FT LAUDERDALE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 2025
WATCH ALL THE CHEF’S THAT PERFORMED ON THE CULINARY PAVAILION HERE
The cooking demo, held at the festival’s main pavilion, drew a large crowd of food enthusiasts eager to learn from the renowned chef. The aroma of fresh ingredients and sizzling pans filled the air as Chef Alexa prepared her signature dish: Caribbean-inspired grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa and coconut rice.
As she worked, Chef Alexa shared tips and tricks for selecting the freshest seafood, balancing bold flavors, and plating dishes like a professional. Her approachable demeanor and lively commentary kept the audience entertained, and her passion for cooking shone through every step of the demonstration.
The highlight of the event was the interactive segment, where attendees were invited to participate. A few lucky audience members joined Chef Alexa on stage to help prepare components of the dish. Their enthusiasm and laughter added an extra layer of joy to the experience.
Throughout the demonstration, Chef Alexa emphasized the importance of using local and sustainable ingredients, tying her cooking philosophy to the festival’s theme of celebrating South Florida’s rich culinary heritage. She encouraged attendees to support local farmers and fishers, blending environmental consciousness with culinary creativity.
Following the demonstration, attendees had the chance to sample the dish, which received rave reviews for its vibrant flavors and exquisite presentation. Chef Alexa also hosted a brief Q&A session, where she answered questions about her favorite recipes, kitchen tools, and career journey.
The Fort Lauderdale Food Festival’s organizers hailed the cooking demo as one of the event’s highlights, noting the positive feedback from attendees. “Chef Alexa Santos brought an incredible energy to the festival,” said one organizer. “Her demonstration was not just about cooking; it was about inspiring people to be adventurous in the kitchen and mindful about their ingredients.”
Chef Alexa, a native of South Florida, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her passion with the local community. “It’s always a privilege to connect with people through food,” she said. “Events like this remind me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place.”
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale Food Festival continues to be a premier event for food lovers, showcasing the region’s diverse culinary talents and offering unique experiences like Chef Alexa Santos’s unforgettable cooking demo.