News Summary
The 10th Annual Cleaver and Cork Food, Wine & Craft Beer Festival is set to take place in Tallahassee on March 1. This year marks a milestone with the return of celebrity chefs, a wide array of tasting tents, and various progressive events leading to the festival. Attendees can indulge in delightful culinary offerings while supporting local education initiatives through the TSC Foundation. With exciting events and participation from local vendors, this festival promises to be a vibrant celebration for food and drink enthusiasts.
Excitement Builds in Tallahassee for the 10th Annual Cleaver and Cork Festival
As the sun peeks over the horizon, residents of Tallahassee are buzzing with enthusiasm for the upcoming 10th Annual Cleaver and Cork Food, Wine & Craft Beer Festival. Just a week away from the big event on Saturday, March 1, the city is gearing up for a celebration of flavors, fun, and community spirit that residents have come to adore.
Celebrating a Decade of Deliciousness
This year, the festival marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary and the 5th year of welcoming celebrity chefs to the festivities. The Intramural Fields at Tallahassee State College (TSC), located at 444 Appleyard Drive, will serve as the festive venue, drawing crowds from near and far, eager to taste their way through a culinary wonderland.
Tallahassee’s beloved festival not only tantalizes taste buds but also serves as an annual fundraiser for the TSC Foundation. The funds raised contribute to important initiatives, including classroom renovations, new furniture, and scholarships for students. So when attendees indulge in their favorite dishes, they’re also supporting local education.
Brew-Tastic Lineup of Events
But the fun doesn’t stop with the main event! Leading up to the festival, there are a series of exciting progressive events that promise a delightful lead-in. Kicking things off on February 23 is the Progressive Cocktail Party, perfect for local cocktail enthusiasts looking to savor creative concoctions. From February 24 to 27, the Plates & Pours events will take place at various local venues, showcasing even more tasty offerings from around the community.
One of the biggest highlights is the highly-anticipated Signature Dinner with celebrity chef Tom Colicchio on February 28. Known as the founder of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Colicchio is sure to bring a touch of star power that will elevate the event. The weekend wraps up with a classic Brunch & BBQ on Sunday, March 2, making for a mouthwatering finale to the lineup of festivities.
Tasting Tents Galore!
Anticipation is high for the main event, which will feature an abundant array of tasting tents. This year boasts an impressive total of 75 tasting tents, a significant jump from the original 18 when the festival first began in 2021 post-COVID. Local restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries will showcase their finest creations, offering guests the chance to sip and savor their way through the best of what Tallahassee has to offer. The TLH Beer Society will also be present, providing a fantastic selection of local brews for attendees to enjoy.
Sponsors and Tickets
Generous sponsors have helped make this festival possible, with Amazon stepping in as the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row. Other notable sponsors include Capital City Bank, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and The Moore Agency. Ticket prices range from $125 to $300, and those looking to secure their spot can snag tickets online at cleaverandcorktsc.com.
Merchandise will also be available for purchase, including the popular #DrinkTallahasseeBeer items, with proceeds supporting the TSC Foundation.
A Celebration of Community
With past chefs including renowned names like Andrew Zimmern, Michael Symon, Aarón Sánchez, and Marc Murphy, the presence of Colicchio this year is set to bring a level of excitement and prestige that will surely draw even larger crowds to the festival. Ultimately, the Cleaver and Cork Festival hopes to foster community engagement while shining a spotlight on local hospitality vendors.
As Tallahassee prepares for this spectacular celebration of food and drink, it’s safe to say that the Cleaver and Cork Festival is the place to be on March 1. So gather your friends, grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience that’s bound to leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends!
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Cleaver and Cork Festival
- Visit Florida: Food & Wine Festivals
- WINK News: Naples Winter Wine Festival
- Florida Today: Melbourne Food and Wine Fest
- My Suncoast: Suncoast Food & Wine Festival
