There’s a new cooking show coming to Akron this fall that promises demonstrations, recipes, big entertainment and plenty of fun.
The Relish Magazine Cooking Show, sponsored by the Akron Beacon Journal, is set for Oct. 4 at the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets, which start at $10 for general admission, go on sale May 1.
The traveling show is a companion to the food magazine that is included in the newspaper the first Saturday of each month.
“The show started in 2008 as a way to bring the pages of Relish Magazine to life,” said show producer Brian Morris. “It really combines food and fun and community.”
Only 15 to 20 cities are selected for the show each year and this is the first time the production is coming to Akron.
Morris said the show is entertainment for the whole family; while similar shows are geared toward homemakers, this one offers something for everyone, even kids.
“We’re not about fancy or exotic ingredients. We’re about Monday through Friday food served in a wholesome, really authentic way,” Morris said. He said the show likes to emphasize local, seasonal foods, and how to prepare them easily so that the ingredients become more accessible to home cooks.
The chef for the Akron show will be Steven Petusevsky, author of The Whole Foods Market Cookbook and a contributor to many national cooking magazines. Petusevsky will present cooking tips, share stories and demonstrate Relish recipes. “He’s all about merging healthy, sustainable foods with deliciousness,” Morris said.
Morris said the show promises to be “high-energy, high-octane fun,” with lots of audience participation and interaction. “People will want to get up in their seats and have fun,” he said.
The show’s crew will arrive in Akron a few days beforehand and spend time exploring the foods of the community, which will be featured in a video on the Relish website (www.relish.com).
Alton Brown, executive vice president and general manager of the Beacon Journal, said Relish Magazine, which first began appearing in the Beacon Journal in April 2011, has been well-received by readers. When the newspaper became aware of Relish’s traveling show, officials actively pursued bringing it to Akron.
Brown said those attending will get plenty of information about food and cooking and an evening of great entertainment, too. “It truly is a great show with a lot of fun and a lot of energy,” he said.
Prior to the show, there will be an expo at the Civic featuring local vendors, many of whom will be offering free samples of their food, drink and other items. Everyone who attends receives a complimentary goodie bag filled with coupons and samples. Those purchasing higher ticket levels will receive more deluxe bags, and VIP bags will include a hard-bound copy of The Best of Relish Cookbook, which retails for $24.95.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $20 for reserve seating, and $50 for VIP seating, which includes a private reception with Petusevsky before the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Civic Theatre box office or from Ticketmaster.
Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com. Find her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @akronfoodie or visit her blog at www.ohio.com/blogs/lisa.
