Downtown West Palm Beach Presents Fourth Annual Pairings Food & Wine Festival May 28

Downtown West Palm Beach residents and visitors will have the chance to experience the finest city flavors from the Clematis district's international array of menus during the fourth annual Pairings Food & Wine Festival event slated to take place Thursday, May 28.

Presented by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the annual event stands as the city's annual culinary-themed tour featuring a wide selection of samplings from area's most popular restaurants and retailers. The concept is simple: participating downtown bars and restaurants will put together a specialty menu item and matching beverage for tour-takers to try during an evening of food and fun.

This year, more than 20 participating establishments will be offering guests a chance to wine and dine on signature menu items for $25 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Historical Society of Palm Beach County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and furthering the education and appreciation of Palm Beach County history and heritage.

Dining samples can be anything, from an entrée, a tasty tapas bite, or a devilishly delightful dessert. Most participating establishments also include a drink, options ranging from specialty cocktails and craft brews, to aperitifs and coffee. During this year's event, chow down on a variety of fare — everything from Bahamian conch fritters and a Pusser's painkiller at E.R. Bradley's Saloon, to Thai chicken flatbread and "sangerita" from Bar Louie, and chicken meatballs and a Moscow mule at Hullabaloo. 

Pairings will also feature live painting classes, photo hot spots, street performers, and live entertainment provided by the Screaming J's, Timothee Lovelock, and Mister Trombone. If you plan on attending Pairings this year, share your favorite moments on social media using the hashtag #PairingsWPB. 

The West Palm Beach DDA was created in 1967 as an independent body organized to promote and enhance the city's downtown area for residents, businesses, and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social, and cultural opportunities. The Pairings event is one of several organized each year to bring business to the area .

Pairings will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in downtown West Palm Beach. Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 day of the event) and can be purchased online. For more information visit http://bit.ly/pairings2015.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.