 7th Annual
San Antonio
New World
Wine and Food
Festival
By JEANNE JANES
Photography Courtesy of NWW&FF
You know that pair of pants you hang in the back of the closet for those days when you feel … well… like you’ve gained maybe a pound or two? You know the ones I’m talking about. Well, it’s time to get them out as the seventh annual San Antonio New World Wine and Food Festival rolls into San Antonio, Tuesday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 12.
Oh, yeah. You’re going to want to forget about that South Beach diet for a while. For while we know the food and wines of Texas are the best, this will be your chance to sample them all and find your personal favorite during a week of non-stop food and wine indulgence.
With a dazzling array that’s sure to tantalize every taste bud, the New World Wine and Food Festival celebrates the best culinary superstars and vintners in Texas and a few from across the Atlantic Ocean. This year’s Black Tie theme, “The Reign of Spain,” is inspired by the 275th anniversary of the arrival of Canary Island settlers in San Antonio. Through sumptuous dinners, seminars and samplings, festival chefs, speakers and experts will look at the Spanish influence on New World cuisine and trends in contemporary Spanish cooking.
 Best of all, while you are giving your stomach the gastronomical thrill of a lifetime, the tickets you bought will end up helping someone else, as proceeds from the festival are given to local organizations, including the Center for Foods of the Americas and Child Advocates of San Antonio.
So grab those pants and get ready to loosen the belt one more notch. You can get the full schedule online at www.nwwff.org, but here’s a listing of the ones we think sound like the most fun.
Wednesday, Nov. 1
6:30 p.m. Texas Vintner Cruises, beginning at Hotel Contessa ($100)
It’s actually a pre-festival event, but you won’t want to miss sailing along the San Antonio River feasting on a five-course meal paired with five different Texas wines. Your menu will be prepared by chef Derek Fontenot of Las Ramblas at Hotel Contessa, chef Pepe Rangel from Boudro’s and chef Michael Flores with Mis En Place, LLC.
Thursday, Nov. 9
7 p.m. Winemaker Dinners (price varies by restaurant)
Where have you always wanted to eat but been afraid to try? Tonight’s your night to dine at one of San Antonio’s most acclaimed restaurants and enjoy an evening in the company of winemakers and their best bottles paired with the chef’s dazzling menu. You can choose from Biga on the Banks with chef Bruce Auden, Bistro Vatel with chef Damien Watel, Boudro’s with chef Pepe Rangel, Francesca’s at Sunset at the Westin La Cantera with chef Ernesto Estrada, Las Canarias with chef Scott Cohen, Luciano’s with chef Jesse Perez, Oro at the Emily Morgan Hotel with chef Shane Bruns or the Plaza Club with chef Dan Lewis.
Friday, Nov. 10
4:00 p.m. Tequila Tasting at Pesca ($45)
Now this one has a little spirit! Taste distinctive tequilas, mezcales and more – along with elegant appetizers – at this River Walk outpost of oysters and agave.
 Saturday, Nov. 11
7:00 p.m. New World Grand Tasting, Lincoln Heights Shopping Center ($60) Combine three of the best sports around: eating, drinking and shopping. More than 30 of the best and brightest chefs from Texas and Mexico will prepare delights that explore global influences on Texas cuisine and have on hand more than 100 wines from around the world to taste! If you don’t find what you want at the stores, don’t despair. There’s also a silent auction to tickle your pocketbook and benefit local charities.
Sunday, Nov. 12
1 to 6 p.m. Totally Tejas presented by H-E-B at Rio Cibolo Ranch ($35; under age 21, $10) Now that you’ve had your fun, it’s time to pull out the kids for this comfortably casual outdoor party — Texas style. They’ll love hayrides, river barge rides, live entertainment and storytelling from the old West. There are great activities
for the family, and H-E-B will be grilling up Sunday treats.
|
