pigs & pinot

A few years ago, my friend Judy, brought me to the town of Healdsburg, CA when we were out visiting her family in San Francisco. I've always loved Napa, which surely stems from my mom's love of Napa. But Healdsburg is a hidden gem of wine country (although maybe not for too much longer as they were just named the No 2 small town to visit in Smithsonian Magazine). It's a small walking town filled with great food and wine but with an undertone of community that I find magnetic. The people are friendly, and the dogs are happy. The food is vibrant. The wine is some of the best. Everyone seems to be trying to make everything there enjoyable.

When I was there with Judy and her family, we stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg and ate at Charlie Palmer’s restaurant – Dry Creek Kitchen. I remember like it was yesterday how creamy the risotto was. I talked about it for weeks—it had an egg in it too. It was a dining experience to remember. When I got back home I did what any person obsessed with food does, I googled Charlie. I had seen him on TV before but I didn’t know that much about him. His food provoked me to want to know more. When researching I read about an event he puts on every year called Pigs & Pinot. Just from the name it sounded wonderful. The few years that followed I was too sick and waiting for new lungs to try and attend this event. But as soon as I got my second lungs and was able to travel I knew one of the first things I needed to do! The first year tickets went on sale, I couldn’t believe it, but the event sold out before I hit purchase! I ended up spending a week in Healdsburg in December for my 30^th birthday, that held me over, but I knew when Pigs & Pinot came around the following year I was not missing out! And thankfully I didn’t. 

We arrived on Friday night at The Healdsburg Hotel. And a few hours later we were engorging ourselves with everything pork. Each bite of pork (I think there were 60 participants) that entered my mouth was heaven. I didn’t even care about the pinot—food supersedes everything to me. I wanted nothing to distract my taste buds!

 

The next day we attended The Ultimate Pinot Smackdown where 16 wines and 4 sommeliers competed for the winning title of best pinot. This was an amazing concept (think basketball and the sweet 16) and event.  Each sommelier stood up and defended the wines they chose against each other. It was brilliant. And so much fun! In the end Soliste, which was fantastic, ending up winning. 

Our last event was A Gala Dinner in Dry Creek Kitchen with five courses, each accompanied by different two wines. My favorite course—Macaroni alla Norcini with pork sausage, black truffle, and parmigiano made by Frank Crispo of Crispo in New York was literally some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted my entire life. This was a pretty fancy event, so I didn't break out the IPhone to snap any pictures. Regretfully!

We stayed an extra day just so we could enjoy dinner at Chalkboard—one of my favorite restaurants of all time. They make a pork belly biscuit that is not of this world! They are based on small bites, so you can have the chance to taste a lot. The food is incredible while the atmosphere is just easy and simple. My favorite.     

 

 

I can't wait to return next year! 

Back to Miami

A few weeks ago I attended the South Beach Wine and Food Fest.  It was my first time at this event and it was really first rate.  It must first be said that this weekend will set you back a bundle! I only attented three events and the cost was $$$$! But it was worth every penny.  The food, the alcohol, the atmosphere was impeccable.   Plus I really love Miami in general! The entire reason I wanted to attend this event (besides the fact I am a die hard foodie) was for The Bubble Q.  The Bubble Q is a champagne themed bbq.  Really, could it get any better than that? 200 bottles of champagne, amazing bbq food, and even champagne sorbet! I stayed at The Delano, and the Bubble Q tent was set up on their beach front, which was amazingly convenient, when drinking and eating so much.  The tent houses, if I had to guess, about 40 chefs preparing their best bbq fare with bubbly flowing every which way.

The Bubble Q: 

Emeril Lagasse hosted the event.  And he had the best dish there! The best pulled pork ever!

Todd English was there.  He was the first to pack up and leave though...shocker! I actually didn't have what he made, the line for his booth was too long. 

The champagne angel.  She was pouring champagne in people's glasses hanging upside like that.  What a talent!

Guy.

Buddy Love. 

Don't those desserts look lovely?

Emeril doing his thing. 

Day Two: Whole Foods Tasting: 

This was day number two.  This event was similar to the bubble q but much larger, not as fancy, and with A LOT more food and enough alcohol to get a small country drunk! 

Ming Tsai from Blue Ginger

Delicious little shrimp shooters.  Thanks Whole Foods man!

Kettle One Citron had the most amazing little drinks.  They used stirrings mix: green apple, lemon drop, and pomegranate.  Yum!

The cute Evian boy.  I loved the pink!

Day Three: Paula Dean's Brunch:  This was a brunch hosted by Paula Dean, and it was nice to be able to sit down and eat, and not have to walk and hold all your food and drinks.  

Dessert table.  My first stop!

This man, Chris Kelly, had the most amazing pulled pork I've ever eaten my entire life.  I think I had three of his sandwiches!

Katie Lee and her delicious french toast with Nutella and banana.  Oh and by the way, she is stunning in person! 

 

Dessert time.  

All in all a super weekend, I can't wait to go back next year and possibly attempt to attend this even in NYC!