GRAFTON — The Grafton Inn hosts the second annual Grafton Food Festival, a celebration of local food and farms in Vermont, on July 12 and 13 in Grafton Village.
Organizers say this year's festival highlight is the appearance of celebrity chef Mary Ann Esposito, host of the popular PBS show “Ciao Italia.”
The weekend's celebration of Vermont's taste of place, presented by Northeast Flavor Magazine, invites festival-goers to sample food from regional food providers, enjoy celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, and attend a farmers' brunch.
On Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festivities take place under the event tent and include tastings from more than 20 vendors such as Grafton Village Cheese, Sidehill Farm, and Blake Hill Preserves.
New this year: a Junior Iron Chef event, Grafton's version of the statewide culinary competition that challenges teams of Vermont students to create healthful, local dishes that inspire school meal programs.
Guests can also attend cooking demonstrations featuring nationally recognized chefs such as Jason Tostrup of Okemo Mountain Resort, Martin Schuelke of Grafton Inn, and Lisa Richards of Green Mountain Flour.
Esposito will sign aprons on Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m., demonstrate cooking techniques on Sunday, July 13 at 11 a.m., and sign books.
On Sunday, July 13, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Grafton Inn courtyard, you'll find a farmers' breakfast featuring many Grafton Food Festival vendors.
An outdoor farmers' market will be held adjacent to the breakfast, as will Esposito's cooking demonstration and book signing.
The Grafton Food Festival will be held under an all-weather tent behind the Grafton Inn in Grafton Village.