Hosted by The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women, Havana Nights brings together some of Tampa Bay’s finest culinary talent for an evening of incredible food, entertainment, community, and philanthropy. The annual Gourmet Feastival has become one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated food events, attracting more than 1,000 guests each year who gather to celebrate local cuisine while supporting a mission that changes lives throughout our community. The 2026 Havana Nights celebration will take place on July 30 at Higgins Hall in Tampa and promises an evening filled with bold flavors, vibrant culture, live entertainment, and meaningful connections.

As the owner and executive chef of Sunset Vibe Chefs, I’ve participated in many events throughout my culinary journey, but this one feels especially personal.

That’s because The Centre for Women has played a meaningful role in my own entrepreneurial story.

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A Night Inspired by Havana, Rooted in Community

The theme for this year’s Gourmet Feastival is Havana Nights, and everything about it reflects what I love most about hospitality.

Guests will step into an immersive evening inspired by Cuban culture—vibrant energy, bold flavors, live entertainment, handcrafted cocktails, and beautifully curated culinary tastings from some of Tampa Bay’s top chefs and restaurants.

There will be VIP early access beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by General Admission from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, where guests can enjoy unlimited tastings, entertainment, and access to the silent auction featuring local businesses and community donors.

More than anything, it is an evening built around connection—people gathering, sharing food, and supporting a mission that has impacted thousands of women across our region.

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Why The Centre for Women Matters to Me

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The Power of Food and Connection

One of my favorite things about being part of the Tampa Bay business community is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.

Food has always been my way of bringing people together.

This week’s recipes:

Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls

Crispy Chicken Egg Rolls

Andrea Lynn

Watch my eggroll cooking demo on Sunset Vibe Chefs YouTube below!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken or roast pork
• 2 cups cabbage shredded
• 3 tbsp cilantro stems minced
• 1 cup carrots shredded
• 1/2 cup green onions chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
• Mix the following:
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• I tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of white pepper
• Pinch of Chinese 5 Spice powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 tsp raw sugar
• 1 egg- for egg wash
• 1 tbsp cornstarch and tbsp water
• 4 cups peanut oil to fry
• Chopped sticks or thongs to handle
• Wire handler to scoop out egg rolls
• 1 package egg roll wrappers and 20
• Oil for frying vegetable or canola
• Optional: Dipping sauces sweet chili sauce, soy sauce

Instructions

 

Prepare the Filling:

• Add 1 tbsp oil to a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken with a sprinkle of sea salt until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Remove meat from skillet.
• Add 1 tbsp grape seed oil, carrots and cabbage and sauté 2 minutes, then at the center make an opening to add minced garlic and ginger, and cilantro stems. Sauté another 1-2 minutes.
• 4 Stir in cooked chicken, bean sprouts, and seasoning sauce blend, add cornstarch with water blend
• 5 Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

• Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you. Place 2 tablespoons of filling about 1 inch above the bottom.
• Roll half way tightly, then fold left ash inward as well as right ash so it looks like an open envelope. Then roll it up one extra time then brush some beaten egg on top then roll it up all the way to close.
• Place in pan covered with plastic wrap on top place in refrigerator until ready to fry.

Cook the Egg Rolls

• Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush egg rolls with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Serve

• Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.

Video

Apricot Duck Sauce

Apricot Duck Sauce

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine Asian

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp fresh ginger chopped
• 1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves of fresh garlic chopped

Instructions

 

• Whisk together all the ingredients until combined.
• Push the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container.

Arugula Watermelon Feta Salad

Arugula Watermelon Feta Salad

Martha

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 5

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups fresh arugula
• 4 oz feta cheese crumbled or cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh mint or basil/dill/parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 leon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Make the DressingIn a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—this light vinaigrette should brighten but not overpower.
• Step 2: Dress the Watermelon FirstIn a large salad bowl, add the cubed watermelon. Pour about half of the dressing over the watermelon and toss gently to coat. This allows the watermelon to absorb a little flavor before being combined with the other ingredients.
• Step 3: Combine the Greens and HerbsAdd the fresh arugula to the bowl along with the chopped mint or your herb of choice. The greens should be dry so they don’t wilt—use a salad spinner if needed.
• Step 4: Add the FetaSprinkle in the feta cheese. If using crumbled feta, gently fold it into the salad. If using cubed feta, layer it on top for a more decorative presentation.
• Step 5: Final Toss and ServeDrizzle the remaining dressing over the entire salad and toss gently just before serving. Transfer to a wide serving dish and garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Papaya and Ginger Agua Fresca

