Feast Walla Walla returns for its sixth year on April 12th and 13th
In Walla Walla, Wash., a party is in the works. On April 12th and 13th, the popular Feast Walla Walla’s “Big Tent” will rise for the sixth anniversary as the city’s showcase of local wines, fine foods and arts.
Feast Walla Walla began in 2008 as a way to benefit the local food and wine entrepreneurs while attracting visitors during the city’s slower tourism time. Proceeds from the festival go to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, an organization working to enhance the city’s downtown area.
This year, the 240-by-40-foot tent will open a day earlier with the addition of a new festivity called “Chef’s Table on First.” Here, you and as many as 120 others can purchase seats to an evening of intimate dining under the tent catered by local chefs: Chef Antonio Campolio of The Marc and Chef Dan Thiessen of the Wine Country Culinary Institute with assistance from Chef Michael Kline of the Walla Walla Bread Company.
Chef’s Table on First begins at 6 pm on April 12th. Tickets are $95 and will include a five-course dinner, including a steak from Lostine Cattle Company with fresh local and regional ingredients, and a chance to meet 12 local vintners in a pre-dinner wine tasting. Dinner will be paired with featured local wines from L’Ecole No. 41, Long Shadows, TERO Estates, Woodward Canyon and The Marcus Whitman Hotel’s signature label.
In addition to supporting the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, proceeds from this event will also help fund student scholarships for the Wine Country Culinary Institute and Walla Walla Community College.
Following the evening of delicious food and wine is the traditional Feast Walla Walla experience. From 1 to 4 pm on April 13th, the tent will host music and 50 of Walla Walla’s restaurants, wineries and more. For $50, you will get a plate, wine glass and 10 tokens you can use to exchange for a wine or food tastings. If and when you run out of tokens, more can be purchased for $2 a piece.
If you find a need for more than just a wine tasting, an on-site shop will be available to sell bottles as well as offer half-and full-case discounts. For those interested in the local arts, Squire Broel, Doug Gisi and Colleen Monette will feature their works under the tent as well.
If you’re thinking about attending both events, package deals are available for $125. Also, if you buy tickets before April 11th, you’ll receive two bonus tasting tokens for the festival. To purchase tickets , go here and select the event you’d like to attend.For a complete list of participants in this year’s Feast Walla Walla festival, go here.
