This year I spent an entire day, from 10am to 10pm, indulging in the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen. This is the third year I've covered the event, but I've never participated in an entire day of sessions and tastings.
The day began with Laura Werlin's workshop on pairing grilled cheese sandwiches with wine. According to the official Classic handbook, Werlin is one of the country's foremost authorities on cheese. Her latest book is called, "Grilled Cheese, Please." And, by the way, it's her second book on the subject. I don't claim or aim to be a food critic, but Werlin's grilled cheese sandwiches made me salivate. They were absolutely the most delicious grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever tasted. The first sandwich (there were four) was my favorite. The melted cheese oozed out between two slices of cinnamon raisin bread and a sort of chili chutney was spread on top of the cheese. Delicious!
After the cheese/wine session, I attended a Street Food from Singapore luncheon. A few of the food selections were Singapore curry, fried rice and an edible cup filled with noodles and topped with shrimp. Celebrity chef Susan Feniger even cut in front of me (after nicely asking) to get to the food first!
Next came a Borolo wine tasting with David Lynch. Some history on Lynch from the ultimate Classic handbook: "David Lynch served as the senior editor at Wine & Spirits. He was also the sommelier at New York's famed Babbo Ristorante." At this tasting, the looseness that develops after several glasses of wine was apparent in many of the participants. At least three times, those sitting in the tent yelled and howled at a nearby tent, where another wine tasting was happening. Those in the other tent proudly howled back.
All in all, my experience at this year's Classic was one to remember and my pallet is now a bit more educated. My Sunday night meal of macaroni and cheese may need to be spiced up a bit...Now, over to the kitchen!
