The Sixth Annual Synovus Toast of the Town

The Sixth Annual Synovus Toast of the Town is Friday, March 13, 2015 at the RiverMill Event Centre.

“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.

Columbusites, this is one of our most culturally creative, collaborative events of the year, and it’s for a great cause! If not for the benefit, food, music or drinks, you may simply want to attend and admire all the beautiful, artistic displays.

Friday you can savor world-class wines, handcrafted beers, and delicious Southern spirits, while relishing food prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs.

Guests will also have the opportunity to 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.

In addition to the main event of Grand Tasting (7-10pm), the CSO is excited to confirm the return of the Garden & Gun Tent, presented by Garden & Gun Magazine! 

For the past two years, the  Garden & Gun Tent has featured celebrity Southern chefs. This year the focus is on Mixology.

Three noted Mixologists will shake, stir, and render cocktails for you while live music plays, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres are served, in the beautiful garden of the RiverMill (6-8pm).

The specialty-crafted cocktails will be served by Paul Calvert of Decatur’s Paper Plane restaurant, Nate Shuman of Atlanta’s Proof & Provision, and Greg Best former co-owner of Atlanta’s Holeman & Finch.

“Last year, over 1,000 guests attended and 60 vendors supported the event. This year will be even bigger. I’m impressed with the talented personalities we have been able to attract to the event!

This is the first year that Synovus has partnered with the CSO as the event’s Title Sponsor and, when you consider it, it’s a natural fit. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Synovus are both pillars of Columbus. Both were formed in the 19th century and still maintain a deep commitment to the advancement of Columbus and the surrounding region.” Bean explains.

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: 11th and Bay, EPIC, Bitter Brick, The Social, Henry’s A Taste of Louisiana, Fountain City Coffee, It’s Your Day Catering, Midtown Cakes, Southern Straws, Midtown Coffee House, Trevioli Artisan Pasta Company and more!

Regional restaurants participating this year are: Kowaliga Restaurant (Alexander City), Tullah White Cuisine (LaGrange), and The Gardens Restaurant at Callaway Gardens. The Chattahoochee River Club, Country Club of Columbus and Green Island Country Club will also be present.

Regional wine makers Warm Springs Vineyard & Winery, River’s Bend Winery and Still Pond Winery, as well as wines distributed by Georgia Crown, National Distributing Company, B&B Beverage Company, and Empire Distributors, will be featured at the event.

The Synovus Toast of the Town will also highlight the spirits of Karin and Erik Vonk with Richland Rum Distillery, Fruitland Augusta, and Cathead Vodka.

Additionally, guests will be offered tastings from craft breweries from Triangle Wholesalers such as Terrapin and Red Brick Ale.

Their always incredible silent auction includes trips, treasures and fine wines!

They have amazing vacations including a luxury barge cruise through the South of France, a getaway to Antigua; plus original paintings by David Garibaldi that he created on stage with the CSO during the Christmas Concert, and many more!

You can start bidding today on your favorite items by registering your Picnic Basket.

Wait, what is that?

Toast of the Town will also be launching a new app this year, for the event, called The Picnic Basket (click to download)!

You can connect with vendors, link up to the silent auction, and even “like” the items served that evening by placing them in your virtual “Picnic Basket”.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has produced masterful music for the citizens of the Chattahoochee Valley since 1855. Funds raised through the Synovus Toast of the Town provide the vital financial support needed to support the CSO’s education and outreach initiatives, serving over 12,000 children and families each year.

The Synovus Toast of the Town is essential to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s ability to maintain its recognition as one the Southeast’s finest musical ensembles.

For tickets and information visit www.ToastColumbus.com.

Garden and Gun Cocktail Tent tickets $175 per person. Grand Tasting tickets $95 per person.

Composed by Jacy Jenkins, but content info mostly provided by Anna Bradley.

Pictures provided by Toast of the Town