As part of the city’s rebranding efforts, Addison is changing the way it does food events with the new Fork & Cork happening May 16 and 17 at Addison Circle Park.
The replacement for Taste Addison, Fork & Cork will feature some big names, including a concert by Pat Green and an appearance by James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson.
This intimate, two-day event will bring together celebrated chefs, craft breweries, wineries and spirit makers, which is exactly what planners learned people wanted when they asked for feedback.
“It was clear that patrons wanted a more culinary-focused event where they could actually participate alongside celebrity chefs while celebrating the world of taste,” says Barbara Kovacevich, director of special events for the Town of Addison.
Those who liked the old Taste Addison format needn’t worry, as its more successful parts will remain, including tastings from top Addison restaurants. Consider Fork & Cork the more attractive, sophisticated older sibling of Taste Addison. Heck, you even have to be 21 years of age to attend.
“Fork & Cork will be a great gourmet gathering — a casual but sophisticated event for people who enjoy food as entertainment,” Kovacevich says. “It will spotlight the culinary diversity found among Addison’s chef-driven establishments and introduce guests to a new way of thinking about food in our city.”
Another big change is that a portion of the proceeds will benefit Cafe Momentum, the nonprofit that Dallas foodies have grown to love. In addition to Cafe Momentum’s being selected as beneficiary, Fork & Cork chefs will be accompanied by Cafe Momentum participants during Friday’s events.
Friday night will cost you $65, but you’ll get all the food and drinks that you can handle. Saturday will only be $35 and includes access to the Grand Tasting Tent and the Pat Green concert. Attendees can also purchase tastings from local restaurants for $1 to $5 each. There are also a limited number of $100 VIP packages, which include access to hands-on cooking classes, Marcus Samuelsson’s demo, special tasting opportunities, chef meet-and-greets, valet parking and more.
Addison officials are confident that despite the higher price tag (Taste Addison only cost folks $15), this is exactly what the city needs to showcase all that it has to offer.
“This new event will continue to showcase Addison as an innovative, progressive, world-class event producer — and will once again elevate Addison as one of the coolest restaurant destinations in the DFW area and beyond,” Kovacevich says.
Featured talent for Fork & Cork includes James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson.
