By Rob Adams
Sentinel Reporter
As a service to our readers, it is suggested that one does not review this while hungry. The hunger pangs will only increase.
The 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, presented by Serendipity magazine, is a multi-day event celebrating the area’s rich culinary landscape, while showcasing innovations in the food and beverage industries.
The seventh annual festival will be held at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Friday, Sept 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, kicking off with a Master Chef Wine Dinner on Friday, followed by a full day of food, drinks and more on Saturday.
Celebrity chef Scott Conant will be Friday’s honoree; the Food Network star and famed restaurateur will talk about innovation in the restaurant industry and introduce the area’s top chefs who have been named Most Innovative and Ambassador chefs.
“Chef Conant’s fantastic New York City restaurants like L’Impero and Alto have made his name synonymous with innovation, so it’s only fitting that he’ll be introducing the incredible lineup of chefs in this region who also push the culinary envelope,” said Suni Unger, Founder and CEO of Serendipity and the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival. “We’re also thrilled to have festival favorite Adam Richman back as a special guest who will mix and mingle with Friday night guests!”
Friday night will finish with a live performance from platinum-selling blues rock band Big Head Todd and the Monsters, while platinum-selling rock band Train will be Saturday’s headlining musical performance.
“We have been so lucky over the past seven years to host amazing musical talent at the Festival, and this year the tradition continues with Train,” said Unger “In addition to their celebrated musical careers, they are foodies with their own chocolate brand and wine label. They’re a perfect fit to close out our seventh year of festivities!”
Celebrity chef Mario Batali, who is a partner in Tarry Market and Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, NY, will appear Saturday to conduct a cooking demo as well as host a book signing.
The main beneficiary of this year’s Festival is the Mario Batali Foundation. Founded in 2008, MBF raises funds to provide literacy programs, as well as nutrition information and access to emergency food organizations to underprivileged children and their families. MBF also funds pediatric disease research. Other Festival beneficiaries include The Friends of James Beard Benefits and the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation.
“We are thrilled to welcome him to the Festival for the first time, and announce the Mario Batali Foundation (MBF) as the event’s primary beneficiary,” Unger added. “We are proud to help raise awareness and funds for this wonderful organization that strives to ensure all children are well read, well fed and well cared for.”
“I’m excited to be part of this year’s fun lineup of talent and especially honored to have MBF be this year’s main beneficiary,” said Batali. “The festival’s support of feeding, educating and encouraging children speaks volumes of their commitment to supporting their community.”
The Grand Tasting tent is the center of the Festival, with tastings and demonstrations from more than 150+ of the area’s finest food, wine, spirits experts, in addition to the Bud & Burger, Empire City Casino and South of the Border Fiesta tents. Guests can also enjoy sommelier, mixologist and brew master presentations, celebrity book signings, Q&A sessions with top culinary experts, a celebrity green room with live interviews, The Market Place with the latest and greatest in culinary product trends and industry technology, and an exclusive Meet the Masters Panel discussion with Scott Conant, Alex Guarnaschelli and Adam Richman. The sixth Annual Burger Battle, hosted by Adam Richman (with judges Scott Conant and Alex Guarnaschelli), and the third Annual Top Bartender Showdown provide friendly competition between area restaurants.
Debra Ponzek, chef and owner at Aux Delices, believes one of the stars of the event is the location.
“It has a really fun feel to it. The venue is great. It’s one of our favorite events, and it benefits a great cause.”
“It adds a really nice feel to it”, she added, talking about the park. It’s casual, and there’s always a really fun, relaxed feel to it.”
Chef Nadia Ramsey, has been at Méli-Mélo believes the egos of the chefs are held in check
“I love to see all of the chefs that you see on TV, but there’s this camaraderie that’s really not snooty. I enjoy it so much.”
She added that she will be preparing tenderloin roasted pork, thinly sliced, served with an Asian stir fry over sesame noodles.
“I’m going exotic,” she said, laughing.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy all day access to Saturday’s VIP tent, a private bar, a secluded lounge area on the water’s edge and private restrooms. They will also experience an exclusive dinner, with the Festival Ambassador Chefs showcasing their most creative dishes, served with select wines, beers and elite liquors. In addition, VIP guests will have prime seating for the performances on the Main Music Stage and VIP parking.
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.
Tickets for the festival are available at www.greenwichwineandfood.com.
Chef Ramsey recognized another benefit to the festival.
“Perhaps I will get some customers! That’s a little added plus.”
