SAVOR, the newest signature event at Omni PGA Frisco Resort, brought together celebrity chefs, live music, and Texas hospitality for a vibrant weekend celebration of food, culture, and community.

It was the perfect weekend for the inaugural SAVOR event. After a week-long bout with the North Texas spring rain, the festival kicked off with cool nights and warm days. Hosted by the premier resort destination, Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Frisco, TX, the rolling hills and sprawling golf greens painted the perfect backdrop to SAVOR’s weekend celebration of Texas cuisine and community.

An Extended Weekend Celebration

For four fun-filled days, Omni’s debut event featured the best of food, music, and golf. From the opening four-course meal serenaded by an acoustic performance at the Masters of Taste Dinner to the closing garden party complete with Chef Aaron Sanchez and mariachis, this much-anticipated occasion delivered on its promise to be the must-attend event of the year.

Food took center stage at SAVOR, which, considering the music and celebrity talent at hand, was a tough act to follow. But James Beard-nominated Chef Beau MacMillan and acclaimed Emmy Award-winning event producer Scott Savlovall understood the task at hand and curated an all-star lineup of celebrity chefs, local favorites, and innovative mixologists to deliver a memorable spread of bites, entrees, and cocktails.

Masters of Taste Dinner: An Evening of Gastronomy 

SAVOR opened with an exclusive limited-seating event on Thursday, the Masters of Taste Dinner. This intimate dinner experience featured an opening act by Chef Joe Riojas of Omni PGA’s on-site fine-dining restaurant, Trick Rider. Then, after a second course from James Beard Award Nominee Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla of Dallas’ Michelin-recommended restaurant Crown Block, a showstopper entrée from James Beard Award-nominated Chef Antonia Lofaso and a delightful ending from “Chopped: Sweets” winner Chef Leen Nunn closed the festivities on opening night.

Fork & Fire Grand Tasting: An Elevated Backyard Cookout 

The second night featured an elegant Fork & Fire Reception at the Omni’s Panther Creek Pavilion. The rain-cooled evening was filled with the smoky aroma of meats charred over an open fire, accompanied by ecstatic chatter and shaken drinks at various stations. As eclectic cocktails flowed freely, lines formed for big names like Chef Stephanie Izard, the first female winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, Shota Nakajima, a culinary star from Iron Chef Gauntlet and Top Chef, and James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, owner of Manhattan’s Tatiana.

A bubbly display of confection from Chefs Leen Nunn and Ryan Stipp maintained the foodie vibe throughout the night, providing Instagram-worthy moments. Another monumental moment featured a pour of Old Fashions from none other than Midland’s tequila, Insolito. Before the night concluded, a majestic drone display lit up the sky in yet another grandiose celebration of food and Texas.

The Best of Texas Grand Tasting: A Lone Star State of Mind Cuisine 

As if these evenings couldn’t get any better, the Best of Texas Grand Tasting lived up to its namesake. The star-studded roundup included regional flavors crafted by acclaimed chefs, including John Tesar, Dean Fearing, and Kevin Sbraga, alongside Texas wines, beers, and cocktails by mixology legend Tony Abou-Ganim. The evening concluded with a stellar performance from two-time Grammy-nominated Midland.

Margaritas and Mariachis Celebrity Brunch: A Colorful Garden Party to End the Event

To close out this series of hearty foodie evenings, we enjoyed a righteous Margaritas and Mariachis Celebrity Brunch. Excitement from all the previous nights carried over into this bright Sunday morning as guests were treated to a colorful spread of pan dulces, refreshing aguas frescas, vibrant cultural dishes like pupusas, and, of course, margaritas. 

Famed mixologists Jason Asher from Phoenix’s Juniper & Jigger and Tony Abou-Ganim from Las Vegas brought refreshing takes on the classic margarita, while traditional varieties and palomas were also present.

Master Chef Aarón Sánchez delivered a savory fusion of New Orleans and Latin flavors with mouthwatering shrimp and grits that had many of us returning for more. Adding to the brightness and liveliness of the garden party were local mariachis from Mi Mariachi Viva Mexico, who entertained at this closing ceremony, with the help of Chef Aarón Sánchez alongside them to create an epic ending to this inaugural event.

SAVOR Celebrity Golf Invitational

It wouldn’t be an Omni PGA event if golf wasn’t mentioned. Further showcasing why the 660-acre Frisco campus is renowned for its two championship golf courses at Fields Ranch, the first-annual SAVOR Celebrity Golf Invitational brought in the likes of Dennis Quaid, Kurt Russell, Rob Riggle, Anthony Anderson, and Aimee Garcia for a spectacular opportunity for skilled golfers and novices to tee-off with Hollywood golf enthusiasts.

Savoring for a Cause

Omni supported the local community by naming the North Texas Food Bank as the Charity of Choice for the debut SAVOR event. A portion of SAVOR ticket sales went directly to the food bank to combat hunger in the surrounding area. This tradition of service has been part of the Omni brand for over a decade, reinforcing their commitment to delivering nearly one million meals to those in need. To continue supporting Omni’s cause or be a part of next year’s festivities, visit their website.

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Cover photo Martin Ramirez.

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.