The inaugural Food and Travel Festival is giving Pinellas, Hillsborough and other nearby counties a reason to venture to Sarasota this weekend.
Presented by Destination Cuisine, the fest will blend international cuisine, wines and craft brews with live music, a culinary stage, global marketplace and "adventure activities," including a scavenger hunt that supposedly puts The Amazing Race to shame. The 21-and-up event was previously scheduled for downtown Sarasota's Five Points Park, but is now set for the hydroponic Sweetgrass Farms between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday.
Mattison's, Curry Station, Goodfellas Cafe & Winery, Caffe Le Sirene and Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill will be among the 30-plus local restaurants dishing out fare, while Big Top Brewing Company will provide the beer. Those embarking on this new culinary journey will also find cheeses, breads, olive oils and more from all over throughout the fest's marketplace; a portion of the proceeds will benefit All Faiths Food Bank's Campaign Against Summer Hunger.
In addition to the tastes, "Destination Row" will showcase travel specialists and companies, sharing information about their culinary and cultural offerings, from a number of destinations. This is where festgoers can land around-the-world advice and complimentary food samples.
Admission, which costs $64, may be purchased in advance online. Organizers expect the event to sell out, but any leftover tickets will available for $75 at the door.
This article appears in Apr 21-28, 2016.