There are around 4,000 restaurants in Dallas County. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to visit that many. Not even the top-ranked ones.
The solution? Chefs For Farmers Food and Wine Festival, the largest food festival in Texas where guests can sample food provided by more than 80 of the area’s most acclaimed chefs representing top restaurants, bakeries, private clubs, and caterers, and sip drinks from top distilleries, winemakers, brewers, and mixologists. This year’s event runs Oct. 29-Nov. 2 at Old City Park.
Park Cities resident Iris Midler created Chefs for Farmers 15 years ago with her then-husband, chef Matt McCallister. What started as a quaint one-day food and wine festival for 125 people at Eden’s Organic Farm in Balch Springs has evolved into a culinary and sponsorship juggernaut that includes exclusive dinners and has expanded into Houston.
I first attended Chefs For Farmers in 2012 when it was still smallish and hosted on the lawn of Turtle Creek Park, formerly known as Lee Park. Back then, you had to bring your own wine glass, and the entertainment was Dean Fearing’s band.
Today, Chefs For Farmers is a full two-day event that sprawls throughout 22 acres of Old City Park and includes at least three ancillary dinners earlier in the week hosted at top venues including Eataly and Marie-Gabrielle.
Perhaps no one is more surprised than Iris herself by the festival’s long-term success.
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“Looking back to our very first farm dinner,” Iris reflected, “I’m proud of how Chefs For Farmers has become a tradition celebrating chefs, farmers, and artisans. As we look to the future, we’re excited to expand beyond Texas to keep honoring culinary communities across the country.”
What to expect at this year’s premier food festival?
Iris said it’s going to be the “boldest edition yet.” This year introduces new experiences for guests including a VIP wine program from 55 Seventy’s Jeff Gregory, a new wellness lounge with mocktails and a cold plunge pool, and for the first time, weekend passes to the Main Events. Guests can explore immersive experiences like Rosé Ranch, Texas Tailgate, and Smoke Show Rodeo BBQ, while enjoying live music and entertainment.
“At the heart of it all, Chefs For Farmers has a community-driven mission to elevate local voices, giving a stage not only to acclaimed and well-knowing chefs but also to emerging chef talent eager to share their creativity with the Dallas community,” she added.
Throughout its 15-year history, the for-profit festival has proudly supported local food-based charities and nonprofits, reinforcing its commitment to the Dallas community. This year, Chef For Farmers Dallas event will help support New Friends New Life and the Seed Project Foundation.
Here are some tips for attending the Saturday and/or Sunday Main Events. One, dress cute. Everyone dresses cute at Chefs For Farmers. Wear comfortable shoes, no stilettos. Use rideshare, parking is a challenge. Get to know the farmers present; they make it happen. And finally, pace yourself and chow down!
Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, lives in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.
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