Year: 2011

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer Video

It was recommended to me that I have a video of myself on my journalist website. So here I am in my chaotic office, no make-up or fancy outfit–just me. This is a brief intro I wanted to get posted and I hope to update it soon. Maralyn D. Hill The Epicurean Explorer President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association Editor-at-Large, CityRoom Contributor: The Epoch Times, Spa Review Magazine, Global Writes, JustLuxe Columnist: Big Blend Magazines, Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with...

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Gilbert centennial pie bake-off postponed a year

http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2011/10/25/20111025gilbert-centennial-pie-bake-off-postponed-year.html We are looking for sponsors for January 2013 or early February 2013. Gilbert centennial pie bake-off postponed a year by Srianthi Perera – Oct. 25, 2011 09:59 AM The Arizona Republic Apparently, no one wanted a share of the pie. The Arizona Blue Ribbon Pie Round-up and Bake-off scheduled for Jan. 21-22 at Highland High School, has been postponed to January 2013 because organizers could not get any monetary sponsors. The bake-off had been billed as one of Gilbert’s signature celebrations of Arizona’s centennial and had received official sanctioning from the Arizona Centennial Commission, allowing it to use an “Official Centennial Event” designation. The bake-off was to benefit Gilbert Public Schools. Organizer Pam Jackson, who runs a marketing business called Skipping Stars Productions, said she contacted nearly 300 potential sponsors, but could garner only in-kind support. Even that was limited, she said. “People were saying it was not in their business plan this year,” Jackson said. Crisco was one of the companies that gave this stock response, she said. Jackson conceded that she didn’t give the project sufficient time. Jackson and Maralyn Hill, a Gilbert journalist who is president of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, approached sponsors for donations ranging from $750 to $15,000 to raise an estimated $28,000.”There was a tremendous amount of interest,” said Hill, who said she was not able to put...

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Sarah Cyr, Sommelier at The Wine Cellar & Bistro in Columbia, Missouri

http://www.cityroom.com/stories/wine/2011/09/27/sarah-cyr-sommelier-at-the-wine-cellar-bistro-in-columbia-missouri/  This reaches a minimum of 5 million readers. Map marker on Oenologist.com‘s “Great Wine Restaurants” map. http://www.cityroommaps.com/oenologist/museums-restaurants-schools.htm Sarah Cyr, Sommelier at The Wine Cellar & Bistro in Columbia, Missouri September 27th, 2011 Sarah and Craig Syr When Norm and I visited Columbia, Missouri, we discovered The Wine Cellar & Bistro. What a find!  In addition to a wonderful chef, Craig Syr, it is co-owned by an equally talented Sommelier, Sarah Cyr. This small, intimate establishment has grown to be a successful highly recommended destination for memorable experiences. Interviewing and sharing Sarah’s story revealed a road to success and happiness. Maralyn: Sarah, how did you decide to become a Sommelier? Sarah: I started working in restaurants while finishing law school, so I could see my fiancé at the time. We were both so busy and loved working together in whatever restaurant Craig was currently employed. I soon became a server manager at a fine dining restaurant, and helped them receive a Wine Spectator award for their wine list (the same award we, The Wine Cellar & Bistro, has received every year since we opened in 2003). Organizing and learning about putting together an award winning list was where I got started learning to love the vast subject of wine. I have never stopped. Since opening The Wine Cellar & Bistro, I have been certified as a first-level Sommelier by...

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John Sarich, Culinary Director at Chateau Ste Michelle

      http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/dining/feature-1642660.php  2.5 million visitors per month John Sarich, Culinary Director at Chateau Ste Michelle By: Maralyn D. Hill, Editor-at-large | City Room Inc.  |  Posted: Sep. 15th, 2011 Photo Courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle While visiting Chateau Ste Michelle, we were fortunate to have Culinary Director, John Sarich, lead a tour of the Chateau. After discovering all this wonderful winery has to offer, we enjoyed a wine pairing, prepared especially for our International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association group. John feels fortunate he has access to world-class wines and fresh foods and says, “Not only do we have...

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Chef Corti Stefano of Acqua Dolce Café

  http://www.cityroom.com/stories/gourmet/2011/08/27/interview-with-chef-corti-stefano-of-acqua-dolce-cafe-restaurant-in-lake-como/   CityRoom August 27, 2011 Interview with Chef Corti Stefano of Acqua Dolce Café Restaurant in Lake Como August 27th, 2011 Lake Como is one of those destinations you’ve read about in books, seen in movies, and possibly visited. The charm, elegance, and romance that surround this luxury destination continuously attract the avid explorer of Italian cuisine and treasures. Acqua Dolce Café Restaurant A new restaurant is now on the Lake Como scene, Acqua Dolce. In researching its concept and name, I discovered, “In Italian, the two words mean fresh water, referring to the water of the lake, but also sweet, gentle, tender water referring to the idyllic atmosphere of that part of the lake…” George Clooney must agree on the location, as his villa is just 3 km away. Acqua Dolce has a glass veranda that overlooks the lake and its private dock. Its menu was developed by starred Michelin chef, Mauro Eli, and boasts a sixty label wine list. The restaurant was designed to have two moments—day and night. During the day, offerings are snacks and a cafeteria menu.  This transforms at night to cocktails and an à-la-carte menu, based on local ingredients and a creative kitchen. In determining who would head up the kitchen, the choice was Chef Corti Stefano. Naturally, I wanted to discover more about this chef who works in such a...

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