International Curry Festival Debuts Sept. 17 in Westchase

At a family reunion three years ago, an argument of sorts erupted.

"All the relatives claimed that they make the best curry," Dr. Sadhana Shah said. For Shah and her husband, the friendly stand-off was inspiring.

After two years of planning, the duo, along with a team of about 40 people, have put together the International Curry Festival, which debuts this weekend in Westchase.

The event will showcase the culinary creations of international award-winning chefs from across the country as well as local amateurs.

The idea is to bring all of the different cultures that use curry in their cuisine together, Shah said. Participating chefs will be competing for more that $20,000 in prizes. The chef that earns the title of Curry Grand Champion will claim a $5,000 purse and ultimate bragging rights.

Festival organizers hope the event enhances Tampa’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest ethnic food cities and the “Curry Capital” of the U.S., a press release stated.

"It's been two years in the making. A lot of effort has been put in to bring this curry festival to Tampa," Shah said.

The weekend's festivities kick off with a black-tie fundraiser Friday evening at the India Cultural Center. Visiting and local chefs will prepare their signature dishes, which will be complemented by wine and beer pairings. Meals also include a variety of Indian desserts, pastries and other gourmet offerings, Shah said.

Admission to the fundraiser is $150 per person or $250 per couple, but there is a bit of a twist: Rather than the organizers designating a particular organization to benefit from the event, guests are invited to designate their own recipients "and 80 percent of your funds will go to the charity of your choice," Shah said.

Saturday's all-day, family friendly festival begins at 10 a.m. at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. The curry competitions kick off at 11 a.m. Admission is free until 3 p.m.; $10 from 3 to 9 p.m.

The festival will include more than 50 vendor booths, curry tastings, children's activities and live entertainment. Afternoon concerts featuring a variety of artists and bands begin at 3 p.m., topped by headliner and American Idol winner Ruben Studdard.

For information, call 855-588-2874 or visit tbicf.com/site/