Eve's Wine 101

Top L.A. Restaurants Introduce Tasty & Bountiful Take-Out & Delivery Options For Delicious and Healthy Dining at Home!

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Drago Bakery (Culver City): Owner and Executive Chef Celestino Drago has created a special Take-Out Menu at Drago Bakery in Culver City that will feature freshly baked and freezable essentials that guests can pick-up and prepare at home. Chef Drago and the Drago Bakery team will be offering the following Take-Out Menu every Monday through Friday for pick-up from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Fresh Pasta Package($55) which will include a choice of Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken and Mushroom Lasagna, or Vegetarian Lasagna that will serve up to 10 guests and be packaged cold. Main Proteins such as the Chicken Breast with Marsala and Mushrooms ($80), and a Beef Stew with Red Wine & Spices ($95), will also be packed cold and serve up to 10 guests.  Side Orders will feature 2-pound containers of Assorted Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts with Ginger & Shallots ($18 each). Fresh Soups include a choice of Minestrone, Pumpkin, and Lentil, and will be packaged in 32-ounce deli-cups and offered cold or frozen ($12 each). Executive Chef Celestino Drago will also have plenty of Bakery Goods available such as Breads featuring a Ciabatta Loaf (1 ½ lbs., $3.50), Pagnotta Sourdough (2 ½ lbs., $5), Rustic Baguette ($2.50), and Whole Wheat Harvest (2 lbs., $5). The Cakes will include a Cheesecake ($28), and a Chocolate Flourless Cake ($28). Lastly, a selection of Fresh Breakfast Pastries will include Plain Croissants ($2.25 each), Chocolate Croissants ($3.00 each), Almond Croissants ($3.75 each), Ham & Cheese Croissants($3.75 each), and Coffee Muffins, Banana Muffins, Walnut Muffins, and Blueberry Muffins ($3 each). To place a special Take-Out Order please call Drago Bakery directly at 310.280.6004 or stop by Drago Bakery anytime Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Drago Bakery will be offering Take-Out Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; 3828 Willat Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232; 310.280.6004; www.DragoBakery.com

Georgia’s Restaurant (Anaheim & Long Beach): Grab a delicious bucket of savory Southern Fried Chicken for the family or any savory Southern dish from Georgia’s Restaurant at both the Long Beach Exchange and Anaheim Packing House locations. Georgia’s Long Beach is offering Curbside Pickup all day until close, and delivery through Grubhub. Georgia’s Anaheim is available for delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. They are offering incredible Family Packages at both locations featuring an 8-Piece Fried Chicken Dinner with 2 Large Soulful Sides for $20.00. They are also offering a Soulful Dinner with a choice of two of the following Georgia’s Restaurant Plate-Ups – Fried Chicken, Grilled Tilapia, Fried Catfish, Smothered Pork Chops, or Specialty Dishes including Blackened Chicken Pasta or Jambalaya. The Plate-Up and Specialty Dish selections will be served with two Georgia’s House Salads and Georgia’s house-made Cornbread for $30.00. If guests prefer to order off the menu they can never go wrong with the St. Louis BBQ Ribs, a half-rack of slow-roasted pork ribs in Georgia’s Restaurant signature house-made BBQ sauce, and  a tasty Soulful Side such as the Collard Greens, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, or Nana Gretchen’s famous Cornbread served with house-made honey butter.

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 115, Long Beach, CA 92630; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com 

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; 440 South Anaheim Boulevard #209A, Anaheim, CA 92805; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Gus’s Barbecue (South Pasadena, Claremont & Porter Ranch): Gus’s Barbecue in South Pasadena, Claremont and recently opened Porter Ranch offers Take-Out at all locations and online ordering through their website for both Lunch and Dinner. Gus’s Barbecue in Claremont and Porter Ranch each offer Delivery through Postmates and Grubhub, and Gus’s Barbecue in South Pasadena offers Delivery through Postmates. Each restaurant has a special Take-Out Menu at each location that can be found at www.GussBBQ.com.  Guests can order some incredible BBQ for the entire family with Gus’s Real Pit BBQ including Memphis Baby Back Ribs, BBQ Brick Chicken, Texas Beef Brisket, St. Louis Spare Ribs, Peppercorn Crusted Tri-Tip, Smoked Sausage and the Carolina Style Pulled Pork, each seasoned overnight and then smoked low and slow for up to fourteen hours over whole pecan logs in order to create Gus’s signature smoke flavor. Do not forget Gus’s Barbecue’s Cast Iron Cornbread served with jalapeño jelly and honey butter, or their Smokehouse Chili prepared with Nebraska ground beef, cheddar cheese, red onion and pickled jalapeños.

Gus’s Barbecue South Pasadena offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm; 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena; 626.799.3251; www.GussBBQ.com 

Gus’s Barbecue Claremont offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 12:00 Midnight, Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:00 Midnight, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm; 500 W 1st Street, Claremont, CA 91711; 909.445.0931; www.GussBBQ.com 

Gus’s Barbecue Porter Ranch offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 Midnight, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; 818.341.3000; www.GussBBQ.com

Il Pastaio (Beverly Hills): Il Pastaio will be offering Take-Out for both for Lunch and Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm to support their community and guests’ in-home dining needs. Il Pastaio will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite Drago Family dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Il Pastaioat 310.205.5444 and feel free to utilize Il Pastaio’s Curbside Pickup as the City of Beverly Hills has made it possible for guests to pull right in front of Il Pastaio during this time.

