2026 Cleaver and Cork

Cleaver and Cork is more than a culinary celebration—it’s a powerful force for educational impact, proudly presented by the Tallahassee State College Foundation. Rooted in our mission to help students define and achieve their academic and career aspirations, Cleaver and Cork fuels scholarships, enhances learning environments, and expands program opportunities across the College.

A Week of Flavor, Talent, and Purpose
Now entering its 11th year in 2026, Cleaver and Cork has evolved into a dynamic, week-long series of eight curated food experiences that spotlight the vibrant hospitality scene of our region. Each year, anticipation builds around the announcement of our Celebrity Chef—an iconic figure whose culinary artistry anchors the entire celebration and draws food lovers from across the country.

Every event is thoughtfully designed to delight guests while deepening their connection to Tallahassee State College and the transformative work we do for students.

• Progressive Cocktail Party A flavorful journey through local restaurants, each offering an exclusive tasting inspired by the Celebrity Chef’s recipes—perfectly paired with craft cocktails and curated libations.
• Plates & Pours A four-part series of intimate culinary experiences, each one showcasing the creativity and diversity of our local food scene.
• Signature Dinner The cornerstone of Cleaver and Cork. Guests enjoy a luxurious evening featuring a four-course meal with wine pairings, live music, and personal presentations by the Celebrity Chef—who curates and introduces each dish.
• Food and Wine Festival A lively, community-wide celebration of regional cuisine, complete with cooking demos from the Celebrity Chef and top local talent.
• Brunch & Barbeque Our newest and most laid-back event closes out the week with a delicious blend of smoky barbeque and brunch favorites, served alongside live music and relaxed vibes.

Cleaver and Cork has become one of the most anticipated culinary events in the region, selling out year after year following the Celebrity Chef reveal. Every ticket purchased directly supports Tallahassee State College students and faculty—funding scholarships, launching new programs, and upgrading teaching and learning facilities.
Previous Chefs for Cleaver and Cork have included:
2016: Chef Richard Blais
2017: Chef Hugh Acheson
2018: Chef Amanda Freitag
2019: Chef Alex Guarnaschelli
2020: Chef Marcus Samuelsson
2021: Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
2022: Chef Aaron Sanchez and Chef Marc Murphy
2023: Iron Chef Michael Symon
2024: Chef Andrew Zimmerman
2025: Chef Tom Colicchio
2026: Chef Maneet Chauhan