Boca Bacchanal Is March 23 to 25: A Look at the Events

The Boca Bacchanal, a party paying tribute to the glory of food and drink, is set for March 23 to 25 in various locations throughout southern Palm Beach County, with funds going to the Boca Raton Historical Society's Historic Preservation and Heritage Education programs.

Named as it is for the Roman god of wine (and general merry-making), the bacchanal is an opportunity to (over)indulge in obscene amounts of wine and bite-sized morsels of gourmet food. For a look at the three main events that anchor the weekend, read on after the jump.
 

Vintner Dinners -- There are six choices for the superswanky vintner dinners, each with a different theme and lineup of chefs and support staff. Three of the six dinners have already sold out, but spots remain for a Greek-themed dinner with Pano Karatasso (of Kyma in Atlanta), an Italian/Napa Valley feast with Ken Vedrinski (of Trattoria Lucca in Charleston, South Carolina), and an Italian meal with Kevin Garcia (of 'Cesca, NYC). If you want to attend one of these dinners, be prepared to pony up $300 per person. The dinners will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, at various private residences.

Bacchus Bash -- Boozing and binging, done in a classy way, of course, with "small bites" by festival chefs, followed by a multicourse meal by chef Andrew Roenbeck of the Boca Raton Resort and Club. The event is 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, and tickets cost $250 per person.

The Grand Tasting -- The most affordable event in the Boca Bacchanal lineup, this popular tasting event gives access to small bites from several dozen South Florida restaurants, like Andrew's Restaurant, Chops Lobster Bar, Max's Grille, Sea Level, and Texas de Brazil, to name a few. Several dozen vintners and wineries will offer more than 100 types of wine. An outdoor marketplace will feature foodie items like fancy olive oils and fresh produce. Admission costs $85 in advance or $100 at the gate. The tasting is noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at the Mizner Park Amphitheater.