Author: Sabrina Lolo

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 14, 2021) — Indulgence is the inspiration this year at the 9th Annual Pairings: Food & Wine Event happening Thursday, May 27, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Downtown West Palm Beach.  Participants will stroll along Clematis Street and the District streets to sample mouth-watering chef specialties and favorite dishes from area restaurants. Highlighted by light appetizers, entrées, and desserts masterfully paired with specialty cocktails, wine, coffee and more, the event attracts crowds of hungry devotees each year looking to sample downtown’s finest. It’s hosted by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) , the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, SunFest and  QuenchTime.

            “Pairings is our most popular event and it was unfortunate we had to take a hiatus last year,” said Teneka James-Feaman, Associate Executive Director of the DDA. “Guests will enjoy a fun, in-person event, while adhering to CDC guidelines. In addition to enjoying  discounts at participating restaurants for a week, so even more people can have a taste of what Downtown West Palm Beach has to offer.”

            In addition to the traditional Thursday evening event, this year’s Pairings will also feature a week-long celebration. Between Friday, May 28 and Friday, June 4, visitors can stop into any of the Pairings’ restaurants and taste their featured dish for 20 percent off. Participating restaurants include Alchemy Juice Co. & Market, Batch New Southern Kitchen, Crema Rolls, FIWE Caribbean Cuisine, Leila Restaurant, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Ganache and more.

While food and drink are certainly the stars, they aren’t the evening’s only delights. There will also be pops of entertainment throughout Downtown, including live music.

Advance tickets are $30 in advance and can be purchased online at www.DowntownWPB.com/Pairings. Ticket sales are capped at 500, but if any remain to be sold at the event they will be for $40 at the registration area located at Dixie Hwy. and Clematis St. starting at 5:00 p.m. Tickets include entry and sampling at each of the participating businesses and a map showcasing each location.

For more information on this year’s Pairings or the West Palm Beach DDA, call (561) 833-8873 or visit DowntownWPB.com.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit downtownwpb.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 5, 2021) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the City of West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach Police Department and Salento Coffee have teamed up for a community fundraiser and cultural celebration by activating an underused alleyway in Downtown West Palm Beach. “Esperanza Day” takes place on Saturday May 15, 2021 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the alleyway near 120 S. Dixie Highway.

“We hope this event creates new connections in the West Palm Beach community through art, dance, music, and food from Latin culture, while also raising  money for the Esperanza Community Center,” said City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James. “It’s also a great way to activate an under-utilized space in Downtown West Palm Beach.” 

The event will showcase Hispanic folklore with special performances from Michu Michu band and Mariachi de mi Tierra musical groups. A special Columbian food and drink menu  will be available from Salento Coffee.  A percentage of sales will be donated to the Esperanza Community Center (ECC). Founded in 2019, the ECC’s goal is to help West Palm Beach appreciate their Latino neighbors, assist the day laborer community and their families, and provide accessibility to resources.

Esperanza Day is part of the DDA’s mission to improve quality-of-life in the Downtown District by connecting a series of pedestrian-oriented passageways into public spaces.

“The goal here is to create a more walkable City and creating a safer environment for all,” said Sherryl Muriente Manager of Urban Placemaking for the DDA. “We’re activating and encouraging the public to use this alleyway so it becomes a viable and beautiful passageway for pedestrians to utilize on a regular basis.”

For more information on the West Palm Beach DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit www.DowntownWPB.com/EsperanzaDay.

About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

About the City of West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a vibrant, resilient, inclusive and safe world-class city. The City of West Palm Beach partners with our communities to preserve and enhance quality of life through an extraordinary focus on service. West Palm Beach is a 4-STAR certified city. For more information, visit wpb.org.