Marcus Samuelsson, internationally acclaimed chef/owner of Red Rooster Harlem, best-selling author and restaurateur, and award-winning fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini will be honorary chairs for the 2011 Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival, Sept. 9, 10 and 11 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
The Italian Trade Commission returns as presenting partner of the festival, a fundraiser to support the world-class cultural programming at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
The three-day festival encompasses several unique tasting and lifestyle events, including the main attraction, the Grand Tasting and Concours d’Italia — an extravaganza of fine wines, artisan food and luxury Italian automobiles.
“Marcus Samuelsson is one of the most talked about chefs in America right now,” said Marcia White, SPAC president and CEO. “His combination of culture and creativity has put him on the cutting edge of the culinary world, earning him accolades, media appearances and even the attention of The White House. He served as guest chef for President Obama’s first State Department dinner and recently joined the first lady to announce the USDA’s new MyPlate nutritional initiative aimed at encouraging Americans to eat healthier.”
Among the events Samuelsson will participate in are Friday’s “Live on Stage” Gala and Saturday’s Grand Tasting, which will include a book-signing for his latest cookbook, the New American Table, a tribute to regional culinary traditions and recipes that have shaped modern American cuisine.
Award-winning fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini, whose signature knitwear designs transformed women’s fashion and launched her brand to the top of the apparel industry. In her collections, she balanced her love of European elegance in design with American practicality and ease.
“Excellence in design propelled Adrienne Vittadini to the top of the fashion world — a position she held for more than three decades. Her elegant career-to-casual designs pioneered a new style for the modern woman and for the industry by using textiles as the defining element in design,” White said.
The Italian Trade Commission (ITC) will host an Italian Pavilion at the Grand Tasting, featuring exquisite Italian wines and spirits, authentic Italian gourmet items as well as delicacies prepared by the region’s top chefs.