Seattle Food and Wine Experience Goes Glocal (Global/Local)

More than 1,000 wines from around the world join with top chefs/restaurateurs to transform the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall into a global (and local) gateway for the palate on Sunday, February 28, 2010. The diversity of the wines and culinary traditions represented at the second Seattle Food and Wine Experience mirror the city's cosmopolitan character and its growing international presence.

Here's a breakdown of the event...
45 California and International Wineries
25 Washington Wineries
12 Oregon Wineries
17 Chefs/Restaurateurs and
15 Culinary, wine, lifestyle and travel exhibitors

Sampling opportunities including:-
*The Tulalip Resort Casino Culinary Exhibition Stage featuring all the chefs from the resort cooking up their latest Taste of Tulalip creations-
*Starbucks Coffee and Music Lounge features a World of Coffee tasting plus live music by none other than Seattle Times wine columnist Paul Gregutt! -
*The Artisan Beer Garden features international and regional breweries plus cider companies
*Kathy Casey and Columbia Winery are teamed up (the first 300 guests receive her signed cookbook)
*Ruth Chris Steakhouse and Menage a Trios wines pair up to showcase American lamb three ways
*Chateau Ste. Michelle Culinary Director John Sarich is pairing WA wine with American lamb
*Maximus Minimus is coming out of hibernation for the day and selling $2 mini-pork sandwiches
*Frost Doughnuts may end up being the most popular booth based on their recent popularity!
*Beecher's Cheese will be there sampling cheese and educating attendees about Beecher’s Flagship Foundation (Known as Pure Food Kids) and the beneficiary of event proceeds

The Seattle Food and Wine Experience is not only about cultivating an international awareness, but about bringing Seattle's culture and local talents to the forefront as well. Seattle’s food/restaurant scene will be preparing gourmet tastes throughout the experience, including Campagne, Ray’s Boathouse, Earth & Ocean, Andaluca, Ponti Seafood Grill, John Sarich of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, The Hunt Club, Pearl Bar & Dining, Cicchetti Kitchen and Bar, Artisanal Brasserie and The Artisanal Table, Salty's on Alki, Copperleaf Restaurant, Blackfish, Pike Place Brewing Company, TASTE Restaurant, Maximus-Minimus and more.

Admission to the experience is a total value at $49 per person and includes access to all areas of the event. Ticket buyers are immediately entered in a drawing for the chance to win a wine touring package for 10 provided by Butler Transportation. No one under 21 will be admitted and ID is required. A portion of proceeds from event ticket sales will benefit Beecher’s Flagship Foundation. Founded by Beecher's Handmade Cheese in 2004, the Foundation has given more than $300,000 in support of non-profit organizations providing education about the benefits of pure, all-natural food.

The Seattle Food and Wine Experience is produced by Explore Great Wine, LLC with the generous support of the following sponsors: American Lamb Board, Butler Valet and Butler Transportation, Columbia Winery, KWJZ 98.9, Peroni Beer, QFC, Seattle Dining, Seattle magazine, Space City Mixer, Starbucks Coffee Company, Tulalip Resort and Casino, Taste of Tulalip and WINO magazine. Ticket information and an updated list of participating wineries, restaurants, chefs and event exhibitors is easily accessible at http://www.seattlefoodandwineexperience.com/. For more information about Beecher’s Flagship Foundation visit http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/.