Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair follows SavorDallas on the eat-and-drink calendar
National brands and Texas labels will share the tasting tables at the five-day Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair, April 18-22.
If SavorDallas (March 30-31) puts you in the mood to sip and swirl down south, here are the details the SLWAFA provided me:
Wednesday, April 18
Buen Provecho! Dinner with the Cordúas in the Heart of Sugar Land
Churrascos (1520 Lake Point Parkway)
6:30 – 10 PM
Reserved table for eight $1,000; Table for six $750; Individual tickets $125
Join award-winning chefs David and Michael Cordúa for an unparalleled dining experience as they open the doors to their latest culinary masterpiece, Churrascos Sugar Land, exclusively for one night only. Explore the fresh, vibrant flavors of Latin America with a five-course dinner replicating their James Beard menu, accompanied by a beautiful selection of South American wines. Fine cigars and post-dinner Flor De Cana Rum cocktails on the lake front patio complete this memorable event.
Thursday, April 19
On the Rocks Bartenders Contest
BLU (2248 Texas Drive)
6:30 – 9 PM
$35
Watch as Texas’ hottest bartenders and mixologist compete in front of a panel of judges for a cash prize. A People’s Choice vote will give guests the chance to help their favorite bartender win the challenge. Along with cocktail samplings, enjoy music and fabulous bites by Chef Jett Hurapan of BLU. The winning recipe will be named the Official Cocktail of the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. David Alan, AKA the Tipsy Texan, will serve as host.
Friday, April 20
Fred Parks Lecture Series
Sommeliers Secrets: The Great Old World/New World Divide with Marnie Old, MS
Marriott Sugar Land Town Square (16090 City Walk)
5:30 – 6:30 PM
$45
If you’ve ever wondered why American and European wines made from the same grape taste radically different, this is your chance to learn why. Join world-class wine educator Marnie Old for a fascinating look at one of the key concepts that sommeliers and insiders use to make sense of the complex landscape of wine. Taste luxury wines that span a spectrum of style from ‘Old World’ classics to ‘New World’ innovators in a unique interactive seminar led by one of the wine world’s most engaging, rising stars. Explore side-by-side comparisons of wines made in the same basic varietal model, but taste dramatically different due to their region of origin and cultural heritage.
Prestige Whisky Collection from the Highlands and Islands
Marriott Sugar Land Town Square (16090 City Walk)
5:30 – 6:45 PM
$65
Experience Bunnahabhain 25-year, Deanston 30-year, Tobermory 15-year among other fine Scotches in this exclusive high-end scotch tasting led by Peter Schwartz, president, and Jeff Karvolitch, national brand manager of International Beverage Corporation.
The Grand Tasting
Sugar Land Marriott Town Square (16090 City Walk)
7– 9:30 PM
$125
The hottest ticket in town is set for the elegant ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. This unrivaled culinary event features some of the most sought out wines in the world paired alongside the tantalizing creations of some of the country’s most highly regarded culinary superstars. Top chefs include Randy Evans of Haven, Kelly Liken of Restaurant Kelly Liken in Vail, Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar, David Grossman of Branch Water Tavern, Jonathan Gelman of The Driskill Grill in Austin, and Mark DeNittis of Il Mondo Vecchio – Salumeria in Denver. Chefs Shanna and Brian O’Hea of Academe Maine Brasserie and Tavern at the Kennebunk Inn will return this year after their recent showcase on Food Network’s “Chopped.” The Grand Auction includes large format wine bottles, dining experiences and other wine-related goodies and benefits The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Scholarship Endowment for students attending the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.
Saturday, April 21
Sip & Stroll at Imperial
Imperial Sugar Land (198 Kempner Street)
1 – 4 PM
$60
Now in its ninth year, the Sip & Stroll has moved to a new location – the historic Imperial Sugar Factory – and promises to be bigger and better than ever! With the sugar silos and char house as its backdrop, the Sip & Stroll will feature tastings from over 40 of the region’s finest restaurants and wineries. Thousands are expected to spend the afternoon enjoying cooking demonstrations by award-winning chefs and mixologists, fine artisans, live music and culinary delights from restaurants including Black Walnut Cafe, The Bird and The Bear, Haven and Chi’Lantro BBQ.
Sunday, April 22
Bistro Brunch at Town Square
Sugar Land Town Square
11 AM – 2 PM
$50
An around-the-world Bistro Brunch will feature international wines, ales and specialty dishes prepared by chefs from Brazil, California, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, New Mexico, New Zealand, Oregon, South Africa, Spain and Texas. Fabulous live music by local entertainers will complete this culinary experience.
A three-day, VIP Grand Pass ($200) includes access to The Grand Tasting, Sip & Stroll at Imperial and Bistro Brunch.
The Marriott Town Square is the “Official Headquarters Hotel” of the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. Visitors may also enjoy accommodations at the Hyatt Place Sugar Land.
The Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management is a producing partner and beneficiary of the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair.
For more information about the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair visit www.sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com or call 713-SIP-WINE.