With an expected attendance of more than 20,000 foodies and wine lovers, guests will experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment.
“The Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and headliner entertainment right in the heart of downtown,” said Nicole Dipietro, participating restaurateur and president, Central Florida Chapter, FRLA. “Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.”
Forty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2012 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters, and celebrity chefs. These will include:
- The Foodie Award (based on one food item for taste, unique flavor and culinary excellence)
- Best of Show (based on overall menu creativity, depth of offerings, and quality)
- Spirit of the Fest (based on fun factor, overall energy and crowd vibe with the booth)
Previous winners include Chef Melissa Kelly from PRIMO, Tuscany at Orlando World Center Marriott, and K Restaurant.
Dave Robbins, senior vice president, Orlando market manager CBS RADIO commented, “Through the power of radio and the strength of our FRLA restaurants, we are ready to provide foodies and fans with another unforgettable experience that brings our community together to indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Orlando.”
Tickets
Admission is $10 per person, per day with advance online purchase beginning January 15, 2013 at DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com. Advance tickets are also available at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
Admission at the door is $15 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free. Food tickets are available at the event for $2 each; food and wine offerings range from one to four tickets.
New for 2013, VIP ticket packages include parking, a private pavilion, and additional Fest perks and privileges. A limited number of VIP tickets are available only at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
Liquid Lounge
Also new for 2013, the Liquid Lounge will be the place to remix, relax, and refresh during the Fest on Broadway Street. Featuring beer, wine, and specialty drinks for purchase, guests will meet and mingle with 102 JAMZ Freaken Weekend On-air Mixers in a sleek and swanky atmosphere to enjoy remixes of today’s hottest hit music while relaxing in a South Beach-style setting.
Live Entertainment*
* Appearances and entertainment subject to change without notice. Performance times to be posted on DowntownFoodandWineFest.com.
Saturday, February 23 (noon to 9 p.m.)
Atlanta Rhythm Section
- Kaleigh Baker & NEM
- John Smith and Tropical Steel
- Road Soda
Sunday, February 24 (noon to 7 p.m.)
The All-American Rejects
- Andy Grammar
- Matt Hires
- Vicci Martinez
- CeCe TeNeal
The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the FRLA Educational Foundation.
Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
- Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
- Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
- Follow @DTFoodWineFest on Twitter
- Call the events hotline at 407-919-1048 or email DowntownFoodandWineFest@cbsradio.com.