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Festival Bigger than Ever with Celebrity Seminars, New events, & Thousands of Attendees!

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/savoring-success-highlights-from-the-albany-chefs-food-wine-festival-supporting-the-arts-0a45946e0f07

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 27, 2024) — Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts hosted their 16th annual Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival this weekend bringing Capital Region foodies new and exciting features. Attendees enjoyed an appearance by celebrity judge and photographer Nigel Barker and a new partnership with Business for Good, naming the Miss Hattie’s ChangeMaker Awards for community service and Sunday’s “Wine & Dine and Brunch!” at Hattie’s Restaurant.

The festival began with the Mayor’s Opening Reception, which was held at the NYS Museum on Thursday, Jan. 23, where guests celebrated the festival’s mission to raise awareness and support for the arts. Guests also honored the reimagined 2025 Miss Hattie’s Changemaker awardees, Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan who was honored with the Karen Smith-Sfara Award, Park Playhouse who received the Gerald D. Jennings Award, and Robert J. McNamara who posthumously received the Robert J. McNamara Spirit of the Industry Award, renamed to honor his legacy in the Capital Region.

Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings & Seminars, hosted by National Bank of Coxsackie, saw nearly 2,000 attendees sample dishes and beverages from over 100 participating local restaurants, wine, beer, and spirit vendors. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to meet America’s Next Top Model judge and photographer Nigel Barker as he showcased his new ready-to-drink cocktail at the Grand Tasting & Seminar: The Barker Company Espresso Martini, at the “Espress Yourself” Seminar & SPEED Challenge. Dove & Deer’s Mack Hogan won the SPEED Challenge with their unique twist on Barker’s latest cocktail.

The festival’s annual competitions were in full force as local bartenders faced off in Battle of the Bartenders competitions during both Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings. Morrissey Lounge and Bar’s Zach Wachtel and 353 Troy’s Braden Lilley were named people’s and judges’ choice winners on Friday, while Mazzone Hospitality’s Chelsea Conger and Smith’s Public House’s Dionne Puorto took home the belt the next day. Area restaurants also spun their take on the best handhelds to see who would come away with the Slider Slam! Championship. Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering was declared the people’s choice champion, while Mazzone Hospitality was awarded the judge’s choice for the second year in a row. Each competition’s winners received a plaque, with judges’ choice winners also receiving a custom championship belt.

The experience continued Saturday night, with the Italian-inspired Grand Gala 5-Course Dinner & Reception. Executive Chef Jaime Ortiz, leading the 2025 Signature Chefs, curated a 5-course meal featuring a diverse array of flavors and textures. The menu included a vegetarian menu, showcasing the festival’s commitment to catering to various culinary preferences. The night included performances by The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York, eba Arts, and Albany Center Gallery, as well as a live auction hosted by Benita Zahn and Jerry Gretzinger

The festival concluded on Sunday, with the new Wine & Dine and Brunch! presented by Hattie’s Albany, where guests enjoyed a 4-Course unique brunch menu inspired by Hattie’s signature Southern cuisine paired with mimosas and other specialty drinks.

“The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival not only celebrates the rich culinary offerings of Albany but also uplifts the vital work of our non-profit arts organizations,” Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts. “It is an honor each year to not only be able to produce this amazing event for attendees, but to also see the impact of this funding on our beneficiaries.”

While the final tally of proceeds is still being calculated, the funds from the festival ultimately will be distributed among seven deserving beneficiaries, including this year’s Premier and Spotlight Beneficiaries: Albany Center Gallery, Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York, theREP, Palace Performing Arts Center, Eba Arts, Musicians of Ma’alwyck, and The Egg.

The festival was established in 2010 by Albany restaurateurs and other community leaders to raise funds for arts organizations that lost money after the City of Albany was forced to eliminate their Arts Grants funding. The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival has provided more than $1.5 million in sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany.

For more information about the festival, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, N.Y., through an annual three-day food and wine themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival Reveals 2025 Award Recipients

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-wine-dine-for-the-arts-and-hatties-restaurants-have-teamed-up-to-present-the-miss-438d41699031

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 14, 2024) — Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts has revealed new changes for the 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival presented by Bank of America. In addition to collaborating with Hattie’s Restaurants for the new Wine & Dine and Brunch! event Sunday, Jan. 26, the two culinary powerhouses will join forces to reimagine the festival’s annual awards as the “Miss Hattie’s Changemaker Awards.”

