The first edition of the "Tastes of Varna" Culinary Festival attracted thousands of visitors for its various events over the week, including Bulgarian show biz stars and food and wines specialists.

The program of the Festival, of which Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency) is an official media partner, featured carving and flair shows, event live music performances, kids' parties, and a competition for "Best Banitsa" (i.e. traditional Bulgarian pastry) organized by one of the sponsors of the event, BELLA Bulgaria. The five-star Helios Spa & Resort complex in the top Golden Sands resort on the Black Sea is the official partner of the culinary fest.

On September 11, Friday, the Festival featured a tasting session of seven types of wines of the wine producer Black Sea Gold - Pomorie, the other official sponsor of the event, and a competition of the chefs of all restaurants from Varna and the other Black Sea resorts represented at the "Tastes of Varna". The cooks were supposed to prepare specialties best matching the wines of Black Sea Gold - Pomorie.

Another wine tasting seminar with wines of eight different producers was held on Saturday, September 12. It was hosted by Stefka Sveshtarova, Chair of the Bulgarian Sommeliers and Wine Connoisseurs Association.

On Sunday, September 13, the "Tastes of Varna" is wrapping up its first edition with a live music show, more culinary specialties and a salsa party.

The "Tastes of Varna" Festival is organized by the Bulgarian Culinary Union, Design Studio Reperta, and PR Agency Anettevents, who plan to turn into an annual event in order to promote good food and drinks, and to boost the Bulgarian tourism.

'Tastes of Varna' host, Uti Bachvarov, (left) opening the wine tasting seminar on Saturday. Photo by Anettevents

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