South Beach Wine & Food Fest Auction!

This year, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Feb. 22-25; click on the logo in the sidebar for more info) will be hosting several auctions benefiting the Share Our Strength organization Florida International University's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and its Southern Wine and Spirits Beverage Management Center. Also, Art Bulls for Charity has collaborated with the Share Our Strength Organization for this auction, and are ready for bidding.

In the auction catalogue you will find one-of-a-kind culinary experiences, fantastic getaways, fabulous jewelry and unique wine lots. There will also be a limited number of tickets to some of the sold-out events at this year's Festival. If you missed out on some of the most popular events of the weekend, now is your chance to get these coveted tickets at the last minute.

One of the most sought-after lots is, of course, the "Rachael Ray in New York City and Burger Bash in South Beach," which is currently going for $1,700! Here's what you get:

If you are a Rachael Ray fan, this lot is for you! You and three friends will receive tickets to a taping of The Rachael Ray Show in New York City. While you are there you will spend two nights in a large room at the NYC luxury boutique hotel, Dream. To go along with your spectacular experience, you will get the Furi Rachael Ray Kitchen Trio, signed by Rachael Ray. Finally, to top it all off, you will receive four tickets to the Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray at the 2007 Food Network Wine & Food Festival, on Thursday February 22, 2007.

Wow! Can I be one of the three friends?

If you have the opportunity to attend the festival this year, I'd seriously recommend it. Not only will Food Network stars Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, Michael Chiarello and more be there, but you're sure to learn quite a bit, eat quite a bit, and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, if I may be so bold. And did I mention the wine?

Make sure to check out the online auction catalog for your chance to bid on the items. If you're planning on attending, be sure to stop by the Delta Airlines Live Auction, Feb. 25 at the Publix Grand Tasting Village.