Viva Fresh Expo Boasts Local Flair and Flavor

The VIVA Fresh Produce Expo kicks off next week with a sold out show that is embracing the sights, sounds and electric buzz of the host city Austin, Texas. Up-and-coming musicians and local award-winning chefs will entertain buyers and grower/shippers from throughout Texas, Mexico and neighboring Southwest US states. During the expo opening reception, three chefs from the Texas International Produce Associations’ home base in McAllen will feature their own signature specialties. Adam Cavazos and Jesse Castellon from their restaurant Spork alongside Larry Delgado who owns two restaurants, house. wine. & bistro. and SALT will all be serving up a range of tasty menu items from food trucks, which are iconographic of the Austin city scene. “For a first year show, it’s unbelievable that the show floor, Golf Tournament and the hotel are all sold out and we have a waiting list,” says Bret Erickson, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, regarding the industry’s response to the next week’s Viva Fresh Expo. “We’re looking forward to launching our inaugural show  with some wonderful Texas-style country music and delicious food.” Three chefs from the Hilton staff have partnered with expo members to create a unique menu that will feature not only the produce grown in the southwest, Texas and Mexico, but will also resemble traditional southwest cuisine. Their dishes will be featured at the Friday, Tex-Mex luncheon on Friday, March 27 and at the Expo Hall Luncheon on Saturday, March 28. Each chef, Mark Dayanandan (Executive Chef), Paul Parr (Sous Chef) and Sean Durkin (Banquet Chef) bring years of culinary experience and are excited for the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge to work. Quoted by Billboard Magazine as “One of the rising stars in the Texas music scene,” the Cody Bryan Band will play at the Viva Fresh Expo’s Welcome reception on Friday, March 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Cody Bryan, a Texas native, has teamed up with bandmates Zach Lynch, Miles Barker and Casey Conway to create rich country music. Their debut album, WRECK ME, showcases Bryan’s vocal abilities and song writing skills on 10 tracks that were recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.