GOURMET AND GRAPES

PROMOTION FESTIVAL FOCUS

TOAST TO SPOLETO TOAST OF SPOLETO Charleston, South Carolina June 7 Memphis is considered a bastion of the The end of spring in Charleston marks the beginning of Spoleto Festival. The two- and-a-half-week immersive arts experience brings performers, musicians, and artists from around the world to the Lowcountry. In 1977, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti chose Charleston to be SOUTHERN the American counterpart to Spoleto, Italy’s TALES OF THE GRACE DINNER Festival of Two Worlds due to its “historic, intimate, and cosmopolitan” characteristics. SLOSS FEST Since then, the festival has attracted visitors Watch competition team Aporkalypse Now will be live musical acts throughout the festi- from near and far looking for a stateside defend their Barbecue Battle title as teams from val, with performances from the Plain White dose of global culture. SOUTH WALTON around the country compete for the festival’s T’s, Back Yard Band, and artist Marcus BEACHES WINE & FOOD This year, join the Local Palate as it $3,000 grand prize. Mingle with barbecue ce- Johnson. celebrates the parallels between Southern lebrities Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone, and Moe bbqindc.com charm and Italian culture at Toast to Spo- Cason from Destination America’s BBQ Pit leto. Guests will taste Southern takes on Masters while they vie for first place in one of TALES OF THE COCKTAIL Italian classics, savor Umbrian wines, and the seven competitions, which include the Na- New Orleans, Louisiana mingle with the cast of Pia de' Tolomei, a tional Pork Board’s National Pork Champion- July 17-22 tragic opera on the Spoleto performance ship, the Perdue Sizzlin’ Chicken Contest, the Each year, the bartending world ventures to the slate. Set in a historic home in downtown Smithfield BBQ Rib Contest, and America’s Crescent City for one of the most acclaimed Charleston, the tasting event is modeled on Best BBQ Sauce Contest. The competition is a cocktail conferences in the country. Tales of the an Italian meal with charcuterie and anti- Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event, Cocktail is a five-day networking, training, tast- pasti from Patty Floersheimer and Trudi so expect some high stakes and professional bar- ing, and educational experience where attendees SOUTHERN Wagner of goat.sheep.cow; wood-fired NATIONAL CAPITAL becue action. discuss trends in the spirits world and converse GRACE DINNER TOAST TO SPOELTO pizza from Evan Romano of Dough Boyz BARBEUE BATTLE After working up an appetite watching the with industry veterans to develop new ideas Pizza; regional Italian dishes from Jacques competition, check out some of the bites avail- for their craft. While the event primarily Larson of Wild Olive and the Obstinate the “Pittsburgh of the South.” Colonel James Withers Sloss, founder of the Sloss Furnace Company, was able to sample; head to the tasting pavilion for focuses on members of the hospitality indus- SOUTHERN GRACE DINNERS Daughter, as well as Ken Vedrinski of Trat- a key figure in Alabama’s rapid industrial boom, which resulted in a “magical” population influx––hence barbecue chicken, pork, ribs, and brisket. If you try, it’s also open to the general public, so Orange Beach, Alabama toria Lucca and Coda del Pesce; and gelato the nickname. The Sloss Music and Arts Festival strives to honor the city’s legacy by hosting the two- still can’t get enough of watching barbecue pros novice cocktail aficionados are in for a treat. June 21, June 28, July 12, and July 26 from Kelly Chu of Cirsea Ice Cream. A por- day experience at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, and providing opportunities to learn do their thing, catch the cooking demonstra- This year’s festival also plans to honor New Whether you’re vacationing on the Gulf Coast tion of the proceeds from the evening will about the iron-casting process, the city’s food and beverage offerings, and the state’s natural resources. tions at the Fast, Fresh, and Easy Stage. There Orleans’ tricentennial. or an Alabama native, be sure catch one of the benefit Spoleto Festival USA. The festival boasts an impressive lineup with chart-topping leaders in the music industry from a vari- In years past, Tales of the Cocktail has Southern Grace Dinners at Fisher’s at Orange Attendees will also have the option of ety of genres. Catch indie favorites Moon Taxi and Arcade Fire, pop/electronic standouts Quinn XCII TALES OF hosted inspiring lectures like the #SED- Beach Marina hosted by chef Bill Briand. Guests purchasing tickets to the Pia de' Tolomei and Jai Wolf, country stars Chris Stapleton and Margo Price, and the queen of New Orleans bounce, THE COCKTAIL Talks (Spirits, Education, and Develop- can interact with visiting chefs from across the performance the following evening at a re- Big Freedia. Aside from the extensive music schedule, watch live iron pouring from Sloss Metal Arts ment) and has curated seminars with the Southeast and taste the bounty of Gulf seafood duced price. Program, which specializes in forging cast iron products, imbibe at the craft beer garden featuring local help of its selection committee which in- at the communal-seated dinner. Series partici- thelocalpalate.com/events and national brands, and browse limited-edition hand screen printed concert posters from the American cludes Chris Hannah of Arnaud’s French pants include Ashley Christensen of AC Res- Poster Institute. 