Sample signature dishes from award-winning chefs and unparalleled fare from regional purveyors—40 culinary presenters in all—at this walk-around tasting in the elegant Premier Ballroom. Over 600 fine wines, beers and spirits complement the tasty tasting menu. 100% of the net proceeds benefit Johnson & Wales University. Ticket price includes admission to the Celebrity Chef demonstrations and Book Signings scheduled for Sunday.
Members of the trade are offered early access to the Grand Tasting on both Saturday and Sunday with purchase of a general admission ticket. Approved trade and media will be admitted starting at noon (the event opens to the public at 1pm). Please bring and present your general admission ticket along with trade credentials/business card at the entrance of the Grand Tasting.
Grand Tasting Menu
Talk about food for thought! Learn culinary tips and tricks—straight from the pros—as this group of your favorite celebrity chefs showcase their skills and share their epicurean secrets.
Attendance at these events will be determined on first-come, first-served basis. Interested guests may arrive at the venue ½ hour before the scheduled demonstration time to receive a complimentary ticket.
David Burke & Diane Henderiks
Who says you can't balance once-in-a while splurge dining with everyday “healthy eating? Award-winning chef David Burke (Primehouse) and the ever-popular, “Dietician in the Kitchen™” Diane Henderiks. Watch as David whips up his decadently delicious short ribs with stroganoff--plus a short rib dumpling from the leftovers. Then, see Diane create lighter versions of the gourmet recipes that don't skimp on flavor. A win-win situation for any celebration or night-of-the-week!”
| Location: | Celebrity Ballroom, MGM Grand at Foxwoods |
| Time: | 12:30 pm |
| Ticket Price: | Included in ticket price of Grand Tasting |
Michael Schlow
Michael is one of the leading chefs in America and is considered by many to be Boston’s best chef and restaurateur. He is the chef and co-owner of four wildly popular and successful restaurants, Radius, Via Matta, Alta Strada, and Great Bay, and is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Northeast,” the prestigious Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence and Santé Magazine’s, “Chef of the Year”. He makes numerous national TV appearances and is the author of It’s About Time. Schlow opened his second Alta Strada, an authentic, exciting Italian restaurant and wine bar at MGM Grand at Foxwoods in May of 2008.
| Location: | Celebrity Ballroom, MGM Grand at Foxwoods |
| Time: | 1:30 pm |
| Ticket Price: | Included in ticket price of Grand Tasting |
Alex Guarnaschelli
As the daughter of esteemed cookbook editor Maria Guarnaschelli, Alex Guarnaschelli spent her childhood surrounded by food. Following graduation from Barnard College, she embarked upon her culinary career, working for acclaimed chef Larry Forgione. She then moved to France where she honed her skills at La Varenne in Burgundy, Michelin three-star restaurant Guy Savoy, and La Butte Chaillot.
Guarnaschelli later joined the team at the renowned Restaurant Daniel. She was sous chef at Joachim Splichal’s Patina restaurant in West Hollywood. In 2003, Guarnaschelli became the executive chef at Butter Restaurant.
Guarnaschelli has been featured in many magazines and has appeared on numerous television programs including “Chopped,” “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” “Dear Food Network,” and “Next Food Network Star.” Currently she is working on Season 3 of “Alex’s Day Off,” produced by Bobby Flay.
| Location: | Celebrity Ballroom, MGM Grand at Foxwoods |
| Time: | 2:30 pm |
| Ticket Price: | Included in ticket price of Grand Tasting |
Aaron McCargo, Jr.
Aaron McCargo, Jr. won Season 4 of “The Next Food Network Star” in 2008, and landed his own show: “Big Daddy’s House.” On “Big Daddy’s House,” he shares his passion for big, bold flavors and fun family cooking. From comfort food to barbecue favorites to breakfast delights, McCargo whips up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family, while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen. Whether cooking with his children, relatives, friends, or even by himself, big food and big fun reign supreme.
| Location: | Celebrity Ballroom, MGM Grand at Foxwoods |
| Time: | 3:30 pm |
| Ticket Price: | Included in ticket price of Grand Tasting |
Get the latest word on food and wine—literally. Celebrity chefs and food & wine aficionados will be on hand to autograph copies of their most recent works, available for purchase at the Festival bookstore.
| Location: | Celebrity Ballroom, MGM Grand at Foxwoods |
| Time: | 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
| Ticket Price: | Included in ticket price of Grand Tasting |
Featuring:
- 1:30pm: David Burke/Diane Henderiks
- 2:30pm: Michael Schlow/Casey Thompson
- 3:30pm: Alex Guarnaschelli
- 4:30pm: Aaron McCargo, Jr.