This weekend marks ZestFest’s 18th year in operation. This fest/exhibitor trade show for restaurant owners, and literal taste makers from all over the country attracts 1,000s a year. Foodies, spice junkies, professional food contest participants, and those that are just curious about hot sauce fire and flavor innovation attend. We’ve personally attended the last three years and always have a great/tasty time.

1. WingStop’s Atomic Wing Challenge Eating Contest – You can participate or just watch. This is what it sounds like it is. WingStop has an “Atomic” heat index you might be familiar with if you live in Texas and have frequented one of their fine wing-making establishments. This event happens on Saturday at 1pm.

2. Puckerbutt’s Jalapeno Eating Contest  - Puckerbutt is a company name. Apparently they are the ones sponsoring the jalapeno eating contest. For both contests, participants must sign a waiver beforehand. This event happens on Sunday at 1pm.

3. Samples, Samples, and more Samples – There will be no shortage of hot sauce makers trying to get you to try his or her unique concoction. Make sure you notice the awards from this weekend and years past on particular vendors. Samples will be given all weekend.

4. Eddie Deen’s Pig Roast Dinner – Depending on your ticket level and which day you go, you can experience the once a year treat of Eddie Deen’s full pig roast with all the fixings you’d think possible and more. This event happens on Saturday at 6pm.

5. Celebrity Chef Shows – Watch Chefs Loreal Gavin “The Butcher Babe,” Jon Bonnell, Eddie Deen, Shaun O’ Neale, and Peter Mollett perform demos talking their way through preparing fine dining dishes. This happens Friday through Sunday. Check the website for times.

When:
January 25th – 27th

Where:
Irving Convention Center

Admission:
$14 – $38

More Info:
https://zestfest.net/