Albany Barn is Beneficiary of 2012 Albany Food & Wine Fest

On January 12-14, 2012, the City of Albany will host the third annual Albany Food & Wine Festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to benefit Albany Barn, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Albany Center Gallery, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Park Playhouse.

The 2012 Festival will bring together over 30 Innovative Chefs and 250 Global Wine, Spirit & Beer suppliers to provide area residents the opportunity to sample the best in culinary offerings, as well as the opportunity to attend high profile seminar pairings that will focus this year on healthy, sustainable agriculture.

“The sole mission of the annual Festival is to provide sustainable funding for the support and preservation of the not-for-profit arts community in Albany, NY,” stated Yono Purnomo, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “In our first two years, we have donated $88,081 to various arts organizations in the City of Albany.”

Festival Events Schedule:

Thursday January 12^th – Mayor’s VIP Reception – the official kick-off of the 2012 Festival hosted by Mayor Jennings in the beautiful Rotunda at City Hall. Presented by the Business Review with Publisher Carolyn Jones, and Angelo’s 677 Prime, with owner Angelo Mazzone. The event will feature outstanding passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres from Chef Jaime Ortiz of Angelo’s 677 Prime along with wine pairings from Empire Merchants North. A limited number of tickets are available at $125 per person. Visit the official Festival website: www.albanywinefest.com for full event information, ticket purchases, and complete sponsor listings.

Friday January 13^th – Grand Tasting & Seminars – at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 4-8pm – only $50 per person to sample foods from over 30 top chefs and restaurants, 3 new “Rising Star Chef” contest winners presented by timesunion.com, and over 250 global wine, spirit and beer companies – 4 educational seminars focused on healthy, sustainable agriculture include presentations from award winning chefs Dr. Roland Kays, and Gustavo Ericson, “The Cheeseman,” from Honest Weight Co-op. Free parking in adjacent garage.

Friday January 13^th – Slider Slam – at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 8-11pm – only $25 per person – this new event Presented by Metroland will feature 10 restaurants presenting their signature sliders for a panel of judges to receive the annual honor of ‘Best Sliders and Most Creative Sliders, as well as a people’s choice award. The event will also feature Wine, and Spirits, Empire Merchants North. Craft Beer is presented by Ommegang. Enjoy live music and free parking in adjacent garage compliments of the Crowne Plaza.

Saturday January 14^th – Grand Tasting & Seminars – at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 12-4pm – only $40 per person (if purchased by 12/01/11/ $50 per person after 12/1/11) – sample foods from 30 top chefs and restaurants, 3 new “Rising Star Chef” contest winners presented by timesunion.com and over 250 wine, spirit and beer companies – 4 educational seminars focused on healthy, sustainable agriculture. The afternoon tasting will conclude with another new event – the “Signature Chef Invitational”.

Saturday January 14^th –Signature Chef Invitational– at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 1:30-3:30pm. This will be a live, dynamic Chef challenge to prepare a meal from a “mystery basket” of food items, with a panel of judges awarding the winning Chef a spot as one of the 6 Chefs preparing a course for the 2013 Gala Dinner.

Saturday Evening – “Wine & Dine for the Arts Gala Reception & Dinner” – at the Crowne Plaza Hotel – $150 per person or $125 for Junior ticket (35 and under) – Reception at 6pm and Dinner at 7pm. A 6-course, art-themed, culinary masterpiece under the direction of Chef Yono Purnomo and prepared by the Festival Signature chefs Jaime Ortiz from 677 Prime, Jim Rua from Café Capriccio, Dale Miller from Sperry’s, Brian Molino from Mazzone Management Group, Mark Graham from Mezza Notte, Ric Orlando from New World Bistro Bar, Anad “AJ” Jayapal from the Mallozzi Family restaurants, Jonathan Crean from Crowne Plaza Kelsey’s Restaurant, and Luc Pasquier from Attaché Culinaire. Dinner will be paired with premium wines selected and provided by Empire Merchants North, and there will be live and silent auctions throughout the event. Free parking in adjacent garage compliments of Crowne Plaza.

Hotel Accommodations Special – The Crowne Plaza and Hampton Inn & Suites will offer discounted room rates on January 12, 13 & 14 priced at only $89 per night, per couple, which includes parking.

Official Website – visit www.albanywinefest.com for complete information on all events and Ticket Purchases.