As noted in a previous post, on Friday, March 30th, through Sunday, April 1st, the Crystal Springs Resort in Hardyston, New Jersey, will host the fourth annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival.
This year, the Festival welcomes multiple James Beard Award-winning chef Thomas Keller (the French Laundry, Per Se, Ad Hoc) as its guest of honor. The 2012 Festival also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation and benefits the culinary organization’s mission and programs, as well as those of Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation.
Here’s a complete rundown of the festivities…
Opening Night, Friday, March 30th:
The Wine Cellar Dinner, held in the stunning Crystal Springs wine cellar, will honor Chef Keller with five courses prepared by Restaurant Latour chef John Benjamin, who worked with Mr. Keller at the French Laundry, paired with wines from one of American’s top winemakers, Heidi Barrett, who has made wines for Screaming Eagle, Amuse Bouch, and La Sirena (8:00 p.m.; $600.00 per person).
Top Chefs & Top Wines features a five course dinner by New York City chefs paired with boutique wines, showcasing some of the finest rising culinary talent in America, including Michelin-starred chef/owner George Mendes of Aldea, Hung Huynh of Catch, James Kent, chef de cuisine of New York Times four-star Eleven Madison Park, and Nancy Olson of Gramercy Tavern (8:00 p.m.; $150.00 per person).
Both dinners will be preceded by a Champagne Reception where guests will meet Chef Keller (7:30 p.m., $45.00 per person; Wine Cellar Dinner includes the price of the reception).
Saturday, March 31st, will feature a daylong series of events:
11:00 a.m.: Chef Thomas Keller speaking and signing copies of his books ($60.00, includes choice of The French Laundry Cookbook or Ad Hoc at Home).
12:00 noon: Meet New Jersey’s best burger chef, determined from a statewide contest. The winning burger will be paired with Terra D’Oro Zinfandel ($30.00)
12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.: A Marketplace Lunch, with local New Jersey wines and products being served ($30.00).
1:00 p.m.: Barrett & Barrett will feature the highly sought-after wines of husband & wife winemakers Heidi & Bo Barrett, comparing terroir and grape varietals of their famous Chateau Montelena, La Sirena, and limited production Barrett & Barrett wines ($90.00).
2:00 p.m.: A selection of rare & highly rated bottles from Crystal Springs 120,000 bottle wine cellar will be tasted ($150.00).
3:00 p.m.: The Leading Ladies of Wine tasting will feature the wines of four dynamic women winemakers: Heidi Barrett, La Sirena; Deborah Brenner, Women of the Vine; Diane Snowden, Snowden Vineyards; and Terry Wheatley, Middle Sister ($40.00).
Additional Saturday events will showcase premier spirits and chocolate. At 3:00 p.m., St. Germain will offer a modern spin on the classics during The Classic Cocktail Reinvented ($40.00). At 4:00 p.m., for chocolate devotees, Chef Marc Aumont of New York City’s The Modern will lead Terroir in Chocolate & Wine, pairing wines with his delectable Valrhona chocolate creations ($45.00). Also at 4:00 p.m., whiskey lovers will meet Johnnie Walker’s Master of Whiskey, Peter O’Connor, and sample five premium scotches during The House of Walker. Included will be the Blue Label and the rare King George V, which celebrates the awarding of a Royal Warrant from the King in 1934 and includes whiskies from hand-selected casks such as the legendary, now closed, Port Ellen distillery.
The Festival’s signature event, The Grand Tasting, will take place from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (VIP admission at 6:30 p.m.), featuring more than 100 wines from over thirty wineries and top restaurants from new York City and New Jersey ($125.00; VIP $200.00).
The Meet the Chefs & Winemakers After Party will be held from 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., following the Grand Tasting, giving guests an opportunity to mingle with the chefs and winemakers on a personal basis.
Sunday, April 1st:
Guests can enjoy a Champagne Brunch from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., which will feature a variety of Champagnes from Moët & Chandon and Dom Perignon ($60.00).
More information, a full schedule of events, tickets, and packages are available on the website at www.njwinefoodfest.com. Resort reservations can be made by calling (973) 827-5996, ext 3.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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