October 21, 2014
Guarantee Tickets to Forks & Corks Grand Tasting
Become a Patron Sponsor!
Presented by The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, this four-day culinary celebration brings together celebrated regional chefs and world-renowned vintners. Tickets to the wildly popular Grand Tasting at The Ringling sold out in under eight minutes last year. This initiative enables patrons to purchase their tickets in advance.
(Sarasota, Florida) Tickets for The Grand Tasting, the anchor event of the Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, have sold out in record time in the past two years. The Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO) is the festival’s presenting organization. Kate Atkin, SMO’s executive director, shares that all 1,500 tickets sold out within the first eight minutes of the online sale for the 2014 event.
This year, serious fans of The Grand Tasting can purchase a Patron’s Sponsorship. This $1,000 initiative offers numerous benefits, including the most coveted—four guaranteed VIP tickets. Other benefits include tickets to the 2015 Forks and Corks kick-off party, early admittance to The Grand Tasting, a champagne reception at the event, covered seating, a private tour of the museum, and recognition as a festival patron. This opportunity is only available through November 7.
Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, a four-day culinary festival presented by The Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO), unites food, wine and beer enthusiasts with preeminent regional chefs and celebrated vintners from around the world. The festival, January 23-26, 2015, features various winemaker events at area restaurants and retail shops (January 23, 24); interactive wine seminars (January 24); The Grand Tasting in The Ringling Museum’s courtyard (January 25); and a trade event for area restaurants, retailers and hoteliers (January 26).
The Grand Tasting, which features signature dishes from the area’s top chefs, along with a vast array of wines and beers presented by guest vintners and breweries, is Sunday, January 25, noon to 4 p.m., at The Ringling. Grand Tasting general admission tickets are $95 (plus service charges). VIP tickets are $250 (plus service charges). Tickets to The Grand Tasting go on sale Monday, November 10, at 7 p.m. and can be purchased only online at: www.dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks.
For more information about the eighth annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, visit www.dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks, or call 941-365-2800. For more information about The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, visit www.dineoriginal.com.
About the Sarasota-Manatee Originals
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a not-for-profit trade organization founded in 2003. Together, more than 50 locally-owned, independent restaurants throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties work collaboratively to celebrate and promote the creative cuisine of the region, from unique quick service eateries and waterfront family restaurants to award-winning fine dining establishments. Passionate member restaurateurs work together to produce community events, optimize cooperative marketing efforts and develop synergistic partnerships among members as they focus on preserving the culinary heritage of the region. With more Florida Trend and Zagat top-scoring restaurants within a 20-mile radius of downtown Sarasota than any other area in the Florida, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals is dedicated to sharing the area’s vibrant culinary scene with the world. For more information, call 941-365-2800 or visit www.dineoriginal.com.
