Red Sox Legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Top Chef David Burke & Celebrity Chef Todd English to Headline Saratoga Wine and Food Festival

September 7 – 9

International Bugatti Tour to present once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience display of 80 luxury Bugatti automobiles, including the $42 million-plus Atlantic 57SC

Saratoga Springs, NY – As part of its redesigned Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that Boston Red Sox baseball legend David Ortiz, and renowned celebrity chefs David Burke and Todd English will headline this year’s international destination event September 7-9 in Saratoga Springs, New York. The sports star, known affectionately to his fans as “Big Papi,” will return by popular demand to participate in Friday’s Fired Up! event as well as a “meet and greet” and VIP nightclub appearance on Friday evening, spotlighting his Arias wines collection. The James Beard Award-winning chef, David Burke, and celebrity chef and Emmy-nominated TV star Todd English, will also make special appearances to showcase their favorite dishes and participate in key events throughout the weekend.

“Following the response that we received from Big Papi’s appearance at our festival last year, we were eager to bring him back to participate in our redesigned weekend events, including a new ‘VIP Party’ and an opportunity to mingle with the baseball legend,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “With the added presence of heralded celebrity chefs David Burke and Todd English, the festival will be a feast for the senses with curated gourmet food and wine tastings and entertainment from our charismatic hosts.”

The 2018 Saratoga Wine and Food Festival will be highlighted by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the International Bugatti Tour in partnership with the Saratoga Automobile Museum. A convergence of 160 drivers and 80 luxury Bugatti automobiles, the rally comes to the United States only once every ten years and will make its first visit to New York State this September. Descending on the Saratoga Spa State Park’s reflecting pool for a “Bugatti Ballet” auto display, the tour will showcase one of only two Atlantic 57SC’s in existence, valued at over $42 million.

This year’s festival, expanded with the recently announced partnership with Colin Cowie Lifestyle and the Saratoga Automobile Museum, is an annual tradition drawing in food and wine enthusiasts from across the region. In addition to stunning automobile displays coming in from every corner of the globe, the 2018 festival will feature fine wine and gourmet food tastings, luxury car displays, VIP experiences and a lively Sunday “Brunch with Colin Cowie.”

David Burke, known for his role on the Food Network’s Iron Chef and Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and as a fixture on the national restaurant scene for decades, will be a featured celebrity chef at the festival.  In addition to his restaurants in Manhattan, Chicago and Las Vegas, Burke is also the new Culinary Director of The Adelphi Hotel and Salt & Char in Saratoga Springs. Burke will kick of the weekend by participating in the Fired Up! competition as the lead judge. He will also prepare dishes from his restaurants Tavern62, David Burke Kitchen, and Woodpecker by David Burke, at the Saturday Grand Tasting event, in addition to competing in the festival’s own Iron Chef-styled cooking competition to take place on stage Saturday afternoon. 

Considered one of the most decorated chefs in the world, Todd English is known for his international travel and cooking series, Food Trip with Todd English, which garnered him two James Beard Awards as well as an Emmy nomination; national public television series’ Cooking Under Fire, and The Food Network’s Opening Soon. English will co-host an energetic Sunday brunch alongside Colin Cowie, following his appearances at The Super Bowl, Sundance Film Festival, Fashion Week, The Tony Awards, NASCAR, and Dinner In White, among many others.

Held in the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, the weekend is anchored by four events: an Adirondack Road Tour and Luncheon, Friday’s Fired Up! Grill Competition, Saturday’s Grand Tasting and—for the first time— brunch with Colin Cowie and Todd English. Presented in partnership with the Saratoga Automobile Museum, proceeds from the festival benefit education programming at SPAC and the Museum.