So you think you’ve bowled?  Come score a clean game at the retro-glamorous, High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge at Foxwoods.  The wine and beer will flow while you’re treated to private bowling lanes and unparalleled cuisine created by Big Night Entertainment's Chef Kevin Long (Tosca) and High Rollers’ own Chef Kevin Scott.  Join some of your favorite culinary stars, including Food Network Stars and celebrity “Girlfriends” Sunny Anderson, Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli for an evening that will literally redefine the sport of kings and working men.

Join celebrated Chef David Burke and Susur Lee (Shang/Top Chef Masters) and Casey Thompson ("Top Chef All-Stars"), as they team up to present their take on the perfect Epicurean lunch experience.  Spend your mid-day eating the best food, tasting the perfect wines and mingling with these culinary stars as they show you how they would eat on a gorgeous fall afternoon.

We've all done it. Combed the aisles of our wine store for an ad that says "scored 90+ points" by Robert Parker and then looked at the price to make sure it's within our budget. Price does matter. We all have budgets. Fortunately, great wines come at all different prices. Yankee Magazine food editor and foodie personaiity Annie B. Copps will take you on a blind tasting journey of 6 great wines at all different price points while you try and guess the cost. At the end, she'll reveal the results. You just may be surprised! Through it all, she'll give you tips on ordering wine at a restaurant as well as buying, storing, and serving wine on your own.  You'll also receive a signed copy of Annie's just-released book, Yankee Magazine's Best New England Recipes. You'll be sure to impress your friends at your next big party or outing.

Italians have long understood the simple culinary perfection that is attained when wine is served alongside food of its native region. Celebrate Italian regionality as renowned restaurateur and winemaker Joe Bastianich guides you through a pairing of iconic Italian wines with cheeses from the regions of which they hail—if it grows together, it goes together! You’ll also receive Joe’s newest book, Grandi Vini, before it's released to the public and have it personally signed at the end of the seminar.

Sample signature dishes from award-winning chefs and unparalleled fare from regional purveyors—40 culinary presenters in all—at this walk-around tasting in the elegant Premier Ballroom. Over 600 fine wines, beers and spirits complement the tasty tasting menu. 100% of the net proceeds benefit Johnson & Wales University.

Members of the trade are offered early access to the Grand Tasting on both Saturday and Sunday with purchase of a general admission ticket.  Approved trade and media will be admitted starting at 6pm (the event opens to the public at 7pm). Please bring and present your general admission ticket along with trade credentials/business card at the entrance of the Grand Tasting.

Grand Tasting Menu 

What happens when longtime friends and former collaborators Tom Colicchio (Craft Restaurants, Colicchio & Sons, ‘wichcraft) and Marco Canora (Hearth, Terroir) reunite in the kitchen? They create a not-to-be-missed gourmet dining experience. Reserve your table early - attendance is limited to 120 lucky guests.

Experience the flavors of Italy like never before. The vino will flow at Alta Strada as you feast on an authentic Italian menu prepared by an all-star lineup led by award-winning chef/owner Michael Schlow and featuring guest chefs Anne Burrell (Food Network), Dante de Magistris (Dante), Evan Deluty (Stella) and Marc Orfaly (Pigalle), with wine pairings presented by Vias Imports.

Enjoy an evening of classic fine dining with a modern sensibility.  Paragon Executive Chef Scott Mickelson, joined by guest chef & Food Network Star Alex Guarnaschelli (Chopped/Butter) and Annie B. Copps (wine expert and Food Editor for Yankee Magazine) will be your hosts for a dinner that celebrates delicious cuisine based on the season’s best ingredients, impeccable service and stellar wine pairings.   Scott & Alex’s commitment to the freshest products raised with sustainability in today’s world marketplace, combined with Annie’s flair for the perfect pairing, will make this an event that’s second to none.

Now, you can have your cake—and dance it away, too!  Join Food Network Star Sunny Anderson (Cooking for Real) for an evening filled with decadent desserts created by Franck Iglesias (Foxwoods Resort Casino), David Burke/Christopher Shea (David Burke Prime), Alina Eisenhauer (Sweet), and Tonnie Rozier (Tonnie’s Minis) and Sunny herself. Pair those with luscious libations as you boogie down to the irresistible rhythms of our rollicking house band, Night Market.

Sample signature dishes from award-winning chefs and unparalleled fare from regional purveyors—40 culinary presenters in all—at this walk-around tasting in the elegant Premier Ballroom. Over 600 fine wines, beers and spirits complement the tasty tasting menu. 100% of the net proceeds benefit Johnson & Wales University. Ticket price includes admission to the Celebrity Chef demonstrations and Book Signings scheduled for Sunday.

