DOC’S
EXCLUSIVE REPORT ON THIS SPECTACULAR EVENT:
A BIRTHDAY
PARTY, WINE AND FOOD GALA AT THE ARIZONA BILTMORE
She’s
90, as cheerful and irreverent as ever and permanently viewed as a
genuine part of important Americana. Julia Child is not just another
household word but part of our cooking and kitchen vernacular, and
the placement of her kitchen as part of the Smithsonian’s permanent
exhibition gives enormous credence to the hundreds of celebrity salutes
coming her way which all seem to say that this grand lady is the single
most important influence on the popularity of gourmet cooking for mainstream
America.
On August 1, twenty
restaurants across the country threw a birthday party to celebrate
the Grand Dame’s birthday, and I was privileged to attend the
crème-de-la-crème gathering at Wright’s, the renowned
epicurean restaurant in the fabulous Arizona Biltmore Resort &
Spa in Phoenix. Graciously emceed by the incomparable Barb Fenzl who
authored the “Southwest the Beautiful Cookbook,” with special
guest celebrity Chef Julian Serrano who recently garnered “ 2002
Best Chef of the Southwest,” from the James Beard Foundation,
the gala also served as a high level fund raiser for Ms. Child’s
favorite charity, the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
While not officially
part of the Arizona Biltmore’s 3rd Annual Food and Wine Weekend,
the birthday bash was beautifully timed to launce this stellar event
and many of the celebrants—myself included—stayed over to
enjoy three days of culinary excellence combined with wine education
and sampling that has, in my opinion, no parallel anywhere. This is
the way you present expertly prepared foods from the cultivated talents
of great chefs and gently lead those who aspire for a higher lifestyle
into the delicate art of properly pairing each dish with a suitable
wine.
Memorable food
and wine celebrations are difficult at events where the crowds seem
more suited to a rock concert. The Arizona Biltmore weekend remains
intimate while growing in popularity as their reputation for excellence
spreads throughout. Within this rare framework of intimacy, I was easily
able to meet almost everyone and made new friends and priceless memories.
Also, this was another opportunity to be with two of the most respected
wine educators on this planet, my dear friends, Michael Green and Philip
Di Belardino, legends both.
Other
highlights made this food and wine event distinctive. Live broadcasting
(this was a real public relations coup, something I’ve never witnessed
at any wine and food event) in the middle of all the action was provided
be the local Clear Channel Radio affiliate KFYI, expertly co- hosted
by two genuine rising stars in broadcasting, Michele Larson and Steven
Gregory. While all the seminars were notable for effectiveness and
originality, the crystal stemware lecture and demonstration by the
esteemed artisan Maximilian Riedel was an eye-opener even for the most
seasoned wine enthusiast. Young, articulate and handsome, Mr. Riedel
convinced me that acceptable wine merits being enjoyed from a crystal
glass. And no one makes them finer than Riedel.
Over a few days,
I joined with friends old and new to celebrate the wonderful contributions
of Julia Child and, thanks to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa,
renewed my belief that chefs, winemakers and those who enjoy their
heaven-inspired products provide us with a taste of paradise.
This was the perfect
weekend in an oasis. You must plan to join me at the Arizona Biltmore
next year.
EDITOR’S
NOTE: Visit www.arizonabiltmore.com and get all the details for attending
this fabulous weekend next year!
