Great Taste Magazine

www.CafeMeetingPlace.com

CuisineType : Cheese

Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board to Host Foodservice Teachers at Cheese-Education Symposium in May

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) seeks 10 post secondary foodservice instructors to participate in an expenses-paid, three-day tour of cheese making in Wisconsin as well as participate in a developmental symposium for cheese educational resources, May 20-23, 2012.

Deadline for application is March 16, 2012.

Requirements:

• The instructor should be involved with teaching garde manger, product identification or other course(s) that involve educating culinary students in cheese applications, pairings or cheese making.
• During the three-day symposium (which will consist of two half days of ideation sessions in addition to touring dairy farms, cheese plants and a special dinner at Potosi Brewery), instructors should be prepared to discuss and share their own educational best practices in the area of cheese education.
• Instructors must be from post secondary institutions.

Application:

• Name/title/contact information
• School name/description of program
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Courses taught
• Brief description of how the applicant incorporates cheese into his/her current curriculum

All materials should be sent electronically to marygpetersen@comcast.net. Notification to successful candidates will be no later than April 13, 2012.

Qualified applicants must be able to commit to the three-day tour. Basic expenses will be paid by the WMMB ($500 maximum air-travel allowance). No additional guests are allowed. This event is by invitation only. Information is available at www.CafeMeetingPlace.com under “Contests.”

St. Helena,
CA-94574
888-206-8425
ce.culinary.edu/ciachef/CourseListing.asp?master_id=1670&course_area=AE&course_number=1595&course_subtitle=00

CuisineType : Winery

Wine Lovers Boot Camp – Tasting Like a Pro (St. Helena, CA)

If you’ve ever wondered how professionals approach a glass of wine or you want more confidence when tasting a wine presented to you by the restaurant sommelier, you need to attend this Boot Camp! There are common techniques and language all the pros use when tasting wine, and our talented and experienced wine faculty will share them with you. Whether it’s one of the classic grape varieties of the world or an “up-and-comer,” you’ll learn the proper tasting techniques, important wine attributes to note, and fundamental characteristics that determine quality in wine.

You will begin by learning a systematic process for tasting and evaluating wines efficiently and how to apply that process to still, sparkling, and sweet wines. You’ll taste the basic profile of the world’s classic white and red grape varieties and review the terms commonly used to describe the wines made from them. And you’ll gain an understanding of the impact of winemaking techniques—including the fermentation method, oak barrel use, and fortification—on the flavor of wine, as you identify the most common faults found in wines. To add to the fun, you will participate in blind tasting “challenges” with your classmates and compete for the coveted “Camp Champ” medal. In no time flat, you’ll be tasting wine like a pro!

Dress code: The dress code for this course is business casual. Blue jeans, shorts, tank tops, and open-toed sandals are not permitted. When visiting vineyards and wineries, sturdy, flat-soled shoes are required. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances or cologne, as they will interfere with your learning experience as well as that of your fellow students. Additional items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are suggested during the summer months as well as warm jackets during winter months.

Please note: this class is open to students 21 years and older.

For more information and all available dates, visit http://ce.culinary.edu/ciachef/CourseListing.asp?master_id=1670&course_area=AE&course_number=1595&course_subtitle=00

St. Helena,
CA-94574
888-206-8425
ce.culinary.edu/ciachef/CourseListing.asp?master_id=1669&course_area=AE&course_number=1594&course_subtitle=00

CuisineType : Winery

Wine Lovers Boot Camp – Basic Training (St. Helena, CA)

Do you love wine and wish you knew more about it? Whether you are planning a dinner party and don’t know which wines to serve, long to be able to choose wine with confidence at a restaurant, or simply want to try something new but are not really sure where to start, this Boot Camp is for you!

This course is about knowing and enjoying wine as a fundamental part of your lifestyle, whether you are at home, dining out, or hosting a get-together with friends. In just a few days, you’ll take your understanding of wine to new heights and develop a roadmap for exploring the wonderful world of wine to its fullest.

With the expert guidance of the CIA, you will get to know the personality of the world’s major white and red wine grapes as you learn how to decipher wine labels from anywhere on the planet. You’ll visit a vineyard and a winery to understand the impact of “place” on a wine and discover how winemakers influence a wine’s flavor, style, and, ultimately, price. Through tastings, you will learn how to evaluate a wine and explore the basic principles of wine and food pairing. You’ll even prepare and pair a fabulous multi-course meal to enjoy with your fellow Boot Campers!

