Internationally Renowned Chef Set to Bring a Taste of Italy to the Okanagan
Hester Creek Estate Winery proudly announces An Italian Evening With Umberto. On July 3, 2010, an intimate group will spend an evening with Umberto, up close and personal, as he creates a special Italian meal in the winery’s teaching kitchen.
Umberto Menghi likely needs no introduction. Umberto’s fresh, authoritative food started a revolution in 1973, where from a little yellow house on Hornby Street in Vancouver, he took his training from Rome, London and Paris, and combined it with his passion and home grown Italian roots to fill the void that existed for authentic Italian cuisine. Today, he is known internationally for his many culinary ventures. He owns three popular restaurants: Il Giardino in Vancouver and Il Caminetto and Trattoria di Umberto in Whistler; he has written four best-selling cookbooks, including Umberto’s Kitchen. Toscano Mia is his 5th book and features more than 100 recipes from his homeland.
Umberto is also a TV personality: his first cooking show, “the Elegant Appetite” made Umberto a familiar face across Canada, and in his series “A Taste of Life” he explores the food, culture and landscape of Tuscany from the home base of Villa Delia, the cooking school and hotel he established in the ancient village of Ripoli. Umberto can now add olive grower and vintner to his vocations, as Villa Delia is now producing its own estate wines and olive oil.
Hester Creek Estate Winery owner Curt Garland is proud to welcome such a renowned celebrity chef to the winery. Since Umberto last visited the South Okanagan Valley, Hester Creek has undergone a significant transformation with the construction of a spectacular new winery and guest centre in 2009. Many say its Mediterranean-inspired style evokes the spirit of Tuscany; Umberto should feel right at home……
“I have enjoyed many memorable meals in Umberto’s restaurants,” recalls Garland. “And now we are looking forward to the chance to share our winery with Umberto. We hope he finds the surroundings as serene and comfortable as at his Tuscan Villa.”
Adding to this, Hester Creek winemaker Rob Summers is looking forward to tasting Umberto’s menu paired with the Hester Creek wines. “This will be a truly memorable evening, where the richness of good food, wine and life are savoured,” he notes. “We can’t be happier that Umberto will be here.”
Tickets are $250 per couple or $150 per person. Call the winery at 250-498-4435 to purchase. Space is limited; Reservations and pre-payment are required. Tickets are non-refundable, but transferrable.
The Villa at Hester Creek has limited availability. Call now to book your special weekend.
