Join Celebrity Chefs at Tampa’s Exclusive Rock the Range VIP Food Fest, Benefiting Veterans

The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival brings Rock the Range to life Thursday, April 9, at 7 pm. It happens at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Chef Robert Irvine headlines the VIP event, joined by Chef Beau Mac, Chef Kristina Lavallee, and Hard Rock Executive Chef Matthew Zappoli.

Tickets are available now through Eventbrite. Money raised goes to the Robert Irvine Foundation, which assists veterans, first responders, and military families with health and wellness programs.

Per That's So Tampa.com, Chef Robert Irvine hosts Restaurant: Impossible and powers the annual festival. Chef Beau Mac teams up with Chef Kristina Lavallee — people call her "The Cake Girl" — for the night. Hendrick's Gin and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey sponsor everything.

Hard Rock LIVE at 5223 Orient Road hosts the gathering. Attendees sample bites and dishes crafted by Executive Chef Matthew Zappoli, matched with cocktails and music. Meet-and-greets with the chefs happen throughout the reception.

After the reception, a 60-minute edition of Robert Irvine LIVE kicks off. Live cooking and on-stage challenges fill the show, with Chef Beau Mac competing in the cooking competition.

An after-party wraps up the night. "The Cake Girl" creates a dessert experience that closes the event. Rock the Range sits within the festival's five days of programming.

The Robert Irvine Foundation has changed lives for Tampa Bay Area military veterans and their families. Programs concentrate on health and wellness for those who served our country.

Rock the Range stands as one of this year's festival highlights. Limited tickets remain available for the casino venue experience.