Celebrity Chef Hosts a Gastronomic Showdown and Heroic Breakfast at Tampa Bay Wine & Food Fest

Get Ready to Rumble (and Give Back) at the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival!

Celebrity Host of 2024 TBWFF Chef Robert Irvine and last year's Battle StagePhoto by(Rockawaymore / Press Release)

Calling all foodies and fans of friendly competition! The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival (TBWFF) is back for its second year, and this time it's bringing the heat (and the heart) with a brand new "Chef Showdown" hosted by celebrity chef, Robert Irvine.

Breaking Bread with Heroes

But before the chefs throw down, Friday kicks off with a heartwarming event – "Breaking Bread with Heroes." This invite-only breakfast honors our nation's veterans and first responders, featuring Irvine and his pal, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. It's a chance to say "thank you" to those who serve, all while enjoying a delicious meal.

The "Chef Showdown" Heats Up!

Later that night, get ready for the main event – the "Chef Showdown" presented by Irvine Spirits! Last year's champions are back to defend their titles in epic culinary battles across seven categories:

• Battle Truffle: Can anyone dethrone the reigning champ? Chef Matthew Zappoli of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa vs Chef Paul Morrison of Ponte
• Battle Pasta: Will the reigning champion knead another victory? Chef Ricardo Nava of Cru Cellars vs Chef Anthony Pellicone of DeVito's Italian Specialties
• Battle Burger: A bun-believable battle for burger supremacy. Chef Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill vs Chef Jay Narvaez of Cru Cellars
• Battle Seafood: Will a new wave wash over the current champion? Chef Manuel Arevalo of Rusty Pelican vs Chef Jon Walker of The Tides Seafood Market
• Battle Sushi: A battle for raw talent (get it?). Chef David Reyes of Haiku vs Chef Mike Morales of Sunda New Asian
• Battle Tacos: Who will reign supreme in the world of tortillas? Chef Christopher Yadid Garcia of Tacos Las Californias vs Chef Dernier Buleje of The Dan at Hotel Flor
• Battle Fried Chicken: The ultimate comfort food showdown – can anyone beat the reigning champ? Chef Joe Dodd of King of the Coop vs Chef Cheyanne Misurelli of Sugar Wing

You Be the Judge!

And here's the best part – you get to be the judge! Guests attending the "Chef Showdown" will vote for their favorites after sampling each dish. The pressure's on, chefs!

More Than Just a Competition

The festival isn't just about competition, it's about giving back too. A portion of the proceeds benefits the CI Foundation's EAT SMART program, which provides healthy meals and nutrition education to Florida's youth. Plus, proceeds from Irvine Spirits also support service members, veterans, and first responders through the Robert Irvine Foundation.

The Festival Fun Doesn't Stop There!

The "Chef Showdown" is just one part of the five-day festival extravaganza. Here's a quick rundown of the other exciting events:

• An Evening at The Tampa Club (April 9): An exclusive, invite-only event that kicks off the festival with a bang.
• Experience Water Street (April 10): Explore Water Street's culinary scene with special dinners featuring celebrity chefs.
• Experience Hyde Park (April 11): Dine at four celebrated establishments in Hyde Park Village.
• Grand Tasting (April 13): The festival's grand finale features samplings from over 40 Tampa Bay restaurants and beverage vendors.

@CharlieChowsDown enjoys a cocktail in Tampa BayPhoto by(Charlesea Stephens / Instagram)

Foodie extraordinaire Charlesea Stephens, attending for the second year says, "The TBWFF highlights so many local restaurants in the area from large well-known establishments to mom and pops. It allows attendees to support and discover businesses we may not have known about. TBWFF brings the food community together in smaller intimate settings throughout the week featuring neighborhood food hubs and celebrating our local heroes. I enjoyed speaking to the chefs and loved how hands-on they were last year!" ~ @CharlieChowsDown

Get Your Tickets Now!

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a fun weekend filled with delicious food and a good cause, the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival has something for everyone. Head over to https://tampabaywff.com/ to snag your tickets before they're gone! This is one event you won't want to miss!

Plus!

Enter Tampa Food Influencer CharlieChowsDown Giveaway for 2 Free TicketsPhoto by( @CharlieChowsDown / Instagram)

Charlesea loved the first iteration of the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival so much that she partnered with the event this year to give more Tampa Bay foodies a chance to get in on the delicious event!

Go to @CharlieChowsDown on Instagram for a chance to win 2 tickets to the festival! Follow the instructions in the caption to enter at this direct link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4X-yHvMBUR/.

Additionally, you can purchase discounted tickets with her TBFWF code: CHOWDOWN10. Don't miss out on this chance to win tickets or save some cash!