(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich) – Chef Eric Villegas, star of the nationally-broadcast, multiple Emmy award-winning PBS show “Fork in the Road” and author of the award-winning companion cookbook of the same name, returns as one of the Guest Chefs at the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival, November 12-14. The culinary celebration kicks off the 2009 holiday season in the elegance of the 40,000-square foot Steelcase Ballroom inside the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. As an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television personality, Eric Villegas has done more than any other culinarian to introduce the country to the regional and local foods of his beloved Michigan and the Great Lakes region. He will prepare “Freshwater Whitefish Chowder with Bacon, Potatoes and Basil” at 3pm on Saturday, November 14 on the Meijer Food Stage. Admission to the Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival is $15 per person and includes a sampling glass, official show program published by Grand Rapids Magazine and a list detailing all of the wines, beers, spirits and foods available for sampling. Tasting tickets are available, in 50¢ denominations, for purchase once inside the show. Admission tickets may be purchased in advance, through Ticketmaster, online at www.GRWineFestival.com or during the event at either the Lyon Street or Monroe Avenue DeVos Place box offices. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age to enter. The 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival is expected to draw some 10,000+ individuals throughout the three days, making it the largest food and wine festival in the state and one of the premiere events of its kind in the Midwest. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette. For more information about the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival: www.GRWineFestival.com or 800-328-6550.
ABOUT CHEF ERIC VILLEGAS The Michigan-born chef embarked on his culinary career after studying liberal arts at Michigan State University. Moving to Paris, France, he attended Anne Willan’s LaVarenne Ecole de Cuisine and Steven Spurrier’s Academie du Vin. After which he gained a wide range of practical experience in the classic restaurant kitchens of France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon. After two years abroad, Chef Villegas returned to the States to continue his studies at the New England Culinary Institute, where he specialized in the service aspect of hospitality, running the school’s flagship dining room. From 1987 to 2007, chef Villegas owned and operated two of mid-Michigan's most unique award winning regional restaurants, Dusty's Wine Bar and his eponymous flagship, Restaurant Villegas where working closely with local farmers and ranchers he developed his now highly recognized contemporary Midwestern style. Since debuting on Michigan public television in 2001 with his show “Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas,” he has been tirelessly seeking out the artisan growers, farmers and ranchers who continuously produce top-quality foods for the American table. “Fork” also brings recipes, cooking tips and culinary history based on the Great Lakes food scene. Originally airing weekly on PBS in his home state of Michigan, as well as Canada, his efforts brought the chef two regional EMMY Awards. In late 2007, “Fork” began national distribution via NETA on PBS, offering his unique take on regional and sustainable Michigan agriculture and cuisine to the rest of the country. The long-awaited companion cookbook hit store shelves in 2007 and immediately garnered attention as a Michigan’s “Notable Book of the Year.” The Library of Michigan, which sponsors the annual recognition program, then sent Chef Villegas on the road to libraries to share his cooking knowledge and charismatic personality with residents around the state. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the show and Chef Villegas will be on hand at scheduled times to autograph those copies. Chef Villegas keeps his culinary calendar full shooting new episodes of "Fork," as well as participating in cooking demonstrations, book signings and public appearances throughout the Great Lakes State and the rest of the country. While he oversees many projects, each is infused with his culinary passion all the while reminding everyone watching, reading or listening to "think global but to buy and eat local!" The 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival is expected to draw some 10,000+ individuals throughout the three days, making it the largest food and wine festival in the state and one of the premier events of its kind in the Midwest. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette. For more information about the 2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival: www.GRWineFestival.com or 800-328-6550. |