Cheers to the The Fifth Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza!

Calling all food and wine lovers! The Fifth Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs and Wine Extravaganza will be held this Friday, September 24th at the Boca Resort & Club. Lucky attendees can look forward to savoring signature dishes from over thirty of the area's most fabulous chefs including the event's Chair Chef Ryan Artrim of The Ritz Carlton's Temple Orange, Honorary Chair Chef Zach Bell of Café Boulud and Host Chef Andrew Roenbeck of the Boca Resort & Club.

In addition to the culinary delights prepared by the chefs, the event will feature fine wines, spirits, entertainment and a fabulous variety of unique live and silent auction items.
What's not to love about that? I had the opportunity to sample a selection of the delectable wines to be featured at a tasting at Total Wine & More, one of the event sponsors. I am happy to report there is truly something for every palate! Highlights include:

Robert Moncuit Grand Cru Brut NV: Lively aromas of toasted brioche and white flowers, flavors of melon and green apple and an alluring creamy texture highlight this delightful Champagne. The product of Grand Cru vineyards within Champagne's Côtes de Blancs subregion, this sparkler is c'est bon! $39.99

2009 Kudos Pinot Gris: This pretty, Oregonian white entices with scents of peach and white flowers and subtle fruit flavors of pear and melon. This wine has a delightful, food friendly acidity making it a great choice to pair with lighter fare. $11.99


2005 Clos Saint Michel Chateaneuf du Pape: Hailing from the Southern Rhone, this blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvèdre is deep ruby red in color and chock full of brandied cherry, dark chocolate and roasted herbs.  This full-bodied red has appreciable, yet well integrated, tannins and a long, lingering finish. $39.99


2005 Quinta DO Vale Meão Douro: This powerful, full-bodied red is a blend of four traditional Portuguese grape varietals: 60% Touriga Nacional, 20% Touriga Franca, 15% Tinta Roriz, and 5% Tinta Barroca. The gorgeous purple color gives way to aromas of cassis, violets and spice followed by ripe raspberry, plum and mocha on the palate with a lush, lingering finish. $70


Casa Sant'Orsola Brachetto D'Acqui: Made from the Brachetto grape grown around Asti and Roero in Italy's Piemonte region, this delightful red, sparkling wine is light and fruity with flavors of rose petal, strawberry and cassis. It's delicate, sweet flavor makes it a fabulous pairing for fruit, dessert or absolutely nothing at all. $16.99


Tables for Friday's event start at $1,250 and VIP tickets, including the VIP Meet the Chefs Reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., are $125 per person in advance or $150 per person on event day.  General admission tickets for admittance at 7:30 to 10.00 p.m. are $100 per person in advance or $125 on event day.  To purchase a table or tickets, please call (561) 276-2001 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/florida.

I look forward to seeing you there - Cheers!