Members of the trade are offered early access to the Grand Tasting on both Saturday and Sunday with purchase of a general admission ticket.  Approved trade and media will be admitted starting at noon (the event opens to the public at 1pm). Please bring and present your general admission ticket along with trade credentials/business card at the entrance of the Grand Tasting.

Grand Tasting Menu 

Talk about food for thought!  Learn culinary tips and tricks—straight from the pros—as this group of your favorite celebrity chefs showcase their skills and share their epicurean secrets.

Attendance at these events will be determined on first-come, first-served basis.  Interested guests may arrive at the venue ½ hour before the scheduled demonstration time to receive a complimentary ticket.

David Burke & Diane Henderiks
Who says you can't balance once-in-a while splurge dining with everyday “healthy eating? Award-winning chef David Burke (Primehouse) and the ever-popular, “Dietician in the Kitchen™” Diane Henderiks. Watch as David whips up his decadently delicious short ribs with stroganoff--plus a short rib dumpling from the leftovers. Then, see Diane create lighter versions of the gourmet recipes that don't skimp on flavor.  A win-win situation for any celebration or night-of-the-week!”

Michael Schlow
Michael is one of the leading chefs in America and is considered by many to be Boston’s best chef and restaurateur. He is the chef and co-owner of four wildly popular and successful restaurants, Radius, Via Matta, Alta Strada, and Great Bay, and is the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Northeast,” the prestigious Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence and Santé Magazine’s, “Chef of the Year”. He makes numerous national TV appearances and is the author of It’s About Time. Schlow opened his second Alta Strada, an authentic, exciting Italian restaurant and wine bar at MGM Grand at Foxwoods in May of 2008.

Alex Guarnaschelli 
As the daughter of esteemed cookbook editor Maria Guarnaschelli, Alex Guarnaschelli spent her childhood surrounded by food. Following graduation from Barnard College, she embarked upon her culinary career, working for acclaimed chef Larry Forgione. She then moved to France where she honed her skills at La Varenne in Burgundy, Michelin three-star restaurant Guy Savoy, and La Butte Chaillot.

Guarnaschelli later joined the team at the renowned Restaurant Daniel. She was sous chef at Joachim Splichal’s Patina restaurant in West Hollywood. In 2003, Guarnaschelli became the executive chef at Butter Restaurant.

Guarnaschelli has been featured in many magazines and has appeared on numerous television programs including “Chopped,” “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” “Dear Food Network,” and “Next Food Network Star.” Currently she is working on Season 3 of “Alex’s Day Off,” produced by Bobby Flay.

Aaron McCargo, Jr.
Aaron McCargo, Jr. won Season 4 of “The Next Food Network Star” in 2008, and landed his own show: “Big Daddy’s House.” On “Big Daddy’s House,” he shares his passion for big, bold flavors and fun family cooking. From comfort food to barbecue favorites to breakfast delights, McCargo whips up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family, while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen. Whether cooking with his children, relatives, friends, or even by himself, big food and big fun reign supreme.

Get the latest word on food and wine—literally.  Celebrity chefs and food & wine aficionados will be on hand to autograph copies of their most recent works, available for purchase at the Festival bookstore.

Featuring:

• 1:30pm: David Burke/Diane Henderiks
• 2:30pm: Michael Schlow/Casey Thompson
• 3:30pm: Alex Guarnaschelli
• 4:30pm: Aaron McCargo, Jr.

Voted "America's Favorite" on Bravo's "Top Chef," Season 3, chef Casey Thompson has been chosen to show American connoisseurs why the flavors of Argentina are also a "favorite" with wine lovers nationwide. Inspired by her travels, Casey created a signature line of recipes designed to pair perfectly with the unique profile of leading Argentine premium wine, Terrazas de los Andes. Terrazas de los Andes is noted for its rich heritage, finest quality wines grown at their ideal altitudes and award-winning line of varietal wines. Come discover Chef Casey Thompson unleash the potential of these ultimate recipe pairings. You'll savor tastes of Casey's recipes and delight in sumptuous wines while Casey shows you how to make these recipes at home.

Join Anheuser-Busch brewmaster Matt Morgenthaler as he guides you through an exploration of the world's most widely consumed and oldest alcoholic beverage - beer! Explore the taste profiles of ales and lagers to learn what makes each unique, and discover how each style complements food to enhance your view of dining and cooking with beer. Matt will also give you insight into the brewing process and the best way to serve beer - from pouring methods to glassware. Anheuser-Busch will present a variety of its brands, including its artisanal and craft brews.