The awards recognize individuals committed to supporting the arts community throughout the Capital Region and will be presented at the Mayor’s Opening Reception on Thursday, Jan. 23 at New York State Museum, kicking off the four-day festival.

This year’s Honorable Gerald D. Jennings Backstage Award for supporting the missions of local arts organizations will go to Park Playhouse.

The Spirit of the Industry Award, presented to the person who demonstrates professionalism in the restaurant industry and a commitment to the community, has been renamed as the Robert J. McNamara Spirit of the Industry Award to posthumously honor the late Robert J. McNamara who passed away May 2024. Robert is acknowledged for his dedication to supporting charitable causes within the Albany community, including his role as Vice Chairman of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival Board of Directors.

The Karen Smith-Sfara Ovation Award, created to honor the memory of founding member Karen Smith-Sfara and given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the arts in Albany, will be presented to City of Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan.

Festivities will continue on Friday afternoon, when guests will attend the Grand Tastings & Seminars, sponsored by the National Bank of Coxsackie. Attendees will make their way to the Slider Slam! competition on Friday night, Jan. 24. Saturday’s Grand Tastings & Seminars on Jan. 25 will then be followed by the five-course Grand Gala dinner presented by Total Events.

The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival will also be hosting “Wine & Dine and Brunch.” in collaboration with Hattie’s Restaurants. This ticketed brunch event will take place on Sunday, January 26, at the newly opened Hattie’s Restaurant in Albany, NY. Seating is limited for the two brunch sessions, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots early to experience this exclusive and memorable conclusion to the festival. Tickets to all events are available on AlbanyWineFest.com in limited quantities.

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Attendees To Enjoy The Barker Company Espresso Martini Seminar & Speed Challenge

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/celebrity-photographer-nigel-barker-showcasing-his-new-cocktail-at-the-2025-albany-wine-dine-for-fc74eff07b03

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 9, 2024) — The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival will be joined by celebrity photographer, entrepreneur, and New York Times Best-Selling Author Nigel Barker at their 16th Annual Festival being held January 23–25, 2025. Barker will appear at Friday’s Grand Tastings and Slider Slam! while festival attendees will be able to sample The Barker Company’s newest products at the Albany Capital Center throughout the weekend.

During Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts, Barker will be presenting a seminar based around his popular Espresso Martini at Friday’s Grand Tasting. The Seminar will conclude with a SPEED Challenge featuring top Capital Region bartenders putting their own spin on the iconic cocktail.

Most known from his 17 seasons as judge and photographer on the hit show America’s Next Top Model and after 130 episodes of his hit “Shaken & Stirred” podcast, Barker is redefining the cocktail experience along with beverage industry veteran Philippe Roederer, former VP of Sales for Clicquot Inc., CEO of Voss Water and CMO of Remy Cointreau, alongside the country’s finest mixologists, bartenders, and baristas.

The Barker Company Espresso Martini is a meticulously crafted vegan blend of 100% Colombian espresso, six times distilled vodka, and premium ingredients. The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail delivering a rich, smooth, and indulgent taste with 20% ABV.

Festival festivities begin on Thursday, Jan. 23 with the Mayor’s Kickoff Reception at the New York State Museum, which recognizes the hard work and dedication of community leaders within the City of Albany. The Grand Tastings and Seminars, presented by National Bank of Coxsackie, will host 100 vendors from near and far to showcase their culinary delights and innovative libations on both Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25.

The Slider Slam! competition, which follows Friday’s tastings, presents a host of Capital Region restaurants that will compete for the Slider Slam! championship belt. The three-day festival concludes with the Grand Gala Reception and Five-Course Dinner. The theme of the 2025 Grand Gala is a ‘Taste of Italy’, where a team of signature chefs will curate a gourmet five-course menu for guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on luxurious auction items and experiences.

The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival will also be hosting “Wine & Dine and Brunch.” in collaboration with Hattie’s Restaurants. This ticketed brunch event will take place on Sunday, January 26, at the newly opened Hattie’s Restaurant in Albany, NY. Seating is limited for the two brunch sessions, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots early to experience this exclusive and memorable conclusion to the festival.

General Admission and VIP packages are now on sale on the website starting at $75. All net proceeds support the non-profit arts community in Albany.

