Chefs reveal menu for 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner

Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 23:50 GMT by kcra.com
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Chefs are honoring Indigenous cultures as they prepare the menu for this year's Tower Bridge Dinner.

Sacramento's Iconic Tower Bridge Dinner Returns in 2025 with Star-Studded Chef Lineup and Exquisite Menu

Sacramento's culinary scene is set to shine brighter than ever with the announcement of the 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner, an annual event that transforms the city's historic Tower Bridge into a stunning outdoor dining venue. This beloved tradition, organized by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with local culinary talents, promises an unforgettable evening of gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and breathtaking views of the Sacramento River. Scheduled for a Sunday in September 2025—though exact dates are yet to be finalized—the event will once again close the bridge to vehicular traffic, allowing hundreds of guests to dine under the stars on one of California's most recognizable landmarks.

At the heart of this year's Tower Bridge Dinner is a collaborative menu crafted by a trio of acclaimed Sacramento chefs: Brad Cecchi of Canon, Patrick Mulvaney of Mulvaney’s B&L, and Ravin Patel of The Kitchen. These culinary masters, each bringing their unique flair and expertise, have designed a multi-course feast that celebrates the region's bountiful produce, sustainable sourcing, and innovative flavors. The menu reflects Sacramento's status as the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America, emphasizing fresh, locally grown ingredients while incorporating global influences and modern techniques. This collaboration not only highlights the chefs' individual strengths but also underscores the communal spirit of the city's food community.

Leading the charge is Chef Brad Cecchi, the executive chef and partner at Canon, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in East Sacramento known for its playful yet sophisticated approach to American cuisine. Cecchi, a Sacramento native with a background in fine dining establishments across California, has earned accolades for his commitment to seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. For the 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner, Cecchi is contributing several standout dishes that blend comfort with elegance. One highlight is his appetizer course, featuring a delicate heirloom tomato salad adorned with burrata cheese, basil pesto, and a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction. This dish pays homage to the Central Valley's abundant tomato harvests, showcasing varieties like Brandywine and Cherokee Purple sourced directly from local farms. Cecchi's philosophy of "elevating the everyday" shines through, as he transforms simple produce into a visually stunning and flavorful opener that sets the tone for the evening.

Complementing Cecchi's contributions is Chef Patrick Mulvaney, the charismatic owner of Mulvaney’s B&L, a farm-to-table institution in midtown Sacramento. Mulvaney, often called the "godfather" of Sacramento's culinary renaissance, has been a driving force in the Farm-to-Fork movement for over two decades. His restaurant emphasizes nose-to-tail cooking and zero-waste practices, drawing from his Irish heritage and experiences in top kitchens nationwide. For this year's menu, Mulvaney is preparing a hearty main course that embodies rustic sophistication: a slow-roasted pork loin with fennel pollen crust, served alongside braised greens, fingerling potatoes, and a tangy mustard jus. The pork, sourced from sustainable ranches in the Sierra foothills, is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices that evoke the flavors of a traditional Irish feast but with a California twist. Mulvaney describes this dish as a "celebration of community," noting how it incorporates vegetables from urban farms like those supported by the Sacramento Food Bank, reinforcing the event's ties to local agriculture and social responsibility.

Rounding out the chef trio is Ravin Patel, the innovative force behind The Kitchen, a high-end restaurant in Sacramento that specializes in interactive, multi-course dining experiences. Patel, with roots in Indian cuisine and training under renowned chefs in San Francisco and New York, brings a fusion of Eastern and Western elements to his creations. His dessert course for the Tower Bridge Dinner is poised to be a showstopper: a decadent chocolate ganache tart with passionfruit curd, toasted meringue, and edible flowers. This sweet finale draws inspiration from tropical flavors, using fruits from nearby orchards and chocolate from artisanal producers in the Bay Area. Patel's approach emphasizes balance—pairing the richness of chocolate with the bright acidity of passionfruit—to create a memorable end to the meal. He has expressed excitement about collaborating with Cecchi and Mulvaney, stating that the menu's progression from light appetizers to robust mains and indulgent desserts mirrors the bridge's own journey from day to night.

Beyond the food, the 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner will feature an array of complementary elements to enhance the experience. Guests can expect pairings from premier California wineries, including selections from the nearby Lodi and Napa Valley regions. Sparkling wines will accompany the appetizers, robust reds with the mains, and dessert wines to cap off the evening. The event's ambiance will be elevated by live music from local jazz ensembles, floral installations inspired by the Sacramento River's ecosystem, and lighting that accentuates the bridge's golden hues at sunset. Tables will be set with elegant linens and centerpieces featuring seasonal blooms, creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere for the approximately 800 attendees.

This year's event builds on a rich history that dates back to 2013, when the Tower Bridge Dinner was first conceived as part of Sacramento's Farm-to-Fork Festival. Over the years, it has grown into a marquee attraction, drawing food enthusiasts from across the state and beyond. Past iterations have featured chefs like Michael Tuohy and Randall Selland, with menus that have highlighted everything from Delta seafood to heirloom grains. The 2025 edition continues this legacy while introducing fresh themes, such as sustainability and inclusivity. Organizers have emphasized efforts to minimize environmental impact, including composting all food waste and using biodegradable serveware. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will support local charities focused on hunger relief and agricultural education, aligning with the chefs' shared values.

Tickets for the Tower Bridge Dinner are expected to go on sale in early 2025, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $300 per person, reflecting the premium nature of the experience. Demand is always high, with seats selling out quickly, so prospective attendees are advised to sign up for notifications through the official Farm-to-Fork website. For those unable to secure a spot, the event often inspires spin-off activities, such as chef-led pop-ups and virtual tastings, extending the celebration throughout the month.

In a city renowned for its agricultural heritage, the Tower Bridge Dinner serves as more than just a meal—it's a testament to Sacramento's vibrant food culture and its role in bridging communities through shared culinary experiences. With Chefs Cecchi, Mulvaney, and Patel at the helm, the 2025 menu promises to deliver innovation, tradition, and sheer delight. As the sun sets over the river and the bridge glows with warm lights, diners will not only savor exceptional dishes but also partake in a piece of Sacramento's living history. This event encapsulates the essence of farm-to-fork dining: fresh, flavorful, and deeply connected to the land and people that make it possible.

The collaborative spirit among the chefs extends beyond the menu planning. In interviews, Cecchi has shared how working with Mulvaney and Patel has inspired him to experiment with new flavor profiles, such as incorporating subtle Indian spices into his tomato salad for an unexpected twist. Mulvaney, ever the storyteller, recounts anecdotes from past dinners where unexpected weather added to the adventure, turning potential rain into a romantic mist over the bridge. Patel, meanwhile, highlights the interactive element, hinting at potential tableside preparations that engage guests directly in the culinary process.

Moreover, the menu's design thoughtfully considers dietary preferences, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available for each course. For instance, Mulvaney's pork loin can be substituted with a grilled eggplant steak marinated in similar herbs, ensuring inclusivity without compromising on taste. This attention to detail underscores the event's evolution, adapting to modern diners' needs while staying true to its roots.

As Sacramento continues to cement its place on the national culinary map, events like the Tower Bridge Dinner play a pivotal role. They not only boost tourism and support local businesses but also foster a sense of pride among residents. With its blend of gastronomic excellence and scenic splendor, the 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner is poised to be a highlight of the year, inviting all to cross the bridge into a world of extraordinary flavors.

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Chefs reveal menu for 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner

Sacramento's Iconic Tower Bridge Dinner Returns in 2025 with Star-Studded Chef Lineup and Exquisite Menu