Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Restaurant World Illuminati Sample Wild Alaska Salmon, King Crab

Participants in the 2014 Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, got to sample gourmet recipes of wild Alaska salmon and king crab June 20-22, courtesy of a Cordova-based marketing association, and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

“We couldn’t get the crackers out fast enough,” said Nelly Hand, executive director of the Copper River/Prince William Sound Marketing Association, which was making its debut at an event that draws the illuminati of the restaurant world.

CRPWSMA partners up with the Vermont Creamery, and cracker producers Rain Coast of Vancouver, British Columbia and 34 Degrees in Denver, to present colorful appetizers of artisan crackers and crisps, spread with three gourmet cheeses, and smoked Copper River sockeye salmon. Hand and her program assistant, Blair Hensen, also talked with those they met about nutritional value of the fish and how purchasing Copper River salmon supports the economies of coastal communities. In addition, Hand said, award-winning Georgia chef Richard Blais employed Copper River sockeye salmon in one of his cooking demonstrations, searing the fish in a cast iron skillet.

ASMI marketing officials offered at their booth tastes of smoked salmon summer pasta salad, king crab and sole ceviche, and Alaska king crab legs with rouille dipping sauce.

The Food and Wine Classic was first held at Aspen back in 1987, and was known as the Aspen/Snowmass International Wine Classic. Since then the event has grown in popularity, attracting several thousand people who come to sample the food and wine and participant in related events, including cooking demonstrations, seminars on wines of the world, a 5K charity race, dessert party and more.

Among the major sponsors are Chobani Greek Yogurt, American Express, Kitchen Aid, Hendrick’s Gin, Lexus, Lindt and Royal Caribbean International. Go to www.foodandwine.com for more information.