The season’s premier food and wine event —Clearwater Beach Uncorked — will present a spectacular weekend of epicurean delight November 19 and 20 at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. Dubbed “A Food and Wine Adventure,” the two-day event aims to bring foodies, wine connoisseurs, beach lovers and weekend travelers together to enjoy Clearwater Beach and the local culinary scene.
“Although we’ll be featuring some of the top restaurants in the area and wine from around the world, this event will not be just for foodies,” says event organizer Tammy Gail. “It will be for the community and Central Florida residents looking for a ‘stay-cation’ at the beach before the holidays kick in.”
Clearwater Beach Uncorked will raise funds for the Abilities Foundation and Florida Restaurant and Lodging Associations’ ProStart education program assisting high school students to acquire foodservice experience before graduation. Sponsors include the Clearwater Beach Hyatt, Bright House, and Publix with the City of Clearwater and regional chambers on board to help promote the event.
Grand Tasting Village
From noon to 4 p.m. both days, a Grand Tasting Village set up in a 20,000-square-foot tent on the beach
will present tastings from nearly 50 of Tampa Bay’s top restaurants, caterers and wine merchants. Restaurants will include Armani’s, Shor American Seafood Grill, Oystercatcher, Salt Rock Grill, The Lobster Pot, Island Way Grill, Caretta on the Gulf, Rumba Grill, Red Mesa, Casanova, and others. More than 100 wines, along with a wide selection of spirits and micro-brew and craft beer will also be flowing.
In front of the Hyatt, South Gulfview Boulevard will be converted into a street festival, says Gail, where Uncorked ticket holders can wander between the Grand Tasting Village and the Uncorked Beach Bar located on the Hyatt’s front patio area. “The Beach Bar will be like a martini and cigar bar overlooking the beach,” she explains.
In the Grand Tasting Village both days, Publix Apron’s Cooking School will present cooking demonstrations and a Cheese Wheel Cracking. Special events both days will be a Mixology Competition challenging local bartenders to show their best moves, martinis and margaritas. And on both days, local celebrities will try their hand at a “Take the Cake” Decorating Competition. Who will decorate the hippest, most exciting cake for a shot at the title of Uncorked Cake Master? Audience participation each day will determine the winners, so bring your appetite!
Tickets Available Online
By Marcia Biggs
Article written for Destination Tampa Bay magazine