Savor vibrant bites as the best traveling queer food festival continues its journey east
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Tickets are still available for Big Queer Food Fest's stop in Boston on April 28.
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
This story is brought to you by our partners at Big Queer Food Fest.
Queer cuisine is experiencing a long-overdue spotlight, and the Big Queer Food Fest is leading the charge. Conceived by television producer David Lewis and producer/filmmaker Chad Hahne, this culinary celebration is not just about food—it's a celebration of LGBTQ+ chefs and their vibrant contributions to the culinary world.
Historically, LGBTQ+ chefs like the iconic James Beard have left an indelible mark on gastronomy, yet there hasn't been a platform exclusively dedicated to showcasing their talents. Hahne and Lewis saw this gap and decided to fill it with the Big Queer Food Fest, an event designed to shine a spotlight on the diverse and exceptional queer culinary community.
To spread awareness and tantalize taste buds, the Big Queer Food Fest launched its "BQFF On The Road" series, a journey across culinary landscapes. The tour kicked off in style at Sal’s Place in West Hollywood, where renowned chefs like Elizabeth Falkner, Gabe Bertaccini, and Leo Goodloe tantalized attendees with their delectable creations. Libations flowed generously thanks to Future Gin Founders Freya Estrella and Natasha Case, setting the tone for a flavorful adventure.
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The culinary caravan continued its journey, stopping once again at Sal’s Place for a night hosted by the fabulous Miss Barbie-Q. This time, chefs like Rashida Holmes, Tiffani Faison, and Chef Kattttt took center stage, accompanied by a delightful array of beverages from esteemed wineries and spirits producers. Each dish was a testament to the creativity and skill of queer chefs, proving that culinary excellence knows no bounds.
The most recent stop whisked attendees away to Northern California's Guerneville, a legendary gay enclave, where chef Crista Luedkte delighted diners at her new restaurant, Road Trip, with a whimsical five-course menu inspired by her global travels. Paired with wines from LGBTQ+ winemakers, the evening was a testament to the fusion of culinary artistry and queer pride.
For those who missed the West Coast rendezvous, fear not—Boston awaits. On April 28, the Big Queer Food Fest will descend upon High Street Place Food Hall, hosted by the esteemed chef and restaurateur Tiffani Faison. Expect a stellar lineup of celebrity queer chefs, including Kareem Queeman and Karen Akunowicz, serving up mouthwatering dishes alongside beverages from Provincetown Brewing and SUPERGAY Vodka.
But the Big Queer Food Fest is more than just a feast for the senses. It's a platform for meaningful conversations about the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals in the food industry. In conjunction with Boston University's Queer Food Conference, attendees can engage in thought-provoking discussions led by notable figures like food journalist John Birdsall, highlighting the intersection of food, identity, and community.
In the words of co-founder Chad Hahne, the “On the Road” series is a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the unifying power of food. And Boston, with its vibrant food scene and sizable LGBTQ+ population, is the perfect backdrop for this culinary extravaganza. So come one, come all, and let's celebrate the rich tapestry of queer cuisine together at the Big Queer Food Fest.
BQFF takes place on April 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at High Street Place, 100 High Street Boston MA. Tickets are $50 and available here and at High Street Place the evening of the event, but keep scrolling to see the prolific chefs working their magic at the BQFF On The Road events that took place March 26 at Sal's in WeHo and April 14 at Road Trip in Guerneville.
Sal's in WeHo Encore
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IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
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IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
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Road Trip in Guerneville
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IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
IMAGE BY TARREYN VAN SLYKE IG @TARREYN
