Celebrate Pork at SOBEWFF's Swine & Wine with the #SabiosDelSabor

Like me, I bet you're counting down the days until you start heading east to all the decadent events of the 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, also known as SOBEWFF. Perhaps you started juicing this weekend or bought some clothes a couple of sizes bigger than you normally wear to be sure to fit in as much food as you can, but regardless of how you're handling your preparations for the country's biggest gastronomical affair, the fact remains that you are probably starting your week with a little anticipation and a lot of hunger.

While there are a bunch of events that sound both appetizing and foodgasmic in the SOBEWFF line up this year, there is one that has become a hit, both because of its focus on an addicting dish we can't help but go piggishly crazy over and because of the talent that uses its arsenal of creativity to take our taste buds (and waist circumference) to new heights.

I'm talking about Goya Foods' Swine & Wine, presented by the National Pork Board and hosted by celebrity, award-winning Iron Chef Marc Forgione. The event is taking place Sunday, February 21st, from 5:30-8:30 at the historical and beautiful Biltmore Hotel Country Club in Coral Gables.

The evening will be filled with amazing Pork-Centric Tapas dishes prepared by top chefs that will compete to win the first ever National Pork Board Critics' Choice Award. Is your heart racing already? Imagine an array of acclaimed pig roasters coming together in one place, shaking and dabbing, brushing and rubbing their special spice blends on all-natural, farm-raised, exceptionally tender pork, that guests will have the opportunity to bite into. It's Miami, baby and the National Pork Board is helping to make it happen as the event's presenting sponsor.

Judges include National Pork Board Ambassadors Chef Doreen Colondres of "La Cocina No Muerde" (The Kitchen Doesn't Bite) and Chef Jose Mendin of Pubbelly; Juan Mari Arzak (acclaimed pioneer of Basque cuisine and this year's tribute dinner honoree); Fernando Desa (Goya Foods' Executive Chef); Raul de Molina (host of Univision's "El Gordo y La Flaca"); Chef James Tahhan (co-presenter and in house chef for Telemundo's "Un Nuevo Dia"); and Michelin star-rated Chef Marc Forgione. 

Chef James of Telemundo will also serve as the MC of the event, as the best of the pork-centric tapas dishes are selected to receive top honors. Three of the porkalicious honorees will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place recognition.

But these little piggies will be wowing guests in other ways as well. While the tasting and the tapas competition takes place inside the ballroom area, chefs Colondres and Desa will be slow roasting whole pigs outdoors, which will be served straight from "La Caja China" to each guest's plate. You know I'll be the first in line asking for "el pellejito". I just love that crispy skin.  But in case I get out of control, remember… lo que sucede en Miami, se queda en Miami.

You didn't think you were just going to be pigging out on meat alone, did you? There will be plenty of finger-licking side dishes to indulge in, along with a slew of luscious libations that includes wine, whisky and mojitos, and just like during Nochebuena, party goers will be sent home after un cafecito and some home made desserts.

To make the Swine experience complete, The National Pork Board will host an entertainment and social media lounge where celebrity chefs Colondres and Mendin will be on hand to interact with guests and give devoted foodies something extra to look forward to. Once you're home in your bed, and getting ready to drift off to sleep with a full tummy and a happy heart, you might want to favorite PorkTeInspira.com on your laptops where you can find the Sabios Del Sabor (Pork Guru) campaign featuring a wealth of pork recipes and information, to make your kitchen even more flavorful and enticing. While you're on the site, don't miss a recipe developed by Chef Mendin for Braised Pork Pastelon that will be a part of the restaurant's menu during the week of SOBEWFF.

You can purchase tickets for SOBEWFF's Swine and Wine event here and be sure to stay tuned to my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds on February 22nd during the event, where I will be posting the delicious happenings taking place for your foodgasmic pleasure.  Hope to see you there!

I am going to be compensated by Republica on behalf of the National Pork Board for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.