Las’ Lap Link Up: A Celebration of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine will put the best of Caribbean cuisine in the spotlight at Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Friday, February 20, 2026. More info here.
The walkaround tasting experience, held at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach, will feature a wide variety of Caribbean culinary delights prepared by a roster of chefs specializing in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.
The chefs’ showcase will be hosted by culinary stars Nina Compton and Kwame Onwuachi, who will be joined by Jamaica’s own Andre Fowles, Wayne Sharpe, Daniel Lai, and Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair, among others, serving up their specialties.
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 one of the city’s best 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 a top dining destination. 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.
Complementing the culinary experience will be a Caribbean music soundtrack presented by award-winning DJ GQ, who was raised in Jamaica.
