'Man v Food' host Adam Richman featured at South Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival

One of the culinary events of the season, the Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival, arrives at Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe beginning Friday and lasting through Sunday.
Events include plenty of food and wine, plus discussions, presentations and demonstrations by celebrated food and wine experts including: Adam Richman from "Man v Food," one of the Travel Channel's most wildly popular shows; Chef Martin Yan, celebrated host of over 3,000 cooking shows including Yan Can Cook and author of over 30 cookbooks; and Chef Michel Richard, French-born chef, restaurateur and creator of award-winning U.S. eateries including Citrus, Citronelle and Central. Citrus put Michel Richard on the culinary map, and in the same year of its opening, it was voted The Best Restaurant in the United States by Traveler's magazine. In 1988, Michel Richard was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who" in American Food and Wine.

Of course, food and wine are the biggest stars and a spectacular "Epicurean Expo" — featuring sumptuous dishes from Harrah's best restaurants, top-shelf spirits and the finest wines of Napa Valley and beyond – highlights the weekend.

The Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival kicks into high gear on Friday night, Oct. 28, with an "Asian Delights Dinner" at Harveys Convention Center hosted by Master Chef Martin Yan, presenting an authentic, Cantonese-style five course dinner replete with Asian specialties served-up in an intimate setting.

At Harveys popular 19 Kitchen – Bar, Chef Michel Richard hosts a Wine Pairing Dinner, featuring Stag's Leap Wine Cellars matched with an exquisite, multi-course meal created by Chef Richard, his Executive Chef and prepared by the Harrah's culinary team.

On Oct. 29, Saturday's events get underway with "Beyond the Fork Epicurean Expo: An Affair for the Senses" at Harrah's Special Events Center. Stroll through the Epicurean Expo and enjoy the multifarious tastes of Harrah's best restaurants from around the country, plus local favorites and the best wineries in Napa Valley and beyond.

There's plenty of entertainment and exhibitions too, featuring Chef Martin Yan's popular Yan Can Cook demonstration, among others. Chef Richard will be on hand to interact with guests at the Expo, as well as Adam Richman, who will be signing copies his latest book. A full, fun-filled afternoon of high spirits and culinary delights!

Also on Saturday afternoon is a special Wine Tasting with "Wines of Napa" hosted by Brian Szatkowski of Southern Wine and Sprits at Friday's Station Steak & Seafood Grill, located on the 18th floor of Harrah's. Brian will be pouring some of Napa's most seductive wines and explaining what to look for when selecting wine for a variety of occasions. No pretentiousness here: just great wine and solid information, enjoyed with a breathtaking panorama of Lake Tahoe as a backdrop.

On Saturday night, Harrah's South Shore Room will host a special evening with Adam Richman. Adam began hosting "Man v Food" for the Travel Channel, which quickly became their highest rated show. In 2009 and 2010 he won the CableFax award for Best Host. Aside from TV, Adam has acted in numerous theater productions in NY and a variety of TV shows. Adam's first book, America the Edible: A Hungry History from Sea to Dining Sea, was published in 2010. His current TV venture is an extension of "Man v. Food," entitled, "Man v. Food Nation."

On Sunday, Oct. 30, a Champagne Jazz Brunch, "featuring J Sparkling Wine" at Harveys 19 Kitchen – Bar will feature a tantalizing variety of delectable dishes, prepared by 19 Kitchen – Bar Chef Gerardo Evangelista and his culinary team.

Additional events during the "Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival" include an intimate dinner on Saturday night at Harveys famed Sage Room, hosted by Master Distiller of The Wild Turkey Distillery, Jimmy Russell. For those with more of an Asian palate, a Sake, Shamili and Sushi tasting is set for Gi Fu Loh restaurant at Harrah's that night. The late night crowd will enjoy our Single Malt Scotch Tasting, hosted by John C. DuPont, Jr, the McCallan Ambassador or how about a Whiskeys of the World Tasting, hosted by Joanna Skiba, featuring whiskeys from the Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, and George Dickel families of spirits.