Dress code: The dress code for this course is business casual. Blue jeans, shorts, tank tops, and open-toed sandals are not permitted. When visiting vineyards and wineries, sturdy, flat-soled shoes are required. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances or cologne, as they will interfere with your learning experience as well as that of your fellow students. Additional items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are suggested during the summer months as well as warm jackets during winter months.

Please note: this class is open to students 21 years and older.

Course Section Register Now!
Term: FY12
Schedule Number: 8895
Instructor(s): Staff
Location: ST. HELENA, CA
Dates: May 21 – 25, 2012 (Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Units: Non-Credit
Notes: *On a select class day, you’ll return to campus for dinner at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.
Required Fees: Tuition $2,195.00

St. Helena,
CA-94574
888-206-8425
ce.culinary.edu/ciachef/CourseListing.asp?master_id=1669&course_area=AE&course_number=1594&course_subtitle=00

CuisineType : Winery

(Jan. 2012) Wine Lovers Boot Camp – Basic Training (St. Helena, CA)

Do you love wine and wish you knew more about it? Whether you are planning a dinner party and don’t know which wines to serve, long to be able to choose wine with confidence at a restaurant, or simply want to try something new but are not really sure where to start, this Boot Camp is for you!

This course is about knowing and enjoying wine as a fundamental part of your lifestyle, whether you are at home, dining out, or hosting a get-together with friends. In just a few days, you’ll take your understanding of wine to new heights and develop a roadmap for exploring the wonderful world of wine to its fullest.

With the expert guidance of the CIA, you will get to know the personality of the world’s major white and red wine grapes as you learn how to decipher wine labels from anywhere on the planet. You’ll visit a vineyard and a winery to understand the impact of “place” on a wine and discover how winemakers influence a wine’s flavor, style, and, ultimately, price. Through tastings, you will learn how to evaluate a wine and explore the basic principles of wine and food pairing. You’ll even prepare and pair a fabulous multi-course meal to enjoy with your fellow Boot Campers!

Dress code: The dress code for this course is business casual. Blue jeans, shorts, tank tops, and open-toed sandals are not permitted. When visiting vineyards and wineries, sturdy, flat-soled shoes are required. Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances or cologne, as they will interfere with your learning experience as well as that of your fellow students. Additional items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are suggested during the summer months as well as warm jackets during winter months.

Please note: this class is open to students 21 years and older.

Course Section
Term: FY12
Schedule Number: 8896
Instructor(s): Staff
Location: ST. HELENA, CA
Dates: Feb. 13 – 17, 2012 (Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Units: Non-Credit
Notes: *On a select class day, you’ll return to campus for dinner at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.
Required Fees: Tuition $2,195.00

Veracruz, Mexico
310-440-8877
www.nancyzaslavsky.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Winter 2012 Tour to Veracruz, Mexico

Thinking of where to take a winter break? Try unwinding with an affordable, sun-soaked Mexican vacation—one packed with world-class food, drink and culture. My small-group tours are great for friends, couples and perfect for singles because everyone feels part of our Mexican food-loving family!

DATES: February 2 to 8, 2012

Veracruz for Fish & Seafood Lovers! Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, is a superb winter travel destination. It's a safe city, warm and welcoming with lots of sunshine and awesome things to do. Kick back in shorts, flip-flops, shades and sunscreen—grab a beer and your new Panama hat—to enjoy the ride! I’ve been bringing small groups of 10 people to Veracruz for over a dozen years tasting some of the most delectable fish and seafood in Mexico. We stay on the waterfront's top hotel with action-packed views of the port in the wildly wonderful coastal city. We're a short stroll to the most exciting, music-filled zócalo in Mexico!

The group enjoys all meals together for a week in great restaurants and my favorite palapa-roof shacks offering a staggering variety of fish and seafood. Our nighttime tacos and tamales crawl is like no other, anywhere—flavors will knock your socks off! You'll love waking up to breakfast coffee at Café de la Parroquía, Mexico's top coffeehouse.

Culturally-speaking, we take a day trip in an air-conditioned van through misty hilly coffee plantations to Jalapa, the state capital, and visit its anthropology museum with stunning contemporary architecture and pre-hispanic art. History buffs also enjoy tours to the fascinating site of Cempoala (also Zempoala), to La Antigua, the first Spanish landing site in Mexico, and to the stunning UNESCO town of Tlacotalpan. Port of Veracruz, Malecón walkway Cempoala (also Zempoala) Evening danzón on the zócalo

$2200. Does not include airfare and inexpensive taxi transport to/from airport/hotel. Fee includes 6 nights hotel (double occupancy, single supplement $400), ALL meals when taken with the group, ALL tastings, demos, tours, museum/site entrance fees and local tour transportation.For more information, please visitwww.nancyzaslavsky.com, 310-440-8877

Pascal's 2012 Silversea Culinary Cruise

Venice, Italy to Istanbul, Turkey

August 3-13, 2012

10 Day Voyage 5222 | Silver Spirit

Cruise Information: http://www.pascalnpb.com/Pascal%20Marianna%20V5222p3.pdf

Tradition by Pascal
1000 Bristol Street North,
CA-92660
949.263.9400
www.pascalnewportbeach.com

CuisineType : Italian, Mediterranean, Turkish, Other

Join Winemaker Pam Starr and Ken Frank of La Toque on a memorable wine and culinary cruise.

