The Denver Food + Wine Festival is back and better than ever! This exciting event, organized by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, celebrates the best of Colorado’s food and drink scene. More importantly, it raises money to support hospitality workers in the state.
Chef Daniel Mangin from American Elm and Denise Mickelsen, the vice president of communications for the Colorado Restaurant Association, shared their enthusiasm about the festival on CBS Colorado. Mickelsen highlighted how crucial this event is for funding their programs.
Kicking off on September 3, the festival features a wine seminar followed by a food and cocktail competition the next day. By September 4, local restaurants will participate in an online auction featuring unique dining experiences and hotel stays. The main event, the grand tasting, happens on September 6 at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. Expect to taste dishes from 50 restaurants and a wide variety of wines and spirits.
Supporting local restaurants is vital, especially now. Mickelsen emphasized that many eateries are still facing difficulties post-pandemic. The foundation offers scholarships, training, and emergency assistance grants to help workers navigate tough times.
To add some culinary excitement, Chef Mangin demonstrated a delicious squash cavatelli dish, showcasing just a glimpse of the tasty offerings attendees can indulge in.
In recent surveys, nearly 80% of restaurant owners said that events like this help them recover and thrive. It’s all about community support!
If you’re interested, check out more about the event and grab your tickets here.
Keep an eye on social media to join in the buzz surrounding the festival. It’s more than just a food and drink event; it’s a celebration of resilience and community spirit in the hospitality industry.
