Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts announces the 2023 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival presented by Bank of America. The three-day festival begins on Jan. 26 with the Mayor’s Reception and Kickoff, followed by the Grand Tastings and Slider Slam on Jan. 27. The festivities will culminate on Jan. 28 with the Grand Gala dinner.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 26, 2023

5:30pm - 7:00pm: Mayor’s Opening Celebration at City Hall

Join the Mayor and the Festival Board of Directors as we kick off the 13th Anniversary Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts. This elegant cocktail reception features hors d’oeuvres, & wine generously donated by Sonoma-Cutrer and champagne generously donated by Korbel. Mingle with the directors of Albany’s Arts Organizations, chefs, Legacy Award winners, and Festival Sponsors at this fantastic networking event.

Friday, January 27, 2023

4:00pm – 8:00pm: Grand Tasting & Seminars at Albany Capital Center

The Grand Tasting and Seminars will take place at the Albany Capital Center. The VIP ticket will include access to the Stoli Elite VIP Lounge presented by Total Events that will be pouring specialty cocktails made with Stoli’s Elite brands, Hors D’oeuvres prepared by a Festival Signature Chef, an opportunity to win 1 of 5 exciting travel experiences. You will also have preferred access to the Macallan Raise the Glass seminar, which is anticipated to fill very quickly.

-Educational Seminars
-Brewery Ommegang Food Truck
-Craft Beer Pavilion
-Battle of the Bartenders: Negroni Competition | presented by Fords Gin
-The Woodford Experience
-Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events

“Art Throughout the Festival” Unique Pop-Up Performances & Installations | presented by ParkAlbany.com

5:00pm – 7:00pm: Battle of the Bartender: Negroni Competition at Albany Capital Center

This event is included with the Friday Grand Tasting & Seminars.

Day one of our Battle of the Bartenders has the area’s finest bartenders competing in our first ever Negroni Challenge. Utilizing Fords Gin, contestants will craft their own unique take on this classic Italian cocktail to be evaluated by our panel of judges. Your vote matters, too! The bartender with the highest percentage of Fan Votes will earn 30 additional points to their total score.

8:00pm – 11:00pm: Slider Slam! at Albany Capital Center

Cast Your Vote in the People’s Choice Slider Competition! Music by DJ Dread & DJ Reel, VIP Lounge, Brewery Ommegang, Jack Daniels, Stoli Vodka, E&J Gallo Winey, and Bayou Rum.

Slider Slam VIP ticket includes access to a VIP Lounge with a full, private, premium, open bar, as well as an opportunity to win 1 of 5 exciting travel experiences. VIP ticket holders will have access to all the fun in the main room as well, with slider tastings from 15 chefs, tastings of Ommegang Beers, Gallo Wines, Bayou Rum, and Stoli Moscow Mules!

Saturday, January 28, 2023

12:00pm – 4:00pm: Grand Tasting & Seminars at Albany Capital Center

The Grand Tasting and Seminars will take place at the Albany Capital Center. The VIP ticket will include access to the Stoli Elite VIP Lounge presented by Total Events that will be pouring specialty cocktails made with Stoli’s Elite brands, Hors D’oeuvres prepared by a Festival Signature Chef, an opportunity to win 1 of 5 exciting travel experiences. You will also have preferred access to the Macallan Raise the Glass seminar, which is anticipated to fill very quickly.

-Educational Seminars
-Craft Beer Pavilion
-Battle of the Bartenders: Espresso Martini Competition | presented by Stoli Vodka and Robert J. McNamara Financial Consultants
-The Woodford Experience
-Stoli VIP Lounge | presented by Total Events

“Art Throughout the Festival” Unique Pop-Up Performances & Installations | presented by ParkAlbany.com

1:30pm - 3:30pm: Battle of the Bartender: Espresso Martini Competition at Albany Capital Center

This event is included with the Saturday Grand Tasting & Seminars.

Day two of our Battle of the Bartenders has the area’s finest bartenders competing in our first ever Espresso Martini Challenge. Utilizing Stoli Vodka, contestants will craft their own unique take on this cold caffeinated cocktail to be evaluated by our panel of judges. Your vote matters, too! The bartender with the highest percentage of Fan Votes will earn 30 additional points to their total score.

6:00pm: Grand Gala Reception & 5-Course Dinner at Albany Capital Center

Reception 6:00pm | Dinner 7:00pm

The 14th Anniversary Albany Chefs Food & Wine Festival Grand Gala will feature a reception followed by a five course culinary masterpiece prepared by prominent regional culinary powerhouses:

-Chef Ric Orlando
-Chef Yono Purnomo
-Chef AJ Richard
-Chef Elliot Vogel
-Chef Ian O’Leary
-Chef David Zuckerman
-Chef Jaime Ortiz
-Chef Courtney Withey
-Chef Dan Gordon
-Chef Brian Molino

The 2023 Grand Gala will be limited to 400 guests, and will feature a one of a kind culinary experience accompanied by popular wines provided by longtime Festival Partner, Empire Merchants North.

Guests will enjoy a unique menu curated by Lead Chef, Jaime Ortiz, and his team of superbly talented Signature Chefs.  Channel your inner secret agent with an elegant Casino Royale themed cocktail reception and 5-course dinner.   In addition to a tantalizing menu, you’ll also enjoy dynamic art exhibitions, performances and an exclusive live and silent auction. Flaunt your quirky style statement, and bring on your most chic fashion game with stunning tuxedos and silk gowns, sparkles and sequins – this Grand Gala Dinner is an event not to be missed!

Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023 - Saturday, January 28, 2023

Locations:

Albany City Hall - 24 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207
Albany Capital Center - 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207

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