Experience the excitement of the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, featuring renowned chefs, culinary battles, and a showcase of Tampa's food industry. Don't miss out on this incredible culinary experience.
Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival: A Culinary Delight in Tampa
( Credit to: Fb101 )
The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is back for its second year, and the excitement is building. The festival, recognized by Travel + Leisure as a top Tampa attraction, will take place from April 9 to April 13, bringing together renowned personalities and brands from Tampa's food industry.
One of the festival's highlights is the "Chef Showdown" on Friday, presented by Irvine Spirits and hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine. This culinary battle will feature top regional chefs competing for culinary excellence. The chefs will showcase their skills on the brand-new Publix Showcase Kitchen stage, supported by GOYA Foods and Mountain Valley Water.
Breaking Bread with Heroes: A Morning Event Honoring Our Nation's Heroes
Before the Chef Showdown, there will be a special event called "Breaking Bread with Heroes" in the morning. Hosted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation, this event aims to honor our nation's heroes. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian will join Robert Irvine for a meet and greet breakfast. The event not only supports charitable causes but also celebrates the sacrifices and valor of our service members.
Chef Showdown: A Battle of Culinary Excellence
During the Chef Showdown, guests will act as judges, receiving official poker chips upon arrival. They will visit each battle tent to sample the chefs' creations and vote for their favorites. The chefs will battle live on stage in front of a panel of esteemed judges, including Chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market, Chef Ferrell Alvarez of Proper House Group, Chef Fernando Desa of GOYA, Shawna Wiggs of Tampa Magazine, and Commissioner Harry Cohen. Chef Robert Irvine, along with Java Ingram from "Great Day Live," will assist in crowning this year's champion.
Five Days of Culinary Delights: A Unique Experience Each Day
The festival spans five days, with each day offering a unique culinary experience. It kicks off with an exclusive invite-only event, "An Evening at The Tampa Club," providing a glimpse into the festival's culinary delights. The following day, "Experience Water Street" invites ticketed guests to explore the vibrant Water Street neighborhood and enjoy a four-course pairing dinner at renowned dining spots. "Experience Hyde Park" takes place on the third day, highlighting Hyde Park district's top culinary talents with multi-course pairing dinners. The festival culminates with the "Grand Tasting" at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, featuring delicious bites and refreshing beverages from Tampa Bay's finest dining venues.
Supporting the Community: Making a Positive Impact
The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival not only showcases the area's culinary talents but also supports the CI Foundation's EAT SMART initiative. This charitable organization focuses on delivering nutritious meals and dietary education to the local community and youth of Florida. Through collaborations with local school systems and educational non-profits, the festival aims to make a positive impact on the community.
Don't Miss Out on This Incredible Culinary Experience
Don't miss out on this incredible culinary experience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival's website. Follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event.