TAMPA, Fla. — Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine will host Breaking Bread with Heroes Friday, an event to launch a busy weekend of the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa.

Irvine is widely known for his appearances on the Food Network, but also his past military service that he says helped prepare him for being a chef.

“I was a cook in the Royal Navy, Her Majesty’s Royal Navy for many years,” Irvine said. “When I came out, I came out to hotels and restaurants, so the Navy prepared me.”

Breaking Bread with Heroes is an event that will host 200 military members for a meal where they will enjoy some clashes as well as unusual dishes. However, Irvine said he didn’t want to spoil any surprises.

“There will be some fun play with the Veterans that have to make their own food,” he said.

Breaking Bread with Heroes is an invitation-only event and holds a special place for Irvine, who says the experience of a meal is much more than just enjoying what is served.

“Veterans talk to veterans about military things, the things they’ve gone through, the stresses, they’ve had the post-traumatic stress,” Irvine said. “They won’t tell non-military members or family members, but they will share it amongst themselves, so it’s kind of a self-healing group, if you like, over food. And food is the international language of love and hope.”

Breaking Bread with Heroes will kick-off a busy weekend of events at Tampa’s Wine and Food Festival.

On Friday night, a battle of the chefs will happen on the main stage at Curtis Hixon Park, followed by the Grand Tasting Saturday that will feature 50 restaurants from across the Bay area.

For more information on Tampa’s Wine and Food Festival, visit www.tampabaywff.com.