The festival, which takes place at The Ark by Norris, will feature more than 300 wine, beer and spirit selections and 35 food tasting stations, said event founder and coordinator Constance McDerby. It benefits The Ballard House, a local charity that provides free housing to patients and their families who are in the Houston area receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness.
“Sip N Stroll is packed with culinary creations, wine exhibits with industry experts, craft beers, live music on two stages, a spirits patio and captivating exhibitor experiences,” said said McDerby. “With more than 125 displays, attendees roam the grounds enjoying wine tasting presentations, dozens of craft beer selections, and delicious culinary offerings from more than 35 area restaurants, chefs, and caterers.”
Tickets to Sip N Stroll are $65 for general admission and $95 for exclusive VIP access. VIPs get early access to the event and access to the private area with premium wine and food selections. Participating restaurants will also compete for the Premier Culinary Awards, judged by a team of accomplished, classically trained chefs.
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Participating local restaurants include BB’s Tex-Orleans Café, Black Walnut Cafe, Burns Original BBQ, Chuckwagon BBQ, Dish Society, Federal American Grille, Gauchos Do Sul, J. Bistro Style, Jimmy Changas, La Baguette Bakery and Bistro, Maggiano’s, Mala Sichuan, MKT Pizza, Murray’s Pizza, Nirvana Indian Restaurant, Pearl & Vine, Postino, Raising Cane’s, Roegels BBQ, The Rouxpour, Salata, Snow Fox Sushi, The Chef’s Table, Tobiuo and Willie Mike Events & Entertainment.
For more convenient parking, Sip N Stroll offers free shuttles that will transport guests directly from their parking space to the entrance of The Ark by Norris.
To date, the biannual Sip N Stroll events have raised more than $345,000 for The Ballard House, providing 12,778 room nights, according to a press release. The most recent expansion of the Ballard House added 16 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and guest laundry.
“Our hearts go out to the House of Ballard, which is why we created this meaningful fundraising event in 2010,” McDerby said. “Today, our commitment is just as strong as it was from the beginning. We invite you to raise a glass, meet a new friend, share a laugh and enjoy it all while meeting the needs of the customers of the Ballard house.”