October 23, 2008

 

Contacts:

MSU Billings Foundation, 657-2244
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The Montana State University Billings Foundation’s annual Wine and Food Festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for students and projects at the university, but it has also exposed many to magnificent cuisine.

 

Now wine and food fans can try their hand at some notable recipes included in the “MSU Billings Foundation Wine and Food Festival Cookbook.” People can get a copy of the cookbook and have them signed by notable chefs during a special holiday Wine and Food Festival event next week.

 

“Corks, Chefs, Cookbooks and Cuisine,” an event celebrating the publication of the festival’s first cookbook, is set for Monday, Nov. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at the MSU Billings Student Union Ballroom. Champagne, appetizers and an opportunity to meet notable chefs will be available.

 

The cookbooks are now on sale for $35 each and proceeds will help augment scholarship other projects for MSU Billings. Chefs featured in the cookbook who will be available to sign the books and answer questions are:

  • Bryce Finn from the Crowne Plaza
  • Stella Fong, a local freelance chef
  • Carl Kurokawa from Juliano’s
  • David Maplethorpe from TheRex
  • Rachel Minckler from Poet’s Street Market
  • Chuck Schommer from the Yellowstone Mountain Club in Big Sky
  • Amy Smith from The Grand Hotel in Big Timber
  • Marcella Tatarka from Beyond Basil Catering and Art Beyond the Pallette Café

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the MSU Billings Foundation.  Those interested in tickets can call the Foundation at 657-2244 or stop the Foundation office at 2615 Virginia Lane.

 

The Wine and Food Festival features a week of wine seminars, gourmet dining and cooking schools with local, state and nationally-renowned chefs and wine masters. The week culminates with two grand evenings; a Friday night food, wine-tasting and social event that drew more than 800 people and a Saturday night formal dinner for more than 350. "Wine Fest," as it is now known to many, has become the signature event in Montana and the region for wine and culinary enthusiasts.

 

The 2009 Wine and Food Festival is set for May 11-16.

 

To find out more about the cookbook or the Wine and Food Festival, call 657-2244 or go to www.msubillings.edu/foundation/.