There’s tons of excitement and buzz this week as preparations are underway for the FIRST annual St. Pete Wine & Food Festival. Many of St. Pete’s very best chef’s are coming together to give you a taste of why St. Pete is a foodie’s dream. It’s ok to salivate a little as you read on about all of the events created to showcase the culinary delight that’s in store for those who come out to the festival. With all kinds of flavors and events there’s bound to be something to please even the most discriminating palette. As for the wine… there will be all kinds of wine and even beer to choose from. From wine pairings, to the Grand Tasting, or the $2,000 dollar Try Wine event you’ll have plenty of options to discover your inner wine lover.
There’s still time to grab tickets to the events. You’ll want to hurry though. The first event starts on Thursday and some events have a limited number of guests. Tickets are ONLY available online and there are select events on GroupOn at a discount as well! Bonus – take $10 off when you enter promo code: SMITHASSOC15. This discount applies for all events except the Pairing dinner. While we’re on the topic – no one under 21 is going to be allowed into the event. Even if you have a baby strapped to you who is sound asleep – you’ll be turned away. So, make sure to plan ahead for the kiddos and furry friends. If they don’t have an ID that says they’re 21 they won’t be coming in with you.
Who’s Participating?
A whopping 17 restaurants are participating in this event. Some of St. Pete’s best cuisine will be available in one spot! Tastes from all of these restaurants/ chefs will be available at the Grand Tasting.
Here’s the list:
Birch & Vine Chef Jason Cline
Cru Cellars Chef Brad Sobo
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood Chef William Gideon
Il Ritorno Chef David Benstock
Loews Don Cesar Hotel Chef Kenny Hunsberger
Marchand’s Bar & Grill Chef Mark Heimann
The Mill Chef Ted Dorsey
Montana Mex Chef Eduardo Garcia
Parkshore Grill Chef Tyson Grant
Publix Aprons Cooking School Chefs Anthony Logerfo and Jim Hendry
Rum Fish Grill Chef Aaron Schweitzer
Sea Salt Chef Kenneth Tufo
Souzou Chef Viet Vo
The Hangar Chef Matthew Smith
Tryst Chef Sean Ford
The Events
Thursday September 24 at The Birchwood 7 p.m. Tickets $175 per person all inclusive.
Chef Jason Cline created the menu for the kickoff event. All proceeds from the Charity Wine Tasting will go to St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. Guests will be welcomed into the private dining area at The Birchwood overlooking Beach Drive. Each ticket includes a six course meal complemented by a wine specifically selected to bring out the flavors of each course. It’s pricey but from the look of the menu it will be delicious! Click here to purchase tickets.
Friday, September 25 at North Straub Park 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets $65 per person all inclusive.
If you love a good craft beer you can’t miss BEER night! More than a hundred brews and ciders will be available for guests to try. The set up will be impressive. Two 10,000 square foot tents will be set up at North Straub Park. Just present your ticket at the entrance and you’re good to go for the entire night! The beer and food is all included in your ticket price. Some of the areas best craft breweries will be present along with several restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to try something new and perhaps find a great local favorite.
Many of the breweries that made our 10 Great Craft Beer Spots You Can’t Miss in Tampa Bay list will be featured at BEER night. Transportation is the only thing not included. If you decide to go – make sure you find a responsible way home!
Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27 at North Straub Park 1 p.m. Tickets $95 per person per day. All inclusive.
The Grand Tasting is what the St. Pete Wine and Food Festival is all about. It’s an opportunity to taste fantastic wine while enjoying amazing bites by some of St. Pete’s best restaurants. It’s a pricey ticket but the event promises to live up to every expectation. It’s an upscale tasting with a casual chic dress code. There will be ceviche, pastrami spiced prime ribeye, watermelon bruschetta just to name a few! VIP guests get in an hour early and enjoy access to a special lounge. All other guests can get in with a ticket at 1pm.
Guests will also enjoy three cooking demonstrations per day by the chefs. Each chef will show you how to prepare a decadent meal at home. Demonstrations take place on the hour. For a list of the chefs and what they plan to prepare click here.
Below is the planned menu for the Grand Tasting:
If the ticket prices seem to steep but you really want to take part in the event- consider volunteering! There are still plenty of available spots. Volunteers receive a complementary t-shirt and access to the event either before or after their shift. For more information on how to become a volunteer click here.
Beach Drive Events is responsible for founding the St. Pete Wine and Food Festival. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for the calories you might consume at the event but we’d love to hear what you thought!
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