Il Pastaio will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm; 400 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA  90210; 310.205.5444; www.IlPastaioBeverlyHills.com

Burrata Pizza, Courtesy of Il Segreto

Il Segreto (Bel Air): Il Segreto will be offering Take-Out  every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to support their community and guests’ in-home dining needs. Il Segreto will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their beloved traditional Italian dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Il Segreto at 310.474.8644. Guests can also order from Grubhub if they prefer delivery.

Il Segreto will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 2932 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air, CA 90077; 310.474.8644; www.IlSegretoRistorante.com

Open Face Food Shop (Los Angeles): Open Face Food Shop’s delicious and nutritious, vegetable-filled Danish-inspired dishes will be available for Take-Out for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm startingWednesday, March 18th. Open Face Food Shop will be offering Executive Chef Lene Houck’s Traditional Menu and an expanded HYGGE-TO-GO Menu including special Family Boxes that will be changing daily and feature fresh Farmers Market produce. Associated with relaxation, indulgence, and gratitude, Hygge has long been considered a part of the Danish national character. Guests can enjoy fresh and delicious items such as the Egg Salad & Pork Danish Open Face Sandwich offering a curried egg salad with leek and pickled herring sandwich paired with a pork loin, apple, braised cabbage, and pickles for a delicious and nutritious Lunch. Meat lovers are in luck with the Hakke Bøf, a Danish-style open-faced burger made with grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, shaved Brussels sprouts, and quick-pickled cucumber on top of Nathan’s Artisan Sourdough. For something sweet, Chef Lene’s Almond Cake is scrumptious and served with homemade labneh and blueberry compote. Open Face Food Shop will soon be offering Online Ordering and will have updates at www.OpenFaceFoodShop.com when this is available. Since quantities may be limited, Open Face Food Shop recommends that guests call 855.676.3223 ahead of time (preferably by 12:00 Noon) for that evening’s Take-Out Pickup.

Open Face Food Shop offers Take-Out Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; 5577 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016; 855.676.3223; www.OpenFaceFoodShop.com

Panzanella Ristorante (Sherman Oaks): Panzanella Ristorante will be offering Take-Out every Monday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm to support their community and guests’ in-home dining needs. Panzanella Ristorante will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite Italian comfort dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Panzanella Ristorante at 818.784.4400 and feel free to request Curbside Pickup as that has now been made available at Panzanella Ristorante. Guests can also order from Grubhub and Postmates if they prefer delivery.

Panzanella Ristorante will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 14928 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818.784.4400; www.PanzanellaRistoranteBar.com

Piccolo Paradiso Ristorante (Beverly Hills): Piccolo Paradiso Ristorante will be offering Take-Out for both for Lunch and Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm to support the community and their guests in-home dining needs. Piccolo Paradiso Ristorante will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite classic dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Piccolo Paradiso Ristorante at 310.271.0030.

Piccolo Paradiso Ristorante will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm; 150 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA  90210; 310.271.0030; www.PiccoloParadisoBeverlyHills.com

SHU Sushi House Unico (Bel Air): SHU Sushi House Unico will be offering Take-Out every Monday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm to support their community and guests’ in-home dining needs. SHU will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite Japanese-Italian fusion dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call SHU at 310.474.2740.  

SHU Sushi House Unico will be offering Take-Out Monday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 2932 ½ Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077; 310.474.2740; www.ShuSushi.com

Tacocita (Pasadena): Pasadena’s newest taco stop, Tacocita, featuring tacos and smoked chicken made with incredible flavors from regions all over Mexico and California is here to provide some Mexican goodness for Lunch and Dinner Take-Out by calling Tacocita directly, ordering online or for delivery through Grubhub, Postmates, and DoorDash. Tacocita wants to offer every guest some scratch made value-driven Take-Out Packages for their loved ones to help support families and the community during this time. Tacocita’s full Take-Out Menu is accessible online along with their newly created Take-Out Packages for Pickup or Delivery.

For groups of 4 People, Tacocita is offering the Hen House including 4 Citrus-Marinated & Smoked Boneless Half Chickens, Black Beans and Poblano Rice, 1 Tacocita Salad, and 12 Hand-Pressed Tortillas for $55.00; The Taco Party includes 8 Tacos, 2 Bags of Chips & Salsa, Guacamole, Black Beans, and Poblano Rice for $40.00, or the Burrito Bash served with 2 Tacocita Burritos, 4 Tacos, 1 Tacocita Salad, and 2 Bags of Chips & Salsa for $40.00.

For groups of 6 People the Hen House offers 6 Citrus-Marinated & Smoked Boneless Half Chickens, Black Beans and Poblano Rice, 2 Tacocita Salads, and 18 Hand-Pressed Tortillas for $85.00; The Taco Party includes 12 Tacos, 3 Bags of Chips & Salsa, Guacamole, Black Beans, and Poblano Rice for $65.00, or the Burrito Bash is served with 3 Tacocita Burritos, 6 Tacos, 2 Tacocita Salads, and 3 Bags of Chips & Salsa for $65.00.

For larger groups of 10 People, the Hen House offers 10 Citrus-Marinated & Smoked Boneless Half Chickens, Black Beans and Poblano Rice, 3 Tacocita Salads, and 30 Hand-Pressed Tortillas for $135.00; The Taco Party includes 20 Tacos, 5 Bags of Chips & Salsa,Guacamole, Black Beans, and Poblano Rice for $100.00, or the Burrito Bash is served with 5 Tacocita Burritos, 10 Tacos, 3 Tacocita Salads, and 5 Bags of Chips & Salsa for $100.00. 

Tacocita offers Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; 203 South Rosemead Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107; 626.460.8669; www.EatatTacocita.com

The Original Top’s (Pasadena): The Original Top’s, a classic Pasadena institution and long-standing restaurant has been serving comforting and approachable scratch made food since 1952 and they are now offering Take-Out and Drive-Thru to help feed families during this time. The Original Top’soffers Breakfast Take-Out until 11:00 am which includes selections such as the Steak & Egg Burrito made with Carne Asada, scrambled eggs, homestyle potatoes, jack and cheddar cheese, and for Lunch Take-Out, guests can opt for the Famous Pastrami with a slowly marinated special au jus, piled high on a French Roll with mustard and pickles. For something warm and hearty, guests can order the Chili Bowl made with The Original Top’s signature chili and diced onions, Zucchini Sticks or French Fries. For something sweet, save room and order a vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry Old Fashioned Shake.

The Original Top’s offers Take-Out and Drive-Thru from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm; 3838 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107; 626.449.4412; www.TheOriginalTops.com

The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena): The Raymond 1886, Pasadena’s beloved Craftsman Cottage is offering Take-Out and Delivery for families to share at home for Lunch and Dinner during the week, and for Brunch and Dinner on the weekend. They are offering a 10% discount on all takeout orders when calling the restaurant directly and curbside pickup. The Raymond 1886 will offer Delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub, and they are working on becoming available via Postmates as well. The Raymond 1886’s Take-Out Menus can be found atwww.TheRaymond.com. For some tasty comfort, guests can order The Cuban Sandwich prepared with pork belly, black forest ham, Dijon, mojo sauce, swiss cheese, pickles, served on Cuban bread with Parmesan fries, or the restaurant’s famous Raymond Currymade with marinated chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, rice, and golden raisins, peanuts, and fresh coconut shavings served on the side. The Bolognaise made with veal, pork belly, beef, rigatoni, pomodoro, Grana Padano and crispy sage, is another top Take-Out choice for a delicious meal that feels homemade without all the fuss!

The Raymond 1886 offers Take-Out and Delivery every Tuesday through Friday for Lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, for Dinner from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, for Brunch and Lunch every Saturday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

Via Alloro (Beverly Hills): Via Alloro will be offering Take-Out for both for Lunch and Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm to support the community and their guests in-home dining needs. Via Alloro will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite Drago classics. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Via Alloro at 310.275.2900 and the restaurant will also be offering Curbside Pickup. Guests can also order from Postmates if they prefer delivery. Via Alloro will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm; 310 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA  90210; 310.275.2900; www.ViaAlloro.com

Yojisan Sushi (Beverly Hills): Yojisan Sushi will be offering Take-Out every Monday through Saturday for Lunch from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to support their community and guests’ in-home dining needs. Yojisan Sushi will be offering a slightly reduced Take-Out Menu, but guests will still be able to order many of their favorite fresh fish dishes. To place a Take-Out Order directly, please call Yojisan Sushi at 424.245.3799. Guests can also order from Postmates if they prefer delivery.

Yojisan Sushi will be offering Take-Out and Delivery Monday through Saturday for Lunch from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 pm and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 260 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 424.245.3799; www.Yojisan.com

Culinary and Cultural Journey through the Tennessee River Valley

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KNOXVILLE, TENN. (PRWEB) – According to the World Food Travel Association, “food tourism is the act of traveling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.” The Tennessee River Valley region, while an outdoor mecca with its beautiful scenery and endless recreation opportunities, is also very much a place for a cultural and gastronomic adventure with its diverse culinary scene.

Photo: Sean Pavone

“Dining out should be much more than just eating and drinking. Here in the Tennessee River Valley, living is centered around meals and this should be no different when visiting a destination. Mealtime should be about creating memories while offering an authentic and unique experience that cannot be obtained anywhere else,” said Julie Graham, spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council.

The Tennessee River Valley Mapguide has put together a must taste and experience list to showcase the region’s diverse culinary scene. Each of these locally owned establishments provide a unique culinary experience while connecting visitors to the local culture.

Housed in a historic 1800s log home, Old 23rd Restaurant in Big Sandy, Tenn. is a unique destination for visitors looking for authentic southern fare. Meals are made from scratch using old family recipes and local antiques and memorabilia are displayed throughout the restaurant.

Serving homestyle favorites, Clinch Mountain Lookout Restaurant’s claim to fame is its vinegar pie. For almost 60 years, the restaurant has been serving this unusual treat. The pie first appeared during the depression when lemons were relatively rare and expensive and resourceful homemakers learned to substitute vinegar for the tart flavor found in lemon pie.

Litton’s Market and Restaurant is a Knoxville favorite dating back to the 1940s, and today, the old-time diner style restaurant is known for its burgers featuring freshly-ground beef and buns made in house.

Located in a historic trolley barn in downtown Chattanooga just steps away from Ross’s Landing on the Tennessee River, Big River Grille and Brewing Works pays tribute to the riverboat heritage of the city and features made from scratch regional cuisine and beer made on-site by the on-site local brewer.

Dinner on the Diner allows patrons to enjoy fine dining while the train travels through the scenic Tennessee countryside on a railroad excursion.

Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City is on the historic registry for being the oldest family owned bakery in the state of Tennessee. Serving breakfast and lunch daily, the bakery uses the same traditional recipes that the Baggenstoss family has carried on for several generations.

While in Murray, Kentucky, stop by the Maple Street Market for unique made in Kentucky products and locally produced goods. Cooking classes featuring locally grown produce and goods are also offered throughout the year.

Led by chef/proprietor Sara Bradley, runner-up on season 16 of Bravo’s competitive cooking show Top Chef, Freight House’ s rotating menu features locally sourced meats, dairies, fruits and vegetables and Kentucky Blue Snapper sourced from the region’s rivers for a farm-to-table dining experience. The building that houses the restaurant was originally a freight depot.

This fifth-generation German bakery features traditional Old-World methods and family recipes. With roots dating back to 1873, Kirchhoff’s Bakery, Deli and Market has been a part of Paducah’s history, supplying the daily bread for locals’ tables through 1957. The deli reopened in 1997 and uses ingredients from the local farmer’s market to make fresh artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Located in Grand Rivers, Ky., Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is famous for their two-inch thick pork chops, mile-high meringue pies and flower pot bread. With six gift shops in a recreated log cabin village, beautiful gardens, winding streams, miniature golf, remote control boats and a 26-foot tall rock wall, the restaurant is a destination in itself.

Nestled in the valley between the Cumberland and Blue Ridge mountains, downtown Dalton is Georgia’s fifth largest downtown district. From Southern cuisine, to pizza and beer, to quaint cafes, to Mexican and fine dining, Downtown Dalton has no shortage of culinary offerings to tickle any taste bud.

With its focus on nature and fresh ingredients, Wildflower Café is the go-to place in Mentone, a cozy little town located atop Lookout Mountain. The restaurant is featured in the book “The Southern Foodie: 100 Places to Eat in the South Before You Die.” Be sure to visit the Country Store for local artwork, handmade cards and other gift items and mementos to take back home.

Main Street Café is housed in the town’s old City Hall in downtown Madison, a suburban-Huntsville city. Enjoy lunch in one of the two previous jail cells while feasting on homemade casseroles such as Poulet de Normandie, Georgia Chicken and Cheesy Meatloaf.

Rattlesnake Saloon is a unique eatery nestled beneath a natural stone bluff that once sheltered Native Americans in northwest Alabama. Known as the watering hole under the rock, this is a place the whole family can eat, relax and enjoy connecting to local history.

The Freight House, located in the historic L&N freight depot in downtown Hartselle, Ala., offers views of passing trains and an opportunity to learn about the role of the railroad industry in North Alabama.

Save trip ideas and plan a trip easily with the Tennessee River Valley Geotourism MapGuide, an online guide of authentic places and adventures that have been recommended by locals. For additional dining options, click here.

CELEBRATING THE 10th ANNUAL ULTIMATE WHISKY AND SPIRITS EXPERIENCE -NTH 2020 APRIL 24 – 25, AT WYNN LAS VEGAS

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The Universal Whisky Experience presents to you the Nth 2020, the World’s Premier Luxury Whisky and Spirits Experience. Hosted at The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, this master event showcases the best brands of both whiskies and spirits from all over the world. We are the only event in the world where you get to sample the most premium, rare, unique and expensive whiskies and spirits from all the major houses worldwide.

Celebrating a milestone year with its 10th Anniversary celebrations at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, you will find an experience to deliciously overwhelm your tasting senses. Indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers, blenders and mixologists and learn more about the whisky and spirits world in the most unique event of its kind.

Universal Whisky Experience and the Nth –founded By Mahesh Patel back in 2011 is excited to bring this event to Wynn Las Vegas as a reflection of the past 10 years and the amazing journey it has been for us all. Showcasing some of the world’s Most Expensive Bottles, Unique Master Classes, Luxurious settings and meeting new great friends. The Nth 2020 Experience will be the start to a new revolution in Whisky and Spirits Tasting around the globe.

Come celebrate with us and walk down memory lane enjoying our Amazing Journey since 2011 –https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/amazing-journey/

The Nth has a reputation for curating unforgettable experiences for whiskey aficionados. “This year we have raised the bar. We have sourced a selection of the world’s most expensive and rare whiskies for tasting. We are also introducing new events, dinners and sessions to the schedule that will truly wow our guests” says Patel.

This years’ experience will include a few surprises:

  • Start of the Tenth Anniversary Celebration Special Master Classes
  • High Roller Lounge Featuring the most exclusive super pours for tasting
  • Showcasing world’s most expensive bottlings from all over the WORLD
  • Grand Finale with over 200 whiskies and spirits under 1 roof at the Nth Main tasting event

Guests can enjoy a menu of exclusive experiences, including:

  • The rare “Super Pours” representing whiskies and spirits valued at more than$300 a dram
  • A stroll-around tasting featuring the world’s most distinguished and coveted whiskies and spirits
  • Direct access to meet the makers of the best whiskies and spirits in the world with Exclusive New Launches
  • Wines, Champagne and delicious hors d’oeuvres

Two experience levels are available to purchase:

  • High Roller Experience –Friday, April 24 – Saturday April 25, 2020

The premium package includes exclusive access to all show events and tastings including: High Roller Lounge featuring exclusive High Roller Super Pours, Private Events with other High Rollers, One-on-one meetings with brand ambassadors, The Nth main tasting event, Master Classes, Dinner Reception, High Roller Gift bag, cigars and more…

Purchase Tickets here:

https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/high-roller-ticket-2020/

  • Connoisseur Experience – Saturday April 25, 2020

Guests seeking a high-touch experience with a few extra indulgences without going over the top will enjoy the Nth main tasting event, tasting all Whiskies and other Fine spirits, Super pours, hors d’oeuvres, and receive a cut crystal Glencairn tasting glass.

Purchase Tickets here:

https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/connoisseur-experience-ticket-2020/

Presqu’ile Recruits Julie Simon As New Executive Chef

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Santa Maria, California – Presqu’ile, the estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, announces the addition of Julie Simon as their new executive chef. Simon will be creating the tasting room wine and food pairings, as well as developing special event menus and overseeing wine dinners, including those with guest chefs.

Julie recently headlined at one of the winery’s sell-out Guest Chef Dinners which brought her to the attention of the Murphys and invited her to come aboard.  In her new position, she plans to rework the wine and food pairings to reflect both her style and to complement the library of wines at Presqu’ile. She is also designing an organic garden on the property.

Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales for the winery welcomes Simon to the Presqu’ile family, stating, “We are very excited to have Julie join the team. Her commitment to local sourcing, organic farming, and clean, ingredient-focused cooking truly aligns with Presqu’ile’s philosophy, and will make for a very great partnership showcasing our wines in their best light.”

Julie Simon is enthusiastic about joining Presqu’ile, remarking, “I am thrilled to be joining such a strong and dedicated team, where I can be a part of propelling the Presqu’ile hospitality experience forward. And the addition of a permaculture garden not only shows our commitment to great food, it also nurtures the ‘sense of place’, mirroring our winemaking philosophy.”

ABOUT CHEF JULIE SIMON

Julie Simon is a San Luis Obispo based chef and farmer. Ten years ago, Simon was enrolled in university in her native France, ready to follow that path to a law career. Her restlessness and uncanny ability in the kitchen compelled her to move to Paso Robles where her aunt and uncle farmed an olive grove and pressed olive oil. Soon after, Simon landed kitchen jobs in some of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants and eventually became executive chef at the renowned Thomas Hill Organics Bistro when she was 23 years old. Julie served as opening chef at Foremost restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Her history in farming and pop-up dinners bring a worthy contribution to Presqu’ile’s vast array of services, further enriching the most sought after wine destination in the area.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY

5391 Presqu’ile Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Phone 805.937.8110

www.presquilewine.com 

ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.

The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines.

For further information on Presqu’ile Winery visit

www.presquilewine.com 

Become a fan of Presqu’ile Winery:

on Facebook: www.facebook.com/presquilewine

on Twitter: @PresquileWine

on Instagram: @presquilewine

The Art of Toasting Moutai From China

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Camus is delighted to invite you to a dynamic culture event to learn and experience the Chinese way of toasting and fine dining, with the iconic spirit Moutai and one of its kind Baccarat crystal drink set. Dress code: Elegant with a touch of red.

Well this was a new one for me. Never heard of the Chinese spirit Moutai or used the Baccarat crystal drink set. Intrigued by the idea of learning how to properly toast with a Chinese spirit, I was ready to learn. But first what is Moutai? From Wikipedia: Maotai or Moutai is a brand of baijiu, a distilled Chinese liquor, made in the town of Maotai in China’s Guizhou province. Produced by the state-owned Kweichow Moutai Company, the beverage is distilled from fermented sorghum and now comes in several different varieties. From the box: Made “only in small quantities” yearly, this “small batch blend” is “available only in the finest duty-free shops around the world.” 53% alcohol.

In the course of the evening (photos here) we tasted the spirit in two cocktails and on its own, both the Moutai Small Batch Blend ($275) and the Moutai Legendary China Collection Edition Li Bai ($375). This second edition “honors Li Bai (701-762) regarded as one of the greatest and most prolific poets of the Tang dynasty.”

But, before I get too ahead of myself, before the first cocktail we were entertained by a Chinese calligraphy artist, then before the first sip of Moutai on its own, we were told and shown the proper way to toast with Moutai and told that “in China we greet with spirits, with meaning and with gravity – to the future…Moutai is always considered the national symbol of China” and all Chinese enjoy toasting special occasions with Moutai.

To toast the spirit is poured at room temperature into a tiny glass “invented by Moutai” and then some simple rules are to be followed: Always fill to the rim, hold with both hands to toast each other, the person who wants to show respect to the host, for seniority or to ladies is to bring their glass lower than the person extending the toast. This last part can be quite fun as people will go down to the ground to get their glass lower than their esteemed friend. Then, more rules included “never leave a comrade’s glass empty” so you must help them to fill it. Never drink alone at dinner. If you are toasted then you must toast in return. Don’t toast before the host toasts – who may toast to each table in the room. Then, and only then, it’s fair game to toast more people. The Li Bai edition was served with small Baccarat red crystal decanters into small round matching crystal glasses.

For me, always the student, after noting all of the rules in toasting I settled in to smell and taste both levels of Moutai. I got strong umami notes, soy sauce, salinity, grilled mushroom and maybe a hint of the terracotta vats the spirit had rested in before bottling.

After that first sip we enjoyed a multi-course Chinese influenced dinner, while listening to different musicians and watching a cultural dance. By the end of the evening, and several more toasts of Moutai – for those that had drivers – I believe everyone attending walked away with not only more knowledge about the Chinese spirit, but an appreciation for Moutai and what China brings to the proverbial global table.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience. 

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

Downtown Newhall’s Latest Wine Bar, Newhall Press Room, Achieves Prestigious Wine Award

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Newhall Press Room Receives The Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence – The Only Santa Clarita Valley Restaurant Awarded With This Distinction

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY – Downtown Newhall’s brightest new star, the Newhall Press Room wine bar and restaurant, was recently presented with a very enviable honor: Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. The Press Room is the only restaurant in the entire Santa Clarita Valley that has been given this award for 2019.

According to the Wine Spectator magazine, “The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Ranging in size from 90 selections to several hundred, these lists are well-focused and tend to emphasize discovery.”

The latest wine bar to open in downtown Newhall, The Press Room is known for its wine list – with over 100 wines on the menu and an inventory that currently has over 1,100 bottles. Wine lovers and aficionados alike appreciate the selection, a living and breathing entity as wine itself is often described, and current California wines on the list include varietals from Nickel & Nickel, Caymus, Leonetti, Oberon, Switchback Ridge, Sojourn, Opolo, Sextant and many more wines from around the globe including the new 2016 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, a Tuscan wine recently awarded 100 points.

One cannot live on wine alone and the Press Room rounds out their menu with popular small and large plates including building your own cheese and charcuterie boards, steaks and house-made pasta. Wine education, live music, special events, weekend brunch, Happy Hour and $7 wines by the glass every Sunday keep guests coming back.

Read more about the award and Newhall Press Room online or in the current issue of Wine Spectator. The Press Room is located in Downtown Newhall at 24257 Main Street and can be reached at 661-753-3454.

https://www.newhallpressroom.com/

https://restaurants.winespectator.com/restaurant/5282/newhall-press-room

L.A.’s Epic Culinary Festival Los Angeles Food and Wine Returns Aug. 22-25, 2019

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LOS ANGELES – In a collision of cuisine and culture, Southern California’s number-one food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine, is ramping up to its ninth rendition, August 22-25. Festival-goers will rub shoulders with the nation’s hottest chefs during the four-day epicurean extravaganza, with events spanning the City of Angels. Fans of fine food can score tickets a la carte at lafw.com.

Among the culinary supernovas on the festival marquee are the legendary Jeremiah Tower (“The Last Magnificent”), native Angelenos Nancy Silverton, Jet Tila and Alvin Cailan, and several celebrity chefs who have made the city their own, like Curtis Stone, Tim Hollingsworth and Antonia Lofaso. The festival will also showcase wines from across California and the world.

Los Angeles Food & Wine launches Thursday evening with a series of dinners at restaurants across the city. The action then shifts to the historic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport, one of LA’s premier event spaces, for the rest of the weekend. Among the 14 culinary star-studded events:

· The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

· Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium.

· The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, star of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” will join celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

· LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and a wealth of Asian-inspired specialties will all share one location for one afternoon only.

· Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

· Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

Find a full event listing here.

Event Sponsors

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Chase Private Client, Food & Wine magazine, Guinness, Suntory Whiskey and Bulleit Whiskey, among others.

Ticket Information

For tickets and more information, visit lafw.com.

Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation Announce New Dates for the 2020 JBF Culinary Cruise Collection

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SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Award-winning small ship line Windstar Cruises, the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, today reveals six new cruises being added to the James Beard Foundation (JBF) Culinary Cruise Collection for 2020.

All sailings are led by James Beard Foundation-recognized guest chefs, sommeliers and beverage experts with a passion for their destination. The six diverse cruise offerings will explore locavore cuisine on a country-immersive Croatia cruise; get a flavor for the rugged north of Alaska; discover the hidden gems of France, Spain, and Portugal’s Atlantic coast; experience exotic cuisines of Indonesia and the Philippines; delight in the hidden harbors of the Caribbean; and introduce cruisers to the trend-setting foodie scene and wine regions of the U.S. West Coast. The six newly announced cruises are scheduled to sail from January through November 2020, and range in length from 7 to 14 days.

Together, Windstar and the James Beard Foundation are taking guests on epicurean adventures that deliver the best travel and cuisine experiences worldwide, by curating genuine local culinary encounters while drawing attention to the impactful work of the Beard Foundation network which celebrates food and advocates for food sustainability.

“Our exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation has allowed us to enrich our culinary experiences giving our guests unparalleled access to the most cutting edge and accomplished culinarians in the industry. Every evening, on every single sailing, our cruise guests enjoy destination-inspired JBF dishes created especially for Windstar by the James Beard guest chefs who have sailed with us. We have proudly hosted nearly three dozen chefs, sommeliers and beverage experts and counting. What is unique is that each one has a special connection to the places they are sailing, whether through food or family heritage, this creates powerful and inspiring personal experiences that our guests will never forget,” said Windstar President John Delaney.

Coinciding with this announcement, and as part of the unique travel-culinary alliance, Windstar sponsors the acclaimed James Beard Foundation Awards, the pinnacle of recognition in the culinary world, happening today at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, IL.

James Beard Foundation President Clare Reichenbach commented, “We are so pleased to have Windstar’s support of our mantra ‘good food for good’, which commits the James Beard Foundation to giving culinary professionals the tools they need to make the world more sustainable, equitable, and delicious for everyone. The JBF Culinary Cruise Collection shines a light on these chefs and wine experts and highlights the important role that food plays in the culture and economies of each of the ports where Windstar sails, the world round.”

A number of Windstar alumni guest chefs are attending the JBF Awards Gala including Chef Danielle Leoni of Breadfruit in Phoenix, AZ. who led guests on a Caribbean cruise adventure in January, and is a James Beard Foundation 2018 Fellow for the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program; also attending is acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson of Empire State South, Five & Ten, and The National in Atlanta, GA. who headlined a 2017 European JBF Culinary Cruise and is nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Windstar’s Corporate Executive Chef Graeme Cockburn joins an exclusive club of chefs that have been invited to prepare a signature bite for the 1,000 plus guests attending the famed JBF Awards Gala. Chef Cockburn sails aboard each JBF cruise overseeing the culinary operations, and the dishes specially developed by the James Beard guest chefs are featured in Windstar’s restaurants each evening and enjoyed on every sailing. For the JBF Awards Gala, Chef Cockburn has developed a recipe inspired by Windstar’s forays into the alpine areas and glaciers of Alaska and will be serving up Seared Venison Loin & Alaskan Pine Spruce Salad with Nasturtium Pesto and Goat Buttermilk Dressing at the epicurean extravaganza.

Windstar also supports JBF’s Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change. A number of the guest chefs who have sailed with Windstar are alumni of the prestigious camp, a part of the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Programs which are committed to establishing a more sustainable food system through education, advocacy, and thought leadership.

Windstar’s JBF Culinary Cruise Collection Offers Authentic Culinary Experiences

The bespoke portfolio of nine total upcoming sailings in the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection embarking June 2019 through November 2020, are attracting food and wine enthusiasts seeking to fully immerse themselves in the culture, tastes, and flavors of regional cuisines where the ships sail. Each cruise features a James Beard chef, working alongside Windstar’s culinary team. The guest chef acts as an onboard culinary ambassador teaching first-hand tips and techniques during cooking demonstrations, leading “Shopping with the Chef” tours to local markets, and picking out fresh local ingredients to use in featured dishes at a wine-paired gala dinner for all on board to enjoy.

Similarly, the JBF sommelier/beverage expert accompanies tours to local wineries, leads on board tastings of regional wines and spirits, and works with the chefs to create one-of-a-kind pairing menus that celebrate the quaint, small ports that Windstar is renowned for visiting. Guests on board get to know these epicurean experts on a personal level, tasting the dishes and wines they recommend and hearing firsthand what stirs their passion for food, wine, and spirits. One-on-one interactions with the guest chef and sommelier/beverage expert are a given during memorable cruise moments like Windstar’s Signature Sail Away and Signature Deck Party, or on a culinary-focused shore excursion.

The names of the 2020 guest chefs, sommeliers, and beverage experts who are being tapped as the culinary cruise ambassadors will be announced in the coming weeks. Below are the dates and itineraries for the six newly announced 2020 additions to the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection:

In addition, following is the super star line-up of award-winning chefs and celebrated sommeliers who will headline the three remaining 2019 JBF Culinary Cruise Collection sailings:

June 22, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras
8 days aboard Wind Surf

  • Chef & Restaurateur Jamie Leeds, JL Restaurant Group & Hank’s Oyster Bar in Washington, D.C.
  • Sommelier Jeff Strine, JL Restaurant Group & Hank’s Oyster Bar, and more) in Washington, D.C.

Chef and Restaurateur Jamie Leeds — a James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp Alumna and owner of JL Restaurant Group — will be seeking out the freshest French oysters and bringing guests on chef-led visits to lively markets to gather produce, herbs, fish, and more to showcase in cooking demonstrations and a gala evening meal on board. Alongside her will be Jeff Strine, who works closely with Jamie at JL Restaurant Group where he developed a thoughtful and concise wine program for Hank’s Oyster Bar’s seasonal seafood-focused menu.

Both love to travel and are excited to visit lesser-known wine regions and visits to smaller ports such as quaint Sanary-sur-Mer, France. This coastal jewel offers a wine tasting tour above the vineyards in the Provençal hilltop village of Le Castellet, followed by a visit to Domaine de Souviou for tasting the house wines and olive oils grown on the expansive 70-hectares property that is planted with 100-year-old olive trees and rows of vines, cypress trees, and lavender, a treat for all of the senses.

September 24, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza
10 days aboard Star Legend

  • Chef Duskie Estes of Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Bovolo, and Black Pig Meat Co. in Sonoma County
  • Beverage Expert Michael Metzger of Distinguished Vineyards and Wine Partners

Award-winning Chef Duskie Estes is the perfect culinary guide for this first-ever Windstar sailing along the West Coast of America, as she was born in San Diego, raised in San Francisco, and spent eight years in Seattle working for JBF-awarded Restaurateur Tom Douglas before moving to Sonoma County, where she is celebrated as a chef and avid farmer/advocate for “snout to tail” cooking.

Providing wine pairings and insight will be Michael Metzger from Distinguished Vineyards, who works with the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Program as their sustainable wine partner and represents a collection of iconic wineries including the highly acclaimed Argyle Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards in Sonoma, and Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley.

As with all Windstar sailings, this first-ever West Coast cruise boasts a myriad of shore-side adventures including specially curated culinary shore excursions from vineyard visits, to food trucks and farmers’ markets. In Seattle, guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes docent tour of the iconic Pike Place Market; after sailing up the Columbia River, the ship has a two-day overnight stay in James Beard’s native Oregon, where guests can enjoy an “Elevated Foodie Walking Tour” of the Portland culinary scene, or a brewery/cidery tasting tour. An all-day excursion to Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley allows guests to indulge in private tastings at three wineries in the region that put Pinot Noir on the U.S. map. In Sonoma, foodies will delight in a private cave tour with wine and cheese tasting at the Gloria Ferrer Winery, followed by lunch and an afternoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegars tasting at Figone Olive Oil & Production Mill.

