The Seattle Wine And Food Experience

Nibble on gourmet bites and sample exciting beverages from breweries, distilleries, and more than 100 wineries around the world at the fifth annual Seattle Wine and Food Experience (SWFE), which will take place at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. There's no need to travel the globe to enjoy the finest products of farm and vineyard; from wine, beer, cider, spirits, and coffee to chocolates, cheeses, olive oil, baked goods, and chef-prepared morsels, this food lover's extravaganza brings world-class epicurean delights right to Seattle's doorstep.

More than 20 chefs representing many of the region's top restaurants will show off dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Hungry attendees can try tidbits such as the braised shortribs with parsnip and celeriac soup and truffle gremolata whipped up by chef Bobby Moore of Woodinville's Barking Frog, or merguez sausages made with lamb from Oregon's Anderson Ranches served with onion marmalade and crostini, courtesy of chef Robin Leventhal of Belltown's Local 360. Chef Bruce Dillon represents event sponsor Snoqualmie Casino with specialties from three of the casino's restaurants, Terra Vista, 12 Moons Asian Bistro, and Sno Deli. Save space in your dessert stomach for FROST gourmet donuts and a Guinness pot-de-crème with whiskey whipped cream from Macrina Bakery & Café.

Cooking enthusiasts can also pick up tips from the experts. Chateau Ste. Michelle's culinary director John Sarich will preside over a special exhibition spotlighting Washington wines paired with dishes of certified Angus beef, while Diane LaVonne will demonstrate recipes made with Stella Artois, revealing a secret or two from her cooking courses at Diane's Market Kitchen.

As for the liquid portion of the experience, oenophiles can sample hundreds of wines from West Coast and European wineries, and there's no shortage of other kinds of libations. As SWFE's featured wine region, Oregon alone is represented by more than 30 producers, who will be pouring plenty of pinot and riesling. At the "Distillery Square" organized by Sip Northwest magazine, craft distillers will offer sips and explain the artistry behind their small-batch gins, vodkas, and whiskeys. Attendees can mellow out with local breweries and cider makers, or get a jolt of caffeine from Georgetown's Fonté Coffee.

Should you need a break from the rigors of tasting delicious food and drink, stop by the casino's comfy Luxe Lounge to chill with live music and try your hand at a classic gaming table.

Don't think of the Seattle Wine and Food Experience as an indulgence, but as an education in gastronomy. It's for science, really. Tickets are available to adults over 21 only and cost $55. For more information, visit seattlewineandfoodexperience.com.