75 Bar in New Orleans, Charlotte taurants in Raleigh, North Carolina; Cassidee SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS slossfest.com Voisey of Scotland-based William Grant Dabney and Roy Milner of Blackberry Farms FESTIVAL & Sons, and Julio Cabrera of Red Shaker in Walland, Tennessee; and Hugh Acheson Birmingham, Alabama NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE in Miami, among many others from all of Five and Ten in Athens, Georgia, and Em- July 14-15 Washington, DC over the world. pire State South in Atlanta, Georgia; as well as Birmingham has long been known as the June 23-24 Now under new leadership, the festi- many others. Magic City, but many are unfamiliar with For more than a quarter of a century, the National Capital Barbecue Battle has kicked off the summer val is launching a grant program, which A portion of the dinner series proceeds will the origin of the nickname. After the Civil for Washingtonians. The two-day festival located in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue features barbe- will give out more than $250,000 to benefit the Fuse Project, a 501c3 organization War and until the early 1900s, Alabama was cue tasting tents, musical performances, beer tastings, and more. The festival’s philanthropy work has benefit projects making a positive differ- that promotes the physical and social well-being known for being one of the largest produc- also helped dozens of area charities in the past; this year will benefit USO Metro and the Capital Area ence in the food and beverage industry. of children along the Alabama Gulf Coast. ers of pig iron in the country, often called Food Bank. talesofthecocktail.org fishersobm.com/southerngrace GOURMET AND GRAPES

PROMOTION FESTIVAL FOCUS

AUSTIN FOOD + WINE SOUTH WALTON AUSTIN FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Austin, April 27-29 Whether you’re sinking your teeth into world-famous brisket or watching a mas- sive colony of bats depart from under the famous Congress Avenue bridge, Austin, Texas, is the place to be this spring. In a state admired for everything from queso to kolaches, Austin Food + Wine Festival cel- NASHVILLE COCKTAIL FESTIVAL NATIONAL ebrates the city’s own diverse food culture. CORNBREAD FESTIVAL Before the festival officially kicks off, snag a ticket to Feast Under the Stars—a NASHVILLE COCKTAIL FESTIVAL Matchless Coffee Soda Nathaneal Mehrens, down Cornbread Alley, where you’ll sample a five-course seated dinner with wine pair- Nashville, Tennessee and culture and rum expert Jeff Berry. variety of recipes, like strawberry walnut corn- ings from California’s Jackson Family AUSTIN FOOD + WINE SOUTH WALTON While some of the events are exclusive to bread and chicken bacon ranch fritters, from FESTIVAL BEACHES WINE & FOOD April 25-29 Wines—for a taste of what the weekend beverage industry professionals, the weekend local nonprofits. All proceeds go directly to the In a town with a penchant for brown water, will offer. features three main events for all guests to learn participating organizations. bushwhackers, and craft beer, this festival If you’re an All-In ticket holder, you about the drinks and trends that have shaped Think you have an award-winning corn- brings local bartenders and mixologists togeth- can participate in one of the most unique cocktail culture, from Polynesian Pop: A Tiki bread recipe? Enter the National Cornbread er to celebrate the city’s cocktail culture and events during the weekend: Grillin’ and Extravaganza, a celebration of the South Seas Cook-Off. The winner will receive $5,000, a educate attendees about the intricacies of the Chillin’. You and a partner will hone your with rum-focused and tropical drinks, to the stainless-steel gas range, and a selection of spe- industry. For five years now, the festival (for- skills on the charcoal grill as chef Tim Love Art Deco Party: A Glamorous Sip Through the cial gifts from Martha White and Lodge. Last merly Music City Spirits and Cocktail Festi- of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Fort ’20s and ’30s, during which guests will learn year, Hidemi Walsh of Centreville, Virginia, val), has strived to shine a light on Nashville Worth, Texas, walks you through cooking how Prohibition changed mixology in the won the top prize with