About us
Thanks for considering Ethnic Food Lovers of South Florida membership!
We're a diverse group of mostly singles and mostly those aged 55+, but everyone is welcome to join us at food and drink events across South Florida, from Pompano to West Palm Beach.
We come together for the joy of eating, drinking, making new friends, and sharing our travel and dining experiences.
There is an emphasis on positivity and gratefulness rather than on complaining and criticizing.
The group is a safe environment for all.
There is a zero tolerance for insulting, berating, disrespecting, or harassing others, whether they be waitstaff, event hosts, fellow members, or diners unrelated to the group.
We try not to rotate the same restaurants week after week, although admittedly, there are well-attended favorites that may be scheduled monthly.
There is never a group charge.
Our events fall into two categories: hosted restaurant events organized by me and others, and unhosted events that range from cooking classes to food festivals.
For the latter type, follow the link to purchase tickets for each event as soon as possible, as some of these events sell out quickly.
The group only lists these events, does not sponsor them, and depends on members to determine if each event is appropriate for them.
The only costs to you are associated with unhosted events that you choose to participate in, and of course, your food and drink at hosted events!
At hosted dinner events, we order entrees.
For breakfast and lunch events, we generally order what we wish, although ordering something significant, whether an omelet, salad, or a sandwich, will ensure that we’ll be welcomed back to the restaurant in the future.
Separate checks will always be issued wherever we eat.
We leave political and religious discussions to other meetup groups and our friends, neighbors, and family members outside the group.
We limit our phone use when we're together and focus on eating and socializing.
No-showing twice at hosted events entitles (former) members to a first-class ticket to Bannedville.
Chronic event sign-ups followed by chronic un-RSVPing is a frowned-upon practice.
You're sure to fit right in if you value civility, humor, and good conversation.
Bring a good appetite and your gift for gab.
Please also be sure to post your favorite ethnic eateries on our discussion page and enable all group messages.
You would NOT be a good fit for the group if you dislike making new friends, having positive conversations, or trying new cuisines.
Steve
Upcoming events
5
Delray Beach Garlic Fest - Food, Music and More! Feb 28-March 1
Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL, USThis is an UNHOSTED event.
Get ready for a flavorful and fun-filled start to 2026 as the South Florida Garlic Fest makes its triumphant return to downtown Delray Beach! Celebrating its 27th edition from Saturday, February 28th, to Sunday, March 1st, this beloved culinary and cultural festival is returning to the Old School Square campus, bringing “The Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida” back to the heart of the city that first embraced it.
Attendees can look forward to an aromatic journey through Gourmet Alley, featuring dozens of garlic-infused dishes, alongside national headliners like the Spin Doctors, who are set to perform on Saturday night. Whether you are a dedicated foodie or a music lover, this homecoming event promises a vibrant weekend of community spirit, handmade crafts, and unique garlic-inspired cocktails.
Follow the irresistible scent straight to Gourmet Alley, where over 100 garlicky menu items await. From comforting classics to daring new creations, this is your chance to embark on a flavor-packed adventure like no other. Every bite is a garlicky masterpiece, and the experience is nothing short of legendary!
The two-day festival is a foodie’s paradise with mouth-watering garlicky goodies! Attendees can get their garlic-fill at the Gourmet Alley featuring over 100 garlic infused menu items including garlic ice-cream!
### Event Highlights
- Non-Stop Live Music
- Gourmet Alley – Full Liquor Bars
- Us Armed Forces Day
- “The Clove” – Premium Bar, Garlic Market & Culinary Tastings & Demos
- Artists & Craft Exhibitors
- The ArtNEST POP-up Kids area (11am to 3pm daily)
### The Clove Marketplace
The Clove Marketplace is your go-to spot for garlic-inspired specialty cocktails—think garlic Bloody Mary’s, garlic martinis, and exclusive garlic beer tap releases. It’s the ultimate pairing of sips and savory bites. You can also stock up on everything garlic!
Fresh garlic and garlic braids from the legendary Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, along with garlic roasters, graters, commemorative Garlic Fest tiles, posters, cups, and even festive garlic ornaments will be on sale—perfect for the true garlic enthusiast.
Don’t miss the Garlic Cooking Demonstrations, showcasing garlicky creations, triple roasted garlic, perfect pesto, garlic soup and teach you how to bring this magic of garlic to your own kitchen.
