The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the return of one of the premier events in Columbus, the Synovus Toast of the Town. The Eighth Annual Synovus Toast of the Town is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017 at the RiverMill Event Centre. Savor world-class wines, handcrafted beers, and delicious Southern spirits while dining on food prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs. In addition to sampling their wares, guests will meet and mingle with the contributing brew-masters, vintners, and culinary luminaries, all of whom will be on hand to share their unique tastes and toasts.

"The Synovus Toast of the Town is the signature fundraising event for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, but because it has grown into a regionally acclaimed food, wine, and spirits festival, the community has become just as much a beneficiary," said Cameron Bean, Executive Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

While the Grand Tasting is the main event of the Synovus Toast of the Town, the CSO is excited to announce that Aflac will present the pre-Grand Tasting event, the Aflac Chef’s Tent, featuring the award-winning chef-restaurateur, Ford Fry. Ford is the chef and managing partner of restaurants BeetleCat, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, King + Duke, Marcel, no. 246, The El Felix, The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist, St. Cecilia, Superica in Atlanta and State of Grace in Houston, TX. “Aflac is proud to support local arts and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra by helping bring renowned Chef Ford Fry and his creative culinary talents to the Columbus region for an elegant evening of food, spirits and fun,” said Gail Galuppo, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Aflac. “The Aflac Chef’s Tent will offer attendees an exclusive look at Chef Fry’s culinary vision and favorite recipes – kicking off what is sure to be another stellar Synovus Toast of the Town event.” The event also includes valet parking, live music and a commemorative wine glass. A limited number of tickets are available for this pre-Grand Tasting event.

"Last year, more than 1,000 guests attended and 60 vendors supported the event, but I think this year will be even bigger. I'm really impressed with the talented personalities we have been able to attract to the event. We are thrilled to be featuring award-winning chef, Ford Fry at our Aflac Chef's Tent," said Bean. "This is the third year of our partnership with Synovus as the event's Title Sponsor and, when you consider it, I think it's a natural fit. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Synovus are both pillars of Columbus." Both were founded in the 19th century and still maintain a deep commitment to the advancement of Columbus and the surrounding region.

The Synovus Toast of the Town will feature vintners from around the world as well as regional chefs, restaurants and suppliers. Guests will taste samplings from Columbus restaurants including 11th and Bay Southern Table, EPIC, Wicked Hen, Ezell’s Catfish, Meritage and 12th Street Deli. New comers, My Boulánge, River and Rail Restaurant, Uptown Wine & Spirits and Bareroot Farmacy, will make their debut at this year’s event. Old favorites, Midtown Cakes, It’s Your Day Catering, Southern Straws, Country’s Barbecue and Divine Dinners, will be back, as well as local and regional clubs including: The Chattahoochee River Club, Callaway Gardens, Country Club of Columbus, Green Island Country Club, and The Big Eddy. The Aflac Chef’s Tent is from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the Grand Tasting is from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the RiverMill Event Centre.

Regional wine makers River’s Bend Winery and Still Pond Winery, as well as wines distributed by Georgia Crown, Prime Wine & Spirits, Quality Wines & Spirits, B&B Beverage Company, United Distributors and Empire Distributors will be featured at the event. Back by popular demand are the wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines and JUSTIN/Landmark Wines. The Synovus Toast of the Town will also highlight the spirits of Cathead Vodka, Blade and Bow, Fruitland Augusta, Jimmy’s SeaJuice, Thirteenth Colony Distilleries and regional favorite, Richland Rum. Additionally, guests will be offered tastings from craft breweries including Triangle Wholesalers and B&B Beverages, as well as a local flare from Cannon Brewpub. Other regional craft brewers will be sampling their brews as well.

For tickets and information visit www.ToastColumbus.com. Tickets to the Aflac Chef’s Tent are $175 per person. Grand Tasting tickets are $95 per person.