The Grand Wine & Food Affair 2011
Are you ready for some festivity, fun and frivolity?
This is an event that brings together internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs with Texas’s regional superstars to create an unbelievable series of dining, wine tastings, an exciting bartending contest, an elegant grand tasting, a decadent outdoor Sienna Sip and Stroll, and an around the world Bistro Brunch. Join us Wednesday, April 27 – Sunday, May 1, 2011 to enjoy five unforgettable days of celebration. The Grand Wine & Food Affair is so joyously over the top, you will swear you never had so much fun!
For more information.
Click to view the event schedule.
Click to view the participating chefs.
UPDATE: The Grand Wine & Food Affair has added a new “On the Rocks” Bartender contest to this year’s five-day festival where Texas’ hottest bartenders and mixologists will vie for a $1,000 cash prize.
Six finalists will compete in front of a panel of judges for top prize at the event to be held at Sugar Land’s swanky M-Lounge (16305 Kensington Drive) on Thursday, April 28 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. A People’s Choice vote will give guests the chance to help their favorite
Along with cocktail samples, attendees will enjoy music and fabulous bites by Mint Spice. In addition to earning a $1,000 cash prize, the winning libation will be named Official Cocktail of The Grand Wine & Food Affair and will be served at The Grand Tasting, April 29th. Tickets for the “On The Rocks” Bartenders Contest are $35 and can be purchased online at www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com.
Can’t make it to the event? The winning cocktail recipe will be posted on The Grand Wine & Food Affair’s website, www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com.
Plan your weekend and enjoy a stay at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square or the Hyatt Place. The three day VIP Grand Pass includes The Grand Tasting, Friday, April 29th; the Sienna Sip & Stroll, Saturday, April 30th; and the around the world Bistro Brunch on Sunday, May 1st.
For more information about The Grand Wine & Food Affair visit www.TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com or phone 713-SIP-WINE.
Special insight from The Carillon
I was given the opportunity to sample an array of dishes that Chef Josh Watkin might present at The Grand Wine & Food Affair. As always, the experience, food, and people at the Carillon were splendid.
Amuse Bouche.
Basil and lemon panna cotta with pickled golden tomato.
Very refreshing teaser!
Nairagi Napoleon.
A savory twist on the typical napoleon. Smoked chevre sandwiched between cucumber slices. Topped with lemon zest and a fried shallot slice.
Paired with a grapefruit slice.
White Tuna.
White tuna seared to perfection. Crusted with toasted pistachio that gives it an explosion of nutty flavor. Plated over a blueberry reduction. Includes a side of chanterelle mushroom.
Paired with Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc Reserve 2008
Bacon Poached Rack of Lamb.
Chef Josh Watkins, you had me at bacon poached.
Tender slice of lamb with a hint of bacon. Served with cauliflower and asparagus. Drizzled with cardamon honey.
Paired with Perrin Reserve Cote du Rhone 2009
Olive Oil Poached Beef Tenderloin.
Super tender slice of beef tenderloin poached in olive oil. Plated over a potato puree (not mashed potatoes). Served with a side of artichoke-fennel frito misto and peppercorn sauce.
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| Chef Josh Watkins |
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| I spy Michelle from Foodie Is the New Forty! |
You don’t want to miss The Grand Tasting.
Sugar Land Marriott Town Square – 16090 City Walk – Sugar Land
The hottest ticket in town is set for the elegant ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. It will host some of the most sought out wines in the world to be paired with the talents and creations of some of the country’s most highly recommended culinary superstars. Top chefs include Philippe Schmit of the newly opened Philippe Restaurant + Lounge, Randy Evans of Haven, Trevor White of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Josh Watkins of The Carillon in Austin, and Jason Dady of The Lodge Restaurant in San Antonio. Chefs Shanna and Brian O’Hea of Academe Maine Brasserie and Tavern at the Kennebunk Inn will return this year after their recent showcase on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” . The Grand Auction will include large format wine bottles, dining experiences and other wine related goodies and benefits The Grand Wine & Food Affair Scholarship Endowment for students attending the Conrad N. Hilton College of Restaurant and Hotel Management at the University of Houston.
