Taste of Winter Park is back April 20th

An annual event I look forward to every year returns on April 20, 2016 -- The 31st Annual Taste of Winter Park. Here are the details:

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual showcase of local eateries has grown over the years to be known as “the ultimate foodie festival.” The 31st Annual Taste of Winter Park presented by CenturyLink is expected to live up to the moniker on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. More than 40 of the area’s top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners are expected to participate.

“The Taste of Winter Park attracts residents and visitors to experience a unique recipe of fine food, drinks and live music in downtown Winter Park,” said Patrick Chapin.

Each year the Taste of Winter Park attracts residents and visitors alike to experience a unique pairing of fine food, drink and live music on a fun evening in downtown Winter Park,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Guests’ palettes will be tempted by a variety of cuisines as well as decadent desserts and refreshing beverages. In addition to the delicious dishes, guests will enjoy live entertainment by saxophonist Johnny Mag Sax. Participating restaurants include: 4 Rivers Smokehouse, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Another Broken Egg Café, Antonella’s Pizzeria, Bailey's Coffee Service, Barefoot Wine, Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Boca Kitchen Bar Market, Boi Brazil Churrascaria, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Café Noir, Carmel Kitchen and Wine Bar, Cocina 214, Costco Wholesale, Create Your Nature, Daya Restaurant, Florida Distributing, Gators Dockside Baldwin Park, Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Jersey Mike’s Subs, John & Shirley’s Catering, Mellow Mushroom, Miller’s Ale House, Orchid Thai Cuisine, Park Café & Bakery, Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park, Rogue Pub, Sam’s Club, Smoothie King, Sodexo at Rollins College, Sonny’s BBQ, Square 1 Burgers and Bar, Sweet! By Holly, Sweet Tomatoes, Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, Tijuana Flats, TR Fire Grill, Umi, Wayne Densch and Zona Fresca Fresh Mexican Grill.

Participants will compete for bragging rights in seven categories including best entrée, appetizer/side dish, beverage, dessert, healthy dish, Florida-inspired dish and booth display. An elite panel of judges will evaluate each entrant and award honors to the most deserving in each category. Judges include Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand, editors, Edible Orlando; Josh Garrick, restaurant critic, Winter Park/Maitland Observer; Rona Ginden, dining editor, Winter Park Magazine; Ricky Ly, food blogger, Tasty Chomps.com; Heather McPherson, food editor and restaurant critic, Orlando Sentinel; Rachel Williams, staff writer, Orlando Business Journal; and Scott Richardson, feature writer, The Park Press.

In addition to the food and entertainment, the Taste of Winter Park will hold a drawing of chance for a trip for two to Ireland courtesy of GO Travel and Trafalgar/Brendan Vacations, valued at $1,000, as well as a silent auction. The drawing will be held during the Taste of Winter Park event. The drawing winner may select from either a self-drive or locally-hosted rail package. Tickets are available for $10 each, or three for $25. Must not be present to win. The silent auction will feature a variety of sports, dining and cultural packages from local businesses.

The 31st Annual Taste of Winter Park will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2016, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, 200 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, 32789. Tickets are available for $40 in advance for Winter Park Chamber members, $45 for non-members and $45 for everyone at the door. Tickets for both the event and the raffle can be purchased at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce located at 151 West Lyman Avenue, by calling (407) 644-8281 or online at www.winterpark.org. Stay up-to-date with event details at www.facebook.com/tasteofwinterpark or @WinterParkTaste on Twitter.