Papaya and Ginger Agua Fresca

Ericka Sanchez

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Ingredients

  

Ingredients for Ginger Syrup

• 2/3 cup freshly peeled ginger chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Ingredients for Agua Fresca

• 3 cups papaya chopped
• 4 cups water divided
• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

 

• Combine ginger, sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally. Decrease heat to low and continue simmering for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Discard ginger.
• Add papaya, 2 cups water and lime juice to a blender container. Blend until smooth.3. Add remaining 2 cups water to a serving pitcher, stir in ginger syrup and papaya mixture. Serve cold or over ice.

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Whether I’m creating a private dining experience in someone’s home, preparing meals for a family gathering, or serving guests at a community event, I love watching connections happen around the table. Great food creates conversation. Conversation creates relationships. Relationships create opportunities.

Networking often gets a bad reputation because people think it’s all about selling. I see it differently.

Networking is about building genuine relationships. It’s about finding ways to support one another. It’s about learning from people who have walked a similar path and sharing what you’ve learned along the way.

Many of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve received as a business owner started with a simple conversation.

That’s one of the reasons I admire the work being done by The Centre for Women. Their programs help create those opportunities for women who are launching businesses, changing careers, or stepping into leadership roles.

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Supporting Women-Owned Businesses in Tampa Bay

As a woman-owned business myself, I am passionate about supporting other women entrepreneurs whenever possible.

Tampa is filled with talented women who are building incredible businesses in hospitality, wellness, creative services, technology, professional services, and beyond. Every time we choose to support a local woman-owned business, we’re helping someone pursue a dream, provide for their family, and contribute to our community.

I believe collaboration is far more powerful than competition.

Some of the strongest business relationships I’ve built have come from connecting with other women who understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. When we share resources, referrals, encouragement, and expertise, everyone benefits.

Events like the Gourmet Feastival create a unique opportunity to celebrate those connections while showcasing the incredible talent that exists throughout Tampa Bay.

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Bringing the Sunset Vibe to Havana Nights

If you’ve experienced a Sunset Vibe Chefs event before, you know that my approach to food goes beyond simply preparing a meal.

I believe dining should be an experience.

Food tells a story. It creates memories. It brings people together in ways that few other things can.

At Havana Nights, guests can expect vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and the same attention to detail that defines every Sunset Vibe Chefs experience. The event’s Cuban-inspired theme perfectly aligns with my love for bold flavors, warm hospitality, and creating memorable moments around food.

As someone whose passion for cooking began in the kitchen alongside my mother and grandmother, food has always represented connection, community, and love. Those values continue to guide everything we do at Sunset Vibe Chefs today.

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Why Community Events Matter

In today’s digital world, community gatherings matter more than ever.

While social media helps us stay connected, there is something special about sharing a meal, meeting someone face-to-face, and experiencing an event together.

The Gourmet Feastival has become a beloved Tampa Bay tradition because it brings together chefs, restaurants, business leaders, philanthropists, and community members for a common purpose. Guests enjoy exceptional food and entertainment while supporting programs that empower women and families throughout our region.

That combination of great food and meaningful impact is something I can wholeheartedly support.

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Join Us at Havana Nights

If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer evening filled with incredible food, live entertainment, handcrafted drinks, and meaningful connection, I hope you’ll join us at Gourmet Feastival: on July 30, 2026 at Higgins Hall in Tampa.

VIP guests will enjoy early entry at 5:00 PM with exclusive tasting experiences and first access to auction items. General Admission begins at 6:00 PM and runs through 8:30 PM, featuring tastings from Tampa Bay’s top culinary talent, entertainment, and a silent auction supporting The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women.

Most importantly, every ticket supports programs that empower women across Tampa Bay through education, counseling, career development, and entrepreneurship support.

If you attend, please stop by the Sunset Vibe Chefs table and say hello, I’d love to meet you!

Because at the end of the day, events like this aren’t just about food, they’re about people.

And I’m honored to be part of a night that brings so many of them together for something that truly matters.

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