For more information about the festival, ticket availability and sponsorships, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine-themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Albany Wine & Dine and Hattie’s Restaurants introduce new “Wine & Dine and Brunch!” event to close out 2025 festival weekend

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-chefs-food-wine-festival-unveils-new-brunch-event-at-hattie-s-albany-4323d9cab359

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 19, 2024) — The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival has announced a new addition to its 2025 weekend lineup: “Wine & Dine and Brunch!” This ticketed brunch event will take place on Sunday, January 26, at the newly opened Hattie’s Restaurant in Albany, NY.

Created in collaboration with Albany Wine & Dine and Hattie’s Restaurants, “Wine & Dine and Brunch!” marks the perfect finale to a weekend celebrating culinary excellence and community spirit. Guests can look forward to a unique brunch menu inspired by Hattie’s signature Southern cuisine paired with mimosas and other specialty drinks. As part of the festival’s mission, net proceeds from the event will benefit Albany’s not-for-profit arts organizations.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this event as an exciting new finale to the festival,” said Albany Wine & Dine Board President Marcus Q. Pryor. “This event not only highlights the exceptional culinary talent in our region but also celebrates the meaningful partnerships that strengthen our community while furthering our mission of supporting local Albany arts organizations.”

Hattie’s, a beloved Southern-themed restaurant with deep roots in the Capital Region, expanded to Albany earlier this year. Profits from Hattie’s Restaurants are donated to the Business for Good Foundation to help surrounding communities. With a focus on job creation and community development as part of its mission, Hattie’s Albany is the perfect host for this exciting new event.

“Any chef would jump at the chance to take part in Wine & Dine for the Arts, so I can’t wait to roll out an exclusive brunch menu on January 26,” said Chef Jasper Alexander. “Hattie’s is going to be putting a special twist on some of our brunch favorites, and we’re excited about the chance of offering a four-course meal for the event in support of the Albany arts community.”

The four-course menu for the event features:

• Amuse Bouche: Johnny Cake Bellini | Creme Fraiche | Salmon/Trout Roe | Chervil
• Course: Chicken & Waffles Two Ways — Hattie’s Famous Fried Chicken Wing | Coxinha Drumstick | Crisp Waffle | Spiced New York Maple Syrup
• Course: Shrimp and Grits — Grilled Gulf Prawn | Egg Roulade | Creamy Grits | Sauce Creole
• Course: Praline Cruffin | Bourbon Caramel

“Since opening our doors on Madison Avenue in March, Hattie’s Albany has committed itself to being a neighborhood destination, and the arts in our city are a vital part of our community,” said Hattie’s General Manager Steve Bohrer. “Wine and Dine for the Arts is an Albany institution, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off 2025 than supporting the festival with the addition of a Sunday brunch at Hattie’s.”

Tickets for “Wine & Dine and Brunch” are $75 each and will go on sale Friday, December 20, 2024, at albanywinefest.com. Seating is limited for the two brunch sessions, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots early to experience this exclusive and memorable conclusion to the festival.

For more information about the 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival and a full schedule of events, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine-themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

About Hattie’s Restaurants: Since 1938, Hattie’s has served fine Southern and Louisiana cuisine in a friendly, down-home atmosphere, earning legions of fans for the past 85 years. Over its long history, Hattie’s has provided consistent commitment to its customers, staff, and community across several locations in the Capital Region of New York. Currently, customers can enjoy the Hattie’s experience at the original restaurant in Downtown Saratoga Springs, a quick service offering in Wilton Plaza, a seasonal location at the Saratoga RaceTrack, and Hattie’s Albany, our newest spot — located at 121 Madison Avenue.

As a part of the Business for Good family of companies, Hattie’s Restaurants aims to grow and amplify a community-positive business, while staying true to the legacy of its founder, Miss Hattie Moseley Austin. All profits from Hattie’s Restaurants are donated to the Business for Good Foundation to help surrounding communities. To learn more, visit www.hattiesrestaurants.com.

Six up-and-coming chefs will be highlighted as Rising Stars at January 2025 festival

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/winners-of-2025-rising-star-chefs-competition-revealed-for-albany-chefs-food-wine-festival-906627cea03d

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 4, 2024) — The winners of the Times Union Table Hopping Rising Star Chefs Competition have been revealed for the 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts (ACFWF). The six winning chefs will prepare their own dishes and be highlighted at the festival’s two Grand Tastings events on Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

The Rising Star Chefs competition spotlights the region’s best new chefs in the industry. Dozens of chefs were nominated by the public and thousands of votes were cast to help the judges determine this year’s winners.

