The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival

Tonya Valdez





Frank DeLucia





Sue Snyder

This was an absolutley wonderful three days and our thanks go out to Tonya Valdez, Frank Delucia and Sue Snyder. Southern Wines put on one heck of a show and from the reaction of all who attended, it was a big hit. Held at the beautiful Don Cesar Resort in St. Pete Beach, it was a class act from start to finish. From the 'OSI Party for the Senses' on Thursday night followed by the Simone/Sergio Mendes Concert, thru Trade Day, Titanium Chefs Challange featuring JAG and Jason Roberts, to the VIP Gala Dinner, this was a first class affair and congratulations to Tonya and staff for a fantastic time. We understand that next years event will be "Go Green" and can't wait to see what they have in store for us.

Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival Party for the Senses

Party-goers were tantalized on all fronts at this unique twist event.

"See It" was represented by the real & eye candy.

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"Smell It" was the rage as all had a great time at the Oxygen Bar.

JAG & Jason Roberts getting some Air

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"Taste It" was brought by OSI's 5 restaurants:

Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and A La Carte Event Pavilion.

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"Feel It" was represented with massages available for all who attended.

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"Hear It" was taken care of by Sharon Little, an accapella group and of course the Sergio Mendes/ Simone concert that followed.

Elaine, Sergio Mendes & Lou

Lou, Simone & Elaine

Titanium Chefs Challenge

Hosted by Tim Wilkins, jugdes for the event included Lorraine Bracco, and rocker/chef Johnny Ciao. The event raised more tha $20,000 for the Abilities Foundation with two guests from the audience paying a total of $17,000 for seats at the judging table.

The evenings event pitted two of our favorite chefs, Chef Jag And Chef Jason Roberts against each other in a duel of two surprise ingredients: Chocolate and Mahi Mahi. It was exciting to say the least and you can check out all the action by watching the videos below.

Gourmet Guy's Exclusive Festival Videos

Keyanna

What a wonderful event put on by the Make-A-Wish foundation, their representative Connie Martin and sponsored by Friday's of Coconut Point. This young lady had her day as a Rock Star. Starting off in the morning she was wisked by limo to Macy's in the Edison Mall to have her makeup done by MAC. Then it was back to The Hyatt in Coconut Point, where she and her family were given a suite befitting her rock star status. Interviewed by radio and television, Keyanna, who adores Hanna Montana, had her day in the sun, singing all her favorite songs.

She arrived for her concert to the thunderous applause of her fans and lived a dream come true. Friends and family alike looked on teary eyed as this young lady got her shining moment. We will be doing a follow up story in the very near future to bring you a little more insight into her story and that of her parents and family.

Keyanna emerges from her Limo

The star greets her adoring fans

Rockin the house!!

Keyanna with her brother Frank

Keyanna's mom Aleth, Elaine, Keyanna & Lou

Raphael(Dad), Alethe(Mom), Elaine, Lou, Keyanna's brother Frank, his wife Cindy, Keyanna and her neice and nephew, at the After Concert Dinner .