Saturday, October 5, 2013

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.

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park‎
Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830

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. 

24 comments:

  1. Such a great time! The weather was beautiful and the food delish. this was my second year. It is on my yearly must list for sure. I have to say I enjoyed just about everything. Bobby Qs ribs were delish (as always) and the bloody mary's from Tavern on Croton Landing were amazing. A great way to start the day of sampling!

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    1. Beth, I know there was so much I missed due to the crowds. Hopefully next year there will be more aisle room, and some room in between vendors. But in any case, it certainly was a great event!

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  2. I'm sorry I missed saying "hello!" I was trying not to talk during the chef Q&As but you were right near me! Glad you made it down and had fun. This is a great food fest.

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    1. Andrew, it sure is a great food fest! Can't believe I missed meeting so many great writers that I follow!

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  3. I'm so sorry we didn't have a chance to connect! So glad the weather cleared up like it did--it was a gorgeous day full of fun and food! This was the first time I attended, but I will definitely back. Phenomenal!

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    1. I was so captivated by the celebrity demos that I neglected be social! haha! Carrie, hope we meet up soon, I agree, it was my first time too, and I'm already planning on returning next year!

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  4. Wish I lived a bit closer! looks like a great event : )

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    1. It's about an hour drive for us...which meant that there was more food tasting then wine tasting, but the drive was most definitely worth it!

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  5. I'm a huge Top Chef fan so your Richard Blais pic has me so jealous! It looks like it was a great time and I definitely hope to make it out next year! Thanks for sharing though! :)

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    1. Chelle, I was so nervous talking to him, but he couldn't have been more gracious and kind. And FUNNY! I'm really looking forward to his new show.

      Next year make it a "must" - this event is fabulous!

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  6. Looks like a really fun time! I'm surprised you didn't hit traffic though, it's nearly constant down here! lol

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    1. I was surprised too! We hit a few slow downs and congested areas...but nothing that brought us to excessive slow down or stop. And that was both ways! So happy!

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  7. You are SO fast on your recaps! I'm still bummed I didn't see you but clearly you were able to capture every bit of the event!
    The Harvest cocktails were by far my favorites too!! ah, I could go for one right now!

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    1. I have a craaay-zeee schedule this week - so I knew I had to jump right on my posts this weekend! I'm bummed too we didn't get to visit. Next year I'm setting rendezvous times with everyone!
      Hope your ankle is on the mend. Yes! Harvest Cocktails for everyone! YUMMMM!

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  8. You have the best blog Bonnie! Great photos and so informative! I wish I lived a bit closer to Greenwich. Perhaps next year I'll take the road trip!

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    1. Thanks so much Catherine! Definitely take a road trip! This is a great event.

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  9. Wow that looks like such a great time! And so delicious! I love your photos!

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  10. Bonnie I am so sad that I missed you! What a wonderful event!! We had a great time and I loveeeeee the picture of you and Richard! ( I love how you made it look all dreamy! :D ) Great recap! Photos are awesome as always!!

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    1. Awwww...I'm sad I missed you too! I'm still coming down from my foodie high, and I know you are too! This was pure heaven to us both! Amazing time!

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  11. I can't wait to attend this event next year. Bonnie you are becoming quite the food blogging star.

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    1. Natasha, this is a great event, definitely not to be missed!

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  12. Wow it looks like such an awesome event, and right in our own little backyard (relatively). I don't have a favorite celeb chef in particular but it would be nice to attend an even like this someday!

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    1. Kyle, if you like food, this is the place to be. The celebrity and local chefs are just the icing on the cake!

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