There seem to be new food events popping up every month, but here is one that should not be missed. Rolling Barrel Events and The Desmond Hotel have teamed up to present The First Annual TASTE LOCAL! Celebration of Regional Food, Wine & Beer, which will take place at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern, February 5 and 6.
In recent years, the Desmond hosted a beer festival for brew fans but, this year, with the help of Rolling Barrel Events, they’ve created something much tastier. “I was a huge fan of the Main Line Brew Festival that used to be held at The Desmond,” Co-owner of Rolling Barrel Events Corey Krejcik said, “to the point that my friends and I had unofficial score cards to rate the beer, so it was really fun to plan some ideas for this festival. We decided to do a food, wine and beer event that would stay very local and regional and keep in tune with our Taste Local events in Philly. We worked with The Desmond to help give people a fun understanding about what eating locally and food pairing is all about.”
Through classes, demonstrations, tastings and friendly competitions, local foodies will learn how to “Taste Local,” all while enjoying some of the finest fare the Delaware Valley has to offer. Events and mini-courses will include:
· A Chili Cook-off
· Cooking Demonstrations with the Desmond
· Wine, Cheese & Chocolate — A Trip to the Farmer’s Market
· A Taste of Italy in Pennsylvania
· Stouts & Chowders — A Belly Warming Experience
· A Tailgater’s Guide to Local Beer
· Mixing and mingling with neighbors and local food purveyors
“There are a wide range of consumable goods being produced in Philadelphia’s back yard, and it benefits us all to consume locally,” said Mike Chain, General Manager of the Desmond Hotel. “We hope this event gives our neighbors some ideas about how to enjoy more of the wonderful things that our region grows, raises, produces, prepares, creates, brews and ferments!”
With less distance to travel, locally grown produce tends to be more fresh and nutritious. Less travel is also better for our environment. What’s more, consuming locally-grown goods helps keep dollars within the community, strengthening the local economy.
The key of the event is to help foster local awareness and appreciation for locally produced goods, including those from:
Breweries
• Appalachian Brewing Company
• Dock Street Brewery
• Lancaster Brewing Company
• River Horse Brewing Company
• Sly Fox Brewing Company
• Troegs Brewing Company
• Victory Brewing Company
• Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Wineries
• Chaddsford Winery
• Paradocx Vineyard
• Wycombe Vineyards
• Penns Woods Winery
• Black Walnut Winery
Schedule of events:
Friday
1st Annual TASTE LOCAL! Chili Bowl Competition, 6:30–9 P.M.Teams will vie for the title of “Best Chili” in this heated — and we don’t just mean spicy — battle! First prize is a certificate for a 2-hour Desmond cocktail party, including drinks and hors d’ oeuvres for 10 people, on the Sunset Grille Deck this summer.In addition to participation in the chili competition, this package includes full admittance to the Meet the Brewmaster/Winemaker reception. Cost: $250 per team; Maximum 5 participants per team.
TASTE LOCAL! Chili Bowl Spectators — Meet the Brewmaster/Winemaker Reception, 7–9 P.M.
Can’t take the heat of competing in the Chili Bowl Competition? Join us as a Spectator and help us pick a winner. The Spectator package includes admittance to the Meet the Brewmaster/Winemaker Reception, where attendees mingle with representatives from Victory Brewing Company and Chaddsford Winery while enjoying a variety of hors d’oeuvres, chili dinner with all the accompaniments and an open bar featuring Victory Brewing Company Beer, Chaddsford Wine and premium spirits. Cost: $40/person
TASTE LOCAL! Prix Fixe Pairing Dinner, Served from 5–9 P.M.If competition isn’t your thing but you’re interested in Tasting Local, we invite you to enjoy a special 3-course dinner in our Hunt Room. Join us for a unique opportunity to enjoy a special Desmond dinner prepared with local ingredients and paired with local beers and wines. Cost: $36/person plus tax and gratuity; Reservations required.
Saturday
TASTE LOCAL! Festival, Noon–3:30 P.M. Wander through the festival, featuring more than 15 breweries and wineries, and sample local food, wine and beer. Attend a few “Savor Sessions,” where you get to learn and taste unique food and drink pairings. Sessions include:
• Cooking Demonstration with the Desmond
• Wine, Cheese & Chocolate — A Trip to the Farmer’s Market
• A Taste of Italy in Pennsylvania
• Stouts & Chowders — A Belly-Warming Experience
• A Tailgater’s Guide to Local Beer
Cost :$40 at the door, $35 if ticket is purchased in advance; VIP Ticket for 11 A.M. admission is $50 in advance only.
VIP Packages start at $180 and include tickets to TASTE LOCAL as well as overnight accommodations.
Prix Fixe Pairing Dinner, Served from 5-9 P.M. We invite you to enjoy a special 3-course dinner in our Hunt Room. Join us for a unique opportunity to enjoy a special Desmond dinner prepared with local ingredients and paired with local beers and wines. Cost: $36/person plus tax and gratuity; Reservations required.
For details on all the Taste Local! offerings, please call 610-249-2180 or visit www.desmondgv.com.
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