We'll spend 9 days aboard the Silverseas' Silver Wind, May 7-16, 2012, touring Italy, Greece and Turkey. Our small group will enjoy private receptions, cooking demonstrations and winemaker dinners onboard. Space will fill up quickly on this luxurious ship which hosts only 292 guests. We hope that you will join us for the trip of a lifetime!

La Toque
700 Dowdell Ln,
CA-94574
831-659-0151
crockerstarr.com

CuisineType : American

Join Winemaker Pam Starr and Ken Frank of La Toque on a memorable wine and culinary cruise.

We'll spend 9 days aboard the Silverseas' Silver Wind, May 7-16, 2012, touring Italy, Greece and Turkey. Our small group will enjoy private receptions, cooking demonstrations and winemaker dinners onboard. Space will fill up quickly on this luxurious ship which hosts only 292 guests. We hope that you will join us for the trip of a lifetime!

La Toque
700 Dowdell Ln,
CA-94574
831-659-0151
crockerstarr.com

CuisineType : American

It is a Wine Cruise- how could you not want to sign up this very moment?

Even though it's a long way off, it's time to start talking about next year's cruise so those who want to go have time to plan. In the month of April we will be cruising up and down the coast of California on a 7 day wine cruise.

Join the California Wine Cruise on a group sailing April 28 to May 5, 2012 and enjoy a leisurely 7 nights to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada on the then newly refurbished Sapphire Princess. Enjoy the new Crown Grill, Piazza International Café and Movies Under the Stars.

Touch of Travel is holding group space on this sailing and in conjunction with Delius Restaurant, you can make this a Wine Tasting cruise, with tours, tastings and luncheons put on by Delius for those who choose to do so.

Pricing includes: 

- All taxes and fees – Bon Voyage party hosted by Delius

- Bottle of wine and souvenir wine tote

- Bottle of wine onboard Sail for $850 per person (pp) in an inside cabin, $1100 pp outside cabin, $1380 pp Balcony cabin, suites and mini Suites also available.

The Exclusive Wine tasting package for $250 pp additional includes:

- Two private wine tasting events on board with Sommelier Dave Solzman

- Private Santa Barbara winery tour with lunch & souvenir glass

- Private Napa Valley winery tour with lunch & souvenir glass Lock in your reservation July 30 to August 14 and your deposit will be only $100 pp and that is fully refundable, until final payment is due. Plus, if you make your deposit during this time, you will receive a coupon booklet good for discounts on many items aboard ship.

Call at 562-426-9130 for further information and to hold a cabin. 

Like we said earlier- how could you not want to go? Maybe this cruise would be appropriate for a Great Taste team vacation… we think so!

Posted By: Ashley Nicole 8/4/2011

During this special program, you’ll live Italy, not as a tourist, but as an Italian, as you travel and dine with food and wine connoisseurs from the real Italy: Magna Grecia, Calabria and Sicily, the places that existed a
thousand years before Rome.
Calabria, the birthplace of wine in mainland Europe, with its breathtaking pristine seas, and Sicily, the land of colors, will show you an Italy that visitors rarely see, and once seen, never forgotten.
Created for the most discerning Epicureans, Splendors of South Italy is the most impressive leisure tour available in Italy and is the only that is presented and hosted by Chef Mark McDonald and The Italian Culinary
Institute (ICI). Our excursion has been planned by people who love fabulous wine and dining, culture and fun as much as you do.
Join us for a colorful gastronomic and cultural journey through the “old country” where so many wonder about but so few venture.

*Price: $3500.00 per person (double occupancy) $3900.00 per person (single occupancy)

For More Information Contact: Mark McDonald

2937 Bristol St. A-102

Costa Mesa, Ca 92626

714-655-6142
chefmarkmcdonald@yahoo.com
www.oldvinecafe.com

Encore / Happy Sushi’s
2640 Cushing Road,
California-92016
www.SanDiegoUkeFestival.com

CuisineType : Asian

UKERS JAKE SHIMABUKURO AND JAMES HILL HIT THE SAME PARTY!The San Diego Ukulele Festival Comes to Town Finally!

