Beginning Friday, November 21 and continuing through Sunday, November 23, the city of Grand Rapids will host its first annual International Wine and Food Festival at the DeVos Place. The event will feature presentations by various local and international chefs, and wine experts such as:
- Chef Eric Villegas of the PBS show Fork in the Road.
- Chef Josef Huber, Executive Chef at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. The Amway Grand is an AAA four diamond luxury hotel and home to the 1913 room, an AAA five diamond restaurant.
- Tony "Winechef" Lawrence, owner of A Chef For You. Lawrence's bio states that he was the first African-American to be employed as a chef at two of the top country clubs in Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, Lawrence spent some time as a chef with the Philadelphia Eagles. Lawrence is now a personal chef, wine expert/collector and event planner.
- Grand Rapids' sister city, Perugia, Italy will also be on hand to provide samples of Italian wines.
In addition to wine and food sampling, guests can enjoy or participate in:
- A Chef cook-off.
- Cooking demonstrations and workshops.
- Special musical guests and other entertainment.
- Various drawings and opportunities to win prizes including a cruise for two.
The event is sponsored by several corporations and local organizations including Harvey Lexus, Meijer, Cruise Holidays, Tasters Guild International, Williams Kitchen & Bath, Grand Rapids Magazine and many others.
Driving to and Lodging in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is just a short drive from Lansing, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Michigan; and just a few hours drive from Detroit, Chicago, Fort Wayne and Toledo. If traveling from out of town, one can choose from several hotels in the downtown area. The Amway Grand, Courtyard by Marriott and J.W. Marriott are all within walking distance of Devos Place.
Dates, Times and Admission to the International Wine and Food Festival
The cost for admission to the event is $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on line. The admission fee includes all presentations, seminars and workshops. In order to sample foods and wines, guests will need to purchase what is referred to as "sampling tickets". The International Wine and Food Festival will run from 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, noon - 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan. Located on the western side of the state, city leaders, investors and entrepreneurs are making great strides to make Grand Rapids known internationally. Consequently, plans for various international events and activities are underway.
Dee Dee Smith - Dee Dee is a web content writer with over a decade of experience. She has held contracts with golf, sports and business publications.
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