Food and Wine Festival

The 2010 Food & Wine Festival at Valley Forge convention center in Valley Forge, Pa was an incredible weekend of parties. This flavorlicious event hosted food and wine tasting seminars, cooking demonstrations, and two spectacular Grand Tasting events all designed to satisfy the crème de la crème of food-and-wine enthusiasts. Attendees got the chance to explore the latest wine and food trends at sampling seminars as they learn secrets behind the most coveted recipes from the regions favorite celebrity chefs. As this was an informative occasion, many were hoping to discover their favorite wine, beer or restaurant as they sampled their way through such an elaborate Grand Tasting Hall.

A number of special events were held during the weekend but Friday night started off with a star studded celebrity chef kick-off party. Guest emcees Guy Mitchell and Marlie Hall controlled the show as it showcased many awesome culinary demonstrations from chefs Barry Sexton, Geoff Johnson, Focky Fino, Ralph Mazzocchi and White House Chef's Guy Mitchell, Sam Morgante and Micheal Raber.

I must say that the Handicapped Chef crew and I were really CRUNK as this great weekend accommodated over 200 exhibits, celebrity book signings and even surprised attendees with special TV guest, Russell Newberry of Dangerous Deckhands. Saturday was even more phenomenal when Food Networks star Aaron McCargo Jr. of Big Daddy's house took the stage to make amazing Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls that left everyone wanting more. Also joining them on stage was Bravo's Top Chefs Fabio Viviani and Micheal Voltaggio as they dazzled the crowds with extraordinary cooking techniques and great tasting food as well. Both chefs prepared excellent dishes cooked to perfection and were very impressive. Being that this was such an extravagant event they prepared meals from scratch using all fresh ingredients. Viviani believes food is so simple to prepare anyone can do it ...and his new cook book Cafe Firenze states just that.

At the culinary feast, Rich Hollenberg prepared a very tasty kid friendly meal and Jennifer Mueller, a cooking star in the making, made some tasteful treats a food lover will die for.

This event had so much to offer as both wine experts Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia and Matias Frage of Bodegas Escorihuela de Gason from Argentine Winery est. in 1884, conducted wine tasting seminars on all brands of wines. As many experts helped to celebrate this affair, award winning writer and beer enthusiast, Gary Monterosso also came out to educate individuals about beer from around the world.

The 2010 Food & Wine Festival was just a weekend of good food, fun and laughter as wine and beer for all was a great experience. As this event was a true success, I enjoyed being around great people who have a soft spot for indulging in life's special treats as much as I do.

So if you missed out on this particular event, the next one will be held in Atlantic City N.J at Bally's Hotel and Casino July 29 -August 1 featuring the stars from Food Network and special guest appearances.

For more information on future events contact Peter Myers@ info@gourmetsshows.com or call 609-398-4450.

The Handicapped Chef Carlton Haynes is a food writer for Crunk Magazine and owner of Triple H Catering & Consulting Service for more information contact us at thehandicappedchef@gmail.com.