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Plans Underway for 2009 NOWFE
Posted by perle0 on 2008-12-08 15:10:12
(4974 views) 
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[Events]
[New Orleans] |
 When the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) was conceived 18 years ago founders had enlisted only 40 or so oenophiles and colleagues from the wine industry to showcase their wines at the debut Experience. Today, NOWFE is nationally recognized as one the most prestigious festivals of its kind and features over 175 wineries and 1000 wines over the 5-day event, which now continually raises over $125,000 Annually for local charities. Plans for the 2009 event, scheduled for May 19-23, are shaping up to be the epicurean extravaganza of the year. |
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“The secret of NOWFE’s success is the perfect blend of outstanding wine, extraordinary food, expert panelists and the absolutely amazing backdrop of our city,” states incoming NOWFE President Greg Reggio. “And to be able to use this event to raise money for local charities – that’s the icing on the cake”
The 2009 event will kick off on Tuesday, May 19th with vintner dinners in some of New Orleans’ most celebrated restaurants, followed by the traditional Royal Street Stroll and Vinola Tasting & Live Auction on Thursday, and culminating with Grand Tastings in the internationally recognized Louisiana Superdome on Friday and Saturday. Joyce Godbold, NOWFE Executive Director boasts “We have come a long way from our early days in a small hotel ballroom. This year we expect to top previous years’ attendance over the Memorial Day weekend.”
Several featured seminars and events of the 2009 schedule include:
FEASTival (Inaugural Celebrity Chef Gala): New this year, NOWFE presents its first-ever celebrity chef gala. Don't miss your chance to mix and mingle with some of America's favorite celebrity chefs, including Michel Richard, Marc Vetri, and Neal Fraser as they present signature dishes paired with select wineries in this upscale tasting event. This event takes place on Thursday, May 21, from 7:30pm-10:00pm at Harrah's New Orleans Theatre.
Bubbles & Bites: We’ll pop the cork on some fabulous Champagnes, while Ian Schnoeblen, Executive Chef/Co-Owner of Iris, and one of Food and Wine's 10 Best American Chefs for 2007, tempts your taste buds! Moderated by: Ziggy “The Wine Gal” Eschliman
Farm Fresh with Chef John Besh: John will be joined by the Executive Chef of La Provence, Randy Lewis. They will show you how to go green with ingredients that are freshly picked from his sustainable garden, and you will hear from leading experts on the latest in organic winemaking trends.
Eat Like a Pig: Chef Donald Link (Cochon & Herbsaint) serves cochon du lait & other bizarre foods of Louisiana, paired with a selection of outstanding Rhone Valley wines.
Party Like It’s 1999: Explore Napa Cabs from the 1999 vintage, paired with epicurean delights from legendary local restaurateur, Dickie Brennan, and the Executive Chef of Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Jack Martinez. Moderated by: Ziggy “The Wine Gal” Eschliman.
Table for Two, S'il Vous Plaît: Local expert foodie, Tom Fitzmorris, will explore the hot trend of Bistro French cuisine with four favorite local chefs, while you savor fantastic French wines.
Boot to Boot: Taste trailblazing wines from the Italian boot, while an up-and-coming chef from our own boot offers up a taste of Italian cuisine. Moderated by: Antonio Molesini, Italian Fine Wine Specialist, Republic National Distributing Company
Pastry & Port Paired to Perfection: Premium Ports will be paired with heavenly creations from celebrated local Pastry Chefs, Kristyne Bouley (Herbsaint & Cochon), and Simone Fleming (Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.)
WOW! Women on Wine: Hear from some of the world’s leading women winemakers, and experience the culinary styles of two of New Orleans’ leading ladies, James Beard Award Winning Chef: Susan Spicer (Bayona) and 2008 Food & Wine, Best New Chef: Sue Zemanick (Gautreau’s.) |
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a non-profit organization. The Board of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has announced that ten local organizations have received donations totaling $125,000 to support their programs and foundations. Proceeds from the 2008 event benefited the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s ProStart Program, The University of New Orleans School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism, The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Delgado Community College Culinary Arts Program, New Orleans Firefighter House Fund, Sean Payton’s Play It Forward, Girls First, Cancer Crusaders, Animal Rescue New Orleans, and Fore! Kids.
NOWFE 2009 will be held May 19–23, 2009. For additional information, visit www.nowfe.com. |
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