If you’re a foodie, you might want to clear your calendar over the next few days. And maybe loosen your belt a notch or two.
Some pretty big names from the culinary world are headed to Saugatuck for the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival, happening November 5-7.
“Top Chef” host Kristen Kish is one of several big names who’ll be in Saugatuck this weekend as part of the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival. (Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images)”Top Chef” host Kristen Kish is one of several big names who’ll be in Saugatuck this weekend as part of the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival. (Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images)
And we’re not just talking about people who know their way around a kitchen. We’re talking national TV personalities, award-winning chefs, and some talented folks with Michigan connections.
Celebrity Chefs From Top Chef and Food Network Head to Saugatuck
One of the biggest names is Kristen Kish, who won Season 10 of Bravo’s Top Chef and eventually became the show’s host. She grew up in Kentwood, Michigan, so this is something of a homecoming for her.
Then there’s Elena Besser, who you’ve probably seen cooking up something delicious on NBC’s Today show. She’s also appeared on Food Network’s Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.
READ MORE: These Are Michigan’s Best Restaurants, According to USA Today
James Rigato, the chef behind Hazel Park’s acclaimed Mabel Gray restaurant, competed on Top Chef and has appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Uncharted.
And Brian Riggenbach, who operates restaurants in Nashville, is a Chopped champion who’s also competed on Beat Bobby Flay.
Michigan Chefs Bring Local Flavor to the Festival
The festival isn’t just bringing in celebrities from elsewhere.
Jenna Arcidiacono, a Michigan State grad, owns Amore Trattoria Italiana just outside Grand Rapids. She was also featured on Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor for her charitable Food Hugs initiative.
And Chris LaBelle, now executive chef at J. Paul’s at the Kirby in Douglas, Michigan, previously worked at The Evergreen Grill in East Lansing.
There’s also Melissa Corey, a Chopped winner who’s now cooking at Pennyroyal Café & Provisions in Saugatuck.
What to Expect at the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival
The Art Coast Food & Wine Festival brings together chefs, restaurants, wineries, and food lovers for three days of culinary experiences.
Think special dinners, tastings, cooking demonstrations, and chances to sample dishes from some seriously talented chefs.
READ MORE: 16 Michigan Restaurants Guy Fieri Has Visited With The Food Network
And Saugatuck’s a pretty cool place to spend a fall weekend even without the food. Add all this to the mix, and suddenly a drive over to Lake Michigan sounds awfully tempting.
Art Coast Food & Wine Festival Dates and Tickets
You can explore the lineup, see the scheduled events, and find ticket information at the official Art Coast Food & Wine Festival website.
I’m totally okay with it if you want to blow up my social media feed with your pics from this one!
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Lansing Restaurants That Should Be Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
The Lansing restaurants listed below are gems of the city. If you haven’t been to all of them yet, add them to your list. We think Guy Fieri should add them to his list as well so he can feature them the next time he comes back to Lansing for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Gallery Credit: JR
Dining and Cooking