Marilu Goes Organic at The Grand Wine & Food Affair!

A Sweet Culinary Collaboration.

Today’s emphasis on healthy living, pure ingredients and fine wine unite in grand style at The Grand Wine & Food Affair.  Wholesome Sweeteners presents the Distinguished Women of Wine Luncheon and Marilu Goes Organic! at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square on April 27.

These are just two of the twenty events enjoyed at The Grand Wine & Food Affair. Actress and connoisseur of healthy living Marilu Henner is the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Distinguished Women of Wine luncheon.  The funny, gorgeous redhead (with brains) from the television show Taxi has become a healthy living sage.  Henner has starred on stage, in several hit TV series, films, commercials, television movies and specials. She has co-starred with some of Hollywood's leading men and worked with some of the best directors in Hollywood and on Broadway.  She believes that with good health you can do it all.  She has an incredible amount of energy, replenished constantly with good health and compatible habits.  Her philosophy is from years of experience, and it is all based on a personal quest to combat unnecessary health risks and adapt an overall "sense" of our body's needs.  She brings her delightful and energetic approach as host of the Distinguished Women of Wine.  If you haven’t seen her lately…you’ll want what she’s having.

Houston’s own Chef Monica Pope of t’afia, culinary superstar and leader in the garden to table movement, will design the menu for the luncheon using fresh organic ingredients.   “My cooking style has developed organically from certain fundamental truths: first, what grows together goes together, and, second, that food simply tastes better when you eat where your food lives.” says Pope.  At t’afia Pope presents a true expression of Texas terroir where the plate is full of the goodness that comes directly from the urban gardens, family farms, small ranches and local batch kitchens.  “What makes her a genuine Texas treasure is she is keen on working with other treasures of this great state  - it's produce, cheese, meats, seafood and wines.  In her hands they become a true celebration of flavor.” says Peg Lee, Central Market’s Cooking School Director.  Pope presents a delightful culinary experience perfectly in sync with Henner’s commitment to healthy living.

The Distinguished Women of Wine luncheon pays tribute to four of the wine industry’s leaders and includes Mary Ewing-Mulligan, the first woman in America to become Master of Wine, Merrill Bonarrigo co-founder of Messina Hof Winery, Joy Sterling of Iron Horse Vineyards and Almudena de Llaguno co-founder of Classical Wines.   Each of the honorees has selected a wine that harmonizes with Chef Pope’s cuisine.  “There is an incredible amount of talent concentrated in this one event, “says event Director Keri Schmidt, “Although this event celebrates women, men and women will treasure this experience.”  Individual tickets and reserved tables of ten are available.

Following the Distinguished Women of Wine Luncheon, Marilu Henner presents an enlightening and entertaining cooking demonstration.  Using what she refers to as the “Legal Sugar”, Marilu prepares both sweet and savory dishes using an array of Wholesome Sweeteners organic products.  Guests will enjoy Katz organic teas, coffee and distinctive wines from organically grown grapes from Bonterra Vineyards.

Sugar Land-based Wholesome Sweeteners offers a full line of certified organic sugars, all produced from sugar cane in a variety of formats including crystals, quick-dissolving granules, liquids and powders.  The sugars can be found at Central Market, most leading grocery stores, natural and organic food stores as well as specialty gourmet shops.  To sweeten the deal, Wholesome Sweeteners are the first U.S. Fair Trade Certified™ sugars on the market.  Fair Trade certification ensures that sugar cane farmers receive a fair price for their harvest and that farmers and their families receive a better income for their hard work - allowing them to hold on to their land, keep their kids in school, and invest in the quality of their harvest.

Central Market presents The Grand Wine & Food Affair, a Sugar Land-Houston celebration.  The events take place April 26 – 30, 2006 and are headquartered at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square.  Learn about the entire series of events by visiting the website at www.TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com or call 713-SIP-WINE (747-9463).