By Wendy Lemlin
Anyone who doubts that San Diego has finally outgrown the culinary “children’s table” and is now welcome to sit with the grownups, has only to look at the events scheduled for the 11th annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, running November 16-23, to see how far the city’s food and spirits sophistication has matured.
The international showcase of the world’s premier wine and spirits producers, nationally renowned chefs, culinary personalities, and gourmet foods benefits culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded by The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Over 200 wineries, breweries and spirit companies, 70 of San Diego’s top fine dining restaurants and 30 gourmet food companies will participate in the 2014 Festival.
From seminars and cooking classes to celebrity chef dinners and Grand Tastings, the festival promises to whet—and satiate— the appetites of all who love to eat, drink, and make merry. With event tickets ranging from $40 to $550, there is something for every palate and every budget.
Some of the wine highlights include:
- The Great Spanish Wines of Vega Sicilia’s Unico Only 12 guests will be able to join five time James Beard Award Nominee Chef James Campbell Caruso and Celebrated Chef Aron Schwartz for a four course luncheon pared with wines from one of the world’s most highly regarded, extremely exclusive, and rarely available, great wineries. $550 per person
- Bordeaux: Celebrating one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival explores the flavor, splendor and mystique of Bordeaux wine in two unique and educational events on November 21. The two Bordeaux -Focused events include The Mystique of First Growth Bordeaux featuring Master Sommelier David Glancy; and Bargain Bordeaux: Discover Amazing Chateaux Wine Under-$40, featuring Master of Wine Mary Gorman. The Mystique of First Growth Bordeaux, a two-vintage, First Growth gourmet lunch and discussion, held at the iconic Mister A’s restaurant in Banker’s Hill is priced at $550 pp, and already sold out. Bargain Bordeaux: Discover Amazing Chateaux Wine Under-$40, will be held at San Diego’s historic U.S. Grant hotel and tickets are $50 pp.
- Also on November 21 is The Vault: Reserve and New Release Tasting, geared towards serious collectors of fine wines. A two tier event, the first allows wine enthusiasts to sample from over 120 exhibiting wine and spirit producers. Tickets are $65. The second, and most exclusive, tier is The Collection, curated by the official Festival Artist Christopher M., this tier will feature highly allocated wines and limited access to consumers. Tickets, $125
Food highlights run the gamut from the quintessential fish taco to exquisite dinners:
- On Tuesday, November 18, the Fish Taco TKO & San Diego Craft Beers Presented by Dining Out Magazine will be held at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. San Diego’s top fish taco makers will go head-to-head in a crave-worthy battle to be crowned San Diego’s finest in a lively showdown. Tickets: $45
- Comer Conmigo: Dinner, Tequila, Wine. Sponsored by Casamigos Tequila Paying homage to Baja-centric cuisine, one of today’s hottest culinary trends, Celebrity Chefs Chad White, Nate Appleman and Rodrigo Bueno dish out a six-course Baja Inspired dinner Featuring Casamigos Tequila and Baja Wine Pairings. Monday, November 17, at Común Kitchen and Tavern $175
- Mio Cibo: Italian Cuisine, Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sparkling Wine Tasting Presentedby Lucini Italia and MARTINI Sparkling Wines. In the tasting experience, Executive Chef Dave Warner of Bottega Americano and representatives from Lucini Italia and MARTINI Sparkling Wines will guide attendees in a tasting of Italy’s greatest culinary treasures, extra virgin olive oil and wine. Friday, November 21 at Macy’s School of Cooking. $45
- Wine Spectator Celebrity Chef Dinner & Big Bottle Live Auction A full roster of nationally acclaimed celebrity chefs and 15 legendary wineries will present one of the most anticipated dinners of the year at the U.S. Grant Hotel on Thursday, November 20. Tickets: $250
The culmination of all this indulgence is the Grand Tasting Event held on Saturday, November 22 on the North Embarcadero, where guests will enjoy tastings from 150 wine and spirit purveyors, 60 of San Diego’s top chefs, all of whom will be competing to be named “Chef of the Fest”, 30 gourmet food companies, live entertainment and more. Tickets range from $75 to $165.