“Every year, the competition gets better and better,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. “With support from the public, we are proud to recognize the dedication that these skilled chefs bring to the region each day.”

The 2025 Rising Star Chefs are:

• Tim Williams — Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill
• Dylan Longton — Pretty Alright Breakfast Club
• Jacob White — Radici Kitchen & Bar
• Jonas Offenbach — Restaurant Matilda
• Isabella Waldorf — Bimi’s Canteen & Bar
• Javier Villatoro — Coray Kitchen

The competition launched in October on Steve Barnes’ Times Union Table Hopping blog. Judges from the ACFWF Board of Directors conducted tastings at each chefs’ restaurants before conducting a final vote. Thirty percent of each chef’s score was the result of a public vote conducted at AlbanyWineFest.com. Information on the winning chefs can be found on the Albany Wine and Dine website. The Rising Star Chefs competition is sponsored by the Times Union Table Hopping blog.

The 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival will take place Thursday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 25. For full details on the Rising Star Chefs and more information about the three-day festival, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine-themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Local elected officials gather to highlight the three-day festival which supports the arts, restaurants, and businesses in the Capital Region

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-wine-and-dine-for-the-arts-announces-theme-and-arts-beneficiaries-for-2025-chefs-food-and-97e4bc754d2b

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 3, 2024) — Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts has announced the Italy inspired theme for the 2025 Grand Gala and local arts beneficiaries for their 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival, presented by Bank of America, at Albany Capital Center. The festival will take place from Thursday, Jan. 23 to Saturday, Jan. 25.

Local arts organizations were invited to apply for the chance to be one of the seven arts beneficiaries that receive net proceeds from the event annually. The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival has provided nearly $1.5 million in sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany. The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival distributed nearly $90,000 between their 2024 Arts Beneficiaries.

The 2025 Premier Arts Beneficiaries include:
● Albany Center Gallery
● Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York
● Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP)
● Palace Performing Arts Center

The 2025 Spotlight Arts Beneficiaries include:
● Electronic Body Arts (eba Arts)
● The Egg
● Musicians of Ma’alwyck

“This event is so much more than three days of food, wine, and entertainment,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. “It’s about shining a brighter light on the community of hard-working chefs, not-for-profits, our partners, and the countless volunteers who keep Wine & Dine for the Arts going each year.”

Local elected officials joined board members, community partners, and others to celebrate the annual food and wine festival.

“Wine and Dine for the Arts is a chance to give back to the arts organizations that provide so much for this community while experiencing the incredible talent of the chefs in this region,” Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said. “One of the great joys of my tenure as Mayor has been participating in this event and watching it grow. This growth has helped ensure that our arts institutions, the heart of our city, are able to continue to provide entertainment, educational opportunities, community space, programming, and so much more. I look forward to another opportunity to support the institutions we are fortunate to have right here in our backyards. See everyone in January for a taste of Italy in the city of Albany!”

“The Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts is a beloved tradition that allows residents and visitors to experience the culinary delights that our visionary restaurants and chefs have to offer,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Additionally, this event raises much needed funds to ensure our cultural institutions and local not-for-profit arts organizations continue to thrive. Albany County shares this mission, which is why I was proud to award $40,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to this festival as part of our Arts, Culture & Tourism Recovery Grants program. Together, we are raising money to help sustain the programs, workshops, and performances that enrich our community and make the arts accessible for everyone. I applaud the members of the Board of Directors for their leadership and hard work to make the Wine & Dine for the Arts such a success. This year is sure to be bigger and better than ever!”

“Every year, the Albany Wine & Dine Arts Festival showcases the best of the Capital Region’s culinary scene and what is has to offer,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D — Albany). “Every dollar earned at this event will go towards supporting our burgeoning arts community, uplifting aspiring creators and contributing to our area’s culture and sense of community. I encourage everyone to stop down while you can to see the best of what the Capital Region’s eats has to offer!”

“The Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts raises funds to support the arts while hosting talented chefs who showcase their talents at the food and wine themed festival. This popular event continues to grow, and I look forward to seeing yet another successful event in 2025,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh

“The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival showcases the culinary talent of local chefs and helps uplift the arts community,” said David Cornell, president, Bank of America Capital Region-Hudson Valley. “Through our continued partnership with the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival, we look forward to helping the arts thrive throughout our region and creating a lasting impact on our community.”

