2007 - The Grand & Wine Food Affair
A Texas Classic

HOUSTON, TX, February 2, 2007 - The Grand Wine and Food Affair, a Sugar Land – Houston celebration, is drawing more winemakers, noted chefs and adding more exciting events, making this one of the nation’s foremost wine and food festivals. Central Market presents The Grand Wine & Food Affair which is celebrating its fourth year with events commencing April 25, 2007 through the weekend with headquarters at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square.  

The ultimate in elegance is One Enchanted Evening with Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards —a black tie gourmet dinner — slated for Wednesday, April 25, and presented by Sterling McCall Automotive Group. This indulgent experience pairs the world-class wines of Napa Valley’s Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards with inspired recipes from Kuleto Estate’s acclaimed executive chef Janelle Weaver. At The Lodge at Bayou Bend, executive chef Matt Maroni will oversee the preparation of this sumptuous multi-course dinner, pairing the finest seasonal fare with artisan local ingredients to create an unprecedented dining event.  As guests dine with Pat Kuleto, they will enjoy a rare opportunity to discuss the rich and fundamental relationship between food and wine with one of America’s most revered restaurateurs. This adventurous dining experience is $250 per person and corporate tables are available.

The Waldorf-Astoria hotel has set the standard for fine dining and luxurious service.  On Thursday, April 26 at 11:30 AM you can enjoy Lunch at the Waldorf with the Waldorf-Astoria’s executive chef, John Doherty.  He will be assisted by Didier J. Dessemond, executive chef at Hilton Americas. Copies of Doherty’s Book, Waldorf-Astoria Cookbook, chronicle his favorite recipes with  fascinating sidebars that tell the rich history of the hotel will be available for purchase and signing.  This special wine luncheon is hosted by Master Sommelier, Guy Stout and will be held at one of Houston’s newest landmarks, Hilton Americas.  Tables of ten are available for $800 or reservations may be made for individual seats for $80.

From black tie to cowboy boots, there is an array of entertainment Texas style.  Haakstravaganza!, Thursday, April 26, is a delightful evening at the Mediterranean-style Haak Vineyards, located between Galveston and Houston, complete with award-winning premium varietals, a Texas Gulf Coast feast and Ezra Charles and the Works, along with tours by winemaker Raymond Haak.  Transportation to the vineyard is an optional option from various locations.  Visit the website for complete details and pricing.

The Grand Wine & Food Affair is proud to present the Premium Ports tasting as part of the Fred Parks Wine Lecture series.  This natural partnership combines the efforts of both organizations whose mission is to promote knowledge and enjoyment of fine wines.  Other than Bordeaux or Burgundy, savvy wine collectors choose vintage Port for its unparalleled longevity.  For those who want to taste this phenomenon, an extraordinary event will be presented by the brilliant Paul Mugnier, President of Premium Ports who will provide an educational tasting of nine ports aged over four decades.  This event is held at Brennan’s of Houston on Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $110 per person.

The VIP Grand Pass is a three-day classic combination that includes access to The Grand Tasting, the Sienna Sip & Stroll and the Bistro Brunch for $235.   The Grand Tasting will take place on April 27, at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square and features reserve quality or better wineries such as Alexander Valley Vineyards, Rodney Strong, DeLoach Vineyards, Hook and Ladder Vineyards and Sterling Vineyards.  There will be more than 40 celebrated chefs including Francois Payard from Payard Patisserie & Bistro in New York and Payard Brazil in Brazil; Richard Chamberlain from Chamberlain’s Steakhouse in Dallas and Envy Steakhouse in Las Vegas; Jeff Balfour of Citrus, Hotel Valencia in San Antonio; Texas Hill Country’s acclaimed cookbook author Rebecca Rather of The Pastry Queen; and Houston’s Randy Evans of Brennan’s of Houston; John Sheely of Mockingbird Bistro; Matt Maroni of The Lodge at Bayou Bend, Robert Gadsby of Noé; Jason Gould of Gravitas; Philippe Schmit of Bistro Moderne; Jeffrey Everts of Olivette in The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa; Hugo Ortega of Backstreet, and Bruce McMillian of Amici in Sugar Land among many others.  Individual tickets for The Grand Tasting are $125. This event has been a sell-out in the last two years so reserve yours early.

A highlight of the festival is the Sienna Sip & Stroll, Saturday, April 28, 1-4 p.m. During this event, Sienna Plantation will host over forty wineries and feature a restaurant showcase with culinary delights displayed at thirty tasting tables.  During the Sienna Sip & Stroll, guests may enjoy a host of activities including   cooking demonstrations, meet world class cigar makers at the Cigar Cigar, or the Texas Two-Step where winemaker couples will discuss and taste their favorite wines in a lively panel discussion.   Tickets are $60 per person.  

Experience the ultimate Texas wine flight and you don’t just have to imagine it as it is the newest event for the Grand Food and Wine Affair.  Join us this year for this unique and special experience which will take off from the Sugar Land Regional Airport on Saturday, April 28.  Imagine the ultimate and unique Texas vintner dinner.  You arrive at the most well-appointed corporate airport in Texas where you are greeted with fine wine and Hors d’oeuvres while you await top board a private jet to be whisked away in the lap of luxury to the world-class Flat Creek Estate.  Proprietors, Rick and Madelyn Naber greet guests and provide tour of the vineyard and tasting before dinner.  A multi-course gourmet dinner is served in front of the limestone fireplace overlooking the vineyards which will be in full bloom in late April.  Tickets are $1,350 per person and corporate packages can be reserved.  

Capping the event on Sunday, April 29, is the Bistro Brunch in Sugar Land Town Square presented by Goheen Financial Group.  This grand finale event celebrates the world’s major wine regions with vintages and food from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, California, and, of course, Texas.  Along with wines, guests can also enjoy champagne or brunch cocktails.  Tickets are $50 per person.
The Grand Wine & Food Affair is proud to support the Conrad N. Hilton College of Restaurant and Hotel Management at the University of Houston through the Grand Wine & Food Affair Scholarship Endowment.  For more information regarding the Grand Wine and Food Affair and a complete list of events and pricing information, visit TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com or call 713-SIP-WINE.
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**    Note to Editors: High Resolution photographs are available.  Media passes are available and interviews can be arranged with prior requests.

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