the 2019 Greenwich Wine + Food Fest Recap

Social Media Promotion: Portions Sponsored

The 2019 #GWFF Recap

September has been such a busy month! 

As much as we loved all the traveling we did, we couldn't wait to get back to Connecticut at the end of the month to head on up to Greenwich Connecticut for the 9th Annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival. 

The Cowboy and me!

That's right! Approximately 9-1/2 years ago Suni Unger, publisher of Serendipity Magazine, decided that Greenwich CT would be the ideal location for a premier wine and food festival. Boy, did she have it right. Now, nine 'Wine and Food Fests' later, it just keeps getting better and better! 

Matt Storch interviews Valerie Bertinelli

Case in point, this year celebrity chefs like Valerie Bertinelli, Martha Stewart, Marc Murphy, David Burtkus and Geoffrey & Margaret Zakarian were on hand. 

Photo Courtesy: Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

Local celebrity chefs like Robin Selden, Matt Storch, Lindsay Perkins, Bill Taibe and Mary Giuliani were in attendance.

Wait! 

It only gets better! Some of our "Next Food Network Star's" fan favorite competitors like Jessica Tom, David Rose, and Christian Petroni also made appearances. 

Jessica Tom and David Rose

And top notch entertainment - like Michael Franti  & Spearhead, and Grammy award winning Little Big Town.

Little Big Town Takes the Stage
Photo Courtesy Greenwich Wine+Food Fest

The eighth annual Burger Battle was hosted by David Burtka and featured a panel of judges including Marc Murphy, Jessica Tom, David Rose, Christian Petroni, Matt Storch, Robin Selden and Bill Taibe.

2019 GWFF Burger Battle Winners

Photo Courtesy Greenwich Wine+Food Fest

• People’s Choice:  Greenwich Fire Department
• Judge’s Choice:  Greenwich Police Department

The sixth annual Bartender’s Showdown presented by Ketel One, hosted by Gary Dell’Abate, featured a panel of six judges including Ted Koppy, Matt Scott, Suzie Hunter, Erik Ofgang, Tina Redwine and Taylor Kinzler. 

Photo Courtesy Greenwich Wine and Food Festival

2019 GWFF Bartender Showdown Winners

• People’s Choice AND Judge’s Choice:  Cask Republic

Some of my favorite moments from this year's festival were from watching the cooking demonstrations and learning little tips from the pros! 

David Burtka prepares an breakfast baked apple

Marc Murphy's silky carbonara

But, hands down, the Grand Tasting Tent (aka the Culinary Village) was one of the best I've ever experienced in all the years I've attended! 

Here are some of the tasty treats we sampled!

Mix Root Vegetable Chili

Chocolates by LeRouge by Aarti

Fjord Fish Market Poke Salmon Bowl
A crowd favorite!

Little Beet Table
(now open in Greenwich CT!)

Stella Artois always delivers!

Definitely the prettiest table theme and display
Wine Spectator Magazine

Sweet Sip Sampling from PureLeaf Tea

Let there be wine!
And more wine!

Z Hospitality Group

As the sun set over the festival we wound down our night listening to the sweet sounds of Michael Franti  & Spearhead, and stayed to end the night by watching an amazing performance by Little Big Town.

Greenwich Wine + Food Fest, you've done it again! Another great year supporting a wonderful cause like Food Rescue and the local parks commission, and bringing the best of the best to Greenwich Connecticut! 

Stay tuned for news of what's coming to you as this wonderful food and wine festival turns 10 and heads into their TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY for #GWFF 2020!

ABOUT GREENWICH WINE + FOOD

Greenwich Wine + Food celebrates community, charity, food, beverage and more in the Connecticut and New York area with multiple events throughout the year, including the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival presented by PepsiCo, the GWF Golf Classic presented by Pure Leaf, and the GWF Fun Run presented by Aquafina. 2019 beneficiaries include Food Rescue US and the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation.  Greenwich Wine + Food is a part of Unger Media. For more information, visit www.greenwichwineandfood.com.

