Eat Your Heart Out

SAVOR at Omni PGA Frisco returns with star power, sips, and limited tickets remaining

Get ready, North Texas! SAVOR is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more buzz-worthy than ever.

Taking over Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa from April 30 through May 3, this four-day celebration of food, drink, and golf is already heating up, with multiple events sold out and a celebrity guest list that reads like a red carpet.

We’re talking appearances from familiar faces like Vanessa Hudgens, Chris Harrison, and Kevin Dillon, plus sports legends including Torii Hunter and Tony Casillas. Whether they’re mingling at tastings or joining the action-packed golf events, expect plenty of star sightings throughout the weekend.

And while the celebrities bring the spotlight, the real star of SAVOR is (unsurprisingly) the flavor.

This year’s elevated beverage program is turning heads, featuring acclaimed bars like The Roosevelt Room, alongside premium spirits from Texas favorites like Garrison Brothers Distillery and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Expect everything from espresso martinis and tequila tastings to barrel-aged cocktails crafted by top mixologists.

Wine lovers and beer enthusiasts won’t be left out either, with curated pours from Penfolds and local brews from Union Bear Brewing Co. Even the zero-proof crowd gets in on the fun, thanks to interactive mocktail experiences and a full-service barista station.

SAVOR at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa See celebrity chefs such as Tiffany Derry. Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

If you’re hoping to attend, act fast — fan-favorite events like Fork & Fire and the Celebrity Golf Challenge are already sold out. But a few standout experiences still have limited tickets available:

Masters of Taste (April 30): This 5-course dinner for only 150 guests starts with an Italian-inspired menu from James Beard Award-winning chef and TV personality Scott Conant and finishes with an imaginative dessert by Omni PGA Frisco’s Chef Leen Nunn, winner of Chopped: Sweets. Each course is paired with exceptional wines from Lawrence Wine Estates by Master Sommelier Erik Elliott.
Grand Tasting (May 2): With tickets priced at $195 per person, this event delivers bold bites, big beats, and a high-energy atmosphere as celebrity chefs Beau MacMillan, Kevin Lee, Ben Ford, and Tiffany Derry serve signature dishes. Guests can sip cocktails, enjoy live music, and take in fireworks for a full night of celebration under the stars.
Margaritas & Mariachis Brunch (May 3): This lively, Cinco de Mayo-inspired brunch is $145 per person and features bold Latin flavors and Tex-Mex favorites by Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman and regional chefs, alongside handcrafted cocktails by master mixologist Jason Asher. Roaming mariachis and a live DJ keep the festive energy going all morning.

Beyond the indulgence, SAVOR also gives back, supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Collin County, so every bite and sip helps make a difference.

With star power, standout flavors, and a little bit of everything in between, SAVOR isn’t just an event — it’s the can’t-miss culinary celebration of the season.

SAVOR Grand Tasting happens Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

Come hungry! SAVOR Grand Tasting will take place Saturday.

food and wine foodies food festivals food events dallas food scene hotels omni hotels pga golf promoted

Hits for a Good Cause

CultureMap writer and Cowboys crush it for charity in home run derby

CultureMap's Alex Bentley competing in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby

Photo courtesy of Reliant

CultureMap's Alex Bentley competed in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby.

There was some friendly rivalry on and off the field at the 13th annual Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field in Frisco on May 14, where members of the Dallas Cowboys and a dozen local media members stepped up to the plate to raise money for North Texas charities.

Before Cowboys fans showed up for the main event, the day kicked off with the 10th annual Reliant Media League, featuring 12 reporters from around Dallas-Fort Worth - including CultureMap's Alex Bentley - taking their hacks for a charity of their choice.

On what was said to be one of the hottest days in the event's history, each media participant got 10 swings in the first of three rounds, earning $100 for every hit and $300 for every home run.

Bentley, a first-time competitor, advanced to the second round with four others, and with a strong second-round performance - including a home run on his final swing - made the three-swing final round against WFAA reporter Sean Giggy.

CultureMap's Alex Bentley celebrating a home run in the Media League part of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby. Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

With Kristi Scales, sideline reporter for the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network, calling the action, Giggy narrowly edged Bentley by hitting two home runs compared to Bentley's two hits and one home run.

Collectively, the media members raised $36,220 for local North Texas charities, including $4,335 by Giggy for his charity, Keeper of the Game, and $4,135 by Bentley for his charity, The Street Dog Project.

The Street Dog Project is comprised of a small group of volunteers who, since 2016, have rescued hundreds of dogs from the streets and found them loving homes.

WFAA reporter Sean Giggy celebrating his win the Media League portion of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby WFAA reporter Sean Giggy and his son celebrating his win in the Media League portion of the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby. Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

Reached for comment, Bentley said: "For a 50-year-old man who hadn't touched a baseball bat in 16 years to even compete was amazing, but to be one of the finalists was beyond all my expectations. I'm very happy with my performance, but even happier that I was able to raise a lot of money for a good cause."

Ten Cowboys players then took the field in front of hundreds of fans, trading in their pads for a bat for a chance at baseball glory.

Participants included Bryan Anger, Brandon Aubrey, Jake Ferguson, DeMarvion Overshown, Dak Prescott, Luke Schoonmaker, Trent Sieg, Tyler Smith, Terence Steele, and Sam Williams.

With each hit and home run earning a donation from Reliant, the teammates raised a total of $80,000 to benefit The Salvation Army of North Texas.

Ferguson, the Cowboys tight end, was named the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby Champion with $20,600 raised and 22 home runs.

As the winner, Ferguson also received a $10,000 bonus from Reliant for his chosen charity, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson celebrating his win at the 2026 Reliant Home Run Derby.Photo by Brandon Wade/AP Content Services for Reliant

charity event culturemap dallas cowboys fundraisers home run derby sports sports-fitness