Saturday, January 23rd, the quaint Southside Village neighborhood will once again play host to a gathering of Sarasota restaurants helping to raise money for a very worthy cause. The Sarasota Wine and Food Festival to benefit the American Lung Association in Florida will kickoff with a VIP reception starting at 5:30pm, followed by the main food event at 7:00pm.

This is the second year that the popular food and wine tasting event has been held on Hillview Avenue. Close to 30 restaurants will put their best dishes forward to impress both the Sarasota dining public and the culinary judges.

This years competition will be judged by Chef Derek Barnes of Derek’s Culinary Casual, Chef Judi Gallagher of ABC 7, Sarasota Magazine and Suncoast Cuisine and finally yours truly. I’m happy and honored to be helping out a fantastic cause again this year.

If you haven’t already purchased tickets to the event you can do so at the door. Tickets are $50 with proceeds going to assist the important work the the American Lung Association does here in Sarasota and throughout Florida.

So, bring your appetite and head on down to Southside Village for what is sure to be a great evening of food, wine and fun.

For more information call the American Lung Association at 727-347-6133 or visit the event website by clicking here.