Feast Wilmington is a culinary festival showcasing the best of Wilmington's food and drink establishments. With events like the VIP Kickoff Party, Pier Party, Craft + Cuisine, and Brunch Elevated, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of culinary offerings and experience the talent and growth of the local culinary scene.
Feast Wilmington: A Celebration of Wilmington's Culinary Scene
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Feast Wilmington is a culinary festival that brings together the best of Wilmington's food and drink establishments. With a lineup of exciting events like the VIP Kickoff Party, Pier Party, Craft + Cuisine, and Brunch Elevated, attendees are in for a treat. This festival is the brainchild of City of Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, the Downtown Business Alliance, and Wilmington Media and Marketing, who recognized the growing culinary scene in the area and wanted to showcase it in a big way.
Wilmington has been gaining recognition as a top destination for beer, burgers, and seafood, and with several James Beard Award nominees in the area, it's no surprise that the culinary arts are thriving here. The addition of Riverfront Park as a venue for the festival adds to its appeal, providing a picturesque setting for food lovers to indulge.
VIP Kickoff Party: An Exclusive Culinary Experience
The festival kicks off with a bang on Friday with the VIP Kickoff Party. This exclusive event brings together a dozen talented chefs, including the renowned Bobby Zimmerman of True Blue Butcher and Table. Guests can expect a mouthwatering array of dishes, such as slow-roasted filet of beef, potatoes Dauphinoise, roasted shiitake mushroom, and bordelaise sauce. It's a night of culinary indulgence that sets the tone for the rest of the festival.
Brunch Elevated: A Twist on the Classic
Saturday morning brings Brunch Elevated, a unique event that allows chefs to put their creative spin on brunch. Whether they specialize in brunch or not, they have the chance to showcase their skills and wow the attendees. One of the participating venues, True Blue's Ellipsis, located in the vibrant South Front District, will be serving up delectable treats like Quiche Lorraine, andouille sausage, and a praline sticky bun. It's a brunch experience like no other.
Pier Party: A Seafood Extravaganza
Saturday evening is all about seafood at the Pier Party. Nineteen eateries come together to showcase the best of the region's seafood offerings. YoSake, known for its innovative sushi creations, will be serving up cucumber avocado rolls topped with poke tuna salad. Shuckin Shack, a local favorite, will feature oysters prepared two ways: classic mignonette and a bruschetta-inspired topping or served with ponzu sauce and candied jalapenos. It's a seafood lover's dream come true.
Craft + Cuisine: Where Beer Meets Food
Traditionally held as the finale for Cape Fear Craft Beer Week, Craft + Cuisine has found its new home in Feast Wilmington. This event brings together 19 local breweries and 19 restaurants, creating unique culinary experiences that pair perfectly with craft beer. Attendees can sample a wide range of specialties, from mouthwatering appetizers to delectable desserts. It's a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between beer and food.
Supporting the Culinary Community
Feast Wilmington aims to support and promote the culinary community in Wilmington. Participating restaurants receive a $500 credit from US Foods or Cheney Brothers to help offset the food costs. The festival also takes care of stocking the chef stations with eating utensils, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both chefs and attendees. It's a collaborative effort to showcase the talent and growth of the local culinary scene.
In addition, Feast Wilmington has partnered with local organizations like the Food Bank of Wilmington, Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance, and Downtown Business Alliance. Partial proceeds from ticket sales and any donations made by attendees will be donated to these organizations, further contributing to the community and making a positive impact.
A Memorable Celebration of Culinary Arts
Feast Wilmington is more than just a food festival. It's a celebration of the culinary arts, a showcase of the talent and growth in Wilmington's culinary scene. With its diverse range of events and participants, attendees are in for a memorable experience. Whether you're a food lover, a beer enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, Feast Wilmington has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this culinary extravaganza!