The boldest and bravest of foodies will flock to the Irving Convention Center Jan. 29 – 31 to satisfy their cravings for all things flavorful, spicy, hot and extreme at ZestFest. At the festival, visitors can sample the latest and greatest in “zesty” sauces, salsas, recipes and remedies.

ZestFest, produced by Spicy Food Productions and presented by NBC and Dos Equis, has steadily grown from a niche gathering to a national event, all under the watchful eye of owner Greg Bagarozy, who is excited about this year’s special competitions and guests. The Dos Equis Celebrity Chef Stage will feature a Texas vs. Louisiana throw down between Food Network personalities Chef Sarah Penrod and Chef Loreal Gavin. Other talents taking the stage for cooking demos during the weekend include Jon Bonnell, Eduardo Alvarez, Enam Chowdhury and Eddie Deen.

On Saturday from 6 – 8 p.m. attendees can chow down on Dinner at ZestFest featuring a Pig and Rib Roast hosted by local legend Eddie Deen (separate ticket needed.) Other popular ZestFest events include the Wingstop Atomic Wing Eating Contest and Puckerbutt’s Jalapeno Eating Contest.

What makes ZestFest so compelling is the massive number of companies that deal in the hot, flavorful, and spicy industry, from local homegrown startups to international brands. And it’s not just the consumers who come to sample the wares – it’s retail buyers, restaurant owners and the adventurous palates of some of the country’s best chefs.

Show hours are Friday, Jan. 29, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Eddie Deen’s BBQ Pig Roast 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (separate ticket needed), and Sunday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit www.ZestFest.net for the full schedule of events. Tickets are currently on sale, and can be purchased on the website or by visiting the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas box office during show hours. Price of admission covers all exhibits, competitions, and entertainment, and children under 10 are admitted free with a paid adult ticket.

For more information on ZestFest 2015, please visit www.ZestFest.net or contact Gregory Bagarozy at [email protected] or 845-661-3616.