ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 1997 TAG: 9703260015
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: the wine list
SOURCE: BETH CRITTENDEN
Have you ever dreamed of taking cooking classes taught by master chefs, swirling world-class wines with some of America's most knowledgeable wine authorities and immersing yourself in a totally indulgent gastronomic experience?
Boy, do I have an event for you!
The Homestead, in Hot Springs, will host its annual Food and Wine Spectacular April 18-20. The weekend event features cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and various seminars on wine, food styles, trends and entertaining.
Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet and learn from wine expert Kevin Zraly, wine director of New York's famed Windows on the World restaurant. Zraly is known for his no-nonsense, easy-to-understand approach to wine education and is the founder and instructor of the Windows of the World Wine School. He also is the co-founder of the Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience, a worldwide wine extravaganza held annually.
Virginia winemaking techniques
Virginia's state enologist Bruce Zoecklein will discuss the winemaking techniques used at some of Virginia's most renowned wineries.
Representatives from dozens of wineries will be on hand for Friday evening's Opening Night Tasting Extravaganza, pouring samples for guests to sip and pair with a wide array of foods prepared by the event's guest chefs. Last year's culinary spread featured pates, grilled meats and vegetables, sumptuous dessert pastries, seafood and more. Many of the offerings were prepared as you watched by the guest chefs.
For the food lovers
Guest chefs for the weekend include White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, who will conduct a cooking demonstration on the "artful, yet simple technique of making great desserts at home." Also from the White House, former executive chef Henry Haller will present "a nostalgic presentation of the most favored dishes served throughout five presidential administrations."
Other chefs participating in menu preparation and seminars include Roberto Donna from Washington's, Galileo; Jimmy Sneed from Richmond's The Frog and the Redneck; Aaron hurdle from Atlanta, Ga.'s, Villa Christina; Alex Jakovleski of Cleveland, Ohio's, Christino's; and The Homestead's executive chef, Albert Schnarwyler.
The keynote speaker for the Saturday evening dining extravaganza, which will be a joint production by all the guest chefs, is author, educator and food and wine columnist John Mariani. The honorary chairwoman for the event is Virginia's first lady Susan Allen, who will speak about Virginia's rich history and appreciation of food and wine.
The Homestead's Wine and Food Spectacular runs Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon and includes two nights' accommodations and all the events listed here, plus more. The price for the weekend is $485 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information, call The Homestead at (800) 838-1766. Cheers!
WINE WEEKEND
FEATURED WINES
NV Barboursville Brut (Va.) $12
'94 Bouchhaine Vineyards Chardonnay (Calif.) $18
'95 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Ore.) $13
'93 Flora Springs Trilogy (Calif.) $30
'94 Le Ducq Napa Valley Red (Calif.) $70
-The Wine List runs monthly on the Extra section's food page. Beth Crittenden is a local wine wholesaler, wine educator, writer and founder of the Roanoke Valley Wine Society, which usually meets for wine-tasting programs on the fourth Thursday of each month. If you have a wine-related question or would like more information on the society, call 562-2078.
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