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The Daytona Beach International Festival has announced its inaugural Halifax Uncorked, a two-day celebration of the best in culinary and jazz delights, taking place Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22, at the riverfront News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach.

Presented in partnership with Daytona State College, the event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winner and foodie television personality Ted Allen. Halifax Uncorked will serve up a weekend menu of food samplings, fine wines and beer tastings from around the world; and culinary demonstrations and conversations with award-winning chefs.

Each full day of food and fun will culminate with evening concerts by world-renowned smooth jazz artists Richard Elliot and Earl Klugh.

"This event is a real departure from the usual programming our organization has produced in the past 20 years. It is a fun, fresh and exciting way to invite residents and visitors to discover the culinary treasures in our community, enjoy fabulous wine and beers while featuring some of the biggest names in jazz," said DBIF President Manuel Bornia. "With Ted Allen as the official host, and the celebrity chefs, restaurants and jazz artists we've lined up, we hope this inaugural event will make Halifax Uncorked a new yearly tradition."

An Emmy Award winner, television star, New York Times bestselling author, and all-around foodie and wine specialist, Ted Allen is considered one of the nation's top culinary experts.

Each day, Halifax Uncorked will feature an International Concourse in the lobby of the News-Journal Center, where a dozen of the area's top, locally-owned, independent gourmet restaurants will offer tastings to Halifax Uncorked patrons.

Some of the restaurants include Azure at The Shores Resort & Spa, Kob Jai and Spanish River Grill.

Mr. Allen and a panel of culinary experts will judge participating restaurants who will be vying for the "Top Restaurant Award" to be presented Sunday evening. Through a partnership with Southern Wine & Spirits, some of the best wineries in the country will also showcase their top collections and private labels throughout the International Concourse. Seven beer microbreweries will also be on hand.

"Culinary Conversations," a unique event component, will take place throughout the weekend in the Gillespy Theater at the News-Journal Center. The Theater will be transformed into a custom-built studio kitchen for live audience demonstrations and interactive food and wine programming, presented by Daytona State College's well-respected Culinary Institute. Halifax Uncorked host Mr. Allen will bring the conversations to life with in-studio discussions with DSC's culinary team and other celebrated chefs from across the state. Mr. Allen will also present his own series of off-the-cuff conversations with the audience on topics varying from wine pairings to cooking tips.

Saturday's concert will feature smooth jazz icon, saxophonist Richard Elliot. He will perform songs from his current album "Rock Steady," as well as tunes from his vast collection of well-known number one hits. Sunday's show will feature 12-time Grammy nominee and winner, guitarist Earl Klugh. This 22-time chart-topping guitarist has been lauded first as an industry prodigy and groundbreaker, then as a defining figure, and ultimately, as one of the true statesmen of contemporary jazz.

A single-day pass, beginning at $69, to Halifax Uncorked provides full-access for one day to the International food and beverage concourse, culinary conversations and demonstrations, and admission to that evening's jazz concert. Single tickets to concerts and the Culinary Experience begin at just $35.

The weekend passport, beginning at $109, provides full-access for both days at the international food and beverage concourse, culinary conversations and demonstrations, and admission to both evening jazz concerts.

To purchase tickets to Halifax Uncorked, visit www.dbif.com, or visit the new box office at the News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St.

For more information, call (386) 226-1927.