Several local chefs will showcase their talents at the TASTE: Sullivan Food & Wine festival taking place from October 2-5 throughout the county. Sponsored by the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Foster Supply Hospitality, and Resorts World Catskills, the event is an evolution of the county’s annual culinary event formerly known as Catskill Cuisine.

Intended to support sustainable practices, local cuisine, and the rich culture of the region, TASTE features talent including event curator Scott Conant of Cellaio in Monticello, James Bailey of RAE’s in Margaretville, Eric Leveillee of The DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Mark McLewin of Neversink General Store in Neversink, and Joel Trocino of Bethel Woods in Bethel, among others.

A first timer to the event, James Bailey began his career in Austin, Texas, before moving to Brooklyn in July 2021. There he met Alexandra Rosenberg, his fiancée and co-owner of RAE’S. In 2024, the couple bought a house in New Kingston, and “fell madly and quickly in love with the area,” according to Bailey. They decided to move there full-time and opened RAE’s in Margaretville in July 2025. “I enjoy creating New American dishes that are nostalgic and fun, incorporating childhood memories, global flavors, and locally sourced products,” says Bailey.

RAE’s works predominantly with Tovey’s Farm in Roxbury, NY, and sources additional produce at the Delhi Farmers’ Market from farms including Berry Brook Farm in Hamden, NY. “We source all our chicken (including the livers, skin, and fat included in the Chopped Liver dish we are serving at the [Saturday evening] Tasting) from three small, local farms – Uplands in Delhi, NY, Rock Royal Farm in Walton, NY, and Succurro Farm in East Meredith, NY.”

In addition to meeting food-loving attendees, Bailey sees the festival as a good networking opportunity. “We’re excited to connect with other local chefs and restaurateurs – building community and camaraderie is so important for us.”

Another first timer is chef Eric Leveillee, whose first executive chef job was at Marigold Kitchen in Philadelphia. Leveillee found his way to Sullivan County to take over The DeBruce in 2020, which has been a semifinalist for a James Beard award among other accolades. A former Jeffersonville, NY resident, Leveillee currently lives in Philadelphia. He works with local suppliers and farmers including Justin Sutherland at Somewhere in Time farm, Willow Wisp Organic Farm, Tonjes Farm Dairy, Halloran Farm, Agrarian Feast, and Beaverkill Trout Hatchery.

“I think that the food scene in Sullivan County is definitely expanding,” says Leveillee. “A lot of people are sourcing incredibly local ingredients and showcasing them in really interesting ways.” He adds, “Direct access to farmers and purveyors is one of the most unique things about cooking in Sullivan County.”

This year marks celebrity chef and author Scott Conant’s fourth time participating in the event. “I am so excited about what we are offering and the changes to come as we continue to evolve,” says Conant, who opened Cellaio in Resorts World Catskills in 2018. While he lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, Conant continues to feel a strong sense of connection to Sullivan County.

“[The festival] really is a celebration of the food, chefs, and people of Sullivan County,” says Conant. “It’s such a fun moment for everyone to look around and see the incredible ingredients, products, and dishes that come from the area. Everyone is so excited about it, and I love the energy. It’s truly a blessing to participate.”

Tickets start at $150. For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.tastesullivancatskills.com.