Cheers to the many talented chefs and winemakers who made the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting at The Woodlands Marriot this past weekend at a stellar evening!
I had the tough job of helping judge the prestigious Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs competition. A huge congrats to Chef David Guerrero with Samba Grille who won the $5000 first place award along with a beautiful crystal Waterford trophy. In the dessert competition, Chef David Denis of Le Mistral fame took first place.
- Chef David Guerrero of Samba Grille & Exe. Chef David Denis of Le Mistral
Chef Kristofer Jakob at Kris Bistro & Wine Lounge claimed second and Royal Chef Darren McGrady’s delicious dish was third. It was a tight race!
- Chefs David Guerrero, Darren McGrady & Kristofer Jakob
Some fabulous wines were poured…it was a great opportunity to try a variety of vinos to discover new favorites.
- H-E-B Sommelier Matt Wheeler
H-E-B’s sommelier team was out in full force, and at their station I fell for the relatively new Cedar Knoll wine made by the Palmaz family. I’m a fan of the Palmaz Cabernet but at about $100 a bottle, it’s not one of my go to wines. However, the Cedar Knoll is a little less than half the price. The H-E-B at Bunker Hill carries the wine, and I would imagine many of their other stores do as well like the one on Buffalo Speedway and the H-E-B Montrose Market. BTW, starting Friday all Cabernets at H-E-B are 10% for Father’s Day.
- Gloria Ferrer’s Royal Cuvée
I also discovered a reasonably priced nice sparkling from Gloria Ferrer…their 2004 Royal Cuvée. It’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that tastes of pears, apples and a hint of citrus. It would pair with just about anything!
If you’d like more information on wine and some fabulous recipes from H-town chefs and beyond, head to my website Goodtaste.tv. I just posted a recipe from one of my favorite spots in Houston–Latin Bites on Woodway Drive (their new location).
- Latin Bites’ Pescado a lo Macho
Executive Chef Roberto Castre, who was also at the event on Saturday, shared his recipe for Pescado a lo Macho on Goodtaste.tv. Also new on Goodtaste.tv is Tavola Bistro’s delicious Lobster Fra Diavolo.
Also, while you’re on my website don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win an incredible Napa Getaway – two free tickets on Southwest Airlines, a suite for three nights at the Westin Verasa Hotel and dinner at Brix Restaurant. Good luck!
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