Although temps were in the 100's, I trekked over to Wasserhund Brewing Company in Virginia Beach for the 1st (and hopefully annual) BBQ Wars competition put on by Southern Grit Magazine. 4 Chefs from Restaurants and Food Trucks around Hampton Roads came together and presented a plate of their best BBQ, while the general public voted for who they thought was the best.
Last year, in the midst of my 60 pound weight loss, I stumbled upon the COVA Best of Party. COVA = Coastal Virginia Magazine, and every year we vote on what business we consider to be the Best in their respective category (Insert Restaurant, Salon, Any Random Business Here). The Winners participate in the Best of Party, and although its not a food festival it can easily be considered one by the amount of food samples available.
Norfolk has always been fun, and as the hipster saying goes, I loved it before it was cool. Of all the events that are held in Norfolk (specifically Downtown), Harborfest and Bayou Boogaloo are my personal favorites. Although Harborfests' focus is on the tall ships, the inclusion of Nathans Hot Dog Eating contest, beer and wine tents, shopping, and of course the food vendors have made it into a weekend long festival that I always get excited to attend.
During a recent dinner at Williamsburg Winery with Virginia Tourism, I got to hear first hand by some of the best winemakers and purveyors in Virginia, about the 400 years of history, passion and innovation behind the things I love the most. Patrick Duffeler, Founder and Chairman of the Winery started the evening off with a personal motto that he addresses to his customers; "Is there anything better in life than enjoying it?"
This past October I attended the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction in Virginia Beach. This event features local chefs showcasing their dishes, live entertainment and an auction, with the goal of raising money for the prevention of birth defects, premature births and infant mortality.
My confidence got the best of me, and despite my past of making plans to attend an event alone and not following through, I announced my goal and accepted the challenges. In a time frame of 2 hours for macarons and 13 hours for donuts, with a few freezing limbs, and 1 coat that needed some intense cleaning later, I was the proud recipient of a years worth of free things
