Chefs Tent
The Chefs Tent provides an excellent opportunity to offer market shoppers examples of using local, seasonal market resources at home while exposing local chefs to our market foods and farmers. Making local fresh foods available to area residents, we help preserve farmlands and promote the local economy. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase culinary talents and promote local restaurants. Your participation as a celebrity chef is a big part of our success, as you freshly feature the seasonal produce and market items.
WHO
Chefs from the greater Williamsburg area.
WHAT
Demonstrate recipes, techniques & tools of the trade and provide samples for tasting.
WHY
To promote your restaurant as well as fresh farm foods available at the Market
WHEN
On Saturdays, June through October, there are two demos at 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. or one demo at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE
The Chef’s Tent is an informal setting in a prime location, on the brick patio between the Duke of Gloucester Street market and the P4 Parking Lot. Shoppers gather around to watch a brief demonstration and stay to ask questions about your restaurant.
HOW
• Focus on your signature style and seasonal ingredients.
• Provide handouts with recipes and food notes.
• Bring menus and brochures about your business.
• Relax and have fun with your audience.
2023 CHEF’S TENT SCHEDULE
| Market Date | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| June 3, 2023 | Berret's Seafood Restaurant |
| June 10, 2023 | |
| June 17, 2023 | Second Street Bistro |
| June 24, 2023 | |
| July 1, 2023 | |
| July 8, 2023 | |
| July 15, 2023 | |
| July 22, 2023 | Revolutionary Golf and Grille |
| July 29, 2023 | |
| August 5, 2023 | |
| August 12, 2023 | |
| August 19, 2023 | |
| August 26, 2023 | |
| September 2, 2023 | |
| September 9, 2023 | |
| September 16, 2023 | |
| September 23, 2023 | Revolutionary Golf and Grille |
| September 30, 2023 | |
| October 14, 2023 | |
| October 21, 2023 | |
| October 28, 2023 |
Some Notes About the Program For Chefs and Restaurants:
Recipe
We get the most positive comments when the demo features a recipe the home cook can use. Bring copies to hand out – 150 or more. E-mail the recipe to therner@williamsburgva.gov. We’ll get it on the website in time for your appearance.
Samples
The quantity is up to you. Most chefs serve 200-300 small samples. Most chefs bring samples of their recipes already prepared so that the demo is for show only. The first demo attracts the most home cooks/shoppers. The second one attracts more tourists who want to know about your restaurant.
Supplies
See Confirmation Form. Let us know how we can assist you. Williamsburg Farmers Market is reducing its use of single-use plastic and will provide ramekins and silverware for sampling, and bus tubs for used sample cups.
Parking
There is free parking in the Art Museum parking lot.
Promotion
Send bio. Bring signs, banners, flyers, menus, business cards, etc., to promote your operation.1200-1500 people visit the WFM weekly.
Synergy
We strive to make the connection between food growers, chefs, and shoppers to promote seasonal foods and regional agriculture. While the Market is still seeking a sponsor for the Chef’s Tent this year, funds are available to enable you to purchase ingredients from WFM vendors.
Note:
You can also demonstrate canning or preserving techniques rather than preparing a “dish.”
Williamsburg Farmers Market is seeking a sponsor for this season’s Chef’s Tent.