Festivities begin on Thursday, Jan. 23 with the Mayor’s Kickoff Reception at the New York State Museum, which recognizes the hard work and dedication of community leaders within the City of Albany. The Grand Tastings and Seminars, presented by National Bank of Coxsackie, will host 80+ vendors from near and far to showcase their culinary delights and innovative libations on both Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25.

The Slider Slam! competition, which will follow Friday evening’s tastings event, presents a host of Capital Region restaurants that compete for the Slider Slam! championship belt. The three-day festival concludes with the Grand Gala Reception and Five-Course Dinner. The theme of the 2025 Grand Gala is a ‘Taste of Italy’, where a team of signature chefs will curate a gourmet five-course menu for guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on luxurious auction items and experiences.

The festival is currently accepting nominations for the Rising Star Chefs competition. The winning chefs and their signature dishes will be featured at the Times Union Table Hopping Rising Star Chef Pavillion during the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings and Seminars. Nominations can be made online at the festival’s website.

General Admission and VIP packages are now on sale on the website starting at $75. All net proceeds support the non-profit arts community in Albany.

For more information about the festival, ticket availability and sponsorships, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving non-profit arts organizations

2025 Beneficiary Applications are open, inviting local arts nonprofits to apply

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-chefs-food-and-wine-festival-distributed-nearly-90-000-to-local-arts-organizations-64eea54c63b1

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 24, 2024) — The Albany Wine and Dine board of directors has distributed nearly $90,000 among its premier and spotlight beneficiaries from the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival. Premier and Spotlight Beneficiaries include The Black Theatre Troupe, Capitaland Chorus, Capital Repertory Theatre, the Palace Performing Arts Center, Albany Barn, and New York Folklore.

The three-day festival which celebrates food, wine, and art within the City of Albany, supports local not-for-profit arts organizations. It showcases the region’s premier restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, with all net proceeds from the festival weekend directly benefiting these organizations to support the Albany arts community.

“We are thrilled to extend this opportunity to our arts community,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival. “The festival allows participants to enjoy incredible food and drinks while supporting a great cause. Together, we can create a lasting impact and bolster the vibrant arts scene in Albany.”

Applications for the 2025 festival beneficiaries are now open, and organizations can submit their applications at albanywinefest.com. To qualify for funding, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that is arts-oriented and based or has had performances in, the City of Albany. The board of directors will select a total of seven beneficiaries across two award levels: four Premier Beneficiaries and three Spotlight Beneficiaries. All beneficiaries will be notified of their selection in Oct. 2024.

Since its inception, the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival (ACFWF) has provided nearly $1.5 million in funding, supporting 16 not-for-profit arts organizations in Albany. The ACFWF board of directors prioritizes applications from organizations that are women-led, BIPOC-led, with a DEI footprint and/or have an operating budget under $250,000. All arts nonprofits are encouraged and welcome to apply.

The 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival will take place from Thursday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 25. For full details on the beneficiary selection process and more information about the three-day festival, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine-themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Winners of the Slider Slam and Battle of the Bartender Competitions Revealed
https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/record-attendance-at-the-2024-albany-chefs-food-wine-festival-supporting-albany-arts-989ef8cb4122

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 2, 2024) — The 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival saw the largest attendance in its 15-year history, bringing over 2,500 guests to the City of Albany for five events throughout its three-day run. Over 50 participating local restaurants, wine, beer, and spirit vendors contributed to the festival’s culinary landscape, offering an extensive variety of dishes and libations. Innovative art installations and programming filled the space reflecting the festival’s mission to raise awareness and support for the arts.

The experience concluded Saturday, Jan. 27, with the Cabaret & Cabernet-themed Grand Gala. Executive Chef Jaime Ortiz, leading the 2024 Signature Chefs, curated a 5-course meal featuring a diverse array of flavors and textures. The menu included a thoughtful vegetarian option, showcasing the festival’s commitment to catering to various culinary preferences.

The festival’s 3 competitions each declared judges’ choice and people’s choice winners. The highly anticipated Slider Slam competition featured 13 Capital Region restaurants vying for the title of best slider, allowing attendees to cast their votes and declare the champions. Mazzone Hospitality was declared the Slider Slam judges’ choice winner with Prime Burger winning the people’s choice vote.

