Never let it be said that a threat of rain or even thunder will keep North Texas foodies and wine lovers away from a fundraiser. And when the event is nestled in loads of tents with dozens of talented chefs and wineries, it’s proof of their determination — as was the long backup of vehicles in the far right lane on Garland Road leading to the Dallas Arboretum for its 7th Annual Food and Wine Festival on Thursday, March 21.
The VIP reception got underway at 6 p.m. in A Tasteful Place, which soon was jammed with guests vying to fill their wine glasses and sample bites from Georgie (Black Truffle Potato Churro Caramelized Onion Dip), Josė (Potato and Chorizo Croqueta with Chipotle Crema, Queso Fresco and Cilantro), Knife Dallas (Pasta Bolognese), Monarch (Crab Roll with King Crab, Lemon and Espelette), NOSA Restaurant and Inn (Oxtail Anasazi Bean Rogu with NM Hatch Chile Cornbread With Crème Fraiche and Scallions) and Sushi Rock (Tuna Sushi, Salmon Sushi, Yellowtail Sushi and Tiger Roll). Even the crash of glasses from a table onto the floor hardly made a dent in the festivities.
Meantime over in Rosine Hall, 24 setups were in full throttle. As Chef Chair Sharon Van Meter checked the herd of chefs and wineries, she couldn’t help but hug Pie Guy Sean Jett, whose Humble: Simply Good Pies is just across Garland Road a couple of blocks away from the Arboretum. He had Limoncello Tart Citron and Meringue laid out for tasting.
Organizers were prepared for the not-so-friendly weather and had arranged for the terrace around Rosine Hall to accommodate 16 stations and for tents to be set up in the Scot K. Ginsburg Family Plaza for 24 food and beverage presentations.
Oak Cliff’s Jimmy Contreras had his Taco Y Vino doing business at the corner of the Rosine Hall terrace with his Mini Crispy Blackened Ahi Tuna Tacos with Pineapple Pico, Wasabi and Guajilo Aioli and Yellow Corn Taco Shell. His LadyLove Lounge and Sound partner/DJ Kate Siamro was showing Fort Worth’s Jason Suder around the culinary festivities. A former journalist, Jason achieved great success when he opened the live-music bar Tulips FTW in Fort Worth’s Near Southside. During the 2021 ice storm, the bar served as a warming station and as a distribution site for free wood. This past January, Jason opened a second live-music venue, “Low Doubt Bar,” next door in a former glass-blowing studio.
Sharon Van Meter says
Thanks so much Jeanne! Love the article!!!