FROM FINE WINE TO FINE ART…
Industry Best Honored at Savor Dallas

Dallas, TX ---  Savor Dallas: An International Experience of Wine, Food, Spirits and the Arts honors outstanding achievement by professionals in the food, wine and spirits industries, also recognizing significant contributions to the Arts, and culinary entrepreneurship.

On February 17, Savor Dallas founders Jim White and Vicki Briley White, along with Troy Dungan will present the 2nd Annual Lone Star Awards at the Bubbles N’ Jazz event held at The Hilton Anatole Hotel. The exciting culinary and entertainment gala evening features sumptuous cuisine by Nana’s Anthony C. Bombaci, and great Champagne from Moët & Chandon.  Jazz sensations David Sanborn and Chris Botti headline the evening.

Raymond D. Nasher will be recognized for his contributions to the Arts including the internationally acclaimed Nasher Sculpture Center, his establishment of the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts, and for his service on the Texas Commission of the Arts, and as former Ambassador of Cultural Affairs for the City of Dallas.

Receiving the 2006 Lone Star Award for Wine Professional of the Year is SMU graduate Andrea Immer Robinson, Master Sommelier.  Andrea is one of twelve women in the United States and thirteen in the world to hold the prestigious title awarded from The Court of Master Sommeliers.  Andrea is an author of several best selling books including her recently published “Everyday Dining with Wine” and her television show “Simply Wine with Andrea Immer” is currently in its third season on the Fine Living Network.

The Culinary Award in recognition for outstanding achievement goes to Tom Perini of the famed Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas.  Tom’s chuck wagon cooking and cowboy cuisine coupled with his natural Texas Demeanor have gained him national and international attention.  The author of “Texas Cowboy Cooking” and former president of the Texas Restaurant Association also enjoys cooking for another president at the Crawford, Texas ranch of George W. Bush.

This year’s Lone Star Spirits Professional of the Year Award is being presented to industry heavyweight Steve Olson.  Santé Magazine’s Spirits Professional of the Year in 2003 is a highly sought-after teacher and consultant to the spirits industry.  He is also applauded for his expertise in the wine field.  Steve, “aka Wine Geek” has received many accolades and has won several competitions, retaining his ranking as the #2 sommelier in America.

Pioneers of the Texas Wine Industry, Susan and Ed Auler have operated Fall Creek Winery Since 1975, making it one of the Lone Star State’s most successful and influential wineries. Ed has combined European winemaking traditions and California technological innovations to produce world class wines that are highly successful in the marketplace.  Susan was named “Who’s Who in Food and Wine in Texas”, as well as “People of Vision” by the Texas Society to Prevent Blindness.  Susan and Ed will receive the Texas Spirit Award.

Tickets for the Bubbles and Jazz, including the Lone Star Awards are $120 per person or reserved tables of 8, $900.  For complete schedule and tickets www.savordallas.com or call 1-866-277-7920.

The wine and food lovers weekend also features world-class wine and spirits experts and celebrity chef demonstrations    Highlights include:  The Arts District Wine Stroll (downtown Dallas), The International Grand Tasting, featuring over 500 wines, spirits and signature samples from over 50 of DFW’s top chefs. Superstars from the world of food and wine include Rocco DiSpirito, Andrea Immer Robinson Master Sommelier, Stephan Pyles, Gale Gand (Tru, Chicago), Aarón Sanchez (Palladar, New York), Dean Fearing, Steve Olson "aka Wine Geek", Doug Frost Master Sommelier/Master of Wine, Charles Curtis Master of Wine, Guy Stout Master Sommelier and Dale DeGroff "King Cocktail", Tom Perini (Perini Ranch), and three-time James Beard award winning authors Cheryl and Bill Jamison.  

Savor Dallas supports North Texas Food Bank, Greater Dallas Restaurant Association Education Fund and Scholarship and the Arts Magnet Building Campaign for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

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