The Food and Wine Festival at Baldwin Park hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation aimed to please last Saturday, March 2. With 25 gourmet food and beverage vendors lining the streets, guests had no problem finding their favorites and partying for a good cause.
Festival-goers were greeted with glasses of Prosecco from Cork & Olive then had the tedious task of deciding which tasting station to hit first, and the options were diverse and abundant. Lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang’s, steak-wrapped bacon and wine from Jack’s Steakhouse, and jambalaya from Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen were just some of the dishes offered to guests.
Attendees were delighted with live music, artwork from Karen Harrod, and the silent auction, which held items ranging from paintings to wine baskets. Along with the entertainment was some good-spirited competition.
Special judges voted on Best Food Presentation: Citrus Restaurant; Best Tasting Plate: Hawkers Asian Street Fare; Best Overall Plate: Siro at Mariott World Center. They also voted on Best Booth, which Tap Room at Dubsdread won. Their Bollywood-themed booth was adorned with colorful lanterns and candles, and some employees even dressed as belly dancers. Tap Room’s hummus station was fantastic, as was their inventive fennel-laced mango cocktail.
Then came the award the vendors were all waiting for, the Silver Plate Award, which was presented to Copper Canyon Grill for their huge and delicious portions of salmon and ribs.
The judges weren’t the only ones having all the fun. Guests had a chance to vote on People’s Choice Awards for Best Tasting Plate: Jack’s Steakhouse; Best Presentation: Siro at Marriott World Center; Best Booth: Tap Room at Dubsdread.
Other food stations included Funky Monkey Wine Company, Café Tu Tu Tango, Seito Sushi, and Brio Tuscan Grille.
Specialty drinks from Eden Bar at Enzian, Patron, Yuengling, Caddyshanks, and Old Pogue were in abundance for festival-goers looking for a kick. Due the unexpected 40 degree weather, Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen was a much appreciated stop off for guests.
Let’s not forget about the best meal of the day: dessert. Cupcakes from The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck and chocolate treats from Farris and Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory hit the after dinner spot.
The VIP lounge at the Food and Wine Festival at Baldwin Park was catered exclusively by Stonewood Grill & Tavern. VIP guests enjoyed private music and lounged on couches while eating the many options Stonewood had to offer. They then finished off their meal with desserts from A Sweet Little Bakery.
The Food and Wine Festival at Baldwin Park was not just a success for vendors and guests. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation raised $60,000 for children and adults living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system. Since 90% of every dollar raised by the CF Foundation goes straight to funding research for a cure, participation in this event (and all the events they put on) is much appreciated.
People who missed this year’s Food and Wine Festival at Baldwin Park need not fret. The CF Foundation puts on this event every year. Be on the lookout for next year’s date!
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