Hungry community members gathered at the link in Nocatee on Friday, Sept. 12, for the kickoff of Jax Fuse Festival with Food, Art and Music Day.
Now in its second year, Jax Fuse welcomed 20 incredible food vendors with flavors from every corner of North Florida, from international bites to local classics. Attendees had the opportunity to taste, sample and savor the best of the best, while vendors competed for special awards.
Beyond the variety of cuisines such as Asian, American, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Caribbean and Latin, attendees were treated to three live performances from local musicians and a wide variety of art for sale from local artists such as Beth Hunter Marulanda, Dara Dodson, Tony Welch Designs and more.
There were photo opportunities with the chefs, artists and musicians, as well as a live food plating demonstration in the main hall. VIP ticket holders were given a private art tour and access to the VIP beverage area.
Judging for the evening’s awards was handled by Chef Ashley Amin, chef and owner of Fusion Food Truck, and Chef Azhar Mohammad, the national culinary director at TPC Sawgrass and co-owner of Ajua.
The Crowd Favorite award went to TPC Sawgrass, while the Most Flavorful award was given to Fusion Food Truck. Kamaya 86 and Kasama Zushi took home the Most Innovative award, and Anthony's Catering won Best Dish Overall. Best Presentation went to Bella the Treat Fairy, who offered an array of colorfully decorated sweet treats.
Vendors included Timoti’s, Fusion, Chelsey’s Kitchen, TPC Sawgrass, Saucy K’s Ancestral Cuisine, Papa T’s, A Poundcakery Cakes and More, Sam’s Caribbean Soul, Bella the Treat Fairy, Beachwalk, Kamaya 86 & Kasama Zushi, Trasca & Co., Zee Parti Cakes, Tea of Jax, Nandi’s, Dank Burrito, Jicama Cafe & Desserts, Suga Momma’s Sweet Tooth Catering and Chef Eleni Karamitsos.
Jax Fuse Festival was born with a vision to support creators across North Florida. It’s intended to create a space and platform where talent can shine and bring the community together with a focus on many creative sectors: art, music, food, fashion and film.
The next Jax Fuse event, Fashion Day, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the link in Nocatee. Tickets are available now.
