Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival 2009

By: Inna Shamis

journeyPod recently attended the premier event of Atlantic City’s summer season – a four-day long assemblage filled with food events, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars, book signings and celebrity appearances.

Well-renowned chefs and culinary personalities like Ingrid Hoffman, Guy Fieri, Ted, Allen, Tom Colicchio, along with many well-recognized winemakers were on hand to mix n’ mingle, and demonstrate their culinary panache at as many as 20 different events!

First Taste

The 4-day long extravaganza kicked off with Tom Colicchio, of Bravo’s Top Chef, at the Jim Beam Gourmet Pizza Bash with Tom Colicchio, and alongside local and regional restaurants who were vying to top each other’s pizza creations.  We certainly couldn’t choose a favorite!

However, among the most anticipated events was a “once in a lifetime” change to sit alongside chef and TV personality Guy Fieri as he hosted a 2-hour Feast of Fieri dinner for an intimate crowd of only 25 guests. Even with a ticket price of $1000/per head, this event was sold out (did someone say recession?)!

More Helpings  One of the main attractions at the event was the “Grand Tasting” where attendees had the opportunity to sample signature dishes from (and in some cases meet) local and celebrity chefs from across the country. Lucky for us, we were able to pair those tastings with several world-famous wines.

Speaking of which…. The California Wine Tour with Ted Allen – held in the historic Dennis Courtyard at Bally’s on the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk – was an exclusive event showcasing some of the best wines California has to offer.  Our favorite (hands down): Francis Coppola Sofia Riesling – an intoxicating and not-too-sweet mix of pears, apricots white peaches, green apples, and a hint of pineapple.

For the real food-obsessed, two culinary demonstrations followed, with Emeril Lagasse and Ingrid Hoffman.

As if the Festival event couldn’t get any better, the Malibu Rum Beach Soiree held on the rooftop sundeck of Bally’s brought out all the stops with celebrity chefs Guy Fieri, Ingrid Hoffmann, Ted Allen, Duff Goldman and Emeril Lagasse – alongside an evening of dancing, eating and drinking and more mingling!  

Eat ‘Em Up!

As another day of the “Grand Tasting” followed, the festivities were topped off with a bang with the ultimate Phillips Seafood Boardwalk Clambake with Guy Fieri (also held in the historic Dennis Courtyard at Bally’s on the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk).  Talk about a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Followed by The Art of Fondue hosted by Duff Goldman and Ingrid Hoffmann (and presented by The Melting Pot) – held poolside at Harrah’s Resort, the event showcased how to serve up delicious fondue selections with wine and champagne pairing. A cheese and chocolate lovers dream!

Other events included:

Moet & Ciroc Present: Wine After Dark – an after-hours wine tasting and dancing. 

The Glenlivet Cigar & Whiskey Lounge – an opportunity for cigar aficionados to sample whiskey and fine cigars.

The Beer Garden – the ultimate beer-tasting opportunity with selections from all over the world!

Make the most of it!

Since the Food & Wine Festival was held in Atlantic City – the place recognized for fine dining (among other things) – we made our way to Bobby Flay Steak, the chef’s first-ever steakhouse during our stay.

This sleek and sexy 11,000 square foot space inside of the Borgata Hotel & Casino proved worthy of a visit after a delicious sampling of Oyster & Lobster Shooters, Chilled Lobster-Avocado Cocktail, Grilled Tuna Steak, Halibut with white clam sauce and Wild-Mushroom with white truffle oil mashed potatoes.  While we certainly didn’t have the “room” for dessert, we did enjoy a spoonful tasting of the decadent and delicious Dark Chocolate Crème Brulee and the restaurant’s signature Baked Alaska with Caramel Ice Cream.

Stay tuned as we continue our coverage of the Food & Wine Festivals from across the country.  Our next stop:  New York City in October!

journeyPod is always in the kitchen with culinary stars – Check out our Celebrity Chef Interviews!