Highlighted by a roster of the nation’s top chefs including Tyler Florence, Dominique Crenn, Aarti Sequeira, and Zac Young, Palm Desert Food & Wine is a spectacular culinary experience featuring a diverse selection of mouth-watering eats, premium wines, hands-on cooking demonstrations, and much more.
Running from March 21-24, this annual gastronomic event is held at The Gardens on El Paseo in the heart of Palm Desert’s popular El Paseo shopping district. It begins with a variety of culinary experiences throughout the valley, followed by a James Beard gourmet four-course luncheon, Celebrity Chef reception, and two days of Grand Tastings, where you can enjoy some of the most delicious offerings from local and regional restaurants and sample more than 60 wines or craft brews. Here are all the delectable details:
Cheese Masterclass with Afrim Pristine
Cheese lovers, assemble. Learn all about the art of cheese making and pairing with Afrim Pristine, the world’s youngest maître fromager (certified cheese master). Afrim returns for a special evening masterclass sharing some of his favorite wines paired with the world’s best cheeses.
James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon
Celebrity chefs include James Beard Award winners Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Meg Bickford, Dominique Crenn, and Gale Gand. hosted by Zac Young, Food Network pastry pundit, president of PieCaken Bakeshop and Sprinkletown; and Jamie Gwen, chef, certified sommelier, and cookbook author. A portion of the proceeds benefits Friends of the James Beard Foundation.
Celebrity Chef Reception
Party with the chefs that you know and love from TV at this exclusive cocktail soirée. Here, the festival participants aren’t secluded to a stage; rather, they’re milling around with a libation in hand, eager to meet and mingle with fellow foodies. Special guests include Meg Bickford, Dominque Crenn, Susan Feniger, Tyler Florence, Gale Gand, Jamie Gwen, Aisha Ibrahim, Mary Sue Milliken, Juan Morales, Afrim Pristine, Aarti Sequeira, Angelo Sosa, and Zac Young, all of whom will be hosting culinary demonstrations during the two days of Grand Tastings that follow.
Grand Tastings
Grand Tastings feature delectable bites from more than 40 restaurants, created by renowned chefs from across the Coachella Valley and all of California, as well as more than 60 premium and sparkling wines, beers, and spirits. Participants can interact with the vintners and chefs to discuss their offerings.
Create the perfect pairing by adding other events to your weekend including a paired three-course meal at Trio with chefs Aisha Ibrahim and Jeremy Loomis, “Celebrity Chef Date Farm Tour & Lunch” with Aarti Sequeira, “The Gale Gand Guide to Cooking with Cinnamon” presented by Gale Gand, or “The Commander’s Palace Sunday Jazz Brunch” with chef Meg Bickford. For more information on these and other events, and how to create the ultimate culinary experience, visit the Palm Desert Food & Wine website.
Make sure you don’t miss a single thing on your trip to Palm Desert. For additional events, be sure to visit our Calendar of Events.