### Live Music
In addition to great food, Garlic Fest showcases a diverse and eclectic selection of national musical acts including Expendables, The Wailers, G Love & Special Sauce, Buddy Guy, Stephen Marley, Michael Franti, Dispatch, Rebelution, Steel Pulse, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dark Star Orchestra, Bad Fish, Collective Soul, Sister Hazel and Trombone Shorty and Drake White, just to name just a few.
National recording artists Spin Doctors will headline the South Florida Garlic Fest, bringing their unmistakable, high-energy sound to the main stage on Saturday night at 9:00 p.m.
Known for chart-topping hits like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” the iconic band promises an unforgettable performance that will have the crowd singing along from start to finish. Their Saturday night set caps off a full day of garlicky goodness, live entertainment, and festival fun, making it a must-see moment of South Florida’s favorite culinary celebration.
### ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 28, 2026
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Fabulous Fleetwoods (Rock n Blues)
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: If I’m Lucky
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Given to Fly (Pearl Jam Tribute)
- 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Spin Doctors (American alternative rock band popular in 1990s)
Sunday, March 1, 2026
- 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM: Honor Guard Flag Ceremony/Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: The Trees of Life
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Bryce Allyn Band (Country)
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Spred the Dub (Reggae, Ska. Alternative)
While you’re enjoying the music, be sure to check out over 100 art and craft vendors. You’ll find unique, one-of-a-kind treasures, sauces and spices that are perfect for taking home a piece of the Garlic Fest magic.
### Delray Beach Garlic Fest
It all started out as a small festival in a city parking lot in Downtown Delray Beach just as this Village by the Sea was becoming the vibrant tourist destination it is today. Within five years the event gained attendance of 20,000+ and was booking major national music acts! Around that time, The Garlic Fest was nicknamed “The Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida”.
### Charity
Garlic Fest is a fundraiser for 9 local non-profit organizations and 200 volunteers who are dedicated to arts and education for youth for total of $705,804 in charitable contributions to date.
### Event Hours
Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00 am-7:00 pm### Tickets
General Admission:
- Sat 2pm – 6pm or Sun 11am – 7pm: $15.00 + s/c online = $16.27
- Saturday Evening 6pm – 11pm: $25.00 + s/c online = $26.90
Children: Kids 10 and under – FREE
Parking available, visit : https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/government/city-departments/public-works/parking
Purchase tickets online: https://GarlicFestFL.com or via www.eventeny.com### More Information
For more information, visit our website at GarlicFestFL.com and don’t miss the “Best Stinking Party in South Florida”.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @GarlicFestFL
Instagram: @garlicfestfl
No Pets • No Coolers • No Outside Food or Beverages • No Refunds • All Bags are Subject to Search • No Knives, Guns or Weapons2 attendees
A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience - $300/ticket
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL, USMorikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, FL., will host an evening under the stars at “A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience” on March 7, from 6:30–11:00 p.m.
Relish the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Asian culinary culture in a Japanese garden setting during this annual special event.
Guests will be given a culinary “passport” they can use to savor Asian-inspired cuisine from South Florida’s celebrated restaurants, while enjoying fine wine, sake, and Japanese beer.
Entertainment will include a powerful Taiko drumming performance by Fushu Daiko complemented by live music throughout the evening by 8 Bit Wave. The event will also showcase a captivating live painting by Japanese ink artist Kimata Yasunori, alongside calligraphy demonstrations, curated sake tastings, and both silent and online auctions featuring fine jewelry, art pieces, luxury hotel stays, and more.
Participating restaurants include:
Nobu Miami
Sushi Yasu Tanaka
Ramen Lab Eatery
Kapow! Noodle Bar
Cornell Café
Kasumi
Ito En
Ela Curry & Cocktails
Stage Kitchen & Bar
Brewsaki
Niigata Sake Selections
Kaminari Ramen
Chubby Cat (Japanese Izakaya Ramen & Sushi)
Shojo’s Dojo
Winebow Fine Wines & Spirits
Hawkers
Ceviche DOZOProceeds from the evening benefit Morikami’s 4 E’s: Education, Exhibitions, Expansion, and Emotional well-being programs.
Past events
151
Group links
Organizers
Members
547
