USA Today Wine & Food Experience in Naples is Sept. 30, tickets remain: What to know
From tiny cones of tuna topped with caviar and small plates of short ribs to handcrafted ice cream for grown-ups and melt-in-your-mouth cookies, here’s a sneak peek at Naples' premier gourmet event: USA TODAY’s Wine & Food Experience.
What is it?
An afternoon of fun and food from top chefs, plus fine wines and premium spirits purveyors.
When is it?
Saturday, Sept. 30 rain or shine. Entry is at noon for VIP ticket holders and 1 p.m. for the Grand Tasting. The Experience ends at 4 p.m.
Where is it?
Paradise Coast Sports Complex in North Naples. Parking is free.
Why you should go, part one
Hours of nibbling delicious food from Southwest Florida’s hottest restaurants and private chefs. The list is continually updated but committed participants so far include:
Body & Soul Healthy Meal Plans
Chloe's Cookies
Crisp & Green
Fernweh Ice Cream
Gather Beverage Company
Hampton Social
Hangout by Two Guys
Joyful Wellness
Kara in the Kitchen
Naples Dining Company
Naples Wine Collection and The Cave Bistro
Roy's Restaurant
The Bowl
The Gasparilla Inn & Club’s Executive Chef Nick Marchesano is coming all the way from Boca Grande. Fun fact: his starry chef stints include The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, Colorado’s The Broadmoor and Ed Sheeran’s touring chef.
The Pub Naples
Part two: Did someone say adult beverages?
Wine and spirits are integral to the Experience. From Tito's Vodka and Piper-Sonoma's sparkling wines to specialty tequilas, Rums of Puerto Rico and more, check out the event’s home page to glean the impressive liquor companies sampling that day.
Ticket holders must be 21 and over. ID is required upon admission.
Need more?
Live entertainment and how-to demonstrations from experts are also on the menu. Learn flower arranging from Laura Dowling, former chief flower designer at The White House. If cooking’s more your jam, Chef Andy Hyde will teach you how to master his famous mushroom strudel.
How to score tickets
Visit wineandfood.usatoday.com/naples. Prices go up $15 Friday, Sept. 29. Right now, they’re $100 for VIP and $65 for general admission. VIP means you'll enter at noon instead of 1 p.m. Fewer than 45 VIP tickets remained as of Sunday morning and VIPs always sell out before the event.
Restaurant news: On the menu: New pop-up, Buffett cheeseburger tribute, game day eats, Mexican fiesta
To note
The weather tends to be hot. Dress accordingly and stay hydrated sipping non-alcoholic beverages provided at the event.
Connect with this reporter at diana.biederman@naplesnews.com or if you see her at the event, say hi.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Taste, Sip, Savor: USA Today's Wine & Food Experience in Naples