Eat, Drink And Be Merry In Key West Florida During The 5th Annual Bacchanalia

Online, June 4, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Most people think that to get a truly exceptional meal, they either have to visit a bustling metropolis and pay exorbitant amounts of money, or travel by bus, boat and burro to some middle-of-nowhere village in a country whose name no one can pronounce. The hidden secret is that the great chefs of the world are like everyone else. They want to go where it is warm and relaxing. That is why Key West restaurants have become some of the most famous worldwide, and that is why this will be the fifth year that America's Caribbean island hosts the annual "Bacchanalia Festival." Billed as a food and wine event with a twist, this event brings people from all around the world to meet their culinary heroes while tasting some of the best food and drink that is out there.

"For me, it is a chance to meet up with some old friends and show off to each other what we've been working on," said Roof Top Cafй executive Chef Brendan Orr. "When you get to a certain level of food knowledge and preparation, it can seem like a small world. I get a kick out of seeing some of my colleagues on all of these great television shows, but nothing compares with how it feels to get together with old friends."

Over a long weekend, stars from such shows like "Top Chef" will be in town to prepare some of the finest barbeque around, and also compete against locals in what has become the highlight of this event: The Battle of the Burger. Over the last four years, some truly amazing creations have come out of this Key West, Florida event, and this year looks to be no different. Helping to wash all of this great food down will be mixologists from around the world creating their cocktails that have set the bartending world ablaze.

Island vacations are good for everyone, no matter what time of year or what may be on the schedule. When you have a chance to combine that tropical getaway with over three days worth of what Key West's own favorite son/author would call "A Moveable Feast," there's no reason to stay home. Celebrate Father's Day by taking dear old dad to the 5th Annual Key West Florida Bacchanalia.

Jack Terry is a food and lifestyle writer who lived in Key West for several years.