A Taste of the Good Life

Issue: 2016/09 - September

With a sophisticated taste in food and roots in the mountains of North Carolina, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival appreciates the artistry behind food and wine. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, previously named Highlands Culinary Weekend. 

Highlands’ most talented chefs collaborate for a not-to-miss culinary event on November 10 through November 13.

This year’s festival brings some exciting additions to the weekend.

The festival will open Thursday, November 10 with a Grand Tasting at The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts. Famed Highlands restaurants will be featured along with wines, spirits and live music. Taste the talents of Chefs Wolfgang Green of Wolfgang’s Restaurant, Chris Huerta of Madison’s Restaurant, Andrew Figel of On the Verandah, Kevin Paoletti’s of Paoletti’s Restaurant, Adam Bresnaham of The Ugly Dog Pub, Michael Alton of Meritage, Chris Arnold of Lakeside Restaurant, Dindu Lama of Wild Thyme, Nico D’Angelo of Log Cabin Restaurant, Gabe Murray of Mountain Fresh, and Nick Powers of Root & Barrel. In addition to these delicious eats during the Grand Tasting, enjoy the local brews of Satulah Mountain Brewing with Brewmaster Dale Heinlein.   The Grand Tasting is sponsored by Pat Allen Realty Group.

Friday and Saturday nights showcase the talents of the chefs of Highlands as they pair course after course with award-wining wines. Look for these dinners at Wolfgang’s Restaurant, Lakeside Restaurant, Madison’s Restaurant, On the Verandah and Meritage.

 Truckin’, a food truck fair, will highlight Friday afternoon. Discover delicacies from fabulous food trucks including Root Down, Farm to Fender, and Canyon Kitchen. Craft brews and live music from The Lone Bellow make this dining experience one to remember. Truckin’ is sponsored by Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

A new addition to Saturday happenings, which include the popular Sip ‘n Stroll sponsored by Drakes Diamond Gallery, is The Main Event. Embrace the ultimate autumn oyster roast, all just steps from Highlands’ iconic Main Street. Oysters, stews, and chilis by local and visiting chefs will keep you warm. Craft brews, champagne and wine will keep you happy. An unforgettable performance by Rhiannon Giddens, founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, will have you dancing all afternoon. The Main Event is sponsored by Landmark Realty Group.

The festivities continue through Sunday with a Gospel Brunch and Rockwood Rocks!

Enjoy brunch specialties from “Chopped” champion Zeb Stevenson, Michael Alton of Meritage along with other award-winning chefs. Bloody Mary’s, mimosas, and the inspirational music of The Blind Boys of Alabama will make this a praise-worthy event. The Gospel Brunch is sponsored by Pat Allen Realty Group.

Only 30 seats are available for Rockwood Rocks!, making this a bucket list event. Enjoy a multi-course culinary experience at the private, mountaintop estate, Rockwood Lodge, led by Old Edwards Inn Executive Chef Chris Huerta, Atlanta Chef Adam Evans and other James Beard chefs. In addition, guests will enjoy a private concert by Grammy Award-winning artist Bruce Hornsby and other special surprises throughout the evening, making this a truly unforgettable evening. Rockwood Rocks! is sponsored by Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

Reserve your spot at these scrumptious events at www.highlandsfoodandwine.com.