Eckerts Wine and Food Festival

Laura and I attended Eckert's eighth annual wine and food festival this last weekend.  The advertisement said that they offered wine and craft beer tastings, food samples and cooking demos, special appearance by STLwinegirl and live music.

Laura and I never encountered any live music but all the rest occurred.  We arrived promptly when the event started and there were hardly any cars in the parking lot.  I was a bit concerned until I made it to the greenhouse area where there was already a line to get in.  Out of the nine vendor tasting tables there, Laura and I promptly decided to bypass the three that involved craft beer.  Of the remaining tables, we went to three of them with stops for cheese and dessert tastings in between.

After all these tastings, the class entitled 'All About Cheese' was ready to begin.  STLwinegirl Angela Ortmann, a sommelier, and Chef Marianne Moore were our instructors.  We learned how to pair cheese and wine and were able to sample the cheeses and wine so I considered it a worthwhile class.  I also took notes in case I ever want to host such an event at my home.  

Laura and I even earned accolades from our chef instructor when we raised our hands when she asked if anyone had ever heard of the Marcoot Creamery in Greenville Illinois.  Marcoot Creamery produces some of Chef Marianne's favorite cheeses and she loved the fact that you could tour the creamery and get to help make some of the cheeses.  

After class, Laura and I wandered through the store collecting more free samples.  We stopped at the Boar's head distributer and ate one of everything she had.  We also found the sweets area where we had chocolate and white raspberry dump cake.  

Unfortunately, Laura and I were not able to attend any other culinary classes although Laura had already found one she would really like to attend.  I guess we will just have to return next year.