Recently ranked by readers of Travel + Leisure as one of the top culinary destinations in the U.S., Providence's famed restaurant scene is a hotbed for many of the country's best young chefs. Home to the famed Johnson & Wales University, the world's largest culinary educator, Providence has more degreed chefs per capita than any other city in the U.S. lending to its highly sophisticated restaurant scene.
The festival will feature more than 20 events such as cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits seminars, and walk-around tasting events. Some of the festival highlights include:
Red, White & Bleu, An American Wine Experience, August 25
This opening night event will feature American wines and creatively-themed food stations featuring the best of regional cuisine, all topped with a performance by one of the city's hottest local bands, The Jess Powers Project and Chifferobe. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Terrace at the Providence Biltmore. Tickets are $55 per person.
Late Night Venue Program, August 25-27
The Late Night Venue Program offers night owls throughout the Creative Capital a chance to enjoy complimentary treats and cocktails at a variety of restaurants while listening to local live music and DJs. This free event begins at 9 p.m. each evening.
Education Panels, August 26
Guests looking to learn something new can head to one of the many Education Panels scheduled from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., including: Understanding the Label - The Consumer's Guide to Buying and Collecting Wine; Talk on Terroir- Winemaking in New England and Napa Valley, hosted by Jonathan Edwards of Jonathan Edwards Winery; Eating Local - Working with our Local Producers, hosted by local food writer and photographer David Dadekian and Chef Beau Vestal of New Rivers; and Local and Seasonal with Tini and Allen Farms, hosted by Chef Darius Salko and farm owner Deb Barrett. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Tickets for each panel start at $35 per person.
Festival Charity Dinner Events, August 26
A number of restaurants are hosting charity dinner events to support local organizations, including: The Capital Grille charity dinner to support Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, tickets are $175 per person; New Rivers charity dinner to support the Women & Infants Patient Advocacy Center, tickets are $175 per person; Gracie's charity dinner to support the March of Dimes, tickets are $500 per person; Gallery Z charity dinner to support The Federal Hill House, tickets are $175 per person; and Centro charity dinner to support 46 Momma's, tickets are $175 per person. Space is limited for each event and reservations are required.
Education Panels, August 27
Another day of Education Panels, scheduled from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., is available for guests, including: America's Cocktail Culture - A Conversation with Providence Bartenders, hosted by Brendan Chipley Roane of Gracie's; Te Ami Italiano- Meet the City's Top Italian Wine Experts; The Wines of Bordeaux- The Left Bank versus The Right Bank, hosted by Jessica Granatiero of The Savory Grape; and Inside the Chef's Studio - The Art of Pairing Food and Wine, a panel discussion moderated by Curt Columbus of the Trinity Repertory Company and featuring Chef Bruce Tillinghast of New Rivers, Chef Derek Wagner of Nick's on Broadway, Chef Matthew Varga of Gracie's, Chef Nemo Bolin of Cook & Brown Public House and Chef Ed Reposa of The Red Fez. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Tickets for each panel start at $35 per person.
Dine Around Providence, August 27
Guests can enjoy a walking tour of downtown Providence while sampling culinary delights from more than 25 of the city's most popular restaurants. The tour is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $45 per person.
Unfailingly Fermented, Cured Meats, New England Cheeses & Craft Ales, August 27
Matt Jennings, executive chef and master cheese monger of Farmstead and La Laiterie, will host a special VIP reception featuring a chef demo and pairing discussion starting at 12:30 p.m. on the balcony at The Biltmore. Tickets are $55 per person.
The Grand Tasting, August 27
With more than 40 wine and food exhibitors, The Grand Tasting is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in The Garden Room at The Providence Biltmore. Local food writer and photographer David Dadekian will play host during the afternoon's events, which include demonstrations by Chef Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining, Chef Ben Sukle alongside fisherman from Trace and Trust, and Chef Derek Wagner of Nick's on Broadway with Blackbird Farm. Tickets are $70 per person.
The Night Cap, Cava & Canopies, August 27
The official closing party will feature plenty of sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres. The event starts at 9 p.m. at Tazza on Westminster Street. Tickets are $55 per person.
For more information about the Providence Food and Wine Festival or tickets to any of these events, visit www.providencefoodandwinefestival.com. To book a trip to Providence, visit www.goprovidence.com.