2012 Events

All events are held at the Crowne Plaza - Albany City Center unless otherwise noted.

{ Thursday, January 12th }

Mayor's VIP Reception

Location: City Hall

Time: 5pm-7pm

Presented by Angelo's 677 Prime & The Business Review

Wines Courtsey of Korbel & Sonama-Cutrer

Limited Number of Tickets for this Event.

This event is sold out.

{ Friday, January 13th }

Grand Tasting

Time: 4pm-8pm

  • 250 Global Wines, Spirits and Beer for Sampling

    Wines Courtesy of Empire Merchants North

    Beer Courtesy of DeCresente

  • 40 Participating Chefs & Restaurants (between the 2 tasting days)
  • Educational Food, Wine & Spirits Seminars
  • Rising Star Chef Pavilion Presented by TimesUnion.com

This event is sold out.

Rising Star Chef Pavilion

Presented by timesunion.com

Three Rising Star Chefs will be featured during the Grand Tasting in the Grand Pavilion at the entrance to the Ballroom. Meet these dynamic young talents and taste their creative selections paired with boutique wines.

Ticket is included in Friday's Grand Tasting.

Slider Slam

Time: 8pm-11pm

Presented by Metroland

  • 10 Chefs / Restaurants Participating showcasing their Sliders
  • Craft Beer Pairings presented by Brewery Ommegang.
  •  Wine & Spirits presented by Empire Merchants North
  • Live Music & Dancing
  • Judge's Choice & People's Choice "Best of" & "Most Creative" Sliders

Tickets Sold Out.

{ Saturday, January 14th }

Grand Tasting

Time: 12pm-4pm

  • 250 Global Wines, Spirits and Beer for Sampling
    -Wines Courtesy of Empire Merchants North
    -Beer Courtesy of DeCresente
  • 40 Participating Chefs & Restaurants (between the 2 tasting days)
  • Educational Food, Wine & Spirits Seminars
  • Rising Star Chef Pavilion Presented by TimesUnion.com

This event is sold out.

Rising Star Chef Pavilion

Presented by timesunion.com

Three Rising Star Chefs will be featured during the Grand Tasting in the Grand Pavilion at the entrance to the Ballroom. Meet these dynamic young talents and taste their creative selections paired with boutique wines.

Ticket is included in Saturday's Grand Tasting.

Signature Chef Invitational

Time: 1pm-3:30pm

Presented by Different Drummer's Kitchen, Co.

Watch some of the Capital Region's most talented chefs compete for a spot on the 2013 Signature Chef Team in a mystery basket style competition. 

The Competition will happen LIVE during the Saturday Grand Tasting in the Pearl St. Room. 

This year's competitors: 
Jason Baker - Wine Bar & Bistro on Lark 
Dominique Brialy - The Epicurean
Ryan Huneau - The Mallozzi Group
Rachel Mabb - The Rensselaer at The Hilton Garden Inn
Giovanni S. Morina - Gio Culinary Studio 

Ticket is included in Saturday's Grand Tasting.


Grand Gala Reception & 6 Course Dinner

Time: 6pm Reception, 7pm Dinner

Gala Reception presented by CDPHP and Gala Dinner presented by WNYT -Ch13

A Culinary Masterpiece created by our 2012 Signature Chef team to present "Food as Art". The Chefs have outdone themselves, each taking  course, with wine presented by Empire Merchants North and paired by Sommelier Dominick Purnomo, with live action stations in the reception to showcase their extraordinary talents.This year's Gala Dinner Menu was inspired by Capital Repertory Theatre's 31st Season. Each Signature Chef chose one of the six plays to inspire each course.

  • The Gala will feature a Live &  Silent Auction
  • Live Music & Dancing from Hamilton St.

Tickets sold out.