her chili shrimp and through the creative cocktail community, say your dinner step by step. United States. coconut cornbread. festival founders Jon and Lindsay Yeager. Nestled along the bank of Lady Bird “One thing we observe every year is people nationalcornbread.com The weekend kicks off at Maneet Chauhan’s Lake, Auditorium Shores is home to the interacting with bars and restaurants they restaurant the Mockingbird for a Herradura majority of the weekend’s festivities, in- didn’t even know existed. If anything, it’s im- Tequila experience featuring spirit tastings and cluding more than forty cooking demon- portant to show the public how amazing the NATIONAL cocktail pairings with dinner. strations. Stroll around the Grand Taste cocktail community is here,” says Yeager. CORNBREAD FESTIVAL This year’s guest speakers include forti- Pavilion to the tunes of DJ Mel and taste nashvillecocktailfestival.com SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL fied wine expert Chris Forbes, co-founder of selections from some of the top culinary Miramar Beach, Florida and beverage exhibitors in the country. April 26-29 Look out for live fire cooking from Rodney Head down Highway 30A for this year’s South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. Founder NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charles- Chan Cox started the festival on the sidewalk in front of his wine shop in 1986, and over the past South Pittsburg, Tennessee ton, South Carolina; Wayne Mueller of thirty-two years has crafted an event for wine professionals to impart their knowledge on novices and April 28-29 Louie Mueller Barbecue in Austin; and enthusiasts, all to support a charitable cause. With assistance from wine personality Peter Mondavi Jr., For well over a century, Lodge Manufacturing Andrew Wisehart of Contigo in Austin. the festival has become one of the most successful in the Southeast. Co. has produced cast-iron cookware in South Rock Your Taco, Saturday night’s tast- “One of the great things about our festival is that you can also work in a fun beach vacation while Pittsburg, Tennessee (just a few miles west of ing event, challenges local and national attending a world-class charity event,” says executive director Stacey Brady. The event takes pride in Chattanooga, close to the Alabama border). chefs to craft their best version of the the fact that all proceeds support the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which helps children Its long-lasting products have been the key to Mexican staple. Acclaimed restaurateur in need in Northwest Florida. forming crispy edges on a far-reaching South- and celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich will At Friday’s Craft Beer and Spirits Jam, meet brewers, distillers, and brand representatives from ern comfort food: cornbread. And for more judge entries from Diego Galicia and Rico around the country while tasting the products they’re passionate about. Keep an eye out for local than twenty years, Lodge has hosted the Na- Torres of San Antonio’s Mixtli; Cassidee breweries Idyll Hounds, Grayton Beer Company, and Destin Brewery. Stroll down EATS Street and tional Cornbread Festival, an event that brings Dabney of the Barn at Blackberry Farm in nosh on selections from Roux 30A, Cantina Laredo Modern Mexican Food, Crepe La Rus, and the together more than 30,000 people each year in Walland, Tennessee; Bryan Voltaggio of Craft Bar. celebration of the beloved staple. Volt in Frederick, Maryland; and Amanda Don’t miss Rosé All Day, a new feature at the festival this year. “Rosé is such a popular wine and While you’re in South Pittsburg, be sure to Freitag of ’s Chopped; among we decided to have fun with it,” says Brady. “Everything is pink, including the swag.” (And yes, there tour the Lodge foundry to see how the cast- many others. will be frozé.) iron skillets are made (it’s the only time of NASHVILLE COCKTAIL FESTIVAL austinfoodandwinefestival.com sowalwine.com year the company give free public tours). Walk GOURMET AND GRAPES

PROMOTION FESTIVAL FOCUS

OCALA CULINARY FESTIVAL OCALA CULINARY FESTIVAL OCALA CULINARY FESTIVAL Ocala, Florida April 11-15 This spring, head to the Ocala Culinary Festival, presented by the Local Palate, for five days of expert cuisine, curated sips, and Old Florida charm. Started by two friends wanting to elevate Ocala’s dining scene, the festival showcases local talent and encourages dialogue about food through events that explore how culi- TASTE OF nary traditions are formed, like a Haitian- THE MASTER CHEFS themed Friends of the James Beard Foun- dation dinner, which will focus on how the LAKE OCONEE FOOD SIP AND SAVOR Save room for the main event, Tastings nated more than one million dollars to On Saturday, sample wings from more country’s cuisine is shaped by adversity. AND WINE FESTIVAL SPRING FESTIVAL Under the Big Top, which takes