I had the best time at the 2021 Cleaver & Cork events, and I am beyond excited to attend again in 2022! They kept things modest and limited earlier this year due to COVID, yet exceeded everyone’s expectations and I had a blast! It’s hard not to get a little star struck around those celeb chefs that know how to put on a show!
Next year, they’re going all out, always introducing new experiences to the line up! This is such a wonderful event as all proceeds from the four-part culinary experience benefits their scholarship fund! What better way to give to an amazing fund than through this amazing line up of tasty adventures?
The Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Foundation is set to bring Chef Aarón Sánchez to town for its four-part culinary experience, Cleaver and Cork, the week of February 27-March 5, 2021.
Aarón Sánchez is an award-winning chef, TV personality, author and philanthropist. He is chef and owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans and a judge on FOX’s hit culinary competition series MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. Aarón grew up in the restaurant business and is passionate about preserving his family’s legacy through food and encouraging diversity in the kitchen.
“We are thrilled to bring Chef Aarón Sánchez’s unique flair and flavors to Tallahassee,” said Heather Mitchell, Executive Director of the TCC Foundation. “From tasting food and libations at our Food and Wine Festival to hearing Chef Sánchez’s story while he makes his famous dishes live at the Toast and Talk to our Signature Dinner event curated by Chef, we have something for everyone at every price point.”
Outside of the kitchen, Chef Sánchez is partner and creative director of Cocina, the first online content platform dedicated to celebrating Latin lifestyle through its vibrant culinary culture. In 2016, Chef Sánchez founded the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship Fund (ASSF), an initiative empowering aspiring chefs from the Latin community. ASSF provides recipients with full culinary scholarships to schools in New York City and ongoing mentorship.
“I’m excited to be a part of Cleaver and Cork 2022!” said Chef Sánchez. “Partnering with Tallahassee Community College Foundation is a perfect fit as we both share a love for culinary arts and education both rooted in helping students grow to become the best versions of themselves.”
The 2022 Cleaver and Cork Four-Part Line Up:
Progressive Cocktail Party (Sunday, February 27 | 1:00 –5:00 PM)
In advance of welcoming Chef Aarón Sánchez to Tallahassee, the TCC Foundation will host the Progressive Cocktail Party. Tickle your taste buds with carefully curated cuisine from five local restaurants. Admission to the party includes a food tour of each restaurant, with a different course and wine pairing. Each stop on the tour includes a unique spin on Aarón Sánchez’s recipes.
Toast and Talk (Thursday, March 3 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM)
Turner Auditorium at Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304
The Toast and Talk will be the first event featuring Chef Aarón Sánchez – a personal culinary experience perfect for foodie fanatics and home-cooking connoisseurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Chef Sánchez speak to local restaurant owner Drew McLeod of Savour, about Chef’s journey in the culinary industry and share stories about the people and dishes that helped define his passion for food. Chef Sánchez will enlist Savour Executive Chef Brian Knepper to help him cook up recipes live from his cookbooks including, La Comida del Barrio and Simple Food, Big Flavor. There will be an exclusive meet and greet before the event starts.
Signature Dinner – SOLD OUT (Friday, March 4 | 6:00 – 9:30 PM)
TCC Lifetime Sports Complex at Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304
The Signature Dinner is the premier culinary experience, and will take place on Friday, March 4. The exclusive dinner with Chef Aarón Sánchez will feature a four-course meal curated specifically for the event with each course paired with sommelier-selected wines from around the world.
Food and Wine Festival (Saturday, March 5 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Unwind and uncork with us on campus for a combination of food, wine, and good company. The festival will include local food vendors and spirit tastings, as well as feature Master Classes and Cooking Demonstrations by local chefs. Chef Aarón Sánchez will kick off the event by greeting guests and meeting with VIP ticket holders.
For more information on Cleaver and Cork or to purchase tickets, visit cleaverandcorktcc.com.
This year’s events are sponsored by Moore, Capital City Bank, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, All State Construction, Peter Boulware Toyota, Capital Regional Medical Center, and Infiniti of Tallahassee.
All proceeds from Cleaver and Cork will benefit the Tallahassee Community College Foundation’s Athletics Program.
“We are committed to giving North Florida the most unique culinary experiences while raising funds for our outstanding students,” explained Mitchell. “This year, we are excited to continue the expansion of our athletics program, helping student athletes excel in the classroom, on the field or court and beyond.”
