This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to work with C3 Presents at the 2013 Austin Food & Wine Festival. I want to start by thanking C3 Presents for the incredible opportunity. The festival was incredible! Throughout the weekend, I experienced up-close and personal access to culinary, wine and spirit talent at dozens of cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars.

The second annual AFW festival kicked off on Friday night under the live oak trees at Republic Square Park with an all-star lineup of talent from the Texas culinary scene. With a glass of wine in hand and live music from the Whiskey Shivers playing the soundtrack; I explored the amazing food brought in by Chef’s like Aaron Franklin from Franklin’s BBQ, Paul Qui from East Side King and soon Qui, Tre Wilcox from Marquee Grill in Dallas, Danny Trace From Brennan’s of Houston and so many more.

After such a great night I didn’t think it could get any better, but I was wrong. The two day festival layout at Butler Park was equally as incredible! The park was laid out with special event tents to accommodate the many Chef Demonstrations, where some of the most talented chefs in the US shared their tricks of the trade. Also tents for the Wine Seminars and the Grand Tasting tent filled with wine, beer and liquor tasting from various vendors as well as small bites from more delicious restaurants.

Words can’t express how much fun this weekend was! I can’t wait for the festival next year, but in the meantime I am going to take some tips from the Chef’s and get back in my kitchen.