Additionally, two Battle of the Bartenders competitions captivated the audience as mixologists crafted their unique takes on classic cocktails during the Old-Fashioned Competition and the Margarita Challenge. Zach Wachtel, bartender at The Delaware, swept the crowd away on Friday, winning both the judges’ and people’s choice awards with his take on the Old Fashioned. Saturday’s Margarita competition saw a wide range of creations with Katy Aitchison, bartender at Wellington’s, being declared judges’ choice winner and Robert Shoyhket, bartender at TORO Cantina, winning the most votes from the public. Each competition’s winners received a plaque with judges’ choice winners also receiving a custom championship belt.

“The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival has once again exceeded expectations, bringing together the community in a celebration of culinary excellence and camaraderie,” Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support from attendees, participating restaurants, chefs, bartenders, vendors, and sponsors. The impact of this event will be felt by our beneficiaries, contributing to the vibrancy of our cultural and artistic community.”

While the final tally of proceeds is still being calculated, funds from the festival will be distributed among seven deserving beneficiaries, including this year’s Premier and Spotlight Beneficiaries: The Black Theatre Troupe, Capitaland Chorus, Capital Repertory Theatre, the Palace Performing Arts Center, Albany Barn, New York Folklore and Playhouse Stage Company. The beneficiaries will be honored with a presentation of the funds raised at an event to be announced in the next few weeks.

The festival was established in 2010 by Albany restaurateurs and others in the hospitality region to raise funds for arts organizations that lost money after the Albany City Arts Grants ended for budget reasons. Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival has provided nearly $1.5 million in sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany.

For more information about the festival, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, N.Y., through an annual three-day food and wine themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Menu for Grand Gala unveiled; tickets expected to sell out soon

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-chefs-food-wine-festival-announces-legacy-award-recipients-a79321880d6c

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2024) — Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts has revealed new details for the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival presented by Bank of America. The three-day festival kicks off Thursday, Jan. 25 with the Mayor’s Opening Reception at Albany City Hall, followed by the Friday Grand Tastings & Seminars, sponsored by the National Bank of Coxsackie. Foodies should then plan for the Slider Slam on Friday night, Jan. 26. The festivities will culminate on Saturday, Jan. 27 with the Saturday Grand Tastings & Seminars, followed by the five-course Grand Gala dinner presented by Total Events. Tickets to all events are available on their website, AlbanyWineFest.com in limited quantities.

Festival tickets are available to purchase for individual events. Grand Tastings & Seminars along with Slider Slam events include an option for VIP ticketing featuring specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the chance to win one of five exciting travel experiences. Individual Event Prices range from $75 for entry to $90 to access the Deep Eddy Vodka VIP Lounge at the Grand Tastings or the Jack Daniels VIP area for Slider Slam!.

The annual five-course Grand Gala dinner will be celebrated with a Cabaret and Cabernet theme present throughout the night’s entertainment and artistic installations. Gala tickets range from $150 for regular seating and $200 for VIP benefits at the event. The menu, including vegetarian options, has been curated by the 2024 Signature Chefs led by executive chef, Jaime Ortiz. The full list of award-winning chefs is below:

• Jaime Ortiz, 677 Prime | Toro Cantina | Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill
• Paul Dim, Scarlet Knife
• Dan Gordon, Nicole’s Restaurant & Catering
• Mark Graham, Hattie’s
• Ian O’Leary, Day Line | Patrick Henry’s
• Ric Orlando, Ric Orlando
• AJ Richards, Farmacy
• Franco Rua, Café Capriccio
• Elliot Vogel, The Delaware
• Courtney Withey, Schenectady County Community College
• David Zuckerman, Mazzone

“It’s an honor to be able to bring such an immersive experience to food and wine lovers in the city of Albany, while also highlighting the tremendous work that our local arts organizations have been putting into the city for years,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival.

Each year, the festival’s board of directors recognizes individuals committed to supporting the arts in the Capital Region with Legacy Awards presented at the Grand Gala.

This year’s Honorable Gerald D. Jennings Backstage Award for supporting the missions of local arts organizations will go to Yvonne Perry for her vast contributions to the theater community. Perry earned a Daytime Emmy award as Outstanding Female Newcomer for originating the role of “Rosanna” on As The World Turns. Yvonne serves as Chair of the Greater Albany Area Liaison for Actors’ Equity, is an Artistic Associate at Capital Repertory Theatre, and teaches and directs at several upstate colleges. Last year, the award was presented to former WNYT NBC-13 anchor Benita Zahn.

