There's no shortage of culinary creativity in the Finger Lakes region, and this spring, one renowned chef wants to bring everyone together for a feast. 

The inaugural F.E.A.S.T. (Feeding Everyone Around Shared Tables) in the Heart of the Finger Lakes tasting event will be held April 24 at The Cracker Factory in Geneva. Executive Chef Samantha Buyskes of Three Brothers Wineries and H.J. Stead Company is organizing the event in hopes of it becoming an annual affair. Proceeds will benefit Foodlink, the food bank serving the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley regions of New York. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is serving as an event sponsor ... we appreciate your support! 

Buyskes, who was born in South Africa, opened her first restaurant in Trumansburg - near Ithaca - in 2002. When her career brought her to Geneva, she wanted to find a way to give back to the community and "everything lined up" when she began discussing ideas with the owners of The Cracker Factory, a stunning event space on Lehigh Street. 

One of Foodlink's member agencies, the Geneva Food Pantry, sits across the street from the venue.

Buyskes plans to invite approximately 20 chefs to the event. General admission will be priced at $35, and VIP tickets - which include a private, pre-event reception with live music - will go for $55.

Tickets available here --> https://impactflow.com/event/feast-in-the-heart-of-the-finger-lakes-7304

Here's our running list of participating chefs! 

Chef Restaurant
Jeffory McLean FLX Foodies
Gene Olczak Karma Sauce
Kate Schlenker Newbury Park Pastries
Tina Cote HJ Stead Co
Todd Kegresse 3 Brothers Winery
John Knapp-Exec Chef Knapp Winery and Vineyard Restaurant
Orlando Rodriquez Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars
Catelyn Augustine and Amber Odhner Eat me Ice Cream
Jamie Lam Foodlink
tbd Wegmans
Max Bonacci Linden Social Club
Starr Andrews Halsey's Restaurant
Will Butler Schraders Meats
Michael Dean Park Inn
Merrill Moore Stan's Waterloo
Tom Murray Muranda Cheese Co
Kelli Foster Red Jacket
Pete Messmer Lively Run