OK — so it may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but it sure is one of the most beautiful, and my mom and sister have never been there, and for food & wine lovers like us, participating in the 22nd ANNUAL LAKE TAHOE AUTUMN FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, SEPT. 13-16, 2007 is about as exciting as …well, Dubai!
There are still tickets available if you want to come join us for mommy’s birthday gala. (The more to yell “ Surprise,” the merrier.)
We’re going to stay right where all the action is at a deluxe North Star condo. Plus we’re going to try and fit in as many of the special events as we can (or have stomach space for.)
Here are just a few of the many choices that sound intriguing:
• Take a tour of the Sunset Idea House. Sunset Magazine and Tahoe Mountain Resorts created an Idea House that celebrates Lake Tahoe’s historic lodges, barns, and mountain vistas and pick up the latest decorating ideas.
• Weigh in on the All-American debate that seems to be heating up backyards across the country –– barbequing or grilling? (While grilling is fast cooking over high heat, usually involving tender cuts of meat, such as burgers, steaks and sausage, barbequing is typically done over charcoal or wood, best for tougher, fattier cuts of meat, such as brisket, ribs, whole hogs and whole turkeys- just one of the many tips you’ll pick up from Lars Kronmark, of the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, Napa.)
• The festival will attempt to answer another burning question: “How many Chefs does it take to prepare an outstanding selection of memorable recipes and dishes September 13-16?” This year the answer will be not as many as you think when you have talented chefs like Joseph Keller, Napa Valley’s Bouchon (Thomas’s brother-need I say more?); Ron Siegel, Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco; Lars Kronmark, and Lara Ritchie, supported by a fleet of Tahoe’s finest chefs and restaurateurs.
• The Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off will feature two local chefs going toe to toe and pan to pan for the one-hour competition will entail both chefs taking one main, secret ingredient and creating as many delicious dishes as possible in the allotted time. Celebrity chef Joseph Keller will emcee the spicy competition.
I’m also considering:
• The Gar Woods Grape Stomp (“foot-on” participation is highly encouraged) and Luncheon.
• Joining the Ritz-Carlton Club Moonlight Martini Reception,and the Charbay Vodka Annual Release Party, and we don’t want to miss the “Champagnes & Sparklers from Around the World” tasting?
• You can even make it a family affair by signing up your budding chef-lets for the Kids’ Hands-On Cooking Camp (ages 9-90)
• I definitely want to join the grand hooplah of the
- Culinary Competition, Grand Tasting and Auction
, which includes Food and wine pairings, live music and dancing, gourmet marketplace, live wine auction, art show and raffles.
The grand finale to Autumn Food & Wine Week, the Grand Tasting features the food of over 30 of the finest restaurants, caterers and chefs from the Lake Tahoe region, paired with wines from premium world-class wineries.
Event tickets can be purchased, along with lodging, by calling 1-888-229-2193 or checking out the festival’s Website to the complete list of events and activities.