place in the lake area schools and children’s charities. than twenty area restaurants and organiza- Feast at the Farm, another notable event, Florida State University Flying High Circus oconeefoodandwine.com tions as they vie for the 2018 Best Wings of brings together Katie Button of Cúrate in Tent. (The collegiate circus group takes up Hilton Head title, and if you’re feeling up to Asheville, North Carolina, and Anthony summer residency at Callaway Gardens and it, ride the mechanical chicken wing. Proceeds Lamas of Seviche in Louisville, Kentucky, runs a family adventure program there.) “It’s from the festival benefit the Carmines Family for a collaborative dinner at renowned an all-inclusive tasting event showcasing Recreation Scholarship Fund, which strives thoroughbred facility Bridlewood Farm. a Barbecue Alley and Beer Garden with to support children’s recreational activities in Also on the schedule are Spirits and B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue, Grand Champion Hilton Head Island. Smoke, a barbecue and whiskey event pre- Barbecue, Southern Soul Barbecue, and a hiltonheadwingfest.com sented by the Local Palate featuring bites variety of chefs from all around the South,” from Griffin Bufkin and Harrison Sapp says event founder Jan Gourley. Guests will of Southern Soul Barbecue in St. Simons also be able to purchase locally made products TASTE OF THE Island, Georgia; and Taste of Lyon where and discover new Georgia artisans in the MASTER CHEFS chef Joseph Viola, who earned the presti- SIP AND SAVOR SPRING FESTIVAL Georgia Grown Market. Augusta, Georgia gious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Pine Mountain, Georgia sipandsavorspring.com April 6, 2018 will travel from Lyon to cook in the Unit- March 15-18 The Masters Tournament has been an annual ed States for the first time. He’ll show- Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, just an hour south of Atlanta, Callaway Resort & Gardens is home fixture in Augusta, Georgia, since 1934 and case classic bouchon and Lyonnaise dishes to one of North America’s largest butterfly conservatories, a newly remodeled lodge and spa, stunning LAKE OCONEE FOOD is known for historic golf, lush grounds, and under the lights of Ocala’s Citizen Circle. azalea gardens, and Sip and Savor Spring: a boutique culinary experience prime for a springtime AND WINE FESTIVAL pimento cheese sandwiches. Now in its second The festival’s beverage program this year Georgia getaway. Lake Oconee and Greensboro, Georgia year, Taste of the Master Chefs returns for a is captained by mixologist Brenda Terry of While most are familiar with his name from the awards created in his honor, James Beard was a key March 23-25 night that will bring award-winning chefs,

Tampa Yacht and Country Club, who will figure in popularizing and advancing American cuisine. After his death, Julia Child bought his house in Located nearly halfway between Atlanta HILTON HEAD athletes, and celebrities together to benefit the be assisted by last year’s festival mixologist, the New York City’s Greenwich Village, so that there would be a place to, “educate, inspire, entertain, and Augusta, Lake Oconee provides a great ISLAND WINGFEST Salvation Army of Augusta. Celebrity chef Shelby Goelz, to craft custom and foster an appreciation of American cuisine,” as stated on the foundation’s website. The James Beard escape with the ninth annual Lake Oconee and humanitarian José Andrés, who was piv- for many of the events. Also, Glenfiddich Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner series was created to extend the Beard spirit across the country. Food and Wine Festival. With more than 1,500 otal in supporting the citizens of Puerto Rico ambassador Tracie Franklin will host the Presented by the Local Palate, the Celebrity Chef Tour dinner kicks off the weekend, setting the attendees in 2016, the festival has become HILTON HEAD after Hurricane Maria, will return to the festi- Glenfiddich Salon, where she will interview tone for all the food and beverage events that follow. Hosted by chef Kevin Davis of the Lodge & Spa a regional hit. Dance the night away at ISLAND WINGFEST val this year. industry influencers and educate guests on at Callaway Gardens, the interactive dinner will feature dishes from acclaimed Southern chefs David the event’s launch party featuring interior Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Participating chefs include: Hugo Ortega of single malt whiskey. Bancroft of Acre in Auburn, Alabama; Jamie Keating of Epic in Columbus, Georgia; 2017 James Beard design by Shane Meder of Black Sheep Inte- March 23-24 Houston; Michael Gulotta of New Orleans; While in Ocala, festival co-founder award winner Hugo Ortega with a restaurant empire in Houston, Texas; and Cary Wolfe of riors, sip wines from hundreds of vineyards Hilton Head Wingfest returns for another year Jeffrey