Fall Foodie Festivals

Fall in Florida is a great time for outdoor festivals (barring late season storms and errant cold fronts). Here’s just a sampling of what’s coming up, or just passed, depending on when you got this issue of Paradise NEWS.

4th Annual Chowder Challenge

– Sunday, Nov 12th, 1-5pm,  Horan Park, 7601 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach, 33706

– While the Pass-a-Grille Women’s Club has officially taken over, the originators are heavily involved with the 4th Chowder Challenge at Horan Park in St. Pete Beach. Sixteen restaurants are expected to compete for ‘People’s Choice’, “Judge’s Favorite” and for the “Golden Ladle”, awarded for overall best in appearance, presentation as well as the chowder itself.

Sample as many as you like and vote for your favorite(s). Tickets available at EventBrite – $15. Day of event  $20. www.ChowderChallengePaG.com

10th Anniversary Chill Lounge Night in Downtown St. Pete

– Sponsored by Compass Land & Title and La Budde & Sons,
– Saturday, Nov. 18th in Straub Park 6 -11pm.

General Admission Tickets – Are on sale now online for $25 and $35/person the day of event. VIP tickets The Gold & Diamond Source VIP Lounge is an exclusive roped-off section, and tickets are available for $100. It entitles you to complimentary food, desserts, coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening in the secured VIP lounge area.  Limited sofas, daybed and couches are available first come first served. Extra chairs will be available however you can bring your own lawn chair. 

Parkshore Grill and 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House provide al fresco dining, offering signature items cooked on-site. They will also offer a wonderful selection of food for sale to the general admission guests throughout the night. 

Full espresso/cappuccino bar provided by Kahwa Coffee.

VIP restroom trailer available. Benefitting from this event is Creative Clay, help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through access to the arts by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences.

This is a great organization that took a hit during storm season and can really use the support. Visit www.creativeclay.org for more about them.  www.Chilllounge.com

Clearwater Beach Uncorked – Two-Day Food, Wine & Craft Beer Festival – Dec. 2 & 3, 1 – 4 pm

Touted as the hippest beachfront gastronomic event on Florida’s west coast, it’s your ticket to unwind and wiggle your toes in the sugar white sand while enjoying the finest fare and wines this side of fabulous.

Event tickets are $65/person/day for general admission and $95/person/day for VIP access. All guests get a limited-edition wine glass, custom tote bag and enjoy the Grand Tasting Village with unlimited tastings from 1 – 4 pm.

VIP ticket holders get early admission to the Grand Tasting Village and exclusive access to the Spirits Pool Lounge at the Wyndham Grand pool deck from 1-5 p.m. to sample exciting and intriguing crafted libations. Enjoy this weekend of great food, wine, and microbrews while tantalizing your taste buds and soothing your senses. The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort is offering special weekend room rates for guests of Clearwater Beach Uncorked. Get a room for 2 nights and 2 general admission tickets for $289.

A portion of the proceeds from Clearwater Beach Uncorked will benefit University of South Florida’s Sarasota Manatee School of Hospitality and Tourism, Vet to Chef program. Funds will be used to help the training program give veterans who are struggling a fresh start and pull their lives together by entering a civilian career in the culinary arts. Visit http://clearwaterbeachuncorked.com/.

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