by Frank Mangio
A two day extravaganza for lovers of gourmet fresh foods, wine and spirits, desserts, oils and vinegars, cheeses, spices and much more will be showcased at the GOURMET EXPERIENCE, set for Saturday October 8 and 9 from 11 to 5pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Over 250 exhibitors offer the best in culinary trends, as well as travel and home products and specialty foods.
There will be 12 specialty pavilions, focused on the latest trends, with “That’s The Spirit Beer and Wine Pavilion” catching the most interest for Taste Of Wine readers. You’ll be able to taste and explore fine wines, craft beer and spirits, with award-winning producers.
John Alonge, who runs the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center will be a key speaker on “5 Steps to Truly Enjoy Wine.” Other pavilions you’ll want to check out include: Gourmet Meats, Spice Alley, Grilling and Outdoor Entertainment, Bounty of the County, and the Gourmet In Action Stage.
A number of well-known chefs from restaurants with superior reputations will keep you asking for samples. These include personal favorites Bernard Guillas from the Marine Room in La Jolla with a fun book on the shelves called “Flying Pans-2 Chefs, One World.” He’ll be walking you through his Stout Beer-Braised Prime Beef Short Ribs.
Another chef with an original delicacy is Jeff Rossman from Terra Restaurant and his book “From Terra’s Table.” He will be cooking Fritters and Plating with Avocado Mango Sauce.
It’s two action filled days for testing and tasting in the kitchen, culinary instruction, meeting and greeting and sipping luxury wine and spirits.
Single day passes are $25. in advance, $30. at the door. Weekend passes are $40. advance and $45. at the door, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds O’Brien Hall. Access www.thegourmetexpo.com. 619-312-1212.
At Dudley’s it’s Back to Wine Basics
Eric Dudley grew up in the ethnic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York and the close-knit feeling of camaraderie, especially in the neighborhood pubs that the TV series “Cheers” made famous, stuck with him as he carved a future in wine in Southern California. Three years ago, he opened Dudley’s Wine & Gifts in Murrieta. Why gifts? “Because wine is a gift,” is his quick and accurate answer.
“I always wanted to open a place where you don’t have to know the name and description of the wine and come dressed up, and where it’s comfortable and relaxed. Mission accomplished,” he concluded.
I asked him how he presented his wines at his tasting events which are every Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 5:30pm. He said “I want to humanize the wine experience.
There’s just too much techy talk about sugar levels, oak vs. steel. I stay with aroma, flavor and the vine to wine relationship. I tell stories about the wine.” And that Dudley is very good at. He’s been to 20 countries, most of them romantic wine countries and he is a history and geography expert.
Eric Dudley loves to talk about and offer small production wines at his neighborhood wine bar in Murrieta.
He loves to find and discover small production wines and give them a chance. As they begin to grow in popularity, he feels Dudley’s will grow with them. “Price, although still a consideration, will be secondary to the wine experience as loyalty builds,” he commented.
Dudley’s World Wine Club is a well-thought-out incentive benefit- driven customer plan for real discounts on wines and tastings from countries around the world. To learn more about this and other unique Dudley’s customer privileges, go to www.dudleyswineandgifts.com and the phone is 951-461-2225.
Wine Bytes
§ So Diego Tours has introduced Wine Tasting in the Gaslamp with a walk- around to the wine bars in the neighborhood, with a history of the Gaslamp Quarter. $65. pp. Details at 619-233-8687.
§ 80’s Flashback Concert is at Wiens Winery in Temecula, Fri. Sept. 23 with doors open at 5:30pm. Enjoy the Motels, Naked Eyes and Gene Loves Jezebel. Tickets start at $40 ea. E mail info@goldencrownproductions.com.
§ Wines from Sonoma are spotlighted at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego, Fri. Sept. 23 from 4 to 8:30pm.Taste wines from Russian River Valley and Dry Creek. Details at 619-236-0005.
§ Wine & Chocolate Day to benefit local Hospice is hosted by Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, Sun. Sept. 25 from 4 to 8pm. Wines, food sampling, auctions and live music for $60. pre pay and $70. at the door. Call 951-200-7800 for more.
§ PAON Restaurant downtown Carlsbad is offering a wine and food pairing featuring Puro Uno Wines from Argentina, with winemaker Frank Baroudi on Wed. Sept 28. $24. pp. Phone 760-729-7377.
§ A Taste of Italy is Sat. Oct. 1 from 4 to 10pm in Los Angeles on Main Street in “Little Italy.” Over 20 top Italian restaurants and bakeries will serve. Over 40 wineries will pour. Enjoy live entertainment. Tickets $45. pre sale; $50. at the door. RSVP at 213-485-8432.
No comments:
Post a Comment