Hansell of Covington, Louisiana; Jennifer Murty recommends making time at Rose Cottage in Pine Mountain, Georgia. paired with local and regional bites at the of wings, beer, and family fun. This year, look David Guas of Washington, DC; and Rich to experience some of the things that make During the day on Friday, attend one of the Bloom Master Classes, where guests can learn how to grand tasting, and cap off the weekend with out for an exclusive wing and beer pairing event Rosendale of Leesburg, Virginia. the town special, such as local brewery In- make biscuits from James Beard award winners Cynthia Graubart and Nathalie Dupree, cook with a jazz brunch at Georgia’s Bistro at the Ritz with Orchid Paulmeier, owner and partner of VIP ticket holders will be able to get into the finite Ale; barbecue from Rashad Jones of herbs and edible flowers with Jennifer Hill Booker, or create a butterfly garden while sipping some of Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee. Proceeds One Hot Mama’s and the Lodge Hilton Head, event an hour early to mingle with chefs and Big Lee’s Barbecue, winner of Food Net- Georgia’s best craft beers. go directly to help fund schools and com- The Next finalist, and 2016 start sampling the culinary creations. General work’s Guy’s Big Project; and the area’s On Saturday, start your day off with the Waffle House showdown, where chefs will compete against munity programs in Putnam, Greene, and South Carolina Chef Ambassador. After the admission tickets start at $175 and VIP tickets natural springs at Silver Springs State Park. each other to become the “Waffle House Master Chef” while guests enjoy a bloody mary bar, Baldwin counties. Since its inception, Lake Lodge, head to Shelter Cove Park for a live band, are $275. ocalaculinaryfestival.com champagne cocktails, and Waffle House favorites. Oconee Food and Wine Festival has do- laser show, and a flamethrower performance. tasteofthemasterchefs.com PROMOTION

Be sure to catch the festival’s two new events: Sip & Shop Tanger Outlets and a riverboat lunch cruise with wine pair- ings—both of which will take place FESTIVAL FOCUS on Friday. Don’t miss the Q-Masters, Chefs + JACK DANIEL’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP dinners, master classes, and grand Vets party presented by the Local Palate. INVITATIONAL BARBECUE tastings. Now in its fifth year, the Now in its second year, the event will October 28 festival is one of Georgia’s largest bring together pitmasters including Rod- Lynchburg, Tennessee culinary and wine events. ney Scott of Rodney Scott’s Barbecue in Among the most prestigious barbecue competi- “The thing that makes Savannah Charleston, South Carolina, Bryan Fur- HIGHLANDS FOOD AND WINE tions in the country, the Jack Daniel’s World Food and Wine different is that it’s man of B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue in Savan- Championship Invitational Barbecue takes very focused on wine,” says Jan Gour- nah, Georgia, and Griffin Bufkin and place in Lynchburg, Tennessee, on Saturday. ley, a co-founder of the festival. “The Harrison Sapp of Southern Soul Barbecue in share in the same experience. “We want Teams from the United States, as well as a few master classes are really the steal of the St. Simons Island, Georgia, to serve up their everyone to feel like a VIP when inter- PALM BEACH FOOD international teams, will compete in seven cat- festival. The small, twenty-five person renowned barbecue. Chefs will be using Big acting with James Beard Award-winning AND WINE FESTIVAL egories: Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef groups allow heavy interaction with Green Egg Grills to provide smoky dishes. chefs, world class winemakers, and Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice, and winemakers, and provide the ability Proceeds will benefit military veterans. Grammy winning artists,” says Festival Jack Daniel’s Sauce. for guests to form relationships with The Savannah Food and Wine Festival is Director Casey Reid. “The festival is small food program with more events and partici- JACK DANIEL’S the winemakers.” a nonprofit event, benefiting various Savan- by design, so guests have a boutique food and pating chefs than ever. The festival takes place Cool Smoke Barbecue from Richmond, Vir- INVITATIONAL ginia, will return to defend their title. “Last This year, the festival will host nah charitable organizations and its own wine experience.” in various locations throughout the Palm year, when they announced us the Grand a James Beard Foundation Celeb- Coastal Hospitality Education Founda- This year’s festival will highlight High- Beach area, and offers a lunch series, multi- Champions, I couldn't believe it,” says Tuffy of the smoked delicacies. Every year, the par- rity Chef Tour dinner. On Wednesday. James tion, which provides educational scholar- lands culinary talent: Wolfgang Green of