AN AMERICAN CULINARY ADVENTURE

This year I have the distinct honor of being the Artistic Director of Culinary Arts for the Gettysburg Festival taking place June 18th through the 28th. Festival goers will get a chance to take in several culinary events such as: A summer kick-off picnic (June 20), an elegant Father's Day champagne brunch (June 21), a Sheppard Mansion dining experience (June 23), a Pennsylvania "Iron Chef" dinner (June 24), and a barbecue dinner complete with beer and the Blues (June 27).

In addition to these events, Governor Ed Rendell is accepting nominations for the Governor's Award for the Culinary Arts. This award will honor a Pennsylvania culinary artist for his/her artistic expression, use of locally-sourced foods, and their commitment to education. The winner will join me in the kitchen to help create a sunset dinner at Hauser Estate Winery. The location is a spectacular 170-acre property that overlooks forest, farmland, orchards and the National Civil War battlefield. The deadline for nominations is June 1.

In order to gear up for the festival, an exclusive fundraiser called An American Culinary Adventure will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Guests will have a chance to wine and dine while meandering through a beautiful garden. The fundraiser event also includes an opportunity to nab a winning bid during the evening's auction for a weekend at the Indy 500. This event takes place at the Oxford Hil Manor Estate owned by Utz potato chip magnates, Mike and Jane Rice. I hope you can join me for this unique dining experience. I'll get a chance to greet and eat with you as well. Tickets are on sale now at www.gettysburgfestival.org.

Photo by Chris Jones