New, More 'Chef-Driven' Festival to Replace Taste Addison

Addison certainly has no shortage of food and booze festivals (see: Oktoberfest), but come May it'll be adding a new one to the lineup: According to a press release, Fork & Cork "will replace [Taste Addison] as the city's annual signature food event" at Addison Circle Park.

Taste Addison has been criticized in the past for including way too many chains in its festival lineup — after all, who wants to brave the summer heat clutching tiny plates just to taste food from places like On the Border? The release says the new festival will "spotlight the culinary diversity found among Addison's chef-driven establishments," which is certainly good news. (No specific details were given on local chefs who will be participating, but long-timers like Chef Gorji, Richard Chamberlain and Kenny Bowers come to mind as hopefuls.)

Besides lots of restaurants "serving bite-size samples," the "intimate," 21-and-up two-day eventthat will take place May 16-17 also promises local breweries, wineries and spirits makers and interactive cooking classes. Fork & Cork will feature an appearance by New York chef/TV personality/fashion plate Marcus Samuelsson and a concert by Texas musician/The Rustic partner Pat Green. Check out the full release for more details:

ADDISON ANNOUNCES NEW EVENT, FORK & CORK
May 16 & 17, 2014 at Addison Circle Park

ADDISON, Texas --- Addison is excited to introduce an-all new culinary event, Fork & Cork, May 16 and 17, 2014 at Addison Circle Park. Designed for the epicurious, this intimate, two-day event will bring together celebrated chefs, craft breweries, wineries and spirit makers—tempting palettes with more culinary style.

Fork & Cork attendees can get their hands dirty with interactive cooking classes, dive into delicious bites from some of the best restaurants in the DFW area, and imbibe in divine cocktails, craft beers and wines. Fork & Cork evolved out of the success of Taste Addison and will replace it as the city's annual signature food event—and take Addison back to its culinary roots.

Featured talent for the first annual Fork & Cork includes internationally acclaimed, James Beard Award winning chef and current judge on ABC's The Taste, Marcus Samuelsson, and music from Texas legend, Pat Green. The event will feature tasting pavilions paired with artisan experiences and a Grand Tasting Tent. Guests can also channel their inner sommelier or brew master in wine and craft beer seminars.

Friday night features an all-inclusive $65 food and drink ticket with restaurants serving bite-size samples. A portion of the proceeds from Friday night will benefit Café Momentum—a non-profit organization that teaches critical skills that allow youth to apply what they have been taught in re-release programs in a safe, real-world environment of nurturing accountability. The $35 ticket on Saturday includes the Grand Tasting Tent, the Pat Green concert, and access to restaurants cooking taste-sized dishes onsite for $1 to $5 each. In addition, a limited number of $100 VIP packages will give special access to hands-on cooking classes, Marcus Samuelsson's demo, special tasting opportunities, chef meet and greets, valet parking and more.

"We are truly excited to present this new endeavor that celebrates Addison's culinary heritage," said Barbara Kovacevich, Director of Addison Special Events. "Fork & Cork will be a great gourmet gathering—a casual but sophisticated event for people who enjoy food as entertainment. It will spotlight the culinary diversity found among Addison's chef-driven establishments, and introduce guests to a new way of thinking about food in our city."

Known for some of the most innovative events in the country, Addison is excited at the chance to evolve one of its legendary events into the new Fork & Cork. After brand research and focus groups, it was clear that patrons wanted a more culinary-focused event where they can participate alongside celebrity chefs while celebrating the world of taste.

Fork & Cork
May 16 and 17, 2014
Open to Ages 21 and Up
Friday, 6-10 p.m.: Tickets $65
Saturday, Noon – 11 p.m.: General Admission Tickets - $35, VIP Tickets - $100
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison, Texas
www.addisontexas.net

· City of Addison [Official]
· More festival coverage [-EDFW-]

[Image: Fork & Cork]