Fifth Annual Food and Wine Festival

Community Liaison Jennifer Tesori reported to Historic City News that St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association will hold its Fifth Annual Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, September 28, from Noon to 4 p.m. with selections from seventeen of the historic city’s best local independent restaurants — featuring more than 100 wines, and several new attractions.

Guests will wine and dine at The River House, at 179 Marine Street, one of the city’s most elegant waterfront locations. Last year, members of the Association raised over $15,000 to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club through this popular event. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $60,000 for the Boys & Girls Club.

“We are pleased once again to be able to use this event to benefit an amazing organization,” said Jeremy Ticehurst, president of SAiRA and general manager of The Reef. “SAiRA’s mission has always been to focus attention on local, independent restaurants, and we are committed to keeping the funds raised in this community to help the children who need it most.”

Handcrafted desserts from The Raintree Restaurant will be served in a new, spectacular Bubble Room along with all sparkling wine selections. This year, Saltwater Cowboys and Creekside Dinery, two of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants, will be offering a hearty Low Country seafood boil. Burkhardt Distributors are sponsoring an outdoor Beer Garden, which will offer assorted BOLD City craft brews.

Participating member restaurants include Amici Italian Restaurant, Aunt Kate’s, Barnacle Bill’s, Cafe Atlantico, Cap’s on the Water, Coquina Beach Surf Club, Creekside Dinery, Culinary Outfitters Bistro, Gypsy Cab Co., Kingfish Grill, Michael’s Tasting Room, Purple Olive, The Raintree, The Reef, Salt Water Cowboys, South Beach Grill, and Sunset Grille, making for a diverse offering and something to please every taste.

Tickets are limited. The cost is $50 per person in advance and $60 per person at the door. Purchase tickets online through www.staugustinerestaurants.com Guests who have enjoyed this event in the past know to buy their tickets early.

All proceeds benefit The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of St. Augustine and its youth prevention programs. BGC aims to not only save these young lives from the costly alternatives of the streets, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school but to raise their sights and capabilities toward a productive and healthy life. The festival’s gracious supporting sponsors include Bozard Ford Lincoln, The Garden, Sysco Food Services, and Herbie Wiles Insurance. Promotional consideration provided by Historic City News.