Food & Wine Experience will benefit Contra Costa College culinary students

After a two-year hiatus, Contra Costa College’s Food & Wine Experience — the key fundraiser for the Culinary Arts Department — is returning Sunday, April 24, to the San Pablo campus.

The tasting event will feature more than 20 food and beverage businesses, plus cooking demos by students, live music, raffles and silent and live auctions.

This 13th annual fundraiser will raise money for travel abroad scholarships, training tools, uniforms and more. As part of the hands-on training to prepare students for restaurant and hospitality careers, the college’s program, which is chaired by chef Nader Sharkes, sends students to experience culinary traditions in another country to boost their employment potential.

Among the restaurants and food purveyors offering samples at the event will be the Claremont Hotel & Spa, Montibella Sausage Co., Surla’s Restaurant, A&A BBQ, Kensington Circus Pub, Sabor Latino 17, Avaviv Pizza, Rancho Saloon, Su Sabor Cubano, Up and Under, Cakes by Karl, Lilly Cookies, Spun Sugar and Sugar Toof.

Several booths will be serving creations by the Culinary Arts Department students and graduates.

Beverages will be provided by Bernardus Winery, Copper Cane Wines, Viano Vineyards, East Brother Beer Company and Ledgers Liquor.