As the 13th annual Austin Food & Wine Festival gears up to take over Auditorium Shores from November 1-3, 2024, foodies and wine lovers have much to anticipate. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned festival-goer, here are the top ten reasons you won’t want to miss this iconic culinary event.
Experience the Best of Texas Cuisine at Made In Texas
Kick off the festival on Friday night with the Made In Texas event at the Long Center Terrace. This dine-around extravaganza is a tribute to Texas’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing the diversity of its people, cuisines, and ingredients. With top chefs like Tyson Cole and Kevin Gillespie cooking up Texas-inspired dishes, you’ll get a true taste of the Lone Star State, all while enjoying live music from The Texases.
Meet and Learn from Culinary Superstars
The festival brings together some of the most renowned chefs from across the country for engaging cooking demonstrations. This year’s lineup includes heavyweights like Antonia Lofaso, offering attendees the unique opportunity to learn insider tips and tricks from the best in the business. Whether you’re a budding home cook or an experienced foodie, these demos are sure to inspire.
Enjoy Flavors Hot Off the Flames at the Fire Pit
If you’re a fan of barbecue and live-fire cooking, the Fire Pit is your ultimate destination. This interactive experience features chefs like Nicola Blaque and Jason Dady serving up mouthwatering dishes straight off the grill. The Fire Pit is more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to chat with pitmasters and get up close with the art of cooking over an open flame.
Sample Signature Dishes from Top Chefs
The Chef Showcase is the heart of the festival, where you can sample an array of specialty creations from both local and national chefs. Names like Laila Bazahm and Paul Qui are just a few on the impressive roster, offering everything from innovative small plates to classic Texan dishes. It’s a food lover’s dream to taste so many incredible dishes in one place.
Sip and Savor with Expert-Led Tastings
Wine, beer, and spirits enthusiasts will find their haven with the festival’s curated tasting experiences. Led by master sommeliers, mixologists, and brewmasters, these sessions provide a deep dive into the world of beverages. Whether you’re interested in the nuances of a fine wine or the complexities of craft beer, these tastings are educational and delicious.
Get Hands-On with Cooking at the Sold-Out Grilling Event
Though the Hands-On Grilling event with Chef Tim Love has already sold out, it’s still worth mentioning for next year! This experience offers an exclusive, interactive opportunity for attendees to cook their own meal under the guidance of a master chef. It’s the perfect way to up your grilling game and enjoy a personal culinary experience.
Discover Local Talent and New Favorite Spots
One of the highlights of the Austin Food & Wine Festival is the chance to discover emerging local chefs and restaurants. With participants like Daniel Brooks of Licha’s Cantina and Nic Yanes of Murray’s Tavern, you might just find your new favorite spot in Austin while enjoying the culinary diversity the city has to offer.
Soak in the Vibrant Festival Atmosphere
Set against the backdrop of Auditorium Shores, the festival’s atmosphere is nothing short of vibrant. With live music, stunning views of the city, and the buzz of food and wine lovers coming together, it’s an experience that extends beyond just the food. The expanded footprint this year means more space to explore and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
Be a Part of a Festival with a Purpose
By attending the Austin Food & Wine Festival, you’re also supporting a good cause. The festival benefits the Texas Food & Wine Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering innovation in the Central Texas food and wine community. Your ticket purchase helps fund grants, educational programs, and events that continue to elevate the local culinary scene.
With Saturday tickets going quickly and other events selling out, now is the time to secure your spot at one of Texas’s most beloved annual food festivals. Visit austinfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets to grab yours today.
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the culinary arts, a gathering of great minds, and a showcase of the best that Austin has to offer. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of food, wine, and fun!
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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