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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

Tickets available for the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival online and through the new app

https://medium.com/relentlessawareness/albany-wine-dine-for-the-arts-reveals-exciting-details-for-the-january-2024-festival-f77ee4052101

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2023) — The Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts announced the highly-anticipated theme of the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival, along with the selected arts beneficiaries, the return of the popular Rising Stars Chef competition, and an improved app that will enhance the festival experience. Additionally, tickets for the festival are now on sale and can be purchased through the festival’s website and app.

“We are thrilled to share the theme that will make this festival a truly exceptional and memorable experience for all our guests. We couldn’t do this without the support of our sponsors, community partners, restaurants, and chefs,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts. “This year, we celebrate not just the exquisite tastes that grace our tables, but the profound impact of art on our community. We hope folks will come and enjoy the festivities. Tickets are available through our website and app.”

The theme for the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival will center around the unique and fun entertainment a cabaret delivers, creating a distinct atmosphere for festival attendees to raise a toast to the arts. The festival’s commitment to culinary excellence continues with the return of the Rising Star Chefs Competition. Through Albany Wine & Dine’s social media pages, they encouraged the public to cast their vote for the best up-and-coming chef. The Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts Board of Directors will review a couple dozen recommendations and begin conducting tastings to determine which chefs will be invited to cook at the 2024 festival’s two grand tastings, where their food will be paired with boutique wines.

“The Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival is not just a celebration of great food, but it’s also an economic driver that significantly impacts Albany County,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “By supporting local restaurants and businesses, we bolster our community’s economic vitality. Additionally, the festival’s commitment to helping arts organizations ensures that our cultural scene remains vibrant and thriving. Equally important, it provides a positive, fun community experience that brings people together, forging a stronger sense of connection and unity within our community.”

The Albany Wine & Dine team is proud to support the local arts community, and in 2024, the festival will direct its efforts toward benefiting organizations that play a vital role in enriching the local arts and cultural landscape in our community. The following organizations have been selected as premier and spotlight beneficiaries:

Premier Beneficiaries:

● Black Theatre Troupe

● Capitaland Chorus

● Capital Repertory Theatre

● Palace Performing Arts Center

Spotlight Beneficiaries:

● Albany Barn

● New York Folklore

● Playhouse Stage Company

“I’m so excited for the kickoff of the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival coming up in January. I’m deeply proud of what this event means for our community,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “It’s a celebration of both our diverse culinary heritage and the creative arts that make Albany a truly special place to live and visit.”

One of the most exciting updates for the 2024 festival is the introduction of the Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts’ new and improved app. This user-friendly application will offer attendees an enhanced festival experience. With this app, festival-goers will have all the information they need at their fingertips, making it easier than ever to navigate the festival and make the most of their visit.

Tickets for the 2024 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival are now available for purchase through the festival’s official website albanywinefest.com, and the new mobile app available on Apple and Google Play store.

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.

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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. www.albanywinefest.com/