Get ready, folks! The highly anticipated Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. Today, on The Eye, I am thrilled to welcome my dear friend, Jeff Hocker, and the talented Chef Andre Carthen, who are here to give us all the exciting details about this upcoming event.

Jeff, the mastermind behind this extraordinary festival, has poured his heart and soul into making this a premier food and wine experience. When asked about the amount of planning that has gone into it, Jeff laughs and says, “My entire life!” Fun fact: not many know that Jeff’s background includes being a trained butcher for six years. With a deep-rooted passion for food and wine pairing, his dedication to this event is unparalleled. In fact, he proudly sports his chef coat from The Culinary Institute of America, where he attended live fire classes. And here’s an interesting twist: the festival is a benefit for the fellows program, a cause that Jeff holds dear to his heart. He just returned from the Culinary campus in Hyde Park, New York, where he experienced firsthand the inspiring talent of young aspiring chefs.

But that’s not all! We are also fortunate to have Chef Andre Carthen, who brings decades of experience to the table. Working with Kathy Island Worldwide for over 30 years, Chef Andre has had the opportunity to collaborate with culinary icons such as Janet Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor. His impressive resume includes working with renowned personalities like Halle Berry and Vanessa Williams on Broadway. Talk about being surrounded by talented and influential women! Chef Andre’s passion for cooking is infectious, and he is ready to showcase his skills at the festival.

Speaking of the festival, let’s dive into the culinary delights that await us. A star-studded lineup of chefs will grace the event, making it a truly unforgettable experience. You can expect to see culinary geniuses like Joe Sasto, winner of the esteemed Top Chef title, and the celebrated Chef Gaby Goldenberg, who is renowned for her incredible desserts. These are just a glimpse of the phenomenal talent that will grace this culinary extravaganza.

But the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival isn’t just about food and wine; it’s about bringing people together. Our beloved MCs, Patrick Evans, Peter Daut, and Sandie Newton, will create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. This festival is not to be missed for food enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, or anyone who appreciates the magic that happens when flavors and aromas come together in perfect harmony.

So mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds for an exquisite experience. The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival promises to be a celebration of culinary excellence, where food, wine, and fantastic company converge in the picturesque setting of Palm Springs. This is an event that will tantalize your senses, inspire your palate, and leave a lasting impression.

See you at the festival!