On July 14th through July 16th, 2011, the inaugural San Diego Ukulele Festival is coming to town at Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station in the newly renovated NTC McMillan shopping center of Point Loma area in San Diego! Xceptional Music Productions and the Amigo Bros. Event Management are proud to bring this event to this fantastic new venue; a venue that many San Diegans do not even know about yet, and should!

Featuring both infamous ukulele aficionados Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill at the same Festival is quite a feat in itself! Jake, from Maui, will be opening the Festival on Thursday, and James, from Canada, will be closing the Festival Saturday night. These two men have been known to do some amazing and magical things with this small musical instrument underdog; making their ukuleles literally sing as their fingers fly! It’s a sight to be seen and heard, and well worth the concert cost! Fantastic front row VIP table dinner concert seats will be available.

It is said of Jake…“It’s rare for a young musician to earn comparisons to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis”…“Yes, the ukulele, in the hands of Shimabukuro, the traditional Hawaiian instrument of four strings and two octaves is stretched and molded into a complex and bold new musical force.” The San Francisco Gate recently posted: “The sounds the boyish 33-year old wrings from his ukulele…are unlike anything else in the history of the instrument.”

The rest of the Festival in between Thursday and Saturday nights will have tons of free Polynesian themed fun and entertainment for the public! Including ukulele biggies like Hawaii’s Derick Sebastian, Los Angeles’s Ukulele Bartt, and San Diego locals Fred Thompson and Sarah Maisel. There will be other well-known performers from all over as well, a beer and wine garden right in the middle of the fun, Polynesian hula and fire dancer shows, tropical art, food and merchandise to partake in! You will feel like you are on the Islands, without having spent the airfare!

Sponsors are stepping up to join in on the tropical fun like Ohana Ukulele, Kanile’a Ukulele, Kimo Ukulele, Komoa Ukulele, Kala Brand Music Company, Aquila Corde Armoniche Strings, Ballast Point, Constellation Wine, Svedka Vodka, Oggi’s Liberty Station, Encore Catering, Tarantino’s Meats, with more coming! The San Diego Ukulele Festival is looking for a qualified charity to give their Beverage Garden proceeds to. The Polynesian drums are stirring excitement and rumblings about this event; that looks to bring in 1000s from all over the USA, to San Diego for this 3-day Festival.For all information and tickets, go to the website – www.SanDiegoUkeFestival.com .If you’d like more information, please call Fred Thompson at 619-296-4435 or email at Ukulelefred@cox.net .

Cesare Casella wants to share his immense love and expertise for the region of Sicily. His friends range from Sicilian chefs and butchers, restaurateurs and chocolatiers, farmers and fishermen – the extreme exclusivity that Cesare offers through a tour of Sicily is all-encompassing, intimate, and well-researched.

Starting September 4 you’ll smell like chocolate for a day after visiting the Bonajuto factory. You’ll venture through ancient ripening …cheese caves, learn how to butcher the traditional Nebrodi pig from a Michelin starred chef, dine and receive lessons at the most exclusive restaurants in the South of Italy, and receive a master class on the volcanic rich Sicilian wines. Through each experience Cesare will guide you through the tradition behind the craft, and introduce guests to locals who will invite them in, talk for hours, and only let you leave until you’ve eaten two helpings of everything and have finished every bottle of wine on their shelves.

There’s no better way to do Sicily.

Guests will be taken on an intimate, eight day cooking tour of Cesare’s Sicily that includes traditional, Sicilian culinary techniques, innovative use of the region’s seasonal ingredients, private tours within local establishments, and tastings inside central production hubs. Most importantly, guests will understand a city’s people and their culinary traditions.

For more information find the event on facebook Italian Cooking School by Cesare Casella – Sicily.

February 7-22, 2012

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, just awarded World Best Cruise Line by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller invites you to experience true luxury and enjoy the features and amenities of this All-Inclusive product.

ZAP EXCLUSIVE
We are pleased to offer an array of renowned Winemakers and Owners, Lecturers and Tastings while onboard the Seven Seas Voyager.

Our ZAP cruises are becoming legendary for their warm hospitality. We’ve created a schedule of dynamic onboard ZAP activities designed to enhance your up-close and personal wine-tasting explorations.

