The Glamorous Gourmet's Upcoming Events and a Big 2012 Thank You!

After taking a week off to recover from all that Champagne, I am happy to announce a few upcoming wine and food events you won't want to miss in 2012.

First, let me start by saying, after a very challenging 2011, I am thrilled to be participating in many of the events I missed last year due to my injury. I am so thankful to everyone who continued reading my blog and attending my events during that difficult time, I'd like to raise a glass to each and every one of you - thank you so much for your support! That being said, I am very happy to announce these fabulous food and wine events to add to your 2012 culinary calendar:

American Fine Wine Competition: I am honored to be included on the Judges panel for the 5th Annual American Fine Wine Competition on January 15th & 16th. The AFWC is the world's largest and most prestigious invitational devoted solely to fine wines produced in the United States. While the judging event is for judges, sponsors and media only, the AFWC gala will be held Thursday, April 19th at the Boca Raton Resort & Club where guests will enjoy an evening of award winning wines and dinner prepared by Chef Emeril Lagasse! For more information, please visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.com. 

"Bacchus Beckons" Kick-Off Party for the 10th Annual Boca Bacchanal: As many of you know, Steve and I have been involved with Boca Bacchanal, the largest fundraiser for the Boca Raton Historical Society, for quite a few years and it is especially near and dear to our hearts. We are very excited to be General Chairs for the 10th Anniversary celebration this year which will take place March 23rd-25th. I hope you will also join us for the "Bacchus Beckons" Kick-Off Party next Thursday, January 19th at the Boca Raton Resort & Club when the Chef and Vintner Pairings will be announced. It is sure to be an exciting evening! For more information, please visit www.bocabacchanal.com. 

"The Art of Wine & Food" at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale: our monthly series at The Museum of Art continues and we're kicking off 2012 in style with the return of guest speaker and James Beard Award-winning wine writer Lyn Farmer. This month he'll be teaching us about the nuances of understanding and enjoying Port, the fortified wine hailing exclusively from Portugal's Douro Valley. Please join us for this fun and informative evening of food and wine on Thursday, January 26th at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Gail Vilone at 965-262-0249. Hope to see you there!

Inaugural Country Club Chef Showdown, Hospice of Palm Beach County: I'm also honored to be included on the esteemed Judges panel along with Chef Norman Van Aken and Master Sommelier Virginia Philip for the Inaugural Country Club Chef Showdown to benefit Hospice of Palm Beach County. This event will feature Chefs from some of Boca Raton's finest Country Clubs, who will be asked to create a signature dish from the same main ingredient - can you say "Allez Cuisine!"? The event will be held Thursday, February 2nd at Broken Sound Country Club, and guests will be able to sample each of the Chef's creations, sip cocktails and enjoy jazz and a wonderful silent auction as well. For more information, please visit www.hpbcf.org.

I hope your 2012 is off to a fabulous start and I look forward to seeing you soon at an upcoming event in the near future! 

Cheers,