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Afro-Caribbean cuisine steps into the spotlight on Friday, February 20, 2026
Afro-Caribbean food is having a long overdue moment—elevating from backyard cookouts and community festivals to celebrity chef-driven restaurants, food halls, pop-ups, and international menus – and now this popular cultural cuisine will be celebrated at Las’ Lap Link Up: A Celebration of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine hosted by Kwame Onwauchi and Nina Compton at the Food Network’s 25th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), on Friday, February 20, 2026, 10pm-1:00am, at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel at 1717 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
Today, Afro-Caribbean cuisine is stepping into the spotlight as one of the most influential forces shaping today’s global food culture. No longer considered niche or ethnic cuisine, the Afro-Caribbean flavor profile is shaping menus, redefining hospitality, fueling festivals, and anchoring community-driven economic growth—proving that flavor, culture, and identity are inseparable – an expression of Black history, resilience, and joy. More than food, the rise of Afro-Caribbean cuisine signals a broader cultural shift—one where Caribbean flavors are recognized not as just “exotic”, but as essential to the future of food.
“One of the things that makes SOBEWFF® special is our ability to celebrate culture through food,” said Lee Schrager, Founder and Director of SOBEWFF®. “Afro-Caribbean cuisine is bold, joyful, and deeply rooted in history — and this event captures that energy in a way only Miami can.”
Las’ Lap Link Up is anchored by celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi, one of the most influential chefs of his generation, known for championing Afro-Caribbean flavors with inventive flair. Las’ Lap, the restaurant, has officially opened in Miami Beach to widespread acclaim, infusing South Beach with its signature energy, island spirit, and a bold menu of world-class cocktails. His NYC restaurant Tatiana has been hailed as the best in the city, 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.
Joining him as co-host is Nina Compton, James Beard Award–winning chef and owner of Compère Lapin in New Orleans, 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 Kimpton Surfcomber with his signature mix of dancehall and reggae beats, infusing his sets with the same cultural energy that has made him a mainstay on Y100 Miami and Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM Radio.
This new generation of Afro-Caribbean chefs are providing cultural visibility and pride by reclaiming narrative power, presenting traditional Caribbean food being elevated without losing its soul.
Featured Chefs include:
Chef Kwame Onwauchi – New York, NY
Chef Nina Compton – Compère Lapin, New Orleans, LA
Chef Osei “Picky” Blackett – Oxtails and Cocktails, Trinidad & Tobago
Chef Finder Charles – Fin’s Kitchen, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chef Anson Chin – Jamaica Kitchen, Miami, FL
Chef Tristan Epps-Long – Buboy, Houston, TX
Chef Andre Fowles – One Pot Foundation, New York, NY
Chef Kriss Kofi – Dub n Grub, Miami Gardens, FL
Chef Alain Lemaire – Ou Manje Deja?, Miami, FL
Chef Wayne Sharpe – JRK! Miami, Miami, FL
Chef Hugh Sinclair – Chef Irie Spice, Inc, Miami, FL
Chef Cleveland Smith – Cleveland’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, Dania Beach, FL
At the Las’ Lap Link Up, festival goers will explore the bold tastes, rhythms, and stories of the Caribbean told through signature dishes, chef-driven interpretations, and immersive cultural moments. From jerk to curry and spices to sweets, the event celebrates how Afro-Caribbean cuisine continues to evolve—honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
Event information and tickets: https://sobewff.org/islands/
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