Royal Chef Darren McGrady returns to Wine & Food Week

Posted by Tanji Patton on Chron. (View original article here.)

The Woodlands Wine and Food Week is a must do on my calendar each year.  Many of H-Town’s best chefs are there and even some talented pros from around the country and the world.  Great food is a given, and there are so many wonderful wines to try as well as craft beers.

This year’s foodie extravaganza is June 2-8 and will feature more than 500 wines, 50 restaurants, legendary wine producers, culinary personalities, and a vast collection of craft beers and gourmet food purveyors. Wine education classes, chef demonstrations, cookbook author events, silent auctions, and casual to fine wine-and-dine experiences round out the week’s festivities.

This year’s featured chef or Wizard Gourmet is Chef John Moeller, a member of an elite corps of chefs who have served in the White House preparing cuisine for Presidents, their Families and their guests.   Chef Moeller has worked for three First Families, including President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, and President George W. Bush.

Chef Moeller will kick off Wine & Food Week Monday, June 2 at Morton’s Grille in The Woodlands and will have appearances throughout the week culminating at Saturday’s Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase.

I have the recipe for Chef Moeller’s beautiful Grilled Lamb Chops with Jalapeno Mint Sauce that was served at the big Television Correspondent’s luncheon with President George W. Bush on Goodtaste.tv. http://goodtaste.tv/recipes/showrecipe/display/chef-john-moeller-grilled-lamb-chops

And, one of my friends and favorite chefs is returning for the Wine Rendevous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase, Royal Chef Darren McGrady.  Darren’s stories about working as Princess Diana’s Royal Chef and life at Kensington Palace are fascinating.  And I must tell you, every single recipe I’ve prepared from his book Eating Royally has been scrumptious.  One of my favorites is the Crème Brulée or as Darren refers to it Burnt Cream.  I have the recipe on Goodtaste.tv. http://goodtaste.tv/recipe/royal-burnt-cream-creme-brulee/

Other special guests include wine wizard Gary Midyette, Director of Winemaking Operations at Robert Mondavi Winery.  He will appear at Wine & Food Week’s Big Three events:  H-E-B Wine Walk; Sips, Suds & Sliders; and the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase in the Art of Wine Competition featuring Robert Mondavi wines.

For all the details on this wonderful week, head to http://www.wineandfoodweek.com/Home.shtml  For more great recipes and wine ideas, head to Goodtaste.tv, and while you’re there sign up for a chance to win a trip for two to New Orleans – roundtrip tickets courtesy of Corporate Travel Planners, 3 nights at the Westin Canal Place and dinner for two at Chef John Borgne’s restaurant.  Enjoy! http://goodtaste.tv/giveaways/win-a-3-night-stay-in-new-orleans/

Tanji Patton writes about food and restaurants for HERE. She may be reached on her website at goodtaste.tv.