Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel for a Caribbean walkaround tasting experience! From the bold jerk spices of Jamaica to the fresh flavors of the Bahamas and beyond, this event is a tropical journey in every bite.

Kwame Onwuachi is one of the most influential chefs of his generation, known for championing Afro-Caribbean flavors with inventive flair. His NYC restaurant Tatiana has been hailed as the best in the city for the past three years, earning top accolades including The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ “Best New Restaurant” in North America (2023) and consistent praise from The New York Times as one of NYC’s top dining destinations. With his vibrant culinary perspective and boundary-pushing creativity, Onwuachi brings serious star power to the shores of Miami Beach.

Nina Compton, James Beard Award–winning chef and owner of Compère Lapin in New Orleans, is celebrated for her soulful approach to Caribbean cuisine. Born and raised in Saint Lucia, she infuses her dishes with bold island flavors, refined technique, and personal storytelling drawn from her roots. Her culinary leadership and warm hospitality have made her one of the brightest forces in contemporary Caribbean dining.

Rounding out the experience, award-winning DJ GQ will bring the heat to the Surfcomber with his signature mix of dancehall and reggae beats. Born in Miami and raised in Jamaica, DJ GQ—who’s toured globally with Kevin Lyttle and shared stages with artists like Akon, DMX, Mr. Vegas, and Skip Marley—infuses his sets with the same cultural energy that’s made him a mainstay on Y100 Miami and Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio. A 2024 EDMA Mixshow DJ of the Year, he’s known for transforming any event into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean rhythm and spirit—making him the perfect soundtrack for this tropical soirée.

Together, these two culinary stars and DJ GQ bring their bold creativity to Miami Beach, offering a lively walkaround tasting that showcases fresh seafood, zesty sauces, smoky grills, and sweet island fruits. Sip on refreshing cocktails and tropical drinks while calypso and reggae rhythms set the soundtrack for the evening.

Favorite Event

General
Admission

Ticket price listed above is inclusive of all taxes and fees.
|
Crewfare hotels
Additional Event Information

100% of net proceeds from the Festival benefit students of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University who assist Festival organizers in all aspects, including Festival planning, logistics and overall execution.

All guests must adhere to the Festival bag policy.

To request materials in accessible format, register a service animal and or secure an accommodation, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (OCRCA) at 305.348.2785 or [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.

Event Sponsors
Crewfare hotels