The Big Flavor Fiery Spicy Food Expo of the Year starts TOMORROW

That's right. 

A lot of us have been looking forward to this event for months and it is finally time. The place, the Irving Convention Center Once Again Hosts the event - the 12th Annual Spicy Food Festival. Produced by Spicy Food Productions among the presenting sponsors are Dos Equis Beer, 99.5 FM The Wolf, Mundo Fox 52, NBC and The Dallas Morning News - ZestFest has steadily grown from a niche gathering to a national event, all under the watchful eye of ZestFest owner Greg Bagarozy. Greg and his team work through the year to celebrate, enjoy lots of good eatin' and eventually bring it all together for everyone to experience in Texas (where most everyone loves BIG flavor). 

 We'll have from the dangerously hot Guinness World Records winner of the World's Hottest Chili title, Carolina-based PuckerButt Pepper Company on hand - do you dare try that pepper? It is not just about the heat though, it's about the that great big Flavor taste that peppers can bring to dish. We have rounded up a great collection of zesty sauces and salsas and marinades and more for you to become familiar with and sample. For you spicy food loving cooks out there, this will be a little like going to Disneyland is for the kids. 

Speaking of cooks - or we better say Chef - we will have a bunch of culinary stars on hand to cook up some of their favorite dishes and show you how it is done. If you are a restaurant owner or chef yourself, you are bound to pick up some good ideas and inspiration. One of the guest chef's will even be serving up a Saturday Night Pork and Ribs Feast (there will be plenty of Dos Equis beer on hand to enjoy with it. 

You can also help support Irving Cares at ZestFest 2014 by making a donation during the Celebrity Chef tastings, or visiting their booth in the exhibit spaces. Programs offered include food pantry; financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities or transportation; job search assistance; transportation to medical appointments; information and referral. When neighbors work together, great things can happen. 

 Finally, we have to mention the Fiery Food Challenge. Dozens of vendors will be putting their products into competition in several categories - we don't have any bad products at ZestFest (we make sure of that) but our panel of expert judges will be picking out there favorites. Past winners have gotten a lot of marketing PR out of their victory and ultimately, that is what ZestFest is all about - helping all of the great products represented grow their success by letting more people know about them and as much as possible let people have a taste of how much each one can add to your enjoyment of a meal! 

 So, come out and celebrate great food and big flavor with us this weekend. ZestFest will open on Friday, January 24th at 1pm and run thru Sunday, January 26th (times available at www.zestfest.2014.com). Also included will be live music and continuous demonstrations and exhibits throughout the weekend. Tickets are currently on sale at the aforementioned website and the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas box office. Price of admission covers all exhibits, competitions, and entertainment, and children under 10 are admitted free with a paid adult ticket. It's a mouthwatering event!