It’s been barely a week this Miami’s dynamic and decadent South Beach Food and Wine Festival wrapped up, and foodies who flocked to South Florida for the spectacular four days of indulgence are barely starting to recover.

The Festival, now in its 18th year, welcomed more than 65 thousand attendees and hosted over 100 events from Miami all the way north to West Palm Beach, where lifestyle and food celebrity Martha Stewart was there to welcome the northern-most county to the fun.

Events were varied in concept and price range, from the most lavish gatherings being the Tribute Dinner, Cristal Dinner, and the favorite Fontainebleau Miami Beach Best of the Best.   Oyster lovers slurped their way through delicious bivalves (approximately 7,500 served) prepared in every possible way:  ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter, or fried to golden perfection. Those seeking to mingle in an up-and-coming neighborhood were treated to “From Harlem to Overtown Brunch” hosted by none other than Marcus Samuelsson, who assured the eager crowd that he is working on opening his eatery in Overtown.  The Goya Tasting village, which ran throughout the two final days, welcomed an average of 8,000  and featured countless spirits, food, and demos with America’s most celebrated culinary stars. What’s more, proceeds, which totaled up to 28 million dollars benefit Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

With the Festival barely wrapped up, foodies are setting their sights on next year, excited to see the growth and faithful followers lining up to eat, drink, and bask in South Florida’s sunshine.