Andrew Zimmern Joins Local Chefs to Kickoff New Lincoln Arena

LINCOLN, Neb. - July 24, 2013 - PRLog -- On August 22, international celebrity chef, Andrew Zimmern, creator and host of the hit series, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre World, and his new series, Bizarre Foods America, will help celebrate the inaugural food event at Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Twelve local chefs and 7 mixologists will join Zimmern for “Farm Food Fork, Celebrating the Rise of Lincoln’s Culinary Culture”. The event will begin with a cocktail hour on the Arena’s deck overlooking downtown Lincoln followed by a 5-course gourmet dinner at center court on the floor of the Arena. The event is organized by Lincoln Secret Supper in cooperation with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and Pinnacle Bank Arena.

According to Chamber President, Wendy Birdsall, the event will showcase Lincoln’s up-and-coming food scene.

“Lincoln is developing a culinary scene on par with larger American cities. This event will highlight some of our finest chefs utilizing locally grown products,” Birdsall said.

“We hope Lincoln foodies will help us spread the word across Nebraska and neighboring states, that Farm Food Fork is a celebration of Lincoln’s burgeoning restaurant scene and our desire to become a food tourist destination,” said Jeff Maul, vice president and executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Tom Lorenz, Pinnacle Bank Arena general manager said the partnership with Lincoln Secret Supper gives his team the opportunity to highlight a top-class food facility.

“We are fortunate to have recruited a culinary team - Greg Gaskins, Director of Food & Beverage, and Arena Chef Christopher Packer - whose experience and talent rival the best in the region,” Lorenz said.

Kevin Shinn, owner and executive chef of Bread & Cup, will lead the twelve-member local chef team.

“The food and drink culture in Lincoln is becoming something special, and the public is taking notice. Local chefs and mixologists are excited to showcase our homegrown talent and food products to Chef Zimmern and our guests at Farm Food Fork,” Shinn said.

Andrew Zimmern is a James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and teacher, who is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and knowledgeable personalities in the food world. Zimmern grew up in New York City and began his culinary training when he was 14. Now a resident of Minneapolis with his wife, Rashia, and their 8-year-old son, Noah, Zimmern spends most of his time on the road, delving into the culinary flavors and traditions of the world's many eclectic corners.

How to Purchase Tickets for Farm Food Fork:

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, August 1 to Lincoln Secret Supper members. To become a member (it’s free) sign up at www.LincolnSecretSupper.com.

To encourage food tourists to make Lincoln their destination, Lincoln Secret Supper is giving away four FREE tickets to Farm Food Fork. One pair (two tickets) will be given away to a Nebraska mailing address outside of Lincoln; the other pair will be given to someone outside of Nebraska. To enter the contest, go to www.lincolnsecretsupper.com/ticket-giveaway. Winner will be announced on July 31.