“This will be a terrific evening,” said College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock. “Several of the nation’s top chefs will be participating. We are delighted that such an enjoyable event will be a part of the championship weekend, and we’re also happy that it will also support the College Football Playoff Foundation.”
Persons attending the event will be able to sample gourmet food and beverages representing geographic regions from around the country. It will feature 18 chefs from around the country, including ten from North Texas, five from cities hosting CFP Semifinals in future years, one from Tampa, Fla. (host city to the 2017 CFP National Championship) and two from the respective cities of the teams playing for the national championship. Chefs participating in the event include Richard Chamberlain (Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House), Omar Flores (Casa Rubia), Kevin Garvin (Neiman Marcus), Gilbert Garza (Suze Restaurant), Scott Gottlich (Bijoux), Dwight Harvey (Off the Bone Barbeque), David Holben (Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse), TJ Lengnick (Shinsei), Chris Lusk (Restaurant R’evolution), Beau MacMillan (Elements), Jeff Moschetti (Jasper’s Plano), Kevin Rathbun (Rathbun’s), Terry Ryan (Carmel Café and Wine Bar), Abraham Salum (Komali and Salum Resturaunt), Jim Severson (Sevy’s) and Allen Susser (Chef Allen’s Café).
The event, produced by Wayne Kostroski and Max Kittel, will feature live music and appearances from former college greats. Kostroski and Kittel are the founder and producer of Taste of the NFL, the premier food and wine event of the Super Bowl for 23 years.
“We are excited to be given the opportunity to help launch what we all hope to be a legacy event this first year of the College Football Playoff,” said Kostroski. “This event leads with food, but also adds many other layers of party elements that will be an excellent way to get ready for the championship game on Monday. Most importantly, through the commitment and generosity of these fine chefs and legendary players, many families will benefit from the proceeds.”
The event will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Irving Convention Center. General admission to the event is $300; VIP Admission, which includes early entry, is $400. Proceeds from the Northwestern Mutual Taste of the Championship will support the College Football Playoff Foundation, Extra Yard for Teachers and local food banks in the North Texas region.
To purchase tickets, visit www.tiny.cc/taste. For additional information on the event, visit www.collegefootballplayoff.com.
