Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.



FEBRUARY 2010

Seasonal Tip:
ARTICHOKES are best this month. Steam them and dip the leaves in drawn butter with tarragon, marjoram and thyme.
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Through March 27
Napa Valley, CA17th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival
17th Annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival
Celebrate all that Mustard Season has to offer with plenty of food, wine, art, entertainment and cultural activities staged throughout the world-famous Napa Valley grape growing region.  The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a non-profit community service organization bringing visitors to Napa Valley from January to March, encouraging them to explore the arts, culture and agriculture of Napa Valley.  For more information visit www.mustardfestival.org, e-mail info@mustardfestival.org or call 707-938-1133.

February 6-16
Venice, ITALYCarnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice in Italy
Carnival of Venice 2010 celebrates the world’s most romantic and glamorous masked ball, as well as other lively events.  Carnival-goers are ensured to enjoy lavish parties, exotic 18th-century costumes, fireworks and frenzied celebration.  There will be Baroque music concerts, water parades in gondolas and extravagant gala dinners, with plenty of other lunches, brunches, dinners, exhibitions, balls and concerts held in between.  For more information, visit www.carnivalofvenice.com.

February 11-15
Paris, FRANCE—Paris Cookbook Fair
Paris Cookbook Fair
Cookbook connoisseurs, authors and publishers all unite at the Paris Cookbook Fair in conjunction with the 2010 Gourmand Awards. Learn about the global cookbook market, promote international cooking, discuss new food trends and peruse more than 4,000 titles in the Centquatre venue in Paris. Bookshops, groceries, cellars and workshops will be showcased while ideas, conferences, recipes and tips will be shared daily. Explore the vast offerings of the festival including the three areas: the Books village, the Wines village and the Schools village. For more information, visit www.cookbookfair.com.

February 14, 19, 21
San Antonio, TXSan Antonio Wine Festival
The San Antonio Wine Festival in Texas
The festival begins with the 30th Annual Fine Wine and Cuisine Tasting, which will be held from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.  Known as the "Granddaddy of All Wine Tastings," it offers the creations of more than three dozen of San Antonio's finest restaurateurs and caterers. Next is the 16th Annual Wine Opener on Feb. 19, from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.  The opener is an intimate black-tie affair featuring wines from California, Texas, Oregon and Washington, as well as top vintages from Italy, France and the world over. On Feb. 21, the 13th Annual Champagne Brunch will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  All proceeds benefit KLRN, public television for south central Texas. For more information, visit sawinefest.com.

February 18-28
Montreal, CANADA—Montreal High Lights Festival
A fire artist performing at the Montreal High Lights Festival in Canada
Now in its 11th year, this lively annual festival produced by a council of members drawn from Montreal’s artistic, economic and tourism sectors, continues to entertain with attractions and activities.  Renowned chefs from around the globe pair up with Montreal’s best to prepare enticing festival menus.  The event features live music, and themed nights of light, fire and pyrotechnics.  For more information, call 888-477-9955 or visit www.montrealhighlights.com.

February 25-28
Miami, FLSouth Beach Wine & Food Festival
Giada De Laurentiis at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Foodies and wine connoisseurs love the annual South Beach Food & Wine Festival where world-renowned chefs and internationally acclaimed vintners treat guests with their cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and educational discussions. This year's participants include Food Network personalities Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Masaharu Morimoto and Paula Deen. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU), the festival benefits the Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. For a full list of activities and guest chefs, and to purchase tickets, visit sobewineandfoodfest.com.

February 26-28
New York, NY3rd Annual New York Wine Expo
Sample more than 600 wines from more than 170 winemakers from around the world at this 3-day exposition for consumers and trade. Consumers can learn from the experts at a wide range of seminars designed for all levels of wine enthusiasts. Topics include wine tasting, wine and food pairings, wine serving, selecting the right vintage, among others. The third and final day of the event is dedicated to trade, including restaurateurs, retailers and other food and beverage professionals. The event will be held at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door on the day of the event. For tickets, event hours and more information, visit www.wine-expos.com.

Back to the Calendar

(Updated: 12/18/09 AR)

WINE EVENTS

There's always more to learn about wine. Take part in a class, a wine and cheese pairing or a fancy prix-fixe meal at these events across the country.

CULINARY EVENTS

Eat, drink and celebrate at these festivals, special dinners, happy hours, cooking classes and more from Los Angeles to New York to London.