Get Ready to Revel at the 11th Annual Boca Bacchanal!
The countdown to the 11th Annual Boca Bacchanal is in full swing and as Honorary Chair this year along with my husband Steve, I'm very excited to give you the scoop on what is sure to be a fabulous weekend of revelry! This year's Bacchanal will take place March 22nd-24th and will feature a total of eight events over the course of three days with the proceeds benefiting a very good cause: the Heritage Education and Historic Preservation programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum (for more information, please click here). We've also made some exciting changes to the format this year so read on for all the details! The highlight of the Boca Bacchanal every year is, of course, our fabulous lineup of Vintners and Chefs who hail from award winning restaurants and heralded vineyards from around the globe! Our fabulous Vintners this year (pictured above) include: Count Patrick d'Aulan, Alta Vista Winery, Argentina; Luciano Castiello, Castello Banfi and Vigne Regali, Tuscany, Italy; Thierry Roset, Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Reims, France; Cynthia Lohr, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, California; René Schlatter, Merryvale Vineyards, Napa Valley, California; and Christopher W. Silva, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, California. We are also very excited about our amazing chefs (pictured above): Eric DiStefano of Geronimo in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Peng Looi of August Moon Chinese Bistro and Asiatique Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky; Paula DaSilva from 1500º - Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach, Florida; Chris Ponte, of Cafe Ponte in Clearwater, Florida; Piero Premoli of Pricci in Atlanta, Georgia; Christopher Prosperi of Metro Bis in Simsbury, Connecticut; and Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill in Charleston, South Carolina.There are many opportunities to experience the wines and cuisine of our Vintners and Chefs over the Bacchanal weekend which kicks off Friday, March 22nd with the Bacchus Bash which takes place at The Boca Raton Resort & Club. At this event guests will savor an extravaganza of sensational food and wine, presented by our celebrated chefs and prized vintners in conjunction with Chef Andy Roenbeck and the culinary team at the Boca Resort - can you say dream team? The evening includes a reception, signature small plate tastings paired with wines, and a silent and live auction featuring magnificent vacations and cruises, coveted wines, and much more. The event starts at 6:30pm and tickets are $225. If you enjoy a lively evening of sipping, savoring, bidding and even dancing - this is the event for you!In a change from years past, the elegant and intimate Vintner Dinners which have previously been held on Friday night of the Bacchanal weekend, will be held Saturday, March 23rd. Never fear because while the day may have changed the format of these very special dinners remains the same! The Vintner Dinners will be held in six stunning local private residences and venues with each featuring the talents of a duo selected from this year's Vintners and Chefs. Each duo is assigned to a residence with a total of six perfect pairings to choose from. Whereas many food and wine events feature hundreds of attendees at an event like this, the Bacchanal Vintner Dinners are limited to 50 people - yes, you heard me only 50 people (some are even 40!) which makes these events so very special. If you'd like to ask the Chef and/or Vintner a question during the evening or compliment them on their wine or cuisine, you can without having to elbow your way through a crowd. I am happy to announce Steve and I will once again be co-hosting a dinner this year whose theme is "Low Country's Star is the Toast of Champagne!" featuring the wines of Champagne Charles Heidsieck paired with the delicious cuisine of Chef Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill. If you enjoy a more intimate, exclusive culinary experience this is definitely the event for you! Tickets for the Vintner Dinners are $325 and for the other very special pairings and homes, please click here.The weekend draws to a close on Sunday, March 24th with The Grand Tasting, an alfresco luncheon by-the-bite on the glorious tented green at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre where guests will enjoy delicious specialties presented by 30 outstanding local chefs and restaurants, and an exceptional presentation of 140 featured wines. The marketplace will also feature herbs, produce, specialty oils and foods for sale and we are also excited to announce the Grand Tasting will feature a Beer Garden this year! At this event there's a little something for everyone and if you like a more casual atmosphere to enjoy your food and drink then this is the event for you. The Grand Tasting takes place from 12pm-3pm and tickets are $75 in advance; $90 at the gate. Next week I will feature a Grand Tasting Giveaway for a pair of tickets to the event so please stay tuned for details!For more information about Boca Bacchanal or to purchase tickets, please visit www.bocabacchanal.com. On behalf of the Boca Raton Historical Society and everyone who has worked so hard on this year's event, we greatly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there!Cheers,