Eat It and Like It—Savannah Food & Wine Festival Guide Fall 2014 | Page 18
Dining
Most evenings November 10 –14 have multiple dinners. The following are my “Best” picks based on chefs, wine
makers, sommeliers, and entertainment.
The Winery Cellar Dinner
This dinner features James Beard Foundation and Food Network recognized
chefs Anthony Lamas (Seviche, Louisville, KY) and Aaron Deal (The River and
Rail Restaurant, Roanoke, VA), Lenny McNab (Food Network Star’s The
Gourmet Cowboy), Steve Black (Westin Executive Chef), and John Vendeville
(Savannah Technical College). Rob and Lydia Mondavi will attend along with
other nationally recognized wine makers and experts.
Westin Savannah
Saturday, November 15th
7:30 PM
www.savannahfoodandwinefest.com/winery-cellar-dinner.html
Connoisseur Wine Dinners
Ruth’s Chris
The meat lover’s dinner features courses with lamb, venison
and beef paired with wines from Realm Cellars presented
by Desi Echavarrie (Master Sommelier—Realm Cellars).
Ruth’s Chris
Wednesday, November 12th
6:00 PM
www.savannahfoodandwinefest.com/assets/ruthschris11-12-14-realm-wine-dinner-large-1-sheet.pdf
BEST OF THE FEST
Connoisseur Wine Dinners
When asked to write a piece on “The Best of the Fest”, I was more than a bit concerned. How would
it be possible to suggest the best of the Savannah Food & Wine Festival prior to the event? The burden
was heavy and resulted in significant procrastination, but during my much-delayed research, all fears
were allayed. This year’s event has such a wide array of offerings that it will appeal to more than just
foodies and oenophiles. Even if you are one of the two people in Savannah who dislike both food and
wine or you need more of a reason to go, this year’s Savannah Food & Wine Festival has something
for everybody. History—got it. Water and riverboats—got it. Que, the smoked kind—got it. Music—
got it. Beer, yes beer—got it. Well, you get the picture.
The following are my picks for the “Best of the Fest” for all to enjoy.
By Todd Williams
Instruction
FOODIES — INSTRUCTION
The Fest offers numerous cooking demonstrations and classes for global, regional and local cuisines, prepared and presented
by top national, regional, local and celebrity chefs. If you have the celebrity bug, check out the following events.
The Landings Club
For the seafood lover, this Sustainable Seafood Soiree
features wines from Villa Maria Winery, New Zealand and
includes courses with sushi, lionfish, local shellfish, stone crab,
wreck fish and other seafood delights. Presentation by
Dr. George Sedberry, NOAA Sanctuary Science Coordinator.
Oakridge Steak & Pub—The Landings
Tuesday, November 11th
6:00 PM
www.savannahfoodandwinefest.com/assets/thelandings.pdf
OENOPHILES (a.k.a. WINOS yours truly)
The Savannah Food & Wine Festival features wine dinners, wine tastings, wine
classes and more than a dozen true wine experts. Savannah is well represented
with a number of its own local wine experts including Jason Restivo (Sommelier)
and Kylie Pittman (Sommelier) participating in several events including the
Savannah Morning News Taste of Savannah VIP Lounge.
Taste of Savannah
Saturday, November 15th
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Wine Tasting
Atlanta’s Magazine’s Celebrity Chef Kitchen
Hugh Acheson
James Beard Foundation award winning chef and author and chef/
owner of multiple restaurants including Savannah’s own The Florence.
www.savannahfoodandwinefest.com/taste-of-savannah.html
Taste of Savannah — Ellis & Johnson Squares
Moderated by Eat It & Like It—Jesse Blanco & Senea Crystal
Saturday, November 15th
2:15 – 3:00 PM
Jet Blue Chefs & Sommeliers Stage
Lenny McNab, “The Gourmet Cowboy”
Food Network Star Season 10 Winner
www.savannahfoodandwinefest.com/taste-of-savannah.html
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The Grand Reserve Tasting
According to event organizers, this is “the ultimate wine tasting
of the Festival.” I also believe it qualifies as the “Best of the Fest”
with every wine averaging $50 per bottle and 90+ points.
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