Win a dream vacation during Central Market's anniversary contest

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of I-E-B grocery chain’s specialty stores called Central Markets. The first Central Market opened in Austin, Texas in 1994, and the unique food emporium quickly gained popularity as a destination for everyone from novice food aficionados to expert culinary veterans. Or maybe, like me, you just enjoy wandering the aisles in search of new and unusual items to try.

After 20 years, Central Market continues to foster a passion for food through its world class cooking school, open-flow European-style layout, bountiful produce department, and 80-foot seafood case with selections from around the world, hundreds of cheeses, 2,500 wine labels, and specialty grocery aisles with delights from every continent.

As part of its 20^th anniversary celebration, Central Market is holding a customer contest, with one lucky winner receiving a culinary adventure to taste and toast their way through Florence, Italy and Paris, France.

The eight-day/seven-night trip includes everything from wine tasting in Tuscany to dining on a river cruise in Paris. From pizza and gelato making to Champagne tasting, this trip will appeal to aspiring and experienced foodies alike. Also included are excursions, guided tours and meals, and a $500 gift card.

To enter, participants must submit either a video (30-60 seconds) or essay (500 words or less) describing how Central Market has helped guide them on their culinary journeys. A panel will judge entries based on creativity and originality, reflection of theme, and overall execution. Contestants must be 21 years of age on date of entry and legal residents of Texas.

If you’re a Central Market fan and frequent shopper, this may be your chance to vie for an awesome prize. For entry details and official rules, visit www.centralmarket.com/contest. The contest ends at midnight on August 31, 2014.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier