IFWTWA gets Oregon Chocolate in Matt Damon's bag

IFWTWA Press Trip and Conference Chairs Maralyn D. Hill and Michelle M. Winner have long realized the value of committment and connection.

They make it a priority to form lasting relationships with the CVBs , Tourism Bureaus and Press Trip hosts around the world. It is a valuable relationship both entities have nurtured during the trip planning phase sometimes for over a year or two! So why not stay in touch? As Maralyn says: "We develop a strong loyalty to our hosts when they are representing such outstanding talent/product and continue to do all we can to keep promoting them. They invested time, effort and money in us, and we want to make sure they get all the publicity they can."

A scant two weeks ago, Maralyn 's associate Joan Joffa, a great friend of the IFWTWA and one of the stellar product placement reps. that fill the IFWTWA "Conference at Sea" goodie bags, asked if the IFWTWA knew of some specialized product for the recent Matt Damon fete in Hollywood.

Well the rest was easy. Both Maralyn and Michelle immediatly contacted Sue Price at SOMARK PR and she took the lead it and ran with it. They were delighted that Sue responded to this opportunity for Southern Oregon and her clients so rapidly and contacted Joan. Sue also organised the production schedule and shipping to Joan in what is best described as a "quick and dirty" turn around!

As Maralyn says so eloquently,"Joan Joffa is a gem for supplying gifts for exceptional occasions--Inaugural to Oscar parties. Her events prove to be exceptional investments for those she selects to use. Congratulations to Southern Oregon for seeing the need to market." Sue also commented that Joan waived the usual placement fees for product and Southern Oregon.

Yes, congratulations to all of you! The story was covered by The World newspaper business reporter Nate Traylor and you can read at
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2010/03/29/news/doc4bad9f3087ab0094329940.txt

Michelle M. Winner, Vice President and Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

IFWTWA Regional Mixer

Dear Members,

Please see what our Regional Membership Director is doing in Southern California. With the help of local member Kathy Zelasko, they have put together a great function.

If you are in the area and would like to attend, please contactAlexa@temeculaoliveoil.com.

If you would like to set up this type of event in your own area, please contact John Lamkin-- John@ifwtwa.org.

WHO: International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
WHAT: Southern California Regional Membership Mixer
WHEN: Thursday April 29, 2010 5:30 to 7:30 pm
WHERE: Cafe des Artistes
103 South Main Street (at Alvarado St)
Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-728-3350

WHY: Join local members and non-members of IFWTWA in an informal mixer for professional networking and camaraderie among writers.

Experience a special evening in Cafe des Artistes, located within the Fallbrook Art Center amid the ambiance of a Mediterranean art village, open normally only for breakfast and lunch.

Savor complimentary appetizers and a tempting optional menu including wine. Community members interested in potential membership within IFWTWA are welcome to attend and learn more about the benefits of joining.

R.S.V.P. and Contact:
Alexa Hokanson – Associate Member
IFWTWA Regional Membership Director--Southern California
Temecula Olive Oil Company
951-693-0607
Alexa@temeculaoliveoil.com

I encourage any of you in various regions to contact John Lamkin and get set up as a Regional Membership Director. Having small networking groups regionally will allow us to get more individual feedback from our members. Plus, it's always great to network with others in the area.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Spring Break in SoCal Wine Country Day Stops 2 -4

Spring break is here and if you miss that feeling of carefree abandon and going on a road trip...then read on my friends for stops 2-4 in Temecula Wine Country in gorgeous Southern Califormia.

In my last post, we arrived in Temecula Wine Country around 10 AM and visited Thornton Winery.

11:30 AM - Briar Rose Winery
Just around the corner, and maybe 8 minutes from Thornton Winery, this upscale boutique, by reservation only winery takes itself seriously... and for good reason. Their amazing wines ranging from $28 –- $1,300 and will knock your socks off. It’s a special experience from start to finish from the Snow White Cottage theme, to the smooth, complex wines. Check out http://www.briarrosewinery.com/ for hours and reservations.

1 PM - Ponte Winery (See photo above) - Time for lunch. Just about 10 minutes from Briar Rose you simply must stop in at the Smokehouse Restaurant at Ponte Winery where you will sit out among the vineyards. Views, menu, and hospitality are incredible. Great wines for every palate and plate. You’ll want to linger for a while and after lunch enjoy their wonderful gift shop - one of the best in wine country. Reservations a must on the weekends! (http://www.pontewinery.com/)

3:00 PM – Keyways Winery -The only wholly female owned winery in the So Cal area, this winery is on De Portola Wine Trail, about 15 minutes from Ponte. You'll quickly notice the terrain changes from your Rancho California Road to one that focuses on more of an equestrian feel on the DePortola side. Gorgeous, relaxing, unique is what makes the area and this particular winery worth the drive. The wines are fabulous: the décor is thoughtful and engaging. The best bathrooms in wine country - almost art like in concept! This owner knows details. The grounds give off a Zen vibe, and when this winery showcases local musicians indoors or outdoors, guests find themselves caught up in the moment. Truly a memorable experience. (http://www.keywayswinery.com/)

Homemade Confections of Medford Oregon Won Again

2010 Winner for the second year in the Oregon Chocolate Festival.

Category: Best Chocolate Candy (Best Marriage of Chocolate and Candy)

Best: Homemade Confections – English Toffee

Judith and all of her hard work has paid off again. I'm sharing this with our IFWTWA members because those of us on the 2010 Conference at Sea had the opportunity of tasting this delicious treat.

Judith makes English Toffee with bittersweet chocolate and hand roasted almonds. This is Homemade Confections signature product.

Her Peanut Brittle is made with hand roasted peanuts and sweet cream butter which is cooked until light, airy and crisp!

Homemade Confections Gourmet Dessert Topping is another favorite made from bits and pieces of English Toffee, Peanut Brittle, milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts and semi-sweet chocolate covered cashews. I've folded this into cheesecake and sprinkled some on top. It is also great on ice cream.

Judith always welcomes custom orders and challenges. She is great to interview.

You can call her at 541 690 9751 or
e-mail: homemadeconfections.medford@yahoo.com

Judith Galindo, Owner

Homemade Confections

2010 Oregon Chocolate Festival Winner
2009 Oregon Chocolate Festival Winner

www.homemadeconfections.org

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where & What in the World

Spring Break in SoCal Wine Country

Wohoo! Spring break is here and if you miss that feeling of carefree abandon and going on a road trip... then read on my friends. Frankly, I think many of us in our college years were too busy prepping for finals, looking for summer jobs, or just didn't have the cash on hand to do much with their last spring break. So I am offering you a chance to go back in time and have the spring break you should have had in college--but better, because you're a little older, a little more responsible, and of course better funded! Picture this: Southern California's two most impressive wine countries, Temecula and Julian, filled with fun people, all looking to have a blast as they sip, swirl and nosh their way through the vineyards. I can promise you incredible food available all day and all night, premium wines, great accommodations, music, and fun stops, all laid out for you. Think wine tasting, hot air ballooning. Olive oil tasting, golf, hard cider tastings, glider plane rides and more. This is an ideal vacation for anyone, but I am thinking this is really perfect for those who are 35+ and really ready to get loose and have a good time. Sound like you? Read on over the next few days for my SoCal Wine Country spring break recommendations!

Day One - Temecula Wine Country 10 AM - Arrive in Temecula Wine Country. Just about 7 miles off the I-15, this is an easy place to fine. Take Rancho California Road east. The key to enjoying yourself is pacing yourself and visiting 4 pre-selected wineries. I’d give you directions, but we all have GPS, so I won't waste the space.

10:15 AM - First up, Thornton Winery. This is a beautiful French chateau looking property that offers both indoor and outdoor sit-down tastings in the Champagne Bar or their famous Cafe Champagne Restaurant. Winemaker Don Reha has created premium still and sparkling wines to die for. Personable service, good prices and a killer hors d"oeuvre menu created by Executive Chef Steve Pickell sells this place. Check out their Web site http://www.thorntonwine.com/ for hours and 2 for 1 tasting coupons.

Check in later for the rest of the road trip!

Marilyn Green - Our "Press Pass" Editor

Most of our members know Marilyn Green as a writer and editor or our monthly newsletter, "Press Pass." Each month she provides us with a wealth of leads, story angles, and all sorts of material.

Well in addition to writing, Marilyn has another talent. She is an accomplished artist. I thought you would like to know a little more about her talent--hence the post. Many of of members have another accomplished side to their personalities and it is a pleasure to showcase Marilyn.

Marilyn Green recently had an hour long interview with Chris Wakefield on KHND AM about art, hockey and dreams at http://intothenight.podbean.com/. Green discussed her work as an artist, which started at age four when her father - also an artist - handed her a canvas.

The discussion ranged from the creative process to selling art in a hard economic environment and painting memories, dreams and spiritual art.

Green has degrees in painting and music, and was a President’s Scholar and Ford Foundation Fellow. Her paintings have been shown extensively in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and France; the combination of visionary statement and humor have earned her warm reviews and she has been chosen for grants and awards, including a Millay Colony Fellowship, a two-year salaried artist-in-residence position funded federally, and state arts council grants for work including oils, watercolors, film animation, batik and graphics. Her art has appeared on record album covers and commissioned for murals, dance performance and television.

You can see some of her artwork and learn more about Marilyn at: www.marilyngreenart.com

Congratulations to Marilyn for recognition in her field of dreams and love.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where & What in the World

Food Bloggers at Michael Mina in Atlantic City

Food bloggers at Michael Mina's Sea Blue restaurant at the Borgata can eat, take pictures, blog and tweet, somehow all at the same time.
Here's, our group tasting a trio of Michael Mina's signature dishes: the Caviar Parfait, with Michael Mina Iron Horse Blanc de Blanc (2004), Tuna Tartare with a 2007 Lamblin Chablis and a lobster Corn Dog with a Cold Heaven Viognier 2007.

Bobby Flay at the Borgata

The all-day dining started at 11:30 with breakfast-y foods and smoothies and then the blogger pack moved on to more elaborate fare.
One of our stops was the Bobby Flay restaurant, where the lobsters run to 5 or 7 pounds. We ate, with wine pairings. We started with a miniature Lobster Avocado cocktail and finished with this dish: succulent tenderloin with 2 sauces, a perfect Bernaise and a rich crawfish sauce.
We moved on to eat even more.

Atlantic City a la Carte

Yesterday I started a really tough assignment: to go to the Water Club (at the Borgata) in Atlantic City and eat (excuse me, dine) my way through all the top restaurants at the resort. Well. This wasn't quite as gluttonous as it sounds; I would be joining a group of food bloggers to meet the chefs and the resort's wine experts to sample each of the restaurant's offerings. And then, of course, there would be regular meals.
First the limousine ride to A.C.; though the vehicle was well-stocked with goodies, I limited myself to some pretzels washed down with water. And it's a good thing because dinner at the Homestead was a Roman style feast, accompanied by a medley of wines to satisfy even the fussiest oenophile.
The meal started with a trio of appetizers: a perfect crab cake made with jumbo lump crab--no fillers--sitting on the gentlest aioli; a morsel of sublime bacon in maple syrup that made me crave a crispy fried egg and breakfast; a Kobe slider enhanced with blue cheese. And all that was just the starter. More details and photos later.