ABOUT THE GREENWICH WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival presented by PepsiCo is a multi-day event celebrating the area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries. Previous participants include chefs Daniel Boulud, Scott Conant, Mary Giuliani, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marc Murphy, Adam Richman, Marcus Samuelson and Geoffrey Zakarian, as well as musical artists Tim McGraw, Train and Ziggy Marley. This year’s festival will benefit Food Rescue US and the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation; previous beneficiaries include Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Ment’or. Sponsors to date include Pepsico, Bubly, Pure Leaf®, bubly™, LIFEWTR®, The Jeep® Brand Experience, FCA National Sweepstakes, Compass, Westy Self Storage, Greenwich Hospital, Monogram Appliances, NuKitchens, Rudy's Executive Transportation, Barbara Zaccagnini, Whistle Pig Whiskey, 90+ Cellars, Delamar, Blancpain, Manfredi Jewels, Rhone, Stamford Marriott, Ketel One Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Tanqueray Gin, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, Rums of Puerto Rico, Stella Artois, Frito-Lay, The Calling, Floyd of Leadville, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Mionetto, United Airlines, Valerie Wilson Travel, Hess, Wine Spectator, Sysco, Pernot Ricard, Douglas Elliman, Ashforth, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, Val's Putnam Wines & Liquors, Crowne Plaza, Two Oh Three, MYX Creative Kitchen, The Capitol Theatre, Maze, Hotel Zero Degrees, Schoefferhofer, NY Post, Pepperidge Farm, SoNo Collection, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Beyond Meat, Glyph, Soul Point, Lyon Rum.*  The Festival was created by Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine. For more information, visit www.greenwichwineandfood.com, or the event’s social media channels:  Facebook (@Greenwichwineandfoodfestival) and Instagram (@greenwichwineandfood).

Greenwich Wine and Food Festival 2017 Recap

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

This year's 7th Annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival was absolutely amazing! 

I honestly don't know how they do it - but every year it keeps getting better and better. From the delicious gourmet food served by some of New England's best restaurants and restauranteurs -- to the fine wine and libations - and consistently getting top notch entertainment, it truly is the best way to spend a fall weekend in Connecticut.

Greenwich Wine+Food Fest Gift Bags

This year was no exception, and on a beautifully sunny and warm September Saturday, over 5,000 people agreed with me and attended  the Greenwich Wine+ Food Festival. This year a portion of profits supported the year's host Mario Batali's own Mario Batali Foundation, as well as the Friends of James Beard Benefits and the Town of Greenwich Parks and Rec Foundation.

The festival opened on Friday evening with Scott Conant serving as MC of the 2017 Serendipity Magazine's "Most Innovative Chefs" Wine Dinner.  This dinner honors the area's most innovative chefs as well as the festival's ambassador chefs. Each group of chefs prepares their specialty dishes along with select wines and signature cocktails.

• Most Innovative Chefs: Carlos Baez (The Spread), Stavros Karipides (Famous Greek Kitchen), Lisa & Steve Maronian (Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes), Mike Pietrafeso (Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee), Brad Spence (Amis Trattoria), Ian Vest (Back 40 Kitchen) and Marc Weber (On the Marc Events).  
• Festival Ambassador Chefs: Mogan Anthony (Village Social), Rui Correia (Douro/Gaia), Constantine Kalandranis (273 Kitchen), Brian Lewis (The Cottage), Christian Petroni (Fortina), Debra Ponzek (Aux Délices), Nadia Ramsey (Méli-Mélo Catering), Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning) and David Snyder (Char Restaurant).

Saturday is the showcase event, the Grand Tasting where over 150 vendors meet under the Grand Tasting Tent. In addition, contests, demonstrations and interviews are taking place outside the tent. Guests were treated to demos and interview with Celebrity Chef and this years GWFF Chef Host, Mario Batali, Chopped judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Scott Conant, Man V Food host Adam Richman, as well as many locally renowned chefs! Here local Chef Matt Storch interviews Chopped's  Scott Conant. 

Matt Storch and Scott Conant

We started our day visiting the vendors and sampling some of the great food and drink before moving on to the contests, like this one of the Bartender's Showdown!

Bartenders Showdown
Photo Courtesy 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival - Sara Luckey

• Burger Battle Winners: Hapa Food Truck – Judge’s Choice and Darien Butcher Shop – People’s Choice
• Top Bartender Showdown Winners: Juan Meyer from Eastend in Greenwich – Judge’s Choice and Jamie Johel from Craft 14 Kitchen + Bar in Wilton – People’s Choice

Here are some of our pictures from throughout the day

Small bites from The Lodge at Woodloch

Wine Pour with AIX Wine

Delicious offerings from Back 40
featuring their delicious Sunday Brunch

More Delicious Wine from Greenwich Wine + Food Fest

Del Frisco's Grille at Greenwich Wine + Food Fest

Bom Bom is the Bomb!

