Area residents recently had an opportunity to taste foods from acclaimed local chefs, emerging talent and culinary leaders and sip wine, beer and spirits from the top mixologists and sommeliers on The First Coast. The USA TODAY Wine + Food Experience, held Sept. 23 at Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park, featured fare from 22 local restaurants and food establishments and 11 wine, beer and alcohol brands.
The event was part of a nationwide tour that celebrates the best local food and drink at each venue. The first Wine + Food Experience was held in 2017 across a select group of markets, and it’s been growing ever since.
Managing the participating chefs, restaurants and brands across each of the 11 events was culinary director Jared Bobkin. It’s a huge job, one for which Bobkin, with his impressive background in the culinary arts, is especially qualified.
“From identifying the restaurants in the early stages of planning to mapping out the location for each at the venue, I’m with our chefs every step of the way,” he said.
He said the entire event is a team effort, including local municipalities and the restaurants, “to provide the premier experience we strive for.”
“Events like this give attendees the chance to discover new cuisines and restaurants right in their backyard, and that’s our core mission when curating each event,” he said. “From demos with well-known chefs to ‘hidden gem’ restaurants, the Wine + Food Experience is a celebration of community through food.”
Bobkin said what he likes best about what he does is building relationships with chefs and restaurateurs.
“I always leave each stop of our tour with a new regional dish I’m eager to cook and an amazing network of chefs,” he said. “We all see the world through the unique lens of food, and it’s great being able to follow their journey.”
Bobkin said he has always had a passion for food, especially unique cuisines.
“Growing up, I always chose the most unique dish on the menu when my family went out to eat,” he said.
He started culinary school at age 23, and his first real chef experience was at Edgewood Country Club. After graduation, he became a sous chef at the Birmingham Athletic Club, eventually moving on to public restaurants.
He competed in Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and finished fourth. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey personally invited him to take part in the All-Stars season of the show.
Bobkin has spent 15 years honing his craft in kitchens across the country.
He said he loves cooking whatever makes people happiest.
“I know the dish is a hit when someone sits down in front of a plate, takes a bite and there is just silence,” he said. “That’s how I know they are enjoying the dish. It’s one of the best sounds. As a chef, it may come as no surprise that I love all foods, but I especially enjoy seafood, including fish, shellfish and even types of seaweed.”
Bobkin said he’s looking forward to seeing the USA TODAY Wine + Food Experience grow.
“I’ve seen firsthand how food can bring people together, so I hope we can continue to add new markets to our tour each year and hopefully curate new culinary-focused events through our Ventures division.”
