One of the most buzzed about events of Food Network’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival this past weekend was the first annual “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Hosted by owner of Charm City Cakes and star of the show “Ace of Cakes” on The Food Network, Duff Goldman, guests could sample a wide array of delicious foods from the area and mingle among celebrities and chefs alike.

Around 19 participants, including basketball star Dwyane Wade, artist Romero Britto and Real Housewives of New York star Bethenny Frankel, shared their picks of their favorite places to eat on shorelines all over the nation. Ranging from host of “Bizarre Foods” on The Travel Chanel, Andrew Zimmern’s, choice of Montaco Truck to Frankel’s preference of Bistro One LR, the event showcased spectacular dishes to enlighten the palates of the many foodies present.

Grammy Award winners KC and the Sunshine Band fueled the upbeat energy of the evening, which lasted from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., while food from an assortment of restaurants in the area provided the grub.

Crowd favorites included brisket sandwiches from Food and Wine Festival founder Lee Brian Schrager’s favorite eatery on South Beach, Epicure Gourmet Market, stone crab claws from George Stone Crab, mahi tacos from Montaco Truck, cake pops from Joelle’s Desserts, Nathan’s bacon-wrapped cheese dogs and a peanut butter s’more topped with roasted marshmallow by Prime 112, as well as nonstop chocolates from Godiva. And in case you weren’t full by that point, the energetic host of the night with his contagious, signature laugh created a killer bacon and corn chowder.

To check out more pictures from “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” , check out Haute Living’s Events Gallery.

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