Second Annual Traverse Epicurean Classic
September 15 – 17, 2005
Draws a Star-Studded Lineup of the Country’s Top Chefs and Wine Personalities
Including Mario Batali, Terrence Brennan, Lucia Watson,
Brian Smith and Bob Paulinski
For a Midwest Food & Wine Celebration
www.epicureanclassic.com
Traverse City, MI, (August 4, 2005) On September 15, 16 and 17th, Traverse City, Michigan will host some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and wine personalities for the second annual Traverse Epicurean Classic. Long considered a premier Midwestern dining and wine-producing region, Traverse City’s top restaurants, wineries, and sparkling $10 million Great Lakes Culinary Institute provide the perfect venue for educational food and wine programs, cooking classes, international wine tastings, elaborate dinners, wine auctions, book signings, and local winery tours. Of special note, Mario Batali will be on hand to teach, cook, and sign copies of his newest book, Molto Italiano during the 2005 event, as will Terrence Brennan, chef/owner of famed Manhattan restaurants, Picholine and Artisanal. This year’s line-up of chefs also includes several Food Network stars and bestselling authors including Marcel Biro, Andy Husbands, Aliza Green, Brian Polcyn, James Campbell Caruso, Pete Peterson, Lucia Watson, Bob Sloan, and other Michigan-based chefs including Myles Anton, Rich Beichner, Dave Denison, Phil Murray, Jim Milliman, Mike Peterson, Greg Murphy, and Tom Sawyer. Upwards of 2000 epicureans from around the Midwest are expected to join the festivities.
Wine
The Traverse Epicurean Classic is committed to achieving an eclectic international flavor with wine tastings and receptions featuring small and large vintners from Europe, North America, and the Southern Hemisphere. Participating wineries and wholesalers will showcase unique wines not often seen in conventional tastings; many of which are considered some of the world’s greatest wine values. Master of Wine Bob Paulinski, currently the Chief Wine & Spirits Merchant for Sam’s Club, Brian Smith, Professor of Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America will both offer tastings of acclaimed old and new world wines. Joe Borrello, executive director of Tasters Guild International, will conduct an educational program on food and wine pairings. And professional sommelier, Maureen Petrosky, will veer into the seduction of dessert wines. Other wine classes will explore wine clubs and all the major wine producing regions worldwide. Dozens of wineries, wine brokers and distributors will host tasting tables for afternoon walk-around, “festival-type” tastings offering oenophiles a chance to sample hundreds of wines. The Epicurean Classic Grand Reception on the evening of September 17th will feature northern Michigan’s premier wine auction involving dozens of silent auction wine lots and a collection of super premium wine to be auctioned off live.
A la Carte Philosophy / Cookbooks
Outside of its stunning location on the bay and the diversity of programming, The Traverse Epicurean Classic differentiates itself by offering a world-class food and wine experience without the big price tag and pretense. As event co-founder Matt Sutherland explains, “We have designed a food and wine weekend for enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life where they can pick and choose the part of The Traverse Epicurean Classic that speaks to them personally. Participants can essentially order a la carte from our offerings and just sit back and enjoy.”
The a la carte philosophy is not the only thing that sets the Traverse Epicurean Classic a part so does its literary roots. With the careers of founders Matt Sutherland and Mark Dressler touching the publishing industry, it seems only fitting that the weekend provide access to some of the most sought after culinary authors and their latest cookbooks. Mark Dressler explains, “The Traverse Epicurean Classic has allowed me to shine the national spotlight on Traverse City and books – two things that are near and dear to my heart.” Dressler attributes much of the success of The Traverse Epicurean Classic to the publishing houses that have given him access to their leading authors.
The Three-Day Traverse Epicurean Classic Lineup includes the following:
(Visit www.epicureanclassic.com for full listings, descriptions and to purchase tickets)
Guest Culinary & Wine Professionals include:
Mario Batali – Babbo Ristorante, Otto Pizzeria, Enoteca, New York, NY
Terrance Brennan - Picholine, Artisanal, New York, NY
Marcel Biro - Biro Restaurant & Wine Bar, Sheboygan, WI
James Campbell Caruso - El Farol, Santa Fe, NM
Lucia Watson - Lucia's Restaurant & Wine Bar, Minneapolis, MN
Andy Husbands - Tremont 647, Sister Sorel, Rouge and Kestral, Boston, MA
David Walzog – The New American Steakhouse, New York, NY
Brian Polcyn - Five Lakes Grill, Milford, MI
Pete Peterson - Tapawingo's, Ellsworth, MI
Brian Smith, Dir of Wine Studies, CIA
Bob Paulinski, M.W. Dir of Wine, Sam's Club
Maureen Christian Petrosky, The Wine Club
Eric Villegas, Restaurant Villegas, Okemos, MI
Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
Aliza Green, The Field Guide to Meat, Philadelphia, PA
Joe Borrello, President, Tasters Guild International
Bob Sloan, The Tailgating Cookbook, New York, NY
Grand Reception & Dinners:
September 15th Taste of Michigan Opening Reception
September 16th & 17th International Wine Tasting Tent
September 16th Cigar, BBQ & Aussie Wine Dinner
September 17th Grand Reception & Wine Auction (live and silent auction)
Classes & Programs:
September 16 & 17th
Prices Range from $300 for Mario Batali Package to $20/ class
Mario Batali Package
Batali hosts the Food Network's top-rated shows "Molto Mario" and "Mario Eats Italy," and, is one of three Iron Chefs. He is the author of four books including his latest release, Molto Italiano. Mario is also owner/chef of several acclaimed Manhattan restaurants and a wine shop. He will be assisted by Zach Allen, chef at Mario's restaurant Otto Pizzeria on Washington Square in Greenwich Village. The Mario Batali Package includes, 1) his Friday cooking demonstration and a signed copy of his book, Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home; 2) a choice of any Epicurean Classic wine tasting class; 3) Great Chefs' Dinner Friday at Trattoria Stella featuring recipes from Mario's new book; and 4) entry into the Saturday Grand Reception and Wine Auction.
Topics Covered in Classes and Programs include:
• Grilling & Chilling: A Young Chef’s Primer
• Simple Pasta Shapes and Sauces to Match
• Cuban-Inspired Island Cooking
• Sauces That Spark Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
• Ultra-premium Japanese Sake
• Chocolate with herbal infusions
• Cigar 101: Cigar & Spirits Pairing
• Single Match Scotch
• South American Wine Renaissance
• Micro-Brewing Primer
• Preparing the Ultimate Steak
• Artisanal Cooking: Bistro Favorites
• Tapas & Sherry
• Northern Michigan Fruit Sauces
• Pinot Noir From Around the World
• Old World Red vs. New
• World of Bubbles
To purchase tickets visit www.epicureanclassic.com or call 231 / 932 – 0475.
The Traverse Epicurean Alliance
The Traverse Epicurean Alliance is a not-for-profit cultural entity dedicated to promoting greater appreciation of food and wine artisanship that enrich our kinships that bring us together around the table. It was founded to create and manage the Traverse Epicurean Classic and, to elevate the influence and curricular standards of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, where the foundation will annually fund scholarship and professional activities.
www.epicureanclassic.com
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute, Northwestern Michigan College
The Great Lakes Culinary Arts program provides rigorous and concentrated study for those students who plan careers in the rapidly growing food service industry. The program's main emphasis is to prepare students for entry-level chefs and kitchen management positions. The Culinary Arts Program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Institute Accrediting Commission. www.nmc.edu/culinary/
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