INAUGRUAL FORT WORTH FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN MARCH 2014

Fort Worth

• The City of Cowboys and Culture will celebrate local cuisine during four-day festival

The inaugural Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival (FWFWF) is set to kick off March 27-30, 2014, and will infuse homegrown flavors of celebrated local chefs and wine makers for a taste-filled weekend. Home to some of the greatest culinary artists in the country, the festival will showcase Fort Worth’s distinctive gastronomic traditions, while educating the public on the unique culinary offerings of the region, including: “Cowboy Cuisine,” Haute Continental Fare, trendy farm-to-table, Tex-Mex and more.

Fort Worth sets out to honor an innovative style of cooking well-known for its reflection of the city’s deep Western heritage and unrivaled world-class art - Cowboy Cuisine. Melded with the flavors of Southwestern, Creole, Southern, Mexican and traditional steakhouse, Cowboy Cuisine is an inspiration to chefs such as Tim Love and Jon Bonnell, to name a few, who have produced dishes such as Kangaroo Carpaccio Nachos, Pepper-Crusted Buffalo Tenderloin and Crab-Stuffed Jalapenos. Bayou-inspired fare, fine Tex-Mex and locally distilled artisanal bourbon are among the many that will also be available for tasting.

In true Texas style, the FWFWF opening event will be held at Billy Bob’s Texas – the world’s largest honky-tonk, on Thursday, March 27, from 7-9 p.m. Twelve of the most sought-after local chefs will be in attendance, including: Jon Bonnell (Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and WATERS Bonnell’s Coastal Cuisine), Terry Chandler (Fred’s Texas Café), Keith Hicks (Button’s), Mark Hitri (Billy Bob’s Texas), Lanny Lancarte (Lanny’s Alta Cocina), Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro), Molly McCook (Ellerbe Fine Foods), Dena Peterson (Café Modern), Juan Rodriguez (Reata Restaurant), Blaine Staniford (GRACE), Michael Thomson (Michael’s Cuisine) and Donatella Trotti (Nonna Tata). Chefs will prepare tastings paired with three Texas craft beers, three Texas wines and three Texas spirits. Space is limited and tickets are $65.

FWFWF events:

• Grand Tasting - Friday, March 28, 2014

Renaissance Worthington Hotel – Sundance Square, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, 76102
A tasting event as big as Texas, with over 70 wineries, craft breweries and distillers in attendance alongside chefs, restaurateurs, celebrated vendors and food artisans. Tickets: $125. Time: 7-11 p.m.

• Tastes of the World - Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bass Performance Hall – Sundance Square, 555 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, 76102
Experience fine art entertainment alongside exquisite cuisine as Chef Dean Fearing of Fearing’s at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, treats guests to a progressive lunch on the renowned Bass Performance Hall stage. Each course will be paired with a unique performance by the finest talents in the city. Space is limited. Ticket price is $500. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Burgers, Brews & Blues - Saturday, March 29, 2014

Edwards Ranch/Heart of the Ranch - 5000 Clearfork Main Street, Fort Worth 76109
Enjoy a trio of all-American classics, as 26 craft breweries and 13 restaurants offer beer and sliders, accompanied with live blues bands. General admission is $60, and VIP is $75. Time: 6-10 p.m.

• Sip + Savor - Saturday, March 29, 2014 & Sunday, March 30, 2014

Renaissance Worthington Hotel – Sundance Square, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, 76102
Savor over 100 wines and small bites from Fort Worth’s most celebrated food artisans. Admission is $75 per day. Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Meals on Wheels for Meals on Wheels– Sunday, March 30, 2014

Coyote Drive-In – 223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth, 76164
Fort Worth’s famed food trucks will serve up delicious grub, while live music and chuck wagons (the original food truck) serve as entertainment. The event benefits Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Greater Tarrant County. Tickets are $50. Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

In addition to celebrating the Fort Worth culinary scene, the FWFWF serves to assist in sustaining chefs, restaurants, and the local ranching and farming community. For additional information on participating chefs, events, Fort Worth culinary itineraries or high-resolution photography, please contact Jessica Dowdy at jessicadowdy@fortworth.com or Sarah Covington at sarahcovington@fortworth.com.