Food

WUSF Public Media opens tickets for “Longest Table” Epicurean Gala

Tickets opened to the public earlier this week for WUSF Public Media’s “Longest Table” gala, where guests can get scenic and social media-worthy views of gorgeous St. Petersburg waterfront. 800 guests are expected to attend the event and some restaurants have already sold out of their tickets.

At this year’s festivities, Bayshore Dr. in St. Pete is closed to all traffic. Attendees can sit at a table that stretches almost half a mile between the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club to the Museum of Fine Arts. Guests can choose the restaurant of their choice to dine on for the occasion in advance. Chefs from each restaurant will serve a portion of the table with gourmet four-course dinner and wine pairings.

This year’s lineup includes frequent WUSF Public Media partners like 400 Beach, Sophie’s, and Birch & Vine plus newbies like Ava’s Lowcountry Cuisine, A Night in Istanbul, and Baton Roux. The full list for this year is:

400 Beach

A Night in Istanbul

Ava’s Lowcountry Cuisine

Baton Roux

Birch & Vine [SOLD OUT]

Catering by the Family

Mattison’s

Pasta Monsta

Pasta Packs

Perfect Thyme [SOLD OUT]

Pier 22/Grove

Sophie’s At Saks Fifth Avenue

Tableside Catering

Dishes span a range of variety. Some include 400 Beach’s “Chilled Sweet Corn Veloute” appetizer and “Gremolata Crusted Florida Grouper” third course and Ava’s Lowcountry Cuisine’s “Lemon Cream Parmesan Tuiles Cones” Hors d’oeuvres and “Duck Confit with Butternut and Sweet Potato Hash” entree.

“Especially now, we are thrilled to bring an outdoor event where we can gather together to enjoy these fabulous restaurants in a beautiful setting – all while supporting the mission of public media,” said WUSF Public Media General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “This year, restaurants are rebounding, so we are telling our listeners and supporters that securing tickets early will be key.”

The “Longest Table” gala is April 7 and is the annual fundraiser and gathering for WUSF Public Media. All funds support the station and programs like “Morning Edition”, “Florida Matters”, and “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” as well as emergency storm info and the state’s classical music station WSMR 89.1 and 103.9. Sponsors include The City of St. Petersburg, The UPS Store, Pinellas Community Foundation, and St. Petersburg College Foundation.

Guests can select their preferred restaurant at or by calling 800-661-0823.

Event Details:

Location: Bayshore Drive between 5thAvenue NE and 2nd Avenue NE

Date:  Thursday, April 7, 2022

Time: 5:30 pm Check-in, 6:30 pm Grand Toast & The Feast Begins

Ticket Price: $185-285 (based on your choice of restaurant)

Attire: Evening casual

Photo c/o Longest Table