MINNEAPOLIS — The 4th Annual Culinary Kickoff, hosted by Chefs Gavin Kaysen, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Adam Sobel, Diane Yang, and Scott Romano, will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 6pm – 2am at Spoon and Stable restaurant. The event, produced by Vega Group, will benefit the Culinary Kickoff Scholarship Fund for The Culinary Institute of America. The Fund provides scholarships and is designed to develop culinary artistry, creativity, and excellence in future culinarians.
As a precursor to Super Bowl LII festivities, this celebrity chef and vintner event features a four-course dinner with one course prepared by each chef along with wine pairings from the winery partners. Featured 2018 wineries are Silver Oak, Twomey, John Anthony, Charles Woodson Wines, The Withers, Tuck Beckstoffer, Vineyard 7& 8, Correlation, and JaM Cellars, alongside spirits by Revel Avila.
The evening concludes with a live musical tribute to Prince by his legendary backing band the New Power Generation, and a DJ set by Brother Jules.
The Culinary Kickoff will be attended by major sports personalities, including ESPN analysts Sage Steele and Charles Woodson. Fusing the palate and the playbook, previous years' Culinary Kickoffs have been attended by notable guests including Marshall Faulk, Tommy Lee, Michael Franti, Michelle Branch, Patrick Carney, and Leon Bridges, as well as athletes Dhani Jones, Simone Biles, Warren Moon, Justin Tuck, Charles Woodson, Rich Aurilia, Rick Mirer, Tim Tebow, and Ronnie Lott.
Williams Sonoma will be the official gifting sponsor and will also host a private Culinary Kickoff Cook-Off event benefiting the CIA at their Minneapolis Edina store on January 31st.
Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, event partner and award-winning Sun Country Airlines (MN Airlines, LLC d.b.a. Sun Country Airlines) is the official airline sponsor of the event.
The CIA is happy to welcome all Minneapolis' elite foodies as well as those with a football frenzy to the table. Visit the Culinary Kickoff's website to purchase tickets and for information on our partners. sb.culinarykickoff.com
Follow Culinary Kickoff on Facebook at Culinary Kickoff, twitter @CulinaryKickoff and Instagram at CulinaryKickoff.
The Vega Group is a privately owned, international event production company delivering innovative, impactful experiences and providing the highest level of service and creativity since 1992.
Source: Culinary Institute of America
