West Virginia resort to host gourmet events in 2008

While Delia Smith returns to TV with a new series of culinary programmes, The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia is set to host a series of unique gourmet events dedicated to impassioned foodies from wine tastings, culinary demonstrations to hands-on classes/seminars. These culinary weekends commence in March and run through November 2008.

And they are not just for adults. The resort is now providing children with the opportunity to become a chef for a day by participating in Children’s Gourmet Cooking Classes, being offered May – August 2008. These hands-on, two-hour long sessions taught by the Greenbrier culinary staff, are designed to provide an enjoyable experience and basic knowledge of kitchen safety and culinary techniques to those guests ages six – 12.

Gourmet events include:

BBQ MASTERY June 29 – July 2; July 13 – 16; August 17 – 20
Join the “Masters of BBQ” – “Dr. BBQ” Ray Lampe, Chris Lilly and Myron Mixon and become your own BBQ master during this three-day demonstration course filled with hands-on classes and tastings. Grill lovers everywhere will have the opportunity to receive a crash-course in grilling and barbequing meat with three of the nation’s most well-know barbeque experts.

LA VARENNE WITH ANNE WILLAN March 26 – 29, April 6 – 11
The Greenbrier and Anne Willan, founder and director of Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne, present a three-day and a five-day demonstration course featuring the art of French cuisine.

SYMPOSIUM FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOD WRITERS March 30 – April 3
Join The Greenbrier for an open forum designed for professional writers and editors to exchange thoughts on skills, trends, writing styles and themes prevalent in today’s world of food writing. Included in the weekend are four nights’ room accommodations, all meals and access to all Symposium sessions and private functions.

GREENBRIER GOURMET May 4 – 7, May 18 – 21
Guests have the opportunity to learn new kitchen techniques in this hands-on, three-day demonstration course featuring The Greenbrier Culinary Arts Center chefs. Three nights’ room accommodations, a welcome reception, daily hands on-classes and lunch tastings and a kitchen/hotel interior tour complete the gourmet weekend. Rates start at $2,305.

CLUB CHEF’S INSTITUTE October 26 – 29
Open to chefs and managers across the country, this event focuses on trends, industry topics and instruction currently leading the culinary industry. The three-day event consists of culinary demonstrations and seminars featuring industry leaders and Certified Master Chefs.

The Greenbrier Resort is located on 6,500-acres of lush landscape in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort which has been offering a welcoming home to its guests since 1778. This National Historic Landmark, also known as America’s Resort, completed a $50 million renovation project in spring 2007.

The property provides a world-class haven for discerning business guests and sophisticated leisure travelers. Top-notch amenities and services include elegant meeting and event space, a variety of fine restaurants and bars and access to more than 50 recreational activities including three championship golf courses.

Recently launched is The Greenbrier Center for Healthy Living, blending the comprehensive medical expertise of The Greenbrier Clinic with the luxury of the resort’s 40,000 square-foot Spa.

For further information, visit the West Virginia Tourism website on Wvtourism.com or visit the Greenbrier Resort website at Greenbrier.com.