(Image credit: Caesars Entertainment)

By Diane Henderiks

Today is the kick-off of the 4th Annual Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, where your favorite big-time chefs and personalities including Paula Deen, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Tyler Florence, Anne Burrell, Buddy Valastro and many more will be slicing, dicing and entertaining.

Many of the area's most-talented chefs will also be participating in the festival. There are more than 30 fantastic events to attend including cooking demonstrations, book signings, wine and spirits seminars, walk-around tastings and dinners. The festival takes place at all four of Caesars properties; Harrah's, Caesars, Bally's and Showboat and serves as Caesars Entertainment's signature lifestyle festival, bringing returning and first-time guests to see the wonders of what Atlantic City has to offer.

This event has grown exponentially since its inception and continues to flourish every year. Tickets are now on sale at acfoodandwine.com and all Ticketmaster locations and start at $30 for the festival activities.

Here's a quick overview of the events that I will be participating in:

Friday July 27:

6 pm: Viking Cooking School class at Harrah's: The Viking Cooking School at Harrah's is something you just have to see. It has a hands-on teaching kitchen and a gourmet toy store full of the finest culinary tools available. I will whip up a few of my favorite dishes that will be paired with wine and spirits.

9 pm: Grand Market Culinary Demonstration: The Grand Market is a gourmet village of more than 100 stations showcasing demonstrations by culinary personalities as well as a selection of fine wines, foods, ales, spirits and professional tools of the trade. You must be 21 to attend. My Grand Market demonstrations are sponsored by True Citrus, a product that I love and company that I have worked with for many years. Check them out here.

Saturday, July 28: 2 pm: Grand Market Culinary Demonstration

8 pm: Sweet & Stylish: Fashionistas can take pleasure in the masterful creations of famed pastry chefs and mixologists as they take in all the latest style trends from top designers on the catwalk. Then you can extend the night with an exciting After Party. Hosted by Nadia G and New Jersey's own Buddy Valastro. You must be 21 to attend. I will be offering tastings of my Mint Chocolate, Pretzel and Nut Bark…so good!

Sunday July 29: 10 am: Your Morning Cup: Coffee and tea should not be a rushed wake-up exercise in the morning. Your cup should be sipped and savored. Join baristas and coffee experts as they introduce you to a variety of java blends and tea leaves from around the globe and pair them with a variety of baked goods to enhance your tasting experience. You must be 21 to attend. This event is a great time to meet and greet with chefs and television personalities.

2 pm: Grand Market Culinary Demonstration

Hopefully this gave you a little nudge to come down and check it out. I will also be chatting with my other fellow culinary peeps throughout the weekend and reporting back, so stay tuned.

Diane Henderiks is a registered dietitian, the founder of Dianehenderiks.com and a "Good Morning America" health contributor.