course dinners, and large tasting events. Stone, head cook at Cool Smoke. “I always say ticipating international teams are eager to have Beard Foundation-recognized chefs will come ships for culinary and hospitality students Wolfgang’s Restaurant, Adam Bresnahan of A bevy of Food Network and Travel Chan- that if I never get another award, I’ve still had attendees try their takes on barbecue. Festival together with local chefs, culinary students, and in the Coastal Empire and the Lowcountry. Ugly Dog, Chris Huerta of Madison’s Restau- nel stars including Daniel Boulud, Robert more than my fair share. That’s doubly true at favorites like street corn, funnel cakes, and hot beverage experts to create a multi-course din- savannahfoodandwinefest.com rant and Wine Bistro, Adam Hayes of Canyon Irvine, Marc Murphy, Elizabeth Falkner, the Jack. It’s an honor just to make the invita- dogs will be available as well. ing experience. Participating chefs include Paul Kitchen, and Johannes Klapdohr of Library Adam Richman, and Virginia Willis, along tional. To return this year as three-time winner “It’s always exciting to see each team’s Fehribach of Big Jones in Chicago; Rebecca HIGHLANDS FOOD AND WINE Kitchen + Bar. with many other lauded chefs, will be in at- of this prestigious world championship—that’s passion and dedication. They live and breathe Wilcomb of Herbsaint in New Orleans; Hugo November 9-12 James Beard Foundation nominees and tendance and interacting with fans. something I can’t even put into words.” barbecue. It’s great to see the competition get- Ortega of Hugo’s, Caracol, Backstreet Cafe and Highlands, North Carolina recipients—Steven Satterfield of Miller Kids will have the opportunity to learn from Attendees will interact with and observe ting hotter every year, while the friendly atmo- Xochi in Houston, Texas; and Steven Satterfield Cool off in the mountains of North Carolina Union in Atlanta, Georgia, Elliott Moss of both Irvine and Willis in the Kids Kitchens, competitors at work as they prepare entries for sphere remains,” says Jack Daniel’s Master Dis- of Miller Union in Atlanta. this fall at Highlands Food and Wine. This Buxton Hall Barbecue in Asheville, North and try their hand at healthy recipes. the judges, and will be able to sample some tiller Jeff Arnett. music-focused festival showcases the culinary Carolina, and Meherwan Irani of Buxton Hall The festival’s dinners and tasting events Take a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery creativity of the Highlands plateau. Barbecue and Asheville’s Chai Pani—will also provide ample opportunities to mingle with while you’re at the invitational, or just enjoy the With only one ticket level, all attendees be participating. celebrity chefs. “Our dedication to keeping our JACK DANIEL’S INVITATIONAL fall day in Middle Tennessee. Event highlights include Truckin’, featur- events intimate allows for guests to feel like “Cooking in the holler in Lynchburg is a ing barbecue and food truck fare with pair- they’ve not only tasted a chef’s food, but also such a unique experience, it’s one of the most HIGHLANDS FOOD ings from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Oskar had the opportunity to engage with him or AND WINE special contests in the sport. I am really look- Blues Brewery headlined by folk rock band her,” says festival creator David Sabin. ing forward to returning in October and com- Dawes, and A Generous Pour, a charity concert Dinner highlights include A Rustic Root, a five- peting against some of the best teams in the featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band that course, vegetable forward meal, and Sustain, a cel- world,” says Stone. benefits the Highlands Food Pantry. At the ebration of sustainably caught Florida seafood. There’s no cost of admission to the invita- main event, small bites and unlimited oysters The festival’s large-scale events include Fire, tional but a voluntary donation to the Moore from the Darling Oyster Bar in Charleston, an al fresco red carpet welcome party at the County School System is welcome. South Carolina, will accompany music from Breakers Palm Beach; a grand tasting featuring jackdaniels.com/en-us/BBQ rock and blues jam-band JJ Grey & Mofro. more than fifty South Florida restaurants; and highlandsfoodandwine.com Street Food, a competition with participants vy- SAVANNAH FOOD ing for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Best Bite AND WINE FESTIVAL PALM BEACH FOOD awards chosen by Elizabeth Falkner, Jeff Mauro, November 6-12 AND WINE FESTIVAL and Marc Murphy. Savannah, Georgia December 14-17 Be sure to catch the Grand Chef Throwdown Head to the Hostess City of the South for the SAVANNAH FOOD Palm Beach, Florida Finale, which welcomes three local chefs who Savannah Wine and Food Festival to mingle AND WINE FESTIVAL Going on its eleventh year, the Palm Beach will compete for a $10,000 charity donation. with chefs and winemakers at connoisseur Food and Wine Festival boasts an expanded pbfoodwinefest.com

GOURMET AND GRAPES

GOURMET AND GRAPES

PROMOTION

and carbonara, pair Italian wines and cheeses, and enjoy their lunch cre- KEY WEST FOOD FESTIVAL FOCUS ations with a wine flight on the beach. AND WINE FESTIVAL Don’t miss various wine seminars, HOUSTON MARGARITA FESTIVAL San Antonio Cocktail Conference the Bad Ass Brunch Series, a tradi- December 9 is the perfect event to broaden your tional shrimp boil featuring Key West Houston, Texas knowledge and know-how. Whether pink shrimp, and the Key West Tropi- After Hurricane Harvey devastated Southeast you’re a seasoned professional or an cal Garden tour and tasting. To finish Texas last fall, Houston is getting back on its aspiring mixologist, the conference off the weekend, head to the Mas- feet with the sixth annual Margarita Festival. has hands-on seminars to hone your AMELIA ISLAND ter Chefs culinary competition that Set in Water Works Park overlooking down- bartending skills and educational AMELIARESTAURANT ISLAND WEEK showcases local talent. RESTAURANT WEEK town Houston, the festival offers more than opportunities to expand your pbfoodwinefest.com thirty margarita flavors served by area bartend- cocktail lexicon. In its seventh year, ers and mixologists. Flavors will range from tra- the conference has brought back many of the ing night party at the DoSeum, the Tasting GOURMET AND GRAPES ditional to whimsical—jalapeño pepper, pump- events that participants have come to enjoy each Suites at the historic St. Anthony Hotel, and cal charity that runs the largest food pantry in February 1-4 kin spice, and cucumber apple. year. the Saturday headlining event, Cocktails Under the area. Participating restaurants will accept Kiawah Island, South Carolina “We’ve really upped the food experience for “San Antonio braced for the worst with Hur- the Sea, where guests will have an “underwater” shelf-stable food donations from patrons to Philanthropy and cuisine collide at Gourmet dining room. Enjoy wines from vineyards VIP attendees this year,” says Jay Proctor, the ricane Harvey, but we were very fortunate to experience. help “stock the pantry.” and Grapes, hosted at Kiawah Island Golf Re- around the country paired with Kiawah festival’s marketing director. “We’ll also have come through with minimal damage. However, “Don’t be surprised to see things ‘floating’ past The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Re- sort in South Carolina. Now in its tenth year, Island’s finest cuisine. Don’t miss Nightcap hand-shaken margaritas.” As a many of our friends and as you drink and dine at this new event,” says Sie- sort will host the week’s finale, A Bour- Gourmet and Grapes has raised $2.1 million presented by the Local Palate outside the token of the festival’s support for family across the Texas gel. “Cocktail lovers will find themselves drink- bon Affair, on Saturday, where guests will for cancer research and patient support services Ocean Room lounge. Brand ambassadors the community, free and reduced SAN ANTONIO Gulf Coast were not as ing alongside some of the most well-known and sample small-batch and house-infused at the Hollings Cancer Center of the Medical from Breakthru Beverage will offer scotch and COCKTAIL price tickets have been offered to CONFERENCE fortunate, so our city well-loved industry professionals in the world, bourbons, whiskeys, and craft cocktails. University of South Carolina. This year, the bourbon tastings to finish off the night. flood victims, first responders, has rallied together to and everyone—professional and novice alike— restaurantweek.ameliaisland.com festival is striving to raise $750,000 in honor Savor unique flavors from nationally and clean-up volunteers. help those areas,” said will find something new to discover there.” of their tenth anniversary. acclaimed chefs at the Wine Odyssey Gala “Almost all of the mixologists Cathy Siegel, executive sanantoniococktailconference.com KEY WEST FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL “The goal for 2018 is to bring together the on Saturday. Mingle with culinary stars, and and bars that participate are from director of the cocktail January 24-28 ‘greatest hits’ from the last ten years, both be sure to bid on your favorite live auction the Houston area,” Proctor says. conference. The or- AMELIA ISLAND Key West, Florida acclaimed chefs and distinctive items. This year’s culinary talent “A lot of [mixologists and bars] ganizers of the event, RESTAURANT WEEK Pack your sandals and head to South Florida to wineries, and celebrate the finan- includes Charleston area chefs are returning and bringing mixes Houston Street Chari- January 19-28 enjoy the Key West Food and Wine Festival. cial support Gourmet & Grapes Mike Lata of FIG, Kevin Johnson they haven’t brought