The Grand Wine & Food Affair

The Grand Wine & Food Affair
A Texas Classic

HOUSTON, TX, February 2, 2007 - The Grand Wine and Food Affair, a Sugar Land - Houston celebration, is drawing more winemakers, noted chefs and adding more exciting events, making this one of the nation's foremost wine and food festivals. Central Market presents The Grand Wine & Food Affair which is celebrating its fourth year with events commencing April 25, 2007 through the weekend with headquarters at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square.

The ultimate in elegance is One Enchanted Evening with Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards -a black tie gourmet dinner - slated for Thursday, April 27, and presented by Sterling McCall Automotive Group. This indulgent experience pairs the world-class wines of Napa Valley's Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards with inspired recipes from Kuleto Estate's acclaimed executive chef Janelle Weaver. At The Lodge at Bayou Bend, executive chef Matt Maroni will oversee the preparation of this sumptuous multi-course dinner, pairing the finest seasonal fare with artisan local ingredients to create an unprecedented dining event. As guests dine with Pat Kuleto, they will enjoy a rare opportunity to discuss the rich and fundamental relationship between food and wine with one of America's most revered restaurateurs. This adventurous dining experience is $250 per person and corporate tables are available.

The Waldorf-Astoria hotel has set the standard for fine dining and luxurious service. On Thursday, April 26 at 11:30 AM you can enjoy Lunch at the Waldorf with the Waldorf-Astoria's executive chef, John Doherty. He will be assisted by Didier J. Dessemond, executive chef at Hilton Americas. Copies of Doherty's Book, Waldorf-Astoria Cookbook, chronicle his favorite recipes with fascinating sidebars that tell the rich history of the hotel will be available for purchase and signing. This special wine luncheon is hosted by Master Sommelier, Guy Stout and will be held at one of Houston's newest landmarks, Hilton Americas. Tables of ten are available for $800 or reservations may be made for individual seats for $80.

From black tie to cowboy boots, there is an array of entertainment Texas style. Haakstravaganza!, Thursday, April 26, is a delightful evening at the Mediterranean-style Haak Vineyards, located between Galveston and Houston, complete with award-winning premium varietals, a Texas Gulf Coast feast and Ezra Charles and the Works, along with tours by winemaker Raymond Haak. Transportation to the vineyard is an optional option from various locations. Visit the website for complete details and pricing.

The Grand Wine & Food Affair is proud to present the Premium Ports tasting as part of the Fred Parks Wine Lecture series. This natural partnership combines the efforts of both organizations whose mission is to promote knowledge and enjoyment of fine wines. Other than Bordeaux or Burgundy, savvy wine collectors choose vintage Port for its unparalleled longevity. For those who want to taste this phenomenon, an extraordinary event will be presented by the brilliant Paul Mugnier, President of Premium Ports who will provide an educational tasting of nine ports aged over four decades. This event is held at Brennan's of Houston on Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $110 per person.

The VIP Grand Pass is a three-day classic combination that includes access to The Grand Tasting, the Sienna Sip & Stroll and the Bistro Brunch for $235. The Grand Tasting will take place on April 27, at the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square and features reserve quality or better wineries such as Alexander Valley Vineyards, Rodney Strong, DeLoach Vineyards, Hook and Ladder Vineyards and Sterling Vineyards. There will be more than 40 celebrated chefs including Francois Payard from Payard Patisserie & Bistro in New York and Payard Brazil in Brazil; Richard Chamberlain from Chamberlain's Steakhouse