Famed food critics host culinary celebration featuring great local fare and lighting of more than 225 holiday trees.
The Festival of Trees announces the third Annual Taste of the Festival on Friday, November 18, 2011 with special guest hosts the Andelman brothers, founders of the famed food-related television show The Phantom Gourmet. This culinary celebration features specialty foods from more than 20 local restaurants as well as the unveiling of more than 225 spectacular Christmas Trees to kick off the 18th Annual Festival of Trees.
“We are so thrilled to have the talented Andelman brothers to help us us kick off the 2011 Taste of the Festival showcasing some of the wonderful cuisine the Merrimack Valley has to offer,” said Ann Guastaferro, president of the Festival of Trees. “Thanks to their generosity and that of the participating restaurants, guests will have an opportunity to mingle with The Phantom Gourmet team as they sample some great local dishes.
The Phantom Gourmet has been a New England favorite since it’s launch in 1993. Since then, Phantom Gourmet, Inc., led by Dave, Mike and Dan Andelman, have produced some of the greatest food events in Boston and beyond, including Phantom Gourmet Food Festival and Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Party.
“We are excited to host this wonderful holiday event and are looking forward to experiencing some of the region’s local cuisine, ” said Dan Andelman, host and executive producer of The Phantom Gourmet. “We are happy to be a part of this celebration for the great cause of preserving the history around us.”
The Taste of the Festival is Friday, Nov. 18, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased by calling 978-685-8878 or go to www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com by November 1 (Tickets are limited to 400 guests). The Festival of Trees officially opens Nov. 19 and runs through Dec 3. It’s open weekdays from 5-9 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving. General Admission is $8, with children under 12 free.
The Festival is located at Valley Office Park, 13 Branch St., Methuen. For more information, visit www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com. The Phantom Gourmet airs Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. on MYTV 38.
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About the Festival of Trees The Festival of Trees began to fund the restoration of the Tenney Gatehouse in Methuen, MA in 1994. It is a magical event held annually by The Festival of Trees, Inc. to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. The Festival of Trees is dedicated to the preservation and history of the communities of the Merrimack Valley and develops partnerships with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, historic groups and other non-profit organizations to preserve the heritage, which make the Merrimack Valley so unique. The Festival of Trees has been a catalyst for historic preservation and has contributed $1.150 million dollars to fund over 102 preservation project grants throughout the Merrimack Valley.
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