The inaugural Danksgiving food competition is slated for Sunday, Nov. 24, at The Little Bevo at 4751 Morgan Ford Road in St. Louis, uniting food lovers, cannabis enthusiasts and local chefs for a holiday celebration unlike any other. From the team behind the Munchie Market, this exciting event fuses Thanksgiving’s cozy, festive flavors with the bold, innovative world of cannabis-infused cuisine, all while supporting a great cause.
At the heart of Danksgiving is its food competition, where 11 local chefs will compete in five categories: vegan, starter, main, side dish and desserts. With 16 distinctive samples, attendees will be treated to a range of cannabis-infused dishes, each thoughtfully crafted with classic Thanksgiving flavors.
Menu highlights include savory dishes like smoked turkey breast and cranberry sliders, pan-seared chicken thigh with braised greens, confetti potato and truffle demi-glace and infused stuffed turkey – each crafted to bring Thanksgiving classics to life with a cannabis twist. For a taste of comfort, enjoy sides such as stuffed Creole cornbread bites, smoked gouda-cranberry bites and sweet potato casserole. To top off your meal, indulge in sweet treats including pecan pie, brownies, Southern pecan pie, sweet potato ice cream and gooey butter cake. Event organizer Arica Avery is thrilled by the creativity of the chefs. “The chefs are very creative, and I was so impressed with all the hard work that they put in. They came up with something specifically for this event,” she shared. This collaboration highlights the spirit of innovation that Danksgiving is all about.
Guests will vote for their favorites based on three key factors: taste (50%), presentation (25%) and customer service (25%). It’s a chance to indulge in innovative takes on beloved holiday dishes, from savory sides to decadent desserts, all enhanced by the unique flavors of cannabis.
In addition to the impressive food competition, competitors will also have infused items available for purchase, including infused honey and infused pecan pies from Homegrown Family, infused sauces from Gateway Grub and infused butter and sugar from STL’s Pot Chef, just to name a few. These unique offerings allow guests to bring a piece of the event home with them, continuing the celebration beyond the competition.
Danksgiving stands out not only for its culinary competition but for its deep commitment to the community. In addition to celebrating food, the event will host a toy drive, aiming to collect 1,000 toys for local children in need. “It’s about making this a place where people feel welcome,” said Avery. “We don’t have to do it on the underground. We can create an inclusive, safe space that brings people together.” This integration of giving back makes Danksgiving not just a celebration of great food, but an opportunity to spread holiday cheer.
At the end of the day, custom trophies will be awarded to the winners of each category, with a special MVP trophy recognizing the chef who goes above and beyond in both creativity and execution. It’s not just about the food; it’s about celebrating the skill and innovation of each chef.
Danksgiving is more than just a food competition – it’s a gathering of people united by a love of food, cannabis and community. With its mix of delicious dishes, festive cocktails and philanthropic spirit, the event is set to be a highlight of the holiday season. Whether you’re there to savor delicious, cannabis-infused dishes, enjoy festive drinks or contribute to the toy drive, Danksgiving is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
For more details on tickets and event information, visit the official Danksgiving website.
This article appears in November 2024.