Chef Maneet Chauhan Headlines Tallahassee’s Cleaver & Cork 2026
Tallahassee’s premier culinary event, the Cleaver and Cork festival, is set to dazzle in March 2026 with Food Network star and James Beard Award winner, Chef Maneet Chauhan, as its headliner. This annual week-long celebration promises exceptional dining experiences and supports a vital cause: scholarships for Tallahassee State College students.
Meet the Star: Chef Maneet Chauhan
From Punjab, India, Chef Maneet Chauhan’s journey led her to the Culinary Institute of America and acclaimed executive chef roles in New York and Chicago. She became a household name as a permanent judge on Food Network’s “Chopped” and the first-ever two-time champion of Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions,” captivating millions with her innovative Indian-Latin cuisine.
Now a Nashville-based restaurateur, Chef Chauhan oversees Morph Hospitality Group, including popular restaurants and Tennessee’s largest craft brewery, and recently expanded to Florida with “eet by Maneet Chauhan” in Disney Springs.
Cleaver & Cork: A Festival with Purpose
The 11th annual Cleaver and Cork, hosted by the TSC Foundation and sponsored by Amazon, continues its tradition of bringing world-class chefs to Tallahassee. Following culinary icons like Tom Colicchio and Andrew Zimmern, Chef Chauhan brings her unique flair to this highly anticipated event. Every ticket contributes directly to scholarships for Tallahassee State College students, investing in future generations.
Experience the Culinary Journey
Running from March 1 to March 8, 2026, the festival offers diverse experiences. The popular “Plates & Pours” series, featuring intimate dinners like the Progressive Cocktail Party, Bourbon Supper, Old Florida Supper, and A La Turko at various local venues, quickly sold out. However, several premier events still have availability:
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Ticket Status / Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Cocktail Party | Sun, March 1, 1-5 p.m. | N. Monroe St. Restaurants | Sold Out |
| Plates & Pours: Bourbon Supper | Mon, March 2, 6-8 p.m. | Food Glorious Food | Sold Out |
| Plates & Pours: Old Florida Supper | Tue, March 3, 6-8 p.m. | The Governors Club | Sold Out |
| Plates & Pours: A La Turko | Wed, March 4, 6-8 p.m. | The Monroe | Sold Out |
| Plates & Pours: Champagne & Caviar | Thu, March 5, 6-8 p.m. | Damas | Available |
| Signature Dinner with Chef Chauhan | Fri, March 6, 6-9:30 p.m. | Lifetime Sports Complex at TSC | $400 per person |
| Food & Wine Festival | Sat, March 7, 12-3 p.m. | TSC’s Intramural Field | $125 – $300 |
| Brunch & Barbeque Finale | Sun, March 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | TSC’s Intramural Field | $125 per person |
The highlight includes the Signature Dinner on March 6, featuring a four-course menu personally crafted by Chef Chauhan with sommelier-selected wines. On March 7, the expansive Food & Wine Festival offers gourmet dishes, fine wines, and craft beers from over 50 vendors. The festival concludes with a Brunch & Barbeque Finale on March 8, featuring award-winning Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q and a selection of brunch favorites and spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaver & Cork
- What is the main purpose of the Cleaver and Cork festival?
The festival raises funds for scholarships for Tallahassee State College students, hosted by the TSC Foundation. - Who is the headlining chef for the 2026 festival?
Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, a Food Network star and James Beard Award winner, will headline the 2026 event. - Are tickets still available for all Cleaver and Cork events?
No, several intimate dinners are sold out. However, tickets remain for the Champagne & Caviar event, the Signature Dinner, the Food & Wine Festival, and the Brunch & Barbeque Finale. - What kind of cuisine is Chef Maneet Chauhan known for?
Chef Chauhan is renowned for her innovative Indian-Latin cuisine. - Where can I find more information or purchase tickets for remaining events?
Visit the official website: cleaverandcorktsc.com.
Don’t miss this opportunity to savor world-class cuisine, enjoy vibrant community events, and contribute to student success in Tallahassee. Secure your tickets for the remaining Cleaver and Cork events today!
Chef Maneet Chauhan Headlines Tallahassee Cleaver Cork
