Back by popular foodie demand is North Texas's largest event dedicated to all things food — and this time, it's even cooler.  Taste of Dallas presented by Ford is back this summer — now June 12-14 — to satisfy the thousands of hungry tasters who love to stroll Dallas's Fair Park and taste from restaurants all over North Texas.

"The foodies demanded it, and we delivered," said Billy McEntee, owner of Taste of Dallas. “This year, the tastings will be hotter than the weather, and sure to spice up an already fun-filled weekend at Taste of Dallas."

Taste of Dallas is home to some of the best brisket, ribs, and chicken BBQ in the region. In true Taste of Dallas style, the event's participating BBQ pitmasters will battle it out over three days in the $25,000 BBQ Battle Royale to see who is the king of the BBQ ring. You won't want to miss this.

Also new for this year is a high-end tasting experience within Taste of Dallas called Taste the Difference, which celebrates and elevates the art of the meal.  A separately ticketed event for 21 and up only, this fantastic foodie experience produced by culinarian Scott Jones is a four-hour culinary tour for your tastebuds through the best restaurants in North Texas, all within the Centennial Building at Fair Park.  Complete with wine, beer and spirits tastings, chef demonstrations and mixology madness, this is an experience to remember and one that will benefit several worthwhile charities, including the American Heart Association.  

The heart of Taste of Dallas is the food. Restaurants on the Esplanade will feature tastings from their menu for only $1-$4. There is no better way than Taste of Dallas to taste cuisine from more than 50 of Dallas’s best restaurants: with no entrée more than $4, participants have the opportunity to savor plenty of different tastes without breaking the bank.  Many restaurants will also be offering heart-healthy options. Attendees can taste from restaurants including Texas de Brazil, Lockhart Smokehouse and much more.

To add even more weekend fun to your plate, peruse the culinary marketplace, check out new barbeque products and equipment, meet with health and wellness exhibitors, join the DJ party at the Ford Main Stage, let your inner child loose in The Sweet Factory, bounce and play in the Kid's zone, and enjoy the area's best food trucks all in one place at Taste Curbside. With plenty for kids and adults alike, this is an event to entertain the whole family.

Taste of Dallas supports the work of the American Heart Association, Taste of Dallas’s official non-profit partner.  American Heart Association will offer free screenings, family-friendly entertainment, and heart-healthy education at the event.

The 29th Annual Taste of Dallas Presented by Ford is Friday through Sunday, June 12-14, 2015, , in Dallas’s Fair Park. Parking is available for purchase in Fair Park, or attendees can ride the DART Green Line to Fair Park Station, which stops right at the front entrance to the event.  Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.  Tickets are $11 per person at the gate (or $8 per ticket at Walgreen’s, which go on sale May 12).  Children 10 and under are FREE with an accompanying parent.

To receive more information, please visit www.tasteofdallas.org or call 972-587-6090. Get presale discounts by becoming a Taste of Dallas Taste Bud for free by signing up on the site under the “Promotions” tab.  Get all the latest news and Taste happenings by becoming a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tasteofdallas.org.

Interested in participating in Taste of Dallas as a sponsor, exhibitor, or restaurant? Please see appropriate contact info found on tasteofdallas.org by clicking “Contact Us.”