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As the Delta variant continues to spread and the Miami-Dade community faces an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, the Deering Estate Foundation has made the decision to cancel the16th annual Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday, Oct. 24, and move ahead with previously scheduled plans for the next iteration of the festival on Sunday, Apr. 10, 2022.
Guests still can get excited for Deering Estate’s first-ever Chef’s Table on the Bay, a much less-crowded, outdoor dining event happening on Friday, Oct. 22. Taking place in the idyllic Deering Estate courtyard, this enchanting evening under the stars will include a three-course, sit-down dinner prepared by beloved Miami chefs Cindy and Ashley Hutson, of Cerveceria La Tropicale and (previously) Ortanique.
Since 1989, the Deering Estate Foundation has hosted renowned signature events like the Deering Seafood Festival to invite the South Florida community to engage with the historic Deering Estate, learn about the importance of environmental conservation and participate in a year-long calendar of fun-filled cultural, educational, and recreational experiences.
Unfortunately, with the ongoing pandemic, the foundation recognizes that hosting large-scale events ultimately puts the community at risk. Anticipating 8,000 attendees, the Deering Estate Foundation’s decision to cancel the Oct. 24 festival is a testament to its passion for this community, and its unwavering commitment to the health and safety of all attendees, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, staff and South Florida residents who could be affected.
“While the Deering Seafood Festival is one of our most anticipated annual events, our concern for our neighbors who have been so good to the Deering Estate and supported the festival over the years is greater,” said Nina Zanella, executive director of the Deering Estate Foundation. “We know the April festival will be bigger and better than ever, and we are incredibly grateful to have generous sponsors, vendors and board members who have been so gracious and understanding throughout the pandemic.
“In the meantime, we look forward to hosting guests at smaller events, like Chef’s Table on the Bay and Mistletoe & Martinis, where we can implement and monitor CDC guidelines to ensure a fun, safe celebration for all,” Zanella said
“Our top priority remains to protect the lives and livelihoods of our community in the midst of the recent surge in COVID cases,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We look forward to bringing back the seafood festival better than ever next year, and encourage those who would like to continue supporting the Deering Estate Foundation to attend the upcoming Chef’s Table on the Bay outdoor event or to enjoy some of our other wonderful year-round programming at Deering Estate.”
Chef’s Table on the Bay will make its debut in 2021 as a standalone event. This “Havana Nights” themed outdoor dining experience will feature a cocktail hour on the lawn, as well as cooking demonstrations and a three-course dinner by star chefs Cindy and Ashley Hutson. Michael Thaler, of Breakthru Beverage, will provide wine pairings and education for each dinner course and a bourbon pairing for dessert.
All night long, guests of this event will be able to enjoy live music, stroll through the grounds, take in the beauty of Deering Estate and indulge in good food with good company.
To minimize the risk of COVID-19, guests are asked to buy tickets in tables of 4, 6, 8 and 10 and will be seated at those tables accordingly. Tickets are priced at $150 per person for members and $175 per person for non-members. All proceeds will benefit The Deering Estate Foundation’s community, conservation and cultural programming.
Tickets already purchased for the October 2021 festival will be accepted for admission to the Deering Seafood Festival in April 2022. Those who have purchased tickets but are unable to attend in April can contact the Deering Estate Foundation at 305-235-1668, option 3, ext. 263, for a refund.
The Deering Estate Foundation looks forward to welcoming families of all ages to experience the fresh seafood, chef demos, live entertainment and kids’ activities at the award-winning Deering Seafood Festival next spring. For more information about the event, visit www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.
The Deering Estate is open daily for guests of all ages to enjoy its open space, wildlife viewing, bay vistas and self-guided access to onsite museums. For more information, updates and new content, visit www.deeringestate.org.
The Deering Estate is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay.