The highlight of my night was staying for the first time to see the entire entertainment act of the evening - with headliners TRAIN closing out the evening!

Train
Photo Courtesy 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival - Sara Luckey

We had a wonderful time again this year at Greenwich's premier food festival and can't wait to return next year to see what Serendipity Magazine has in store for us all!

Hope we see you there!

For more photos of our day 

visit our Facebook page HERE 

and while you're there - don't forget to "like" us!

Greenwich Wine and Food Festival

Sponsored by Serendipity Magazine

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park

100 Arch Street

Greenwich CT 06830

https://serendipitysocial.com/greenwich-wine-food/

Disclaimer: Portions of our weekend at the Greenwich Wine and Food Fest were sponsored.

3rd Annual Serendipity Golf Classic

3rd Annual Serendipity Golf Classic
Presented by Barbara Zaccagnini
To Benefit B*Cured

 The tournament you've been waiting for is back! 

The GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, NY, will host the 3rd Annual Serendipity Golf Classic presented by Barbara Zaccagnini on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017.

Philanthropic golfers will play in support of the B*Cured charity, enjoying not only the beautiful course and playing experience GlenArbor is known for, but also eating lunch on the club’s scenic terrace, sampling the course’s signature wood-fired pizzas and having a chance to win the hole-in-one prize. After their eighteen holes, foursomes will come together for a cocktail reception with a buffet dinner, awards & pitching contest, auction, cigar bar, luxury gift suite and more.

 For more information or to buy a foursome, go to https://serendipitysocial.com/serendipity-golf-classic-3/. 

About B*Cured

B*Cured is a non-profit organization working to end brain cancer by funding innovative research. The organization has awarded $1.5 million in the form of twenty-one grants for research being done across the country at top universities and hospitals.

Greenwich Wine and Food Fest 2016 Returns in September

THE SIXTH ANNUAL 

GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL 

RETURNS SEPTEMBER 23-24

#GWFF2016

Multi-Day Event to Benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and

The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation

It's back! Save the dates -- September 23rd and 24th!

The 6th Annual GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL, presented by Serendipity magazine (www.serendipitysocial.com) and benefiting Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation, will be taking place Friday, September 23– Saturday, September 24 at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut.  

The festival will feature a Master Chef Dinner at Water’s Edge on Friday, September 23 and the Saturday Festival on Saturday, September 24.


“We are excited to be back for our sixth year honoring the best of food, drink, charity and music,” said Suni Unger, Founder & CEO of Unger Publishing and the Founder & CEO of Greenwich WINE+FOOD Festival.  “We have some exciting changes this year, including an expanded Friday evening event with even more local talent preparing their creative fare for our guests.  For Saturday, an all-new event, the Ultimate Sandwich Take-Down, will be added to the day’s line-up, and additional ticketing options for the headline performance including premium seating and unique food service will be added to our previous offerings.” 

In addition to unique culinary samplings and competition there is fabulous music! 

This year the event is featuring Ziggy Marley, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Bacon Brothers!

“We wanted to give our guests an extra special night of music to cap off Saturday’s festival this year, so are featuring two co-headlining acts that are sure to get the crowd on their feet,” said Suni Unger, Founder & CEO of Serendipity magazine and the GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL. “The combination of Ziggy Marley’s reggae with the American string band Old Crow Medicine Show will entertain everyone in attendance.”

“We are also excited to once again welcome back Connecticut’s own Kevin Bacon, along with his brother Michael, to join in our celebration and offer their unique blend of folk, country and rock music to an intimate group of attendees at the Master Chef Dinner on Friday night,” added Unger.

In addition to the musical acts, celebrity chefs Michel Nischan, Adam Richman and Marcus Samuelsson will participate in this year’s festivities, conducting cooking demos, mingling with guests and signing cookbooks.

At the Master Chef Dinner on Friday evening, Adam Richman will award Serendipity’s Most Innovative Chefs from across Fairfield and Westchester Counties (honorees TBA) who will serve their signature dishes. Festival Ambassador Chefs will also be in attendance, preparing their best cuisine. The special evening is rounded out with renowned wine selections, creative cocktails and an auction.

