Texas food lovers will have the opportunity to be entertained by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs as the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) launches its celebrated Wine & Dine dinner series. James Beard Award nominee Steve McHugh will host special guest Chef Todd Pulsinelli for an Oktoberfest feast paying homage to San Antonio’s German heritage. Money raised will benefit the Alliance’s Culinary Grant Program in South Texas.  (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

“We are extremely excited and honored by the support of such an incredible Texas chef. With a lauded Louisiana chef added to the lineup, we are sure to have a memorable Wine & Dine dinner.” – Gina Burchenal, interim executive director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

In the unique dinner format, attendees get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to understand each chef’s inspiration and culinary philosophy through specially designed menus expertly paired with top-tier wines and spirits. Previous Wine & Dine dinners held in Austin have featured culinary legends Jacques Pépin, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, and nationally acclaimed chefs Hugh Acheson, Aaron Franklin, Matthew Jennings, Alon Shaya, and more.

The exclusive dinner will take place on Sunday, September 19 at Cured, McHugh’s acclaimed restaurant located at the historic Pearl. Five-time James Beard-nominated Chef McHugh will collaborate with Chef Pulsinelli on five delectable courses.

Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Chefs America, Pulsinelli is a fixture of New Orleans’ hospitality community, with stints at Warbucks, The American Sector at the National World War II Museum, and August. His fresh take on classic Creole cooking is currently wowing guests at buzzy boutique hotel The Chloe.

Tickets are available now at San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA)  for $225 and include wine and beer pairings by acclaimed sommelier and TFWA board member Paula Rester-Salinas. The experience will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:30p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30p.m.

Guests can also support the Alliance from September 18-October 3, two weeks of activations celebrating German culture at the historic Pearl. Lick Honest Ice Creams, Park Bar, and Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery will offer special treats or flights with a portion of the proceeds benefiting SAFWA.

All funds raised will benefit the host city’s culinary communities through SAFWA’s programming, including the Culinary Arts Career Conference for high school students and a unique grant program supporting culinary innovation and community giveback. As a continuation of its dynamic decade of success in supporting and cultivating Austin’s culinary businesses and nonprofits, the Austin Food & Wine Alliance (AFWA) expanded statewide in September 2020 to replicate its mission in Texas’ major cities, a move that will support pandemic recovery over the next several years. The newly formed Texas Food & Wine Alliance is the umbrella organization overseeing the AFWA, SAFWA, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.