THE DRUNKEN DIVA
  • This Week
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Picture

Wine and Food Week

7/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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). 
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
Picture
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


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    About the Author

    I like eating, traveling, and enjoying liquid libations. I'm all about great wines, signature cocktails, and local brews.

    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    May 2022
    October 2020
    June 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Subscribe to The Drunken Diva

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

  • This Week
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact