Greenwich Wine and Food Festival in Greenwich CT

This weekend we traveled to Greenwich CT for the third annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival.

I was beyond thrilled to attend, for several reasons.  

First, because the festival supports Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. All of the proceeds from the festival’s Kick-Off Party, live and silent auctions, and direct donations benefit the organization.

Secondly, the list of over 100 vendors that were participating was amazing. 

Third, a group of celebrity chefs that I idolize. 

And lastly, because the venue, Roger Sherman Park, sits directly on Long Island Sound, and I knew the views there would be incredible.

I was not disappointed on any counts. In fact, the event far exceeded my expectations! 

We started out late Saturday morning to take the one hour trek down CT's I-95 to Greenwich. The park was just a few blocks from the exit (Exit 3 Arch Street) and there was plenty of parking directly across the street. Luckily, we encountered very little traffic on our way up, and arrived just a bit after the event opened at noon. I did hear that parking was scarce later in the afternoon, so I'm so glad we arrived early!

We checked in and received our souvenir wine glass, a Greenwich Wine+Food tote, and a copy of Serendipity Magazine, published by the event's sponsor, Unger Publishing. 

We started off in the CT Bites hospitality tent to say hello and I was thrilled that I was able to catch part of Chef Prasad Chirnomula of Thali and  New Haven's Thali too. 

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is the 2013 Elm City Iron Chef Champion. It was so interesting to hear him talk about the competition and how he created each dish. "Each plate told a story" he related. And, in spite of thinking he was the underdog, he emerged the victor! 

We then moved into the main tent where we sampled some of the great cuisine and cocktails from restaurants in the greater Greenwich area. Here's just some of our favorites!

L-R

Beef Tongue Crostini from The Spread SoNo

Tequila Salmon Brochette with a Lime Vinaigrette from the Ritz Carlton Westchester

Carved Prosciutto from Barcelona Wine Bar

                                                               More of our favorites 

Clockwise, L-R
Cookies and pastries from Sweet and Simple
Marinated Octopus from Napa & Co.
Pumpkin Apple Ravioli from Parallel Post
Stuffed Grape Leaves from Elia Taverna

And more favorites 

Pictured below, is my very favorite cocktail of the day, from American Harvest Spirits, the Farmers Market Cinnamon Citrus Smash, made with American Harvest Vodka, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, Apple cider and garnished with mint leaves. Can you say HEAVEN in a FALL COCKTAIL! YUM!

American Harvest Farmers Market Cinnamon Citrus Smash
Click HERE for Recipe

In the celebrity tent I was able to catch the end of the Singing Chefs, Neil Fuentes and Billy DiCrosta as they led the crowd through their Latin-infused singing, dancing, and cooking show! What fun!

Neil Fuentes and Billy Crosta

Then I sat in on Dale Talde's demonstration. Chef Talde is the owner of Dim Sum and Talde, and a fan favorite Top Chef competitor. He did a great job of engaging the audience by talking about his heritage and how it related to his cooking style and preferences.

Dale Talde

And, one of the highlights of my day was meeting and watching Top Chef All-Star Winner, Richard Blais demonstrate Smoked Fish Tacos. I have to say, I was truly surprised at how funny he is, he was such a heartfelt and serious competitor. And, best of all, my fellow fans will be happy to learn that he's just a television click away, as he'll be the host of a new reality show, "Cook Your @ss Off" on the Headline Network.

He'll definitely be a great host, as he really kept this audience laughing and rolled with all the mis-haps happening all around him.

Richard Blais

What a great time we had at the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival! The celebrity chefs were so approachable and happy to meet with their fans. And it was equally wonderful to meet some of the local chefs from Fairfield County's best restaurants and chat with them.

This will definitely be on our yearly "Must" list!   Be sure to put it on yours.

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park‎

Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830

On the Web: http://greenwichwineandfood.com/

Like them on facebook: Here

Follow them on twitter: @GWFOODandWINE

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Did you attend the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival?  

Who are your favorite chefs and what are your favorite dishes?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Disclaimer:  We received media entry to the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival, however, all opinions herein are our own.