The celebration of local and national talent continues on Saturday, the signature day of the GREENWICH 2016 WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL. The lineup features tastings and demonstrations from more than two hundred of the area’s finest food, wine, spirits and product vendors in the Grand Tasting Tent, as well as the Burger & Brew Tent, Grill Master Tent and Taco Party! There will also be a number of lively competitions, including the first annual Ultimate Sandwich Take-Down, the fifth annual Burger Battle and the third annual Top Bartender’s Showdown. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy sommelier presentations, celebrity book signings, and Q&A sessions with top culinary experts.  

Saturday VIP ticket holders ($375 per ticket) are invited to the Sustainable Dinner with three-time James Beard Foundation Award winner Michel Nischan, highlighting exquisite, locally-sourced ingredients, served under a private tent with premium liquor, wine and beer. Ticket holders also have access to exclusive lounge areas (open throughout the day), private restrooms and a premium viewing area for the evening’s musical performance.  

The Saturday VIP Pass with Intimate Dinner, featuring Marcus Samuelsson and Red Rooster Harlem, will give attendees the opportunity to sample the best of Harlem in a stunning waterfront setting. Award-winning chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson will prepare a meal inspired by the roots of American cuisine at a seated dinner with table service (6:30-8:30pm). Attendees can take in the evening’s musical performance from private tables on an elevated stage ($525 per ticket) or from reserved, lawn table seating ($450 per ticket). Table packages will be available as well. 


The Master Chef Dinner at Water’s Edge on Friday evening will feature not only this year’s awarded Most Innovative Chefs from across Fairfield and Westchester Counties serving their signature dishes, but also Festival Ambassador Chefs will prepare their most innovative cuisine.  The intimate evening will also feature renowned wine selections and creative cocktails, an auction and live musical performance.

The Saturday Festival, the center of the entire GREENWICH 2016 WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL, will offer tastings and demonstrations from more than two hundred of the area’s finest food, wine, spirits and product vendors in the main Grand Tasting Tent, as well as the Burger & Beer Tent, Master Griller Tent, the first annual Ultimate Sandwich Take-Down and Taco Party!  

Culinary demonstration tents and stages will house cooking presentations by celebrity chefs, including Marcus Samuelsson (“Chopped,” “Iron Chef” and winner of “Top Chef Masters”), and local talent. Guests will also enjoy sommelier presentations, celebrity chef book signings, Q&A sessions with top food and beverage talent, the fifth annual Burger Battle, the third annual Top Bartender’s Showdown and a live musical performance (talent TBA).  

VIP ticket holders ($375 per ticket) will also enjoy a Sustainable Dinner by the water’s edge, prepared by local chefs featuring the finest, locally-sourced, sustainably-produced ingredients under a private tent with premium liquor, wines and beer service, secluded lounge areas open throughout the day, private restrooms and and a premium viewing area for the evening’s musical performance. 

A special ticketed event, Saturday VIP Pass with Intimate Dinner featuring Marcus Samuelsson and Red Rooster Harlem, will give attendees the opportunity to enjoy the best of Harlem by the water’s edge, featuring the roots of American cuisine from award-winning chef, restaurateur and multi-titled cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson.  Featuring a seated dinner with table service (6:30-8:30pm), attendees will also enjoy the evening’s musical performance from private, tables on an elevated stage ($525 per ticket) or from reserved, lawn table seating ($450 per ticket).

Visit www.serendipitysocial.com for more information and updates about the event schedule, participating celebrity and local chefs, musical talent and more. 

Buy tickets here ==> http://serendipitysocial.com/greenwich-wine-food/tickets/ 

Follow updates on Greenwich Wine + Food Festival's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/GreenwichwinefoodFestival, for restaurant participants and schedule happenings!

The event will be held rain or shine, and anyone under 21, including infants or strollers, will not be admitted.  Animals are also not permitted.

ABOUT THE GREENWICH 2016 WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL

The GREENWICH 2016 WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL is a multi-day event that benefits The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a nationwide organization dedicated to providing healing to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses, as well as The Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation.  The festival is partnered with Serendipity magazine and Pepsi. 

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival 2014 Recap - #GWFF2014

The 4th Annual Greenwich Food+Wine Festival featured a stellar line up of Celebrity Chefs, Food Demonstrations and Competitions, and, of course, their usual line up of amazing vendors, sponsors, and entertainment.

