2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival starts tomorrow!

Thursday, Nov. 12 (5-9pm) | Friday, Nov. 13 (3pm-9pm) | Saturday, Nov. 14 (Noon-9pm)

This pre-holiday show at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, has doubled in content in just one year and is expected to draw some 10,000+ individuals throughout the three days, making it the largest food and wine festival in the state and one of the premier events of its kind in the Midwest. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.

Over one hundred wineries from around the world will provide samples of as many as 1000 assorted wines – including some hard to find, top shelf vintages. Brewmasters and distillers will also to be on hand providing tastes of their hand-crafted beverages. Wine and beer tasting seminars give a 45-minute experience and are limited to 40 individuals per program, with a cost of $15 per person, per seminar.

Chefs from 10 of the area’s top restaurants will prepare and serve samples of their culinary specialties, including Bistro Bella Vita, