Wine and Food Week

The 11th Annual Wine & Food week was held June 1-7 in the Woodlands, Texas. Thousands of people enjoyed a variety of events that included a wine walk, fancy dinners, grand tastings, art exhibits, and event beer & tacos.  This year I attended the Ladies of the Vine Luncheon, as well as the Grand Tasting.

The Ladies of the Vine luncheon was held at the beautiful Club at Carlton Woods Jack Nicklaus Golf Course.  Our host for the afternoon was the fabulous Charlotte Neuville (The Fashion Chef and Wizard Gourmet owner). The panelists included some of the best women winemakers in the business - Sara Floyd (Master Somm. - Luli Wines), Cindy Sebek (Founder/Owner - The Gracious Gift Wines), Lisa Mattson (Director of Marketing - Jordan Winery), and Katie Wetzel Murphy (Owner and Brand Ambassador - Alexander Valley Vineyards). 

1st Course
Charred Apricot Gazpacho, Fennel Crisp, Fennel Crisp, 
Cilantro Crème Fraiche, Citrus Poached Shrimp 
2013 Jordan Chardonnay

2nd Course
Baby Dandelion Green Salad, Eggplant-Goat Cheese Tower, Toasted Pistachios, 
Heirloom Tomato 'Carpaccio', Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette 
2014 Luli Sauvignon Blanc

Main Course
Fenugreek Roasted Hangar Steak, Caramelized Shallot 
Whipped Potatoes, Sautèed French Beans, 
Glazed Baby Carrots, 'French Onion Soup' Coulis
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot

Dessert
Chocolate-Hazelnut Tartlette with Raspberry Coulis
Gracious Gift Old Vine Red 

After being treated to passed bites, delicious wine samples, and beautiful jewelry displays, we sat down to this decadent 4 course pairing.

The Club did an excellent job with the timing and execution of each course.  My favorite wine was the Jordan Chardonnay.  All the entrees were delicious, but being the chocolate lover that I am, the dessert stole the show for me.

In addition to being treated to a wonderful meal, all guests left with quite the swag bag, which included generous gifts from Lincoln Motor Company and Shannon Fine Jewelers.

The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase was held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott.  More 2,500 wine and food lovers participated in the final event, which included hundreds of wines and over 60 restaurants.  Kris Jacob, executive chef of Culinary Institute Le Nôtre, won top honors and the coveted Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs trophy along with $5,000 for his Foie Gras Crème Brûlée with ginger snap cookies.  First runner-up was Corner Table executive chef Ja'Nel Will with a Summer Yellow Gazpacho, and second runner-up went to Robard's chef John Brazie with a Candied Bacon French Toast topped with pickled cherries, bourbon syrup, and blue cheese ice cream.

It was hard not to be in sensory overload with so many wonderful wines and delectable bites.  My favorite dishes of the night were the Blue Cheese Stuffed Lamb Chops from Bob's Chop House, the Smoked Duck Confit from Jasper's, and the Crawfish and Pork Boudain from Oxlot 9.  One of the most unique wines I discovered was The Gracious Gift.  Every bottle sold helps feed 3 families in your community.  The Gracious Gift Wines are available at most HEB stores.

Wine and Food week was a blast!  I can't wait until next year.  For a video recap of both events, be sure to check out my videos.
The Ladies of the Vine Luncheon

The Grand Tasting