Welcome to the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival!

Presented by Serendipity Magazine and Unger Publishing in support of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, this year's event drew over 5000 culinary enthusiasts, and close to 200 vendors featuring wine, beer, beverage and food tastings, and culinary related merchandise. The Greenwich Food+Wine Festival is the ultimate three day foodie adventure!

Over the course of the weekend participants experienced specialty dining events, competitions, and extravaganzas, such as oyster night, innovative chefs gala (hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian and John Georges) and tostadas and tequila pairing dinner  (hosted by Aaron Sanchez) and more!

In addition, there were concerts in the evening featuring the Marshall Tucker Band and Alabama! But the highlight of the event each year is the Culinary Village where over 175 restaurants and beverage distributors, as well as culinary product distributors, showcase their wares.

Here's some sights and experiences from this year's Culinary Village event!

Chipolte Scallop Bisque - Parallel Post
Pictured above L-R: Kenny B and Chef de Cuisine Ali Goss

From Barcelona Wine Bar Greenwich
Clockwise L-R, Chef Lucente carves Mangalica, chick pea pancake, gazpacho

Cook and Craft - Old Greenwich CT

Fairfield Cheese Company

Harvest Vodka

MW Coastal Goods

One of the highlights of my day were the interviews in the CTbites lounge, which featured many of the celebrity and local chefs participating over the weekend. 

I honestly felt like I was transported to the Food Network studios as I met some of my favorites from Chopped (judges Aaron Sanchez and Geoffrey Zakarian), Anne Burrell from Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, as well as two contestants from the Next Food Network Star (season 10) Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch.

In addition there were also some local chefs and restaurant teams, as well as the Travel Channel's Adam Richman (Man V Food).

Anne Burrell discussed her joy of preparing food and spoke about her upcoming cookbook  Own Your Kitchen. Chef Burrell explains, "give someone joy with what you create with your own hands".

The interviews were conducted by Danielle Dubin Manion of Serendipity Magazine and Chef Matt Storch, owner and chef at South Norwalk's Match Restaurant.

Chef Anne Burrell
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef Storch from Match Restaurant.

Click the arrow below to hear a portion of Chef Burrell's interview.

Another favorite, Geoffrey Zakarian explained how his life path was changed by a summer vacation. He was on the track to acheive his MBA with an emphasis on economics when a trip to France changed his career path.

Geoffrey Zakarian with Chef Storch (L) and Danielle Manion (M)

Hear a portion of Chef Zakarian's interview with Adam Richman and Chef Matt Scorch of Match SoNo.
Click the arrow to play.

Adam Richman was another fun interview and began by talking about one of his favorite restaurants in New Haven, and one of mine as well, Bentara on Orange Street in my beloved 9th Square! His favorite menu item there?  Mee Soup Istimewa peanut based soup. My favorite too!

Adam Richman
Pictured with Matt Storch owner/chef of Match Restaurant and Danielle from Serendipity

In the mini-clip below Adam talks about his favorite spice Sirichia and some other favorite places to eat Bayo Hot Wings, Brasa Rotisserie, and the Pig and the Lady. Click the link below to hear more.

And another Food Network favorite, Aaron Sanchez joined us to talk about his new restaurant in Stamford CT, Paloma, the chefs who inspire him (starting with his mom!), and more! Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture any video of his interview - but suffice it to say he was such a humble 'regular' guy.

Aaron Sanchez
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef/Owner Storch of Match Restaurant in South Norwalk.

We also met up with the Next Food Network Star's competitors Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch! I kept looking around for TV cameras thinking they were still competing!!

Nicole Gaffney
Check out her blog Too Full for School - all about Coastal Cuisine!

Emma Frisch - bottom right Emma's Mom joins the interview
Read Emma's blog at Frish Kitchen - Did you know Emma is from CT?

Here, local celebrity chef Rafael Palomino shares his thoughts on favorite ingredients, social media reviewers, and how to deal with unhappy customers. Click the arrow below to hear more.

So much food to eat, wine to drink, cocktails to sample, and products to hear and learn about. The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a foodie paradise!

For more pictures of the event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!

The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a must for anyone who loves food. Be sure you put it on your calendar next fall!

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Site of the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival
Arch Street Greenwich CT

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

Special Thanks to Shelley from Splash PR for the opportunity to participate again this year!

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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.