A celebration of the world’s best wines and top chefs from the Northeast, the fifth annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort takes place March 15 – 17, 2013. This year, the Festival welcomes James Beard Award-winning Chef José Andrés (Minibar, The Bazaar, China Poblano, Jaleo, Oyamel, Zaytinya) as the Guest of Honor. The 2013 Festival benefits the mission and programs of the James Beard Foundation as well as those of Chef Andrés’ sustainable culinary charity World Central Kitchen.
Held at Crystal Springs, New Jersey’s only year-round resort, the weekend’s events are designed to allow food and wine lovers to meet and mingle with chefs, winemakers and fellow wine aficionados. Events include the opening night gala with top New York chefs, a wine cellar dinner with Chef Andrés, the Grand Tasting featuring 30 restaurants and over 100 wines, as well as winemaker tastings and seminars.
Opening Night Festivities, Friday, March 15:
7:00 p.m. Champagne Reception: Guests will meet Chef Andrés ($45.00; included with Wine Cellar Dinner)
8:00 p.m. Wine Cellar Dinner: Prepared by Chef Andrés and paired with wines from celebrated winemaker Philippe Melka, one of the world’s most sought after wine consultatns. Held in the stunning, award-winning Crystal Springs wine cellar; limited to 25 guests ($350.00).
8:00 p.m. Top Chefs & Top Wines: A five course dinner featuring chefs David Burke, Top Chef’s Dale Talde and Marc Aumont, among others; paired with boutique wines ($175.00).
Saturday, March 16 Events:
11:00 a.m. Book Signing & Discussion with Chef Andrés: ($50.00; includes choice of Tapas: A Taste of Spain in America or Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen); wine will be served.
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Marketplace Lunch: Local New Jersey wines and products served ($30.00).
12:00 p.m. The New Jersey Mac & Cheese Cook-Off: Five chefs (finalists of the state-wide competition) will battle it out for the “Best Mac & Cheese Award/Title”; attendees will crown the victor ($30.00).
1:00 p.m. Wine & Terroir: Winemakers Philippe Melka of Metisse and Brian Rudin of Buried Cane will lead a discussion & tasting, showcasing how terroir influences the flavor profile of wine ($60.00).
2:00 p.m. Secrets of the Crystal Springs Wine Cellar: A tribute to the late Gene Mulvihill, whose passion for wine led to the creation of Crystal Springs’ 135,000 bottle wine collection, holder of the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2006. A tasting of rare and highly rated wines from the cellar for connoisseurs ($150.00).
3:00 p.m. The Art of Wine Blending: Winemaker David Marchesi of Duckhorn and Paraduxx will discuss and lead a tasting, during which attendees will make their own wine blend ($45.00).
3:00 p.m. The Vodka-less Mixology Session: Master distiller Lincoln Henderson introduces his hand-crafted Angel’s Envy Bourbon. Top New Jersey mixologists will show guests how to integrate brown spirits in cocktails ($50.00).
4:00 p.m. House of Bushmill’s: A tasting of Irish whiskeys, such as Bushmill’s 21-year old ($40.00).
4:00 p.m. Dessert Wines & Sweets: A dessert wine tour around the world paired with delectable desserts ($45.00).
6:30/7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Grand Tasting: The Festival’s signature event will feature more than 100 wines from over thirty wineries and 30 top restaurants from New York City and New Jersey ($125.00; VIP $225.00; VIP admission 6:30 p.m.
The VIP Experience: An outstanding collection of wines and spirits, tastings from José Andrés, the Ryland Inn, Restaurant Latour, acclaimed Washington, DC, Chef R.J. Cooper of Rogue 24 and more – VIP Lounge.
Restaurant Participants include: The Frog and the Peach, Maritime Parc. Osteria Morini, Serenade, Strip House, Costanera Peruana, Agricola, the Orange Squirrel, Blue Morel, Chakra, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Lu Nello, Axia Taverna, The Dining Room at Anthony David, Morris Tap & Grill, Crystal Tavern, and more.
The tasting showcases the wineries and Champagne houses participating in the Festival, including Krug, Sassicaia, Chateau d’Yquem, Dom Perignon, Hess, Chateau Montelena, Penfolds, Cakebread, Veuve Clicquot, and more.
Live entertainment by the thirty-two piece David Aaron Orchestra and an exciting silent auction benefiting the James Beard Foundation.
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Meet the Chefs and Winemakers After Party: Guests will mingle with the chefs and winemakers ($125.00).
Sunday, March 17 Events: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Champagne Brunch: A lavish, brunch buffet accompanied by a variety of Champagnes ($60.00).
Tickets for the 2013 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival went on sale on January 16th at www.njwinefoodfest.com. Resort reservations also began on January 16th, and may be made at (888)881-6991.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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