GRAND TASTINGS

There are several special events that serve as appetizers, but the main course is the Grand Tastings. There is one on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a second one on Sunday, March 22 from noon to 3 p.m. 

More than 40 chefs and restaurants from California — including many from the Coachella Valley — offer perfectly portioned bites that they’ve curated to show off what their establishment is all about. Then add in more than 60 wines, beers, and spirits from all parts of the Golden State and you’re in culinary heaven.  

And there’s something new this year: For the first time, there will be a special “Carte Blanche” grand tasting experience. For an extra $50, true culinary connoisseurs will have access to a special luxury tent within the grand tasting that features only the finest wines and artisanal bites with elevated presentations. It will be worth it for those with a sophisticated palate. 

Tickets:  

Saturday, March 21 Grand Tasting - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Early access, plus carte blanche experience $275), Noon to 3 p.m. (General access, $150).  

Sunday, March 22 Grand Tasting - Noon to 3 p.m. ($150 general access or $200 with the carte blanche experience). Details on each event and ticket-purchasing directions can be found at palmdesertfoodandwine.com. 

Pro tips for the Grand Tastings 

As a veteran of a decade’s worth of grand tastings, here are a few of my strategic tips. Start with some wines, so that you have something in your glass while you stand in line for that certain food tasting that everyone’s craving. You want to maximize your time, so don’t let 15 minutes go by without food or wine, that’s just not good festival time management.  Also, remember which bites and sips you liked the most, and at the end of your time, swing back around to those places for a few more of your beloved bites before you leave.  

Don’t forget to take time out to talk to people, too. That’s half the fun. Talk to the person pouring your wine, the chef who made the food, and the person next to you. Ask what they loved. 

SCHEDULE

A perfect date to start the festival 

When: Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m. 

Take a bus tour led by celebrity chefs and industry experts that is entirely centered around the fruit most associated with the desert: the date. You’ll go to Hadley Date Gardens and The Packhouse at Aziz Farms for a hands-on experience to learn how a date goes from the palm tree to your plate. And yes, there will be an outdoor date-focused lunch showcasing how the ancient fruit fits into modern meals. ($150) 

Getting cheesy 

When: Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. 

If you like cheese (let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) then you should hang out with Afrim Pristine, a certified cheese master, aka a maitre fromager. During this “Exploring Italian Cheese and Wine” event, Pristine provides a masterclass on pairing the delectable dairy product with even more delectable wines. Canadians may recognize him from the show “Cheese: A Love Story.” Long story short, he knows cheese. And so will you afterwards. It’s a two-hour wine and cheese pairing and it takes place on the upper level of The Gardens at El Paseo.  ($125) 

James Beard Gourmet luncheon hosted by Curtis Stone 

When: Friday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. 

A foodie’s dream. A four-course meal prepared by four celebrity chefs in front of you, while they describe how they’re making their specific course. Oh, and there’s wine. Noted chef Curtis Stone is the host, and he’ll be joined by chefs Alex Guarnaschelli of “Iron Chef” fame, celebrity chef Jet Tila, James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, and pastry chef and TV personality Zac Young. Don’t miss this one. Proceeds from this lunch support the James Beard Foundation and FIND Food Bank. ($250) 

Dinner at the Parker 

When: Saturday, March 21 – First seating 4:30 p.m., second seating 7 p.m. 

Acclaimed “Iron Chef” Alex Guarnaschelli will guide you through a memorable multicourse meal hosted at the iconic Parker Palm Springs. During this intimate gathering, Guarnaschelli will provide insight into her techniques and inspirations for each dish, which will be expertly paired with a wine. The event kicks off with a Champagne reception and includes a signed copy of her cookbook. ($275) 

Hang Out with Celebrity Chefs  

Want to hang out in a casual backyard party setting with your favorite celebrity chefs? It’s happening on Saturday, March 21 at 6 p.m. — but can’t tell you where. Only ticket holders know the location of this exclusive soiree. It’s an evening of cocktails and chef-inspired hors d’oeuvres. And most of the celebrity chefs in town for the festival will be in attendance. Mingle, ask them all those questions you’ve been dying to ask. Why do we put salt in the pasta water? What is Guy Fieri really like? What’s the difference between a macaroon and a macaron? ($125)  

And a reminder, tickets and details for all these events can be found at palmdesertfoodandwine.com. Bon appétit!