To learn more about becoming a ZAP member call the office today! 530-274-4900

VOYAGE 1120 ITINERARY | LONDON TO COPENHAGEN
10 Days on Silver Cloud from July 20-30, 2011

Wed, July 20 Southampton, UK
Thu, July 21 Plymouth, UK
Fri, July 22 St. Helier, Channel Islands
Sat, July 23 Rouen, France
Sun, July 24 Rouen, France
Mon, July 25 Honfleur, France
Tue, July 26 Oostende, Belgium
Wed, July 27 Antwerp, Belgium
Thu, July 28 Day at Sea
Fri, July 29 Transiting the Kiel Canal
Sat, July 30 Copenhagen, Denmark

www.silversea.com

VOYAGE 1120 ITINERARY | LONDON TO COPENHAGEN
10 Days on Silver Cloud from July 20-30, 2011

Wed, July 20 Southampton, UK
Thu, July 21 Plymouth, UK
Fri, July 22 St. Helier, Channel Islands
Sat, July 23 Rouen, France
Sun, July 24 Rouen, France
Mon, July 25 Honfleur, France
Tue, July 26 Oostende, Belgium
Wed, July 27 Antwerp, Belgium
Thu, July 28 Day at Sea
Fri, July 29 Transiting the Kiel Canal
Sat, July 30 Copenhagen, Denmark

www.silversea.com

VERACRUZ TOUR
March 10-15 2011

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE TOUR
March 18-24 2011

www.nancyzaslavsky.com

http://www.culinarytourism.org/?page=worldtour

Vacation with me on Oceania’s new Luxury Ship, The Marina (launching in January 2011!) with Fabulous Food, designed by Jacques Pepin, Oceania’s Culinary Director.

You’ll experience a Private “Chef Jamie Cooking Class”, an Exclusive Five-Course Wine Dinner, a Food & Wine Pairing Seminar and more. And, the free airfare means big savings!

I love Italy in the Fall, when there are less tourists and the cities are more comfortable to explore. We depart on October 11th, 2011 for a 10-Day Voyage from Venice to Rome…Come immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle!

I hope to see you on board

For details: http://www.foodandwinetrails.com/index.php?id=184
Or Call 800-367-5348

Vacation with me on Oceania’s new Luxury Ship, The Marina (launching in January 2011!) with Fabulous Food, designed by Jacques Pepin, Oceania’s Culinary Director.

You’ll experience a Private “Chef Jamie Cooking Class”, an Exclusive Five-Course Wine Dinner, a Food & Wine Pairing Seminar and more. And, the free airfare means big savings!

I love Italy in the Fall, when there are less tourists and the cities are more comfortable to explore. We depart on October 11th, 2011 for a 10-Day Voyage from Venice to Rome…Come immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle!

I hope to see you on board

For details: http://www.foodandwinetrails.com/index.php?id=184
Or Call 800-367-5348

Bonjour!

Once again, I will be hosting a special culinary tour through Silversea. My wife and I are looking forward to cruising along these beautiful and culturally rich countries while experiencing their local cuisines. As we travel, I will be finding special local foods to share with you that will give you culinary insight into the flavors and foods of each country. As always, Silversea will treat us with their special touches and famous five-star service.

See you onboard!

-Pascal

Join us for the 2nd Annual Inn to Inn Herb Tour in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. You’ll travel on a self-guided tour comprised of 13 local Inns. Each Inn has been assigned an herb to prepare foods to tantalize your taste buds. You’ll enjoy the many ways to prepare the herbs that add an element of crisp flavor to any dish. Each Inn will offer recipes for you to take home and also a gift to help you start your own harden of herbs.

Contact: Linda Trask for details at 603-356-9772 to toll free at: 877-854-6535.

Oregon Truffle Festival

The Valley River Inn, Eugene, Oregon

Chefs: Jacques Ratier (La Récréation), Rocky Maselli (Marché), Stephanie Pearl-Kimmel (Marché), Philippe Boulot (Heathman Hotel and Bar), Naomi Pomeroy (Beast), Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), Pascal Sauton (Carafe), Cathy Whims (Nostrana)

Special Guests: (Chefs, Winemakers, Brew Masters Etc.: Chef Jacques Ratier and his wife, Noëlle, whose restaurant, La Récréation, was prominently featured in the popular book, From Here, You Can’t See Paris; Michael S. Sanders, author of From Here, You Can’t See Paris; Pierre Sourzat, a fifth generation truffle cultivator and scientist, who directs a truffle college in Le Montat, located just a few kilometers from the Ratiers’ restaurant; Jim Bernau, founder and president of Willamette Valley Vineyards; Cole Danehower, co-publisher and editor of Northwest Palate magazine; and many more!

503.296.5929
info@oregontrufflefestival.com

www.oregontrufflefestival.com