A lot of people avoid scales in January, but there’s one scale you needn’t avoid – the Scoville scale. Invented by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, this standard of spice measures the “heat” of chili peppers in something called Scoville Units. If you’re a heat-head, you probably knew that. And from Jan. 25-27, you’ll get a chance to crank the capsaicin up to “11” at ZestFest, Irving’s annual celebration of all things hot and fiery. Best of all, you can catch DART to the action; the incendiary festival happens at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, right on the Orange Line. ZestFest showcases some of the spiciest foods around, all under one roof, with exhibitors coming from around the country with thousands of piquant samples. You’ll find lots of mom-and-pop shops, along with big industry names. Check out cooking demos from celebrity chefs such as Jon Bonnell, proprietor of Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and expert on wild game; Shaun O’Neale, Season 7 Champion of MasterChef on FOX; and Peter Mollett, the man behind Smokin’ Texas Gourmet products. Get carnivorous at Eddie Deen’s Roasted Pig and BBQ Dinner. Be brave, and test your mettle at the Fiery Food Challenge or the Atomic Wing Challenge. On the other hand, you might prefer to remain a spectator at the PuckerButt Jalapeno Eating Contest. If not, DART trains have plenty of standing room for your trip home. Somewhere, Wilbur Scoville will be proud. What: ZestFest When: Jan. 25-27 Where: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas How: DART Rail Orange Line to Irving Convention Center Station More info: zestfest.net #DART2ZestFest

A lot of people avoid scales in January, but there’s one scale you needn’t avoid – the Scoville scale. Invented by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, this standard of spice measures the “heat” of chili peppers in something called Scoville Units. If you’re a heat-head, you probably knew that. And from Jan. 25-27, you’ll get a chance to crank the capsaicin up to “11” at ZestFest, Irving’s annual celebration of all things hot and fiery. Best of all, you can catch DART to the action; the incendiary festival happens at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, right on the Orange Line. ZestFest showcases some of the spiciest foods around, all under one roof, with exhibitors coming from around the country with thousands of piquant samples. You’ll find lots of mom-and-pop shops, along with big industry names. Check out cooking demos from celebrity chefs such as Jon Bonnell, proprietor of Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and expert on wild game; Shaun O’Neale, Season 7 Champion of MasterChef on FOX; and Peter Mollett, the man behind Smokin’ Texas Gourmet products. Get carnivorous at Eddie Deen’s Roasted Pig and BBQ Dinner. Be brave, and test your mettle at the Fiery Food Challenge or the Atomic Wing Challenge. On the other hand, you might prefer to remain a spectator at the PuckerButt Jalapeno Eating Contest. If not, DART trains have plenty of standing room for your trip home. Somewhere, Wilbur Scoville will be proud. What: ZestFest When: Jan. 25-27 Where: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas How: DART Rail Orange Line to Irving Convention Center Station More info: zestfest.net #DART2ZestFest

A lot of people avoid scales in January, but there’s one scale you needn’t avoid – the Scoville scale. Invented by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, this standard of spice measures the “heat” of chili peppers in something called Scoville Units. If you’re a heat-head, you probably knew that. And from Jan. 25-27, you’ll get a chance to crank the capsaicin up to “11” at ZestFest, Irving’s annual celebration of all things hot and fiery. Best of all, you can catch DART to the action; the incendiary festival happens at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, right on the Orange Line. ZestFest showcases some of the spiciest foods around, all under one roof, with exhibitors coming from around the country with thousands of piquant samples. You’ll find lots of mom-and-pop shops, along with big industry names. Check out cooking demos from celebrity chefs such as Jon Bonnell, proprietor of Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and expert on wild game; Shaun O’Neale, Season 7 Champion of MasterChef on FOX; and Peter Mollett, the man behind Smokin’ Texas Gourmet products. Get carnivorous at Eddie Deen’s Roasted Pig and BBQ Dinner. Be brave, and test your mettle at the Fiery Food Challenge or the Atomic Wing Challenge. On the other hand, you might prefer to remain a spectator at the PuckerButt Jalapeno Eating Contest. If not, DART trains have plenty of standing room for your trip home. Somewhere, Wilbur Scoville will be proud. What: ZestFest When: Jan. 25-27 Where: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas How: DART Rail Orange Line to Irving Convention Center Station More info: zestfest.net #DART2ZestFest