Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain to Attend Exclusive Gala Tribute to the Wines and Foods of Spain
Spain Takes Center Stage at the 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Food & Wine
MIAMI BEACH, FL - The 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Southern Wine & Spirits of America are pleased to announce an unprecedented tribute to the wines and foods of Spain to be held in the presence of Their Majesties, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. Taking place on Thursday, February 19, 2009, the distinguished gala will benefit the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University and Fundación España-Florida: celebrating 500 years of Spanish presence in Florida.
"We are privileged to present this exquisite evening in the presence of Their Majesties," notes Mel Dick, president, wine division and senior vice president of Southern Wine & Spirits of America. "We are honored to have many of Spain's finest winemakers and culinary personalities join us for this event, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Spain right here in South Florida."
A distinguished array of guests are confirmed to attend, including Florida Governor Charlie Crist, seven time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and fellow Grammy Award winner and Spanish singer/songwriter Julio Iglesias. Taking place at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the evening's show of Iberian haute cuisine will be overseen by culinary chairman Jose Andres; who is known for his show on PBS "Made in Spain" and companion book "Made in Spain" (Clarkson Potter 2008), and often referred to as Spain's unofficial ambassador to the United States. Andres will be joined by an exclusive parade of talent including: Pedro Subijana, whose Akelare restaurant in the resort area of San Sebastian is Michelin 3-star rated; Daniel Garcia, the youngest of Spain's celebrated "10 Chefs de Vanguardia," a group of masters considered among the country's most ground-breaking; and Francisco (Paco) Torreblanca, considered the best master patissier in Spain and throughout Europe.
The evening will be emceed by none other than Mario Batali, co-author of "Spain... A Culinary Road Trip" (Ecco 2008) and co-host of "Spain... on the road Again" with Gwyneth Paltrow, which airs through American Public Television on PBS stations nationwide. Batali has long been recognized for making a mark on the culinary scene and, among other honors, is winner of the James Beard Foundation's "Best Chef: New York City" award and "Outstanding Chef of the Year," in 2002 and 2005 respectively. A celebrated chef, Batali has 14 restaurants spanning New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and is known for his former Food Network show "Molto Mario" and culinary battles on "Iron Chef America."
Before the evening begins a courtyard reception featuring some of Spain's finest winemakers will entice guests. Participating wineries include: Bodegas Campo Viejo, Bodegas Montecillo, Bodegas Dinastía Vivanco, Codorníu Cava & Estate, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España -- CVNE, Freixenet USA, Grupo Barón de Ley, Grupo Pesquera, Marqués de Griñón, Marqués de Murrieta, Marqués de Riscal, Numanthia, Pago de Vallegarcía, Pazo Barrantes, Palacio del Conde, Real Sitio de Ventosilla, Sánchez Romate, and Torres. Special guest Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson will be engaging with guests one-on-one to discuss the wines. The wines will be complimented with bites from noted Spanish chefs Aitor Elizegui, of the popular Gaminiz restaurant, and Aitor Basabe, who presides over Arbolagaña -- the highly regarded restaurant at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Bilbao; and joined by the Biltmore's own Phillipe Ruiz and executive chef, Rolando Cruz-Taura.
The entire affair will culminate in a luxurious after-dinner Sherry, Brandy & Cigar Lounge on the terrace. Featuring Padron cigars, the final palate pleasers will include the following brandy and sherries from Spain: Cardenal Mendoza, Sánchez Romate, Emilio Lustau, Harveys Import Company, Osborne, Sandeman.
Tickets for all events at the 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival can be purchased online at www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or by calling 877.762.3933.
About the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
All proceeds of the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management who also assist festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world's greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. In addition to receiving a first-rate education in one of the country's most diversified hospitality and tourism markets, these students are provided the opportunity to work hands-on with some of the industry's most experienced leaders.
Special thanks to those who made possible the gala tribute to the wines and foods of Spain, including Southern Wine & Spirits of America, City of Coral Gables, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Biltmore, Cigar Aficionado, Delta, Riedel, Selecta magazine, Wine Spectator, and Wines from Spain.
The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food &Wine is produced by Florida International University and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the festival, visit www.sobewineandfoodfest.com or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit www.fiu.edu, for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management visit www.hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Wine & Spirits visit www.southernwine.com.
PRESS CONTACTS:
National:
Robin Insley Associates
Robin Insley
(212) 849-8256
(Robin@robininsleyassociates.com)
Florida:
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
Larry Carrino
(305) 573-0658
(Larry@brustmancarrinopr.com)
Florida Int'l University
Lisa Palley
(305) 642-3132
(Lpalley@bellsouth.net)