Viking Announces Wine & Food Event to Benefit Rebuilding of New Orleans

Renowned wine and food experts, chefs, vintners, authors and celebrities, including Emeril Lagasse, Robert Parker, Cat Cora, John Besh, Susan Spicer and Julia Reed, will gather in New Orleans for the Viking Grand Cru Summit to support the rebirth of the New Orleans culinary community. This first annual signature wine and food event will be held at The Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, Feb. 9-12, 2006. Presented by Viking Range Corporation in support of the culinary industry and its huge economic impact in New Orleans, the inaugural Grand Cru Summit will be an unforgettable experience of great wine, great food, and the people who create them.

"We have been planning to hold the first annual Viking Grand Cru Summit in the city of New Orleans for quite some time," said Fred Carl, Jr., president and CEO of Viking Range Corporation. "Now more than ever, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Viking remains committed to supporting the fine chefs, restaurants and rich culinary traditions that make New Orleans unique."

In the spirit of supporting the revitalization of one of America's greatest cities, the wine and food events will feature wines from several of our country's premiere wineries, including Rudd, Miner Family, Ramey, Paul Hobbs and Joseph Phelps. The weekend will feature wine education seminars, tastings, and intimate wine luncheons led by Robert Parker, one of the world's most influential wine experts and critics, along with wine authorities Karen MacNeil, Jay McInerney and Michael Green.

Grand Cru Summit, wine and food, activities will open with a welcome reception hosted by Chef Emeril Lagasse and featuring a benefit auction. Throughout the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with restaurateurs from New Orleans' most legendary institutions, including Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, Emeril's, Dookey Chase, Antoine's and Arnaud's. A highlight of the event will be the opportunity to dine in private Garden District homes with cuisine prepared by the city's finest restaurants, including Restaurant August, Upperline, Gabrielle and Gautreau's, among others. Renowned chefs from around the country such as Terrance Brennan, Ann Cashion, Cat Cora, John Fleer, Ken Frank and Gary Robins will lend their talents throughout the weekend in support of their culinary colleagues.

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For more detailed information about this wine and food event and to register, please visit http://www.grandcrusummit.com/ or call (662) 451-1843. Ticket availability is limited.

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