See How This Food Festival Blazes a Trail Around the U.S.

Established in 2010 in Napa Valley, Calif., and produced by event and marketing agency a21, the live-fire culinary event series aims to celebrate pasture diversity and local family farms.Photo: Courtesy of Heritage FireLOUISVILLE, KY.—On Aug. 4, the Heritage Fire team brought the heat to Louisville for the first time. Held at Waterfront Park: Festival Plaza, the walk-around tasting featured a lineup of local chefs, each grilling proteins like lamb, chicken, and even oysters alfresco, while bartenders served plenty of (mostly bourbon) drinks.

Established in 2010 in Napa Valley, Calif., and produced by event and marketing agency a21, the live-fire culinary event series aims to celebrate pasture diversity and local family farms.

“Heritage Fire was conceptualized as a way to build a bridge between chefs and local farmers, making locally sourced items more easily accessible versus commodity. The event's mission is to highlight hyperlocal chefs, proteins, and produce, and provide a healthy balance of education and entertainment,” explained Amanda Vidaurre, senior director of event operations at a21.

Hosted in various cities across the U.S., the food fest follows a similar format in each location, with chefs, farmers, sommeliers, distillers, brewers, and barkeeps serving up dishes and drinks. Attendees also have the opportunity to vote for the “Best Bite of the Day” where one chef is crowned the Heritage Hero of their city.

Vidaurre said that the team looks for “chefs who are fan favorites who work with local farms as well as restaurants that integrate live fire in their cooking. ... Chefs are usually our biggest advocates at these events. They like to spend the day cooking with their friends and restaurant neighbors, so we also lean on them for suggestions and connections in the local scene.”

Chefs at the Louisville event included Lawrence Weeks of Enso, Noam Bilitzer of MeeshMeesh, Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb, Drake Aldrich of Red Hog, Ashlee Northington of Happy Belly Bistro, Kendall Linhart of Swizzle Dinner & Drinks, and Troy King of Fry Daddy's, among others.

Vidaurre said that the first year in a new market is often a challenge. “We are getting to know the city, and the city is getting to know us. Heritage Fire is such a unique event that it usually takes that initial event for that city to say, ‘OK, now I get it!’”

Heritage Fire ticket options include VIP early access and general admission. The next stop will be at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, Calif., on Aug. 18.

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