Nancy Farrar
The already decade old Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival’s Main Event has solidified its upcoming roster of culinary purveyors like an appetizer before the main course. Everything from tiny morsels, to delectable craft beer pours will be on hand at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork April 5th.
"As we celebrate the Foundation’s 10th year, I'm thrilled to share these amazing chefs and beverage providers for 'The Main Event,’” festival executive director Julie Eastman says. “Each participant adds their own special touch to the festival, creating an unforgettable experience for food and wine lovers. We're excited to bring our supporters a delicious gathering at the FWFWF, filled with culinary delights and memorable moments!"
Now in its tenth year, the FWFWF began in 2012 when a group of nearly two dozen employees, that worked in the food and beverage industry, launched a party to celebrate some of the best food and beverages Fort Worth has to offer. Among this crowd were Russell Kirkpatrick and Mike Micallef, longtime colleagues at Fort Worth’s famous Reata restaurant. A year later these two became the founders of what would be known as the FWFWF.
FWFWF
“Oddly enough we were at a co-worker's birthday party one afternoon and, I had just enough cocktails, and my wife's like, ‘Mike's here,” Kilpatrick opined. “You're here. Go pitch it to him.’ And so, I kind of sold him. I was like, ‘I think this would work. I think we could get this thing off the ground.’ And really what I needed from him were some names in his Rolodex because, you know, Mike knows everybody in town.”
And if we’re being honest, Kilpatrick’s idea had merit, especially now that this fest and organization have ten years behind it. The FWFWF was really a way of creating Fort Worth’s own Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, which is known for bringing upwards of 500 people to a dirt field 30 minutes outside of Abilene.
But the FWFWF isn’t just about food and drink. As of last year, this local non-profit has raised more than $325,000 for grants and scholarships for culinary students from Fort Worth, as well as a service-industry relief fund for employees out of work during the pandemic shutdown.
And if you think that’s impressive, you should see the lineup of gourmands verified to be in attendance at this year’s Main Event.
The Main Event Culinary Participants:
Zach Garner, Barley
John Piccolino, B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Chris Boydston, Bob's Steak & Chop House - Fort Worth
Jon Bonnell, Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
Antonio Votta, Bricks and Horses at Bowie House
Nancy Farrar
Molly McCook, Ellerbe Fine Foods
Ben Merritt, Fitzgerald
Greg Pawlowski, iL Modo
Charlie Atkinson, Local Foods Kitchen
Braden Wages, Malai Kitchen
Kari Seher, MELT Ice Creams
Michael S. Thomson, MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant & Bar
Tom Perini, Perini Ranch Steakhouse
Jake Morgan, Plank Seafood Provisions
George Ortega, Quince Riverside
Hector Marquez, Reata Restaurant
Lindsey Lawing, Sweet Lucy's Pies
Patrick Ru, Teddy Wongs
Christian Lehrmann, TINIE’S Mexican Cuisine
Gabriel DeLeon, Winewood Grill
Stefon Rishel, Wishbone & Flynt
*The Seeker [Activation with the Mod Motel]: Stephen Pyles
The Main Event Beverage Participants:
Caymus Vineyards
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards Oak & Eden
Opici Wine & Spirits
Sanglier Cellars
Silver Ghost
Socorro Tequila
Terlato Wine Group
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Nancy Farrar
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Details:
Date: April 4 - 7, 2024
Location: Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork – 500 Clearfork Main St Fort Worth, TX 76109
Tickets: Available online at fwfwf.org, starting at $55. *Ticket covers all of the food and beverages you can (responsibly) consume at the event.
EVENTS:
Tacos + Tequila
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
- Come out of your shell with the hottest culinary couple in town.
- Early Entry: 7-10 PM | $89 *SOLD OUT
- General Admission: 8-10 PM | $55
The Main Event
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
- This signature event brings our culinary community’s best to the table.
- Early Entry: 5:30 – 9 PM | $199
- General Admission: 6:30 – 9 PM | $135
Rise + Dine
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
- The ultimate brunch experience.
- Early Entry: 11 AM – 2:30 PM | $89
- General Admission: 12 – 2:30 PM | $65
Burgers, Brews + Blues
- Celebrate a trio of all-American classics at this rockin’ party.
- Early Entry: 5:30 – 9 PM | $129
- General Admission: 6:30 – 9 PM | $85
Ring of Fire
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
- We’re taking the cookout concept to a whole new level.
- Early Entry: 1-5 PM | $129
- General Admission: 2-5 PM | $85
For an exclusive festival experience, Weekender Passes are available for $649, including early entry to all five signature events and VIP area access all weekend long (limited availability of 50 passes). OR go with, The Kit, a discounted package for all-event access. Ticket buyers get General Admission to all signature events with a 10% discount.
