Flowers, food to unite

By Marshall Detwiler

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will host its annual Food & Wine Festival on Thursday, March 26, bringing together exceptional chefs, premium wines, craft beverages and the beauty of the garden in full spring bloom. 

Designed as an elegant tasting experience, the festival invites guests to sample dishes from more than 40 of DFW’s most celebrated chefs, including multiple James Beard Award finalists and semifinalists. Participating culinary talent includes but is not limited to: 

• Misti Norris (Far Out) – James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas, nationally recognized for fermentation-forward, sustainable cuisine 

• Abraham Salum (Salum) – James Beard Award semifinalist and longstanding Dallas fine-dining leader 

• Matt Balke (Encina) – James Beard Award semifinalist with strong regional and national acclaim 

• Nikky Phinyawatana (Asian Mint) – James Beard Award semifinalist and leading voice in Thai cuisine in Dallas 

• Eduardo Osorio (Meridian) – James Beard Award semifinalist known for his refined Brazilian fine dining. 

“The Food & Wine Festival is one of the most anticipated evenings of our spring season,” said Sabina Carr, president and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum. “It’s a night where culinary talent, hospitality and the natural beauty of the Arboretum come together in a way that feels truly special.” 

Set across some of the garden’s most scenic spaces during Dallas Blooms, guests will enjoy signature bites from more than 40 local chefs, a curated selection of wines, craft beers and specialty beverages, sunset views, live music and an elevated garden atmosphere. 

Since its debut in 2017, the Food & Wine Festival has grown into a signature spring event, reinforcing the Arboretum’s commitment to culinary arts, entertaining and garden-to-table inspiration. Its connection to A Tasteful Place, the Arboretum’s edible-themed garden and teaching kitchen, deepens the festival’s focus on food, creativity and community. 

Tickets for the 2026 Dallas Arboretum Food & Wine Festival are on sale now at dallasarboretum.org. 

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