The official slogan of the Delray Beach Garlic Fest is "The Best Stinkin' Party in Town" and they aren't wrong about that. As far as stinkin' parties go, there's really no equal. During the cooler months of the year, Florida is bursting at the seams with food fests, art fests, dog fests, and every other fest you can think of.
In this Big Bang-esque expansion of festivals, one must work to set one's festival apart. Luckily for South Florida Garlic lovers, the Garlic Fest manages to do that year after year.
February will bring us the 16th-annual Garlic Fest and the dates have finally been announced.
This year's Garlic Fest will take place February 6, 7, and 8 in Downtown Delray Beach, centered at Delray Beach Center for the Arts grounds.
New this year is the Delray Beach Garlic Fest Collaborative Kitchen Dining Experience. Executive Chef Blake Malatesta of 50 Ocean, Executive Chef Ernie DeBlasi of Luna Rosa, Executive Chef/OwnerJoey Giannuzzi of the Farmers Table, and Executive Chef George Cocilova of Hudson at Waterway East will come together to collaborate on a multi-course dinner on Friday, February 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. Diners will dine not only on the results of this talented lineups combined efforts but will also enjoy a variety of wines from the Republic National portfolio to be poured with dinner. The two-hour Collaborative Kitchen dinner will be hosted by Christine Najac, Managing Director of South Florida Food and Wine in the Delray Beach Garlic Chef Stadium. This is an exclusive event limited to 50 guests and requires a separate tickets costing $75 per person.
One of the focuses of the Garlic Fest is community involvement and to that end starting February 1 is a Facebook contest where you can win a Grand Prize worth $500. Just keep an eye on the Garlic Fest Facebook page for posts containing clues. These clues will help you find "Lit'l Mr. Garlic" somewhere in downtown Delray Beach.
If you do, take a photo with him and then posts it to Facebook and tag the Garlic Fest page. You will be entered to win the Grand Prize: two admission tickets per day, six beverage tickets, two VIP Collaborative Kitchen dinner tickets, two VIP seats for each day and a commemorative gift bag, as well as two General Admission tickets to this year's newest event, the Delray Beach Bacon & Bourbon Fest scheduled for March 2015.
The cost of admission varies by day. Friday, February 6 is $20 advance and $30 at the gate. Saturday, February 7 is $10 in advance and until 6:00 p.m. day of and $20 after that.
Sunday, February 8 is $10 all day. Children 10 and under are free. Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations staffing the event.
The 16th Annual Delray Beach Garlic Fest Presented by Heineken Light on February 6 through 8, 2015, at Delray Beach Center for the Arts grounds, Downtown Delray Beach, 51 N. Swinton Avenue. For tickets, entertainment lineup, and the full schedule of events call 561-279-0907, or visit dbgarlicfest.com.
The Garlic Fest is currently accepting applications for vendors and sponsors. Email [email protected].
You can contact Rebecca McBane, Arts & Culture Editor/Food Blog Editor/Garlic Enthusiast at [email protected].
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