The Spirit of the Industry Award is presented to a person who demonstrates professionalism in the restaurant industry and a commitment to the community. This year’s award will be presented to Tess Collins, a longtime civic leader who grew up around the food industry at her father’s diner, then at Lark Street’s venerable Beverwyck, Justin’s, and Lark Tavern restaurants and she remains the grande dame of downtown at McGeary’s Irish Pub. Last year, this award was presented to Matt Baumgartner, the owner of June Farms and several area restaurants.

The Karen Smith-Sfara Ovation Award, created to honor the memory of founding member Karen Smith-Sfara and given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the arts in Albany, will be posthumously awarded to the late Matthew T. Peter, Albany County Legislator, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority, and former chief of staff for the City of Albany. Peter, a prominent community figure in Albany who passed away last month, is being acknowledged for his continued dedication to uplifting the arts community in Albany, including championing Capital Walls in collaboration with Albany Center Gallery and board service with Playhouse Stage and Feed Albany. Last year, restauranteurs Annette Nanes and Scott Meyer received this award.

“I am so excited to once again attend the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival Wine and Dine for the Arts, complete with all the signature events that patrons have come to know and love such as the reception and kickoff event that I host, seminars, the Slider Slam! and the Grand Gala Dinner,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “This event and the mission to provide sustainable funding for the nonprofit arts community in Albany are very important to me and I am looking forward to celebrating throughout the event.”

Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival has provided nearly $1.5 million in sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany. The theme for the 2024 three-day festival is Cabaret and Cabernet.

The festival, presented by Bank of America, was established in 2010 by Albany restaurateurs and others in the hospitality region to raise funds for arts organizations that lost money after the Albany City Arts Grants ended for budget regions. The ACFWF’s board selected a total of seven beneficiaries in two award levels, Premier and Spotlight. The 2024 arts beneficiaries include The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York, Capitaland Chorus, Palace Performing Arts, TheREP, Albany Barn, Playhouse Stage Co., and New York Folklore. All net proceeds from the festival will be awarded to the selected beneficiaries.

For more information about the festival and to purchase future tickets, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, N.Y., through an annual three-day food and wine themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com

Seven up-and-coming Capital Region chefs highlighted as Rising Stars at 2024 festival

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/winners-of-the-rising-star-chefs-competition-announced-for-the-2024-albany-chefs-food-wine-ef3bd563ff9b

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 21, 2023) — The winners of the Rising Star Chefs competition have been selected for the Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival (ACFWF). After the judges’ scores and an all-time-high voter turnout resulted in a tie, the ACFWF Board decided to select seven Capital Region Chefs as winners instead of six as the competition originally planned. The winning chefs will be featured at the Friday & Saturday Grand Tastings in the Times Union Table Hopping Rising Star Chef Pavilion, where they’ll provide samplings curated from their award winning menus.

“This had to be one of the toughest competitions yet,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. “With overwhelming public support and outstanding tasting menus prepared by each incredibly talented chef, selecting our winners was no easy task. While we couldn’t select everyone, we can’t stress enough how amazing each of our finalists are. We encourage the public to frequent their establishments — you won’t be disappointed!”

The 2024 Rising Star Chefs winners are:

• Peter Darves-Bornoz, Josie’s Table
• Noah Frese, The Roosevelt Room
• Joe Friedel, Dotty Lou’s BBQ
• Tyikea McLean, Daleys on Yates
• Michelle Montini, Nicole’s Restaurant
• Michael Plewinski, 677 Prime
• Stacy Tecler, Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen

The competition, launched in October on Steve Barnes’ Times Union Table Hopping blog, invited the public to nominate and vote for their favorite Capital Region chefs. Judges from the ACFWF Board of Directors conducted tastings at each chef’s restaurants before conducting a final vote.

The winning chef’s biographies can be found on the Albany Wine and Dine website. The Rising Star Chefs competition is sponsored by the Times Union Table Hopping blog.

The 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival will take place from Thursday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 27. For full details on the Rising Star Chefs and more information about the three-day-long festival, visit albanywinefest.com.

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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: Their mission is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, New York, through an annual three-day food and wine-themed festival that markets restaurants, chefs, and their innovative cuisine, educates consumers on healthy, sustainable agriculture, and donates the net income directly to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. albanywinefest.com