Also of note, this U.S. West Coast itinerary is featured as one of the newly announced 2020 culinary cruises but sailing aboard Star Breeze, following her upcoming full ship renovation as part of Windstar’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. The May 5, 2020 itinerary will be a reverse version of the 2019 offering with similar culinary-focused shore excursions, but departing from San Diego, CA. and sailing to Vancouver, B.C. instead. Details on chef and beverage experts in 2020 will be announced soon.

October 14, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast
8 days aboard Wind Surf

  • Chef Chris Pandel of Swift & Sons, Cold Storage, and Dutch & Doc’s in Chicago
  • Beverage Expert Marcello Cancelli of the Boka Group in Chicago

Chef Chris Pandel, a James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp Alumnus, has a love affair with Italy and Italian-American heritage, so who better to cruise with and explore the shores of Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro, discovering the charm of Venice, the magnificence of Rome, and the vast beauty of the Dalmatian Coast? While visiting the picturesque seaside resort of Rovinj, a top pick shore excursion lets guests tour the wine cellar of the Matosevic Family, Croatia’s most well-known wine producers.

Offering beautiful wine pairings on this cruise is Marcello Cancelli, a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers who is Area Wine Director for Chicago’s Boka Group, overseeing the wine programs at Swift & Sons, Momotaro, Bellemore, Girl & the Goat, and more. Cancelli will be demonstrating his passion and commitment to great wine and its rightful place alongside a meal.

For more information on Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation, find featured recipes, and view the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection visit: https://www.windstarcruises.com/why-windstar/james-beard-foundation/. To learn more about the Beard Foundation visit: https://www.jamesbeard.org/.

Windstar has garnered recent culinary awards, notably being named Best Small Cruise Ships for Dining in Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, and a 2019 Editor-in-Chief Award for Best Cruise Partnership as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation from Porthole Cruise Magazine. Windstar was also voted 2018 Best Small Ship Cruise Line by AFAR readers; scored a top spot as Best Small Ship in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and was named to the magazine’s prestigious Gold List for 2019; while Windstar’s flagship Wind Surf ranked #1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines in the 2018 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

To learn more about authentic small ship cruising with Windstar or to book a cruise, contact a travel advisor or Windstar Cruises by phone at 1-800-258-7245, or visit http://www.windstarcruises.com.

Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Region This August

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Curd nerds and growler geeks can now find fulfillment as they travel with Cheese Journeys on its inaugural adventure to northwestern Vermont, August 8-13, 2019, to some of America’s favorite creameries and breweries, including award-winning Jasper Hill Farms & Cellars and the “Best Brewery in the World,” Hill Farmstead Brewery. The journey will aptly include an exclusive experience at the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at historic Shelburne Farms on August 11, 2019.

Officially kicking off the tour in the city of Burlington, food trippers will enjoy a convivial signature cocktail featuring a local spirit and brew, followed by a short introduction to food photography before heading to a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

The next day travelers head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to visit renowned Jasper Hill Farm, one of America’s most innovative and successful artisan cheese businesses. An exclusive visit to the creamery with founders and brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, will not only include tasting some of the most prized cheeses in the US and abroad, but will also provide an opportunity to learn about their philosophy of cheesemaking, affinage, and sustainability. A stop at Jasper Hill’s Randi Albert Calderwood Cropping Center, the Farm’s state-of-the-art hay drying facility which allows the company to produce much of their herd’s own feed, contributing to the true taste of Jasper Hill’s products, underscores the meaning of “terroir.”

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Burlington Farmers Market will offer an overview of many of Vermont’s best artisan producers of cheese, meats, cider, and even veggie fermenters. Mad River Distillers and Lake Champlain Chocolates are just two of the several specialty food makers that will be visited. During an exclusive Vermont Cheesemakers Dinner, including cheesemakers (naturally) and the director of the Vermont Cheese Council, Tom Bivens, guests will learn about the Vermont cheese scene in more depth.

At the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, idyllically located on the shores of Lake Champlain, travelers will enjoy VIP admittance as they meet up with nearly fifty cheesmakers as well as local wine, craft beer, and numerous other food and beverage purveyors in attendance. Presentations about farmstead and artisan cheesemaking, cooking demos, workshops, and educational seminars are all awaiting at the festival.

A return to Shelburne Farms with a cheese-tasting and tour of the grounds, as well as a stop at Shelburne Vineyards to enjoy their award-wining wines will add to the appreciation of this region’s agricultural heritage and diversification.

Finally, no cheese venture to Vermont would be complete without a stop at Vermont Creamery, one of the country’s best-known goat dairies. Company president, Adeline Druart, will reveal how co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, developed their highly-acclaimed fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and other European-style dairy products 35 years ago.

Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will lead this adventure throught the back country of Vermont, accompanied by two co-hosts: Tenaya Darlington, author and academian who goes by ‘Madame Fromage,’ and Jeff Roberts, author and one of Vermont’s food-scene experts. Believing in the importance of cheese education, Curds & Co (Brookline, MA), The Cheese Shop (Concord, MA), and Fairfield Cheese Company (Fairfield, CT) are collaborating with Cheese Journeys on this trip. FREE travel to and from Burlington, VT is available at each of these three locations.

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