If you're a fan of the annual Taste of Addison event as it has been for the past 20 years, you're about to get a little sad. The culinary celebration has been cut, to be replaced by a new event that will tax your wallet a little harder in an effort to provide a more intimate, epicurean experience.
Last year you could get in the gates for just $10, with VIP and other options available. This year the cheapest entry cost into Fork and Cork is $35, though organizers are promising an improved event, starting some big-name personalities.
You've likely seen Marcus Samuelsson yelling at incompetent home cooks as they compete on ABC's The Taste. He'll be giving a cooking demonstration to those who shell out $100 for VIP tickets, and he promises not to belittle you. The VIP option also grants access to hands-on cooking classes, additional tasting opportunities and valet parking.
Pat Green will also be performing Saturday, and other local chefs will be participating in various events, though the final list of chefs has not yet been announced.
Chefs aside, organizers promise that Fork and Cork will be a much more interactive experience compared to previous events, and even though the details aren't immediately clear what that "interaction" is, you can be certain the participating wineries, local breweries and cocktails available for tasting will likely help foster it.