Chef JJ Johnson and Fat Joe Host The Cookout at the 25th Annual SOBEWFF
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
The 25th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) celebrated culinary heritage this past Saturday, February 21, 2026, as The Cookout returned to the Eden Roc Miami Beach. Hosted by Chef JJ Johnson, the event drew nearly 600 attendees and transformed the oceanfront poolside into a gathering honoring the food of the African Diaspora.

DJ Too Much provided the music as guests sampled dishes from a lineup of Black chefs. The afternoon concluded with a live performance by the artist Fat Joe, who performed several of his hit songs for the crowd.

Host Chef JJ Johnson noted that the event reflects the tradition of how Black communities gather around food and music. He added that over the past four years, the gathering has grown into a cultural moment that celebrates Black culture and honors the flavors of the Diaspora.

The Cookout serves as a cornerstone of the festival’s mission. All net proceeds from the event benefit the students at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.


