Cincinnati’s culinary culture has blossomed recently. From the rebirth of hip, artisan eateries in Over-the-Rhine to the eclectic new restaurants lining The Banks along the Ohio River, Cincinnati has become home to a variety of memorable dining destinations and indie food and beverage companies. The annual Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic has been flaunting this fact since 2014, when co-founders Courtney Tsitouris and Donna Covrett launched the event to showcase the Queen City’s rising culinary community.
“Since our launch in 2014, our mission has been to capture the energy and enthusiasm of the Midwest’s dynamic food and beverage scene and to position the region as an exciting culinary nucleus,” wrote Tsitouris in a press release.
With an expected attendance of around 9,000 and offerings from nearly 100 restaurants and chefs from a dozen cities, you’ll be in good company all weekend. Along with local luminaries — including Jean-Robert de Cavel, Dan Wright, Blair Fornshell, Mike Florea, Jose Salazar and more — the Classic also hosts award-winning chefs, authors, rising stars, brewers, vintners and makers from around the country to round out the experience.
This year, featured writers and panelists include Robert Simonson, cocktail and drinks writer for The New York Times, Keith Pandolfi of Serious Eats and Amy Thielen of the Food Network, among others, plus culinary stars like Anthony Lamas of Seviche, Summer Genetti of Lola Bistro and Richard DeShantz of Butcher and the Rye, who will all make appearances at events like tastings, competitions, demos, discussions and more.
“Guests get to interact, taste and learn,” Tsitouris told CityBeat about last year’s event. “If Bravo, Top Chef and The Food Network got together and had a Cincinnati baby, it would be this event.”
This year’s three-day Food + Wine Classic — which begins on Friday and runs through Sunday — has a different theme for each day, along with staple favorites like wine and beer tastings, dessert pavilions (three of them!), a demo kitchen, artisan marketplace, masterclass salon and VIP lounge (for those who snagged tickets before they sold out). And along with a new location — the fest has moved from Washington Park to the larger Yeatman’s Cove at Sawyer Point on the riverfront — there are plenty of fresh events and tastings to look forward to this year.
NEW THIS YEAR
The Grill Invitational: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Yeatman’s Cove
In prior years, the first day of the Classic has centered thematically on pork to honor Cincinnati as Porkopolis. However, this weekend kicks off with the Grill Invitational, a live grilling showdown featuring more than 30 top chefs from across the nation. Chefs will use Arteflame outdoor grills for the grand tasting, and guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dish and bestow the coveted People’s Choice Award to the best grillmaster. “I think (the Grill Invitational) will be a new favorite for the weekend,” Tsitouris says.
Lunch Your Face Off Grand Tasting: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Yeatman’s Cove
The second day of the event is Saturday Savor; Tsitouris says this is one of her favorite parts of the weekend. Two custom kitchens built at Yeatman’s Cove will provide demonstrations and educational classes, as well as competitions. And the new Lunch Your Face Off event will feature tastings from more than 30 restaurants, which guests can pair with boutique wines and craft beer.
Feast in the Park Grand Tasting: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Yeatman’s Cove
Stroll the Serpentine Wall and riverfront for bites from more than 40 local, regional and national chefs. They’ll be pulling out all the stops to create unique dishes, made with vibrant flavors and top-notch ingredients. The evening also includes live music and the option to pair your bites with beverages. The dessert pavilions and culinary artisan marketplace will also be open.
Rising Stars Brunch Grand Tasting: 11:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Sunday, Yeatman’s Cove
The third and final day starts with the Rising Stars Brunch. Guests will be treated to tastings from up-and-coming sous chefs, pastry chefs and more. The daytime program, Sunday Savor, will showcase panelists, author talks, beverage seminars and competitions.
DON’T-MISS EVENTS
Thai One On with Andy Ricker: 2:30-3:15 p.m. Saturday, Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen at Yeatman’s Cove
Tsitouris says guests must see Andy Ricker, “King of the Pok Pok Empire,” during Saturday Savor. He will be hosting an Asian street food demonstration and tasting.
A Conversation with Molly Wizenberg: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Saturday, Live Pavilion
Molly Wizenberg — a prestigious food blogger and author of the Orangette — will be attending the Classic for the first time this year. During this event, the James Beard Award winner and owner of two Seattle restaurants discusses the trials and tribulations of food writing, reads from her books (her two New York Times bestselling memoirs) and answers audience questions. A book signing immediately follows.
Chef John Gorham, of Portland’s Toro Bravo, was hesitant to attend the Classic last year, says Tsitouris. He had never been to Cincinnati and was unsure what to expect. Upon his arrival, he ate at 18 different restaurants in Cincinnati and participated in the Classic. After a very filling weekend, he returned to Portland and posted on Facebook that Cincinnati is such a generous city and that anyone who gets a chance to come to the Classic should travel here.
Co-founders Tsitouris and Coverett are extremely proud of their production and excited to share the new additions with guests. “This is our full-time job,” Tsitouris says. “We prepare for it all year. When you plan it in your head for so long, then finally see the people and their energy, it is so exciting.”
The CINCINNATI FOOD + WINE CLASSIC runs Friday through Sunday downtown at Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way. For tickets and more information, visit cincinnatifoodandwineclassic.com.
This article appears in Sep 21-28, 2016.