Wine and Food Celebration

With the annual Best of 417 party officially no more, we’re left with one less “stuff yourself silly” charity event to go to this winter. No matter. There are plenty to enjoy, including Ozarks Public Television’s Wine and Food Celebration on November 9 and Sertoma’s Wingapalooza on November 12.
With such events in mind, we’re here to help you get the most out of your tax-deductible ticket.

Rule 1: Be the first in line
Most of the restaurants are ready to serve when the doors open, which means the food is at its freshest and hottest during the first 30 minutes. This also reduces your risk of missing out on some of the more popular bites, since, invariably, a few places will run out of food early.

Rule 2: Have a plan
Know which restaurants will be there, and hit those places first—there will almost always be ice cream and doughnuts left later on, but sushi goes fast. For best results, have a central location as your home base and rotate standing-in-line shifts with your significant other or a buddy.
 

Rule 3: Stay until the end
The vendors that don’t manage to get rid of all their samples will probably be giving them away by the boxful at the end of the event (we’re looking at you, Krispy Kreme). Stick around for all the handouts you can shove in your mouth (or in your purse). Besides, you paid for your ticket—get the most out of it.

Businesses scheduled to attend (courtesy OPTV):

Restaurants:
Abbey Road Foods
Andy's Frozen Custard
Argentina Steakhouse & Rodizio
Avanzare
Bambinos Café
Bambu Vietnamese Cuisine
Big Whiskey's
Bijan's
Bleu Olive
Brown Derby International Wine Center
Bruno's
Chateau Grille - Chateau on the Lake
Five Spice
Flame Steakhouse and Touch Restaurant
Garbo's Pizzeria
Gilardi's
J Parrinos
Metropolitan Grill
Mr. Yen's
MudHouse
Nonna's Italian American Café
Ocean Zen
Panera Bread
Parlor 88
Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch
Tea Bar & Bites Bakery and Café
Twilight Grille
Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub and Restaurant

Merchants:
Just for Him
Alice 95.5
Staxx
Stero One
Town & County

Entertainment will include Justin Bowling, lead vocalist of the band Lost Highway, as well as chef demonstrations from Touch Restaurant, Chateau Grille and Twilight Grille with chefs Mike Jalili, Doug Knopp and Keith Fuemmeler.  Kevin and Liz from Alice 95.5 will emcee the demonstrations and cavort with the chefs during their demos. There will also be gift certificate giveaways from participating restaurants. And if you're afraid of missing the game, Stereo One will have TVs on hand. Whew.