Traverse City Events: The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and Porterhouse Productions are teaming up to produce a summer culinary and music event this Friday, August 3 in downtown Traverse City.
Paella in the Park, which will go from 4-9:30 p.m. in the former Clinch Park zoo grounds, will feature the seven wineries of Old Mission Peninsula paired with seven regional chefs from renowned local restaurants preparing Spanish paellas on-site. Each winery will host a station featuring three 36” pans in which chefs will cook paella using featured wines from that vintner and fresh local ingredients. The festival, now in its third year, will also feature a new desserts and sweets bar for attendees to enjoy local confectionary treats. Restaurant and winery pairings for the festival include: Bay Town Kitchen and 2 Lads Winery; Aerie of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and Bowers Harbor Vineyard; The Towne Plaza and Chateau Chantal; Hearth & Vine and Black Star Farms; Siren Hall and Chateau Grand Traverse; Firefly and Brys Estate; and Mission Table and Peninsula Cellars.
The evening will be capped by a live performance by the chart-topping alternative rock band Spin Doctors at sunset on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. Spin Doctors are renowned for their high-energy live shows and infectious pop hits, having dominated American music charts in the ‘90s with such internationally popular songs as “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” Local performers The Andrew Sturtz Trio, Brooklyn duo Kaiser Cartel and Afro-Cuban band Grupo Aye will perform as opening entertainment at the event.
Chefs representing the participating local restaurants will prepare their own unique takes on paella at the event. Paella, a rice-based dish that boasts hundreds of variations using different ingredients, is one of Spain’s most popular food entrees. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to converse with local chefs about the art of making paella, as well as enjoy food and wine at each station.
Tickets to Paella in the Park are on sale now at porterhouseproductions.com. Tickets are $36 in advance or $41 at the door and include a commemorative wine glass, (5) wine pour tokens, (3) 4 oz. servings of paella and all entertainment. Additional food and wine tickets will be available for purchase at the event. A dollar from every ticket will benefit Traverse City's Bay Front Parks.
Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as space is limited. This event is open to ages 21+, no exceptions.