While much of the world has been revealing in the collective euphoria following the rescue of los 33 (that’s local lingo for the miners), which we’ve been cheering on 24-7 here in Chile, I have been in a bit of frenzy to get ready for an upcoming promotional “tour” to the US in early November with Emiliana Orgánico and Banfi Vintners. As many of you know, I partner with them as their “culinary ambassador”, a.k.a chef/sommelier. I am super, SUPER psyched about this trip as I will finally get to hit Texas. Yes, I am embarrassed to say that I have never been to the Lone Star state in my entire life (DFW and IAH airports do NOT count). Well thankfully, that’s about to end.
I will be leading cooking classes with Emiliana Orgánico wine pairings at Central Market the week of November 8th all over the state. Central Market seems like quite the “destination supermarket”, or a 64,000 square foot “fresh market” as CM calls it. Something to experience, see, behold, and shop to transform amazing ingredients, the natural urge that all of us cooks and foodies constantly have.
I have heard the praises from our clients in Houston about it (more like rubbing it in). I mean seriously, 600 varieties of fresh produce from around the world? A 75-foot-long, state-of-the-art seafood case with over 100 varieties of saltwater and freshwater fish and shellfish? Or how about aged beef, lamb, bison prime rib, milk-fed veal cutlets, all-natural pork, emu, organic chicken, and 50 varieties of custom-made sausage. Shall I continue? Thousands of wine labels, hundreds of varieties of mustards, olive oils, salsas, BBQ sauces (it is Texas…) and my favorite, all my health food products (sprouted pea protein and agave nectar anyone?). However, when I read that they stock nearly 700 kinds of cheeses, I know this ust be a true Mecca. I am beside myself thinking of all the kitchen inspiration and wondering for all of y’all who shop there, how do you decide? Seriously, could you relocate to Texas for this kind of a market? Maybe I could convince them to come to Chile…I love the fact too the staff on hand are referred to as foodies.
I will be on a whirlwind visit of 5 different Central Market Cooking School venues sharing the kind of South American dishes (primarily Chilean) and my style of healthy, consciousness cooking only the freshest (organic) ingredients. Obviously this complements the philosophy of Emiliana Orgánico, a Chilean winery that uses ONLY sustainable, organic and biodynamic agriculture practices to create balanced, healthier and more productive vineyards. So imagine, pure, clean food and sustainable wines purely expressing the terroir. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have a winning duo.
We’ll be cooking up a storm for the menu below and pairing the lush Emiliana wines with it. Of course, we’ll be talking up the food, wine, and travel scene in Chile and South America, and having a lot of fun. I want to invite you ALL to join me. I would love to meet you and get to know the Eat Wine community in person!
Details, Details:
Monday, November 8: Austin
Tuesday, November 9: Houston
Wednesday, November 10: Dallas
Thursday, November 11: Fort Worth
Friday, November 12: San Antonio
Menu:
- Emiliana Natura Sauvignon Blanc with Chile Avocado Soup with Goat Cheese & Merkén Croutons
- Emiliana Natura Chardonnay with Chilean-style Razor Clam Gratin
- Emiliana Natura Carmenere with Crisp Pan-Fried Cod with Seafood Sauce with Rice Pilaf and Seared Kale
- Emiliana Coyam with Chilean Corn Pie (Pastel de Choclo)
All classes cost US$65 per person and are from 6:30-9pm. You can sign up here or directly with Central Market Cooking School. Hope to see you guys there!
Thanks to Atmtx and Darkroom light for the pics. And funny enough, isn’t uncanny how similar the Chilean and Texan flags are? Almost identical.
