21st Annual Boca Bacchanal private dinners and public festival
A fun — and delicious! — way to learn about our past.
Ancient Greeks after crowning a new king … Ancient Romans after conquering a new territory … innumerable royal weddings of the Middle Ages — yes, history is full of tales and images depicting the Bacchanalian-like celebrations of those fortunate enough to have enough food and wine to feast to their hearts’ content. So, it’s only fitting that the Boca Historical Society and Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum (71 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton’s Town Hall) have made an annual habit of presenting a Bacchanal-themed weekend to fundraise for their noble mission of collecting, preserving and presenting everything relevant to the everevolving history of Boca Raton. (Quick historical explanation of the term Bacchanal: Experts say that the Bacchanalia were Roman festivals of Bacchus, the Greco-Roman god of wine, freedom, intoxication and ecstasy. They were based on the Greek Dionysia and the Dionysian mysteries, and probably arrived in Rome around 200 B.C. via the Greek colonies in southern Italy, and from Etruria, Rome’s northern neighbor. Like with most “underground” events, Bacchanalia were held in extreme privacy and attendees were bound to secrecy.) Okay — back to the present day… Now in its 21st year, Boca Bacchanal is being presented by Publix and will feature a vast array of culinary and wine offerings for attendees. There will be private dinners and a public festival. “This highly anticipated festival weekend not only promises an incredible and immersive culinary experience but also serves as a tribute to the rich heritage of Boca Raton,” said Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. “Every sip and every bite will delight the senses while supporting and honoring our community’s past.” The Vintner Dinner Evenings are set for April 4-5, each starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $350 per person, per dinner. The dinner evenings will be hosted in private homes, historical locations and other premier venues across Boca Raton, and these exclusive evenings will feature internationally acclaimed vintners paired with five-course dinners from professional chefs. For both history buffs and foodies, these one-of-a-kind evenings will make for an intimate and unmatched way to experience history and gourmet dishes in a unique way.
Here is a schedule of the upcoming dinners (April 4-5), as well as the festival (April 7):
Vintner Dinner 1: The Pride of Pasos Robles
When: Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at The Addison.
Hosts: The Addison, Zoe Lanham and Olivia Hollaus.
Chefs: Patrick Duffy, Executive Chef, The Addison. Jose Hernandez, Executive Sous Chef, The Addison.
Wine: DAOU Vineyards – Pasos Robles.
Vintner Dinner 2: Family Wineries of Napa
When: Friday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at a private residence.
Hosts: LeAnn and Russell Berman and Nicola and Steve Verses. Chefs: Eric Baker, Chef/Owner, Alley Cat.
Wine: ZD Winery, Frog’s Leap Winery, Round Pond Estate, Truchard Estate Vineyard, JAX Vineyard, Robert Craig Winery, Vineyard 29.
Vintner Dinner 3: The Essence of Piedmont Flows to The Seagate
When: Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at a private residence.
Hosts: Joyce and Thom DeVita and Joni and Al Goldberg.
Chefs: Dmitriy Kakuschke, Director of Culinary Operations, The Seagate and Derrick Connor, Chef, The Seagate.
Wine: Michele Chiarlo Winery, Asti – Piedmont – Italy.
Vintner Dinner 4: Tour de France
When: Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at The Boca Raton.
Host: The Boca Raton.
Chefs: Andrew Roenbeck, VP Culinary Operations, Group Event Chef, The Boca Raton; Peter Annewanter, Executive Chef, Supper Club & Flybridge, The Boca Raton
Wine: Taittinger, Louis Jadot, Chateau des Jacques, Chateau La Nerthe. On Sunday, April 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., The Grand Tasting Afternoon will be held at The Addison. Attendees will be able to explore a curated selection of more than 150 wines, champagnes, and spirits all while savoring unlimited samples from eateries such as The Addison, Oceans 234, Sushi by Bou, KakaoZon Chocolate, J & D Cakes, Bazille at Nordstrom, The Seagate Hotel & Spa, AlleyCat, Gourmetphile, Capital Grille, Copperfish Kitchen, Narbona, Gallaghers Steakhouse and Blis Farms. The event will also feature a silent auction.