Lucky Locals: John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off

The beauty of living in South Florida is that the weather is PERFECT for year round activities and events, and personally, my FAVORITE time of year to hit the events is the fall. The opressive summer heat has cooled down just enough to toss on a t-shirt and pair of jeans and head out to one of the great food festivals that we have.

One of my faves is John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine and Music Festival. This year the festival kicks off on November 9th and there will be three nights of great

• live concerts
• a new BBQ Pit Masters competition
•  and the ultimate tailgate experience during the Dolphins vs. Packers game (Sunday, November 11)

Each year since 2010, the Gridiron Grill-Off has paired celebrity chefs from South Florida’s finest restaurants with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes. During this year’s event, we will get to enjoy the grilling competition, complemented by several additions including new sponsors, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a refreshed silent auction and more.

“The Gridiron Grill-Off has experienced tremendous success over the years, continuing to surpass our expectations,” said John Offerdahl, the founder of the event and a former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Linebacker. “This year, we have really turned up the heat, adding new entertainment leading up to the grand event and other fun surprises. This will no doubt be our biggest and best event yet.”

Music acts include

• Vince Gill – Friday, November 9
• Sister Hazel
• Barenaked Ladies – Saturday, November 10 (BNL is one of my all-time favorite bands)
• Daughtry – Sunday, November 11

In addition to the new concert series, this year’s event will debut an all-new, kid-friendly Pit Masters competition starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday before the Grill-Off, which takes place at 1 p.m. Showcasing more than 40 pit masters competing to win the grand champion trophy and over $10,000 in cash prizes, the interactive competition will offer attendees the chance to sample a variety of recipes fresh off the grill and vote for their favorites.

Also, on Sunday, November 11, fans can cheer for their favorite team during the Dolphins vs. Packers game with DRAFT (Dynamic Restaurant Aboard Fire Truck). A 1986 fire truck turned into a kitchen on wheels, DRAFT provides the ultimate tailgate experience with a custom keg system including 12 taps, two southern pride smokers, six Samsung 55” LED large format displays and two Sony home theater systems.

 articipating restaurants this year include Beach House Pompano, Oceans 234, Naked Taco and Pelican Landing, among many others. In another new twist, 100 percent of this year’s proceeds will benefit Offerdahl’s Hands-Off Foundation and the Home Team Advantage Initiative, who will donate the funds to Broward College for grants and merit-based scholarships.

Where: Pompano Beach Amphitheater

When: Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 11.

• For more up to date details and to purchase tickets visit:  gridirongrilloff.com.