Albany Capital Center
The 14th Anniversary Albany Chefs Food & Wine Festival Grand Gala will feature a reception followed by a five course culinary masterpiece prepared by prominent regional culinary powerhouses:
- Chef Ric Orlando
- Chef Yono Purnomo
- Chef AJ Richard
- Chef Elliot Vogel
- Chef Ian O’Leary
- Chef David Zuckerman
- Chef Jaime Ortiz
- Chef Courtney Withey
- Chef Dan Gordon
- Chef Brian Molino
The 2023 Grand Gala will be limited to 400 guests, and will feature a one of a kind culinary experience accompanied by popular wines provided by longtime Festival Partner, Empire Merchants North.
Guests will enjoy a unique menu curated by Lead Chef, Jaime Ortiz, and his team of superbly talented Signature Chefs. Channel your inner secret agent with an elegant Casino Royale themed cocktail reception and 5-course dinner. In addition to a tantalizing menu, you’ll also enjoy dynamic art exhibitions, performances and an exclusive live and silent auction. Flaunt your quirky style statement, and bring on your most chic fashion game with stunning tuxedos and silk gowns, sparkles and sequins – this Grand Gala Dinner is an event not to be missed!

Grand Gala 5-Course Menu
(Vegetarian Menu Also Available)
First Course | Chef AJ Richard
Farmacy
Tuna Tartare with local vodka compressed honeydew, brûléed orange, carrot broth, jalapeño parsley oil, sunflower seed, micro basil
Wine Pairing: Bonterra Organic Sauvignon Blanc, California
Second Course | Chef Elliot Vogel
Old Daley Custom Catering
Champagne Lacquered Salsify with cured heirloom carrot, hickory earth apple, smoked sultana, pistachio, sesame, green cardamon tahini aioli basil
Wine Pairing: Allegrini “Palazzo del Torre” 2020, Verona, Italy
Third Course | Chef Ian O’Leary
Yono’s & dp an American Brasserie
Miso Butter Poached Hake with creamed red cabbage/5 spice roasted parsnip/crispy candied ginger/micro wasabin
Wine Pairing: Louis Jadot Chardonnay 2020 – Burgundy, France
Fourth Course | Chef David Zuckerman
Mazzone Hospitality
Grilled Lamb Loin with Saffron Potato – Carrot Gratin, Moroccan Eggplant, Pomegranate-Apricot Jus, Chermoula Gremolata
Wine Pairing: Penfold’s “Max’s Shiraz/Cabernet 2020” Australia
Fifth Course – Dessert | Chef Jaime Ortiz
JO Restaurant Group
Chocolate and Cherries with Bing cherry and maraschino mousse, chocolate amarena cherry ganache, star anise black forest crumble. kirsch glaze
Wine Pairing: Rosa Regale Sparkling Brachetto d’Aqui NV, Piedmont, Italy
© 2019 Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc. The Albany Food & Wine Festival, Inc. is an approved NY 501C3.
Empire Merchants North is the exclusive wine and spirots sponsor of the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. Please drink responsibly.