before.” ties, have given back Amelia Island, Florida Attendees will explore creative cuisine, premi- brings to the work of Hollings of the Grocery, Ken Vedrinski Mixologists will face off for to the community by Nestled near the Florida-Georgia border, um wines, and unique events in a subtropical Cancer Center,” says Meghan of Trattoria Lucca, Michael To- best-margarita bragging rights. participating in a city- Amelia Island has long been a haven from island setting. D’Mello, Kiawah Island’s food scano of Le Farfalle, Bob Cook of Attendees will be able to text a wide cocktail party that winter weather. This January, bring your “Every year we chose two to three non profit and beverage marketing coor- Edmund’s Oast, Amalia Scatena vote for their favorite mix and see donated proceeds from appetite to Amelia Island Restaurant Week, partners. This year one of our favorite picks dinator. “Last year we raised of Cannon Green, Jacques Larson the standings in real time. After a specially crafted cock- a ten-day culinary showcase that features the is Old Island Restoration Foundation, which $642,000 and it was our most of Wild Olive, Chris Stewart of sipping a margarita or two, enter tail to flood victims, as island’s most popular dining hotspots with prix is dedicated to preserving the architectural successful year yet. This year, GOURMET Glass Onion, and Marc Collins the salsa dancing and limbo competitions, open well as by hosting a picnic lunch to support the fixe menus and an exciting array of food-related and cultural heritage of Key West,” says event our goal is to reach $750,000, AND GRAPES of Circa 1886. to the public, where the winners will take home Houston Food Bank. events. director Mark Certonio. which we will hopefully accom- Visiting Gala chefs include Co- a cash prize. Seminar topics at the conference range from Amelia Island’s Ritz-Carlton will kick off The festival kicks off with Henry Flagler’s plish through our live auction and donations.” lin Bedford of Fearrington House Restaurant “It’s a great opportunity to try mixologists’ crafting a signature cocktail to creating spirits restaurant week with Wednesday’s opening Welcome Party on Wednesday at the Casa Ma- On Thursday, the weekend kicks off with in Pittsboro, North Carolina; Steven Greene of and bars’ margaritas all in one place,” says Proc- and running a distillery. The conference has a dinner that focuses on fresh seafood with an rina, which features bites from Executive Chef Gourmet and Grain, a barbecue and bourbon Herons at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Ra- tor. “You really can’t do that every day.” mix of events geared toward beverage profes- innovative twist. Alex Beaumont. For dinner on Friday night, event held at Kiawah’s Mingo Point. Sample leigh, North Carolina; and Michael Kramer of houstonmargaritafest.com sionals and ones that are suited for casual cock- After ten years of cultivating and encouraging learn about pairing beer and grilled cheese at barbecue favorites from Home Team Barbecue Jianna in Greenville, South Carolina. tail enthusiasts. the best culinary talent in the area, Amelia the 24° North pool. Available grilled cheeses in Charleston, South Carolina, Fox Brothers After the Gala, head to the afterglow party SAN ANTONIO COCKTAIL This year’s signature beverage is the Tio Mio, Island Restaurant Week is adding a new forty- include havarti and lobster as well as poached Barbecue in Atlanta, Georgia, Swig and Swine where you can sip signature cocktails, delight CONFERENCE an añejo tequila cocktail with agave nectar, one dollar dinner price point, in addition to pear and goat cheese. in Charleston, and Sam Jones Barbecue in in decadent desserts, and dance the night away January 10-14 Angostura bitters, chocolate bitters, and grape- existing lunch and dinner options, to allow For a VIP experience, don’t miss the “I Love Winterville, North Carolina. Pair their pork to a local DJ. San Antonio, Texas fruit. The drink is meant to pay homage to the more flexibility for chefs and restaurants to Italian Food” retreat with Francesca DeFran- with exclusive bourbons from small regional Finish the weekend off with champagne If you’ve always wondered what’s in a tom city’s rich Latin history in honor of San Anto- showcase their talents. chis from Rome and Banfi Wines Ambassa- distillers and large national brands. brunch and a round of golf at one of Kiawah’s collins and where it got its name, or can’t nio’s tricentennial celebration. New this year, Amelia Island Restaurant dor Luciano Castiello. Participants will learn Break out the black-tie attire for Friday’s prestigious courses. imagine putting egg white in a beverage, the Festival highlights include Thursday’s open- Week will be partnering with Barnabas, a lo- how to make Italian classics like pesto, risotto, Epicurean Affair in the Sanctuary’s signature kiawahresort.com/gourmet-grapes