Send your taste buds into orbit this fall at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The complex presents its annual Taste of Space event beginning Sept. 30, offering visitors the chance to sample Mars-inspired cocktails and seasonal dishes crafted by celebrity chefs, and to meet veteran NASA astronauts.
Running through Nov. 3, Taste of Space features rotating experiences each day. Returning for a fourth year, Taste of Space: Fall Bites! highlights autumnal menu items available across multiple dining locations throughout the visitor complex. Expect harvest bowls, flaky pear galette, lamb meatballs and locally brewed beers among the special offerings.
© Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
On Oct. 4, bartenders from local establishments will compete for the Marstini trophy at Taste of Space: Marstini Shake-Off. Held in Gateway: The Space Launch Complex, the event lets guests 21 and older sample Marstini creations and complimentary fall menu items while mingling with veteran NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli. Attendees can cast a vote for their favorite cocktail and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere.
Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition returns Nov. 2 with acclaimed American chefs Duff Goldman and Amanda Freitag, and British chef John Ashton. Chefs will demonstrate professional techniques on stage alongside veteran astronauts Robert Cabana, Janet Kavandi and Jose Hernandez. Guests can sample items from the demonstration menu and hear firsthand stories about eating in space, including favorite inflight meals. Tickets include two alcoholic beverages, food samplings, astronaut photo opportunities, signed commemorative items from the chefs and astronauts, a custom event pin, and a signature cake created by Duff Goldman and Charm City Cakes.
© Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
New this year is the family-friendly Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Ice Cream Social on Nov. 3. During the social, chefs will give a short demonstration and engage with guests while assembling custom ice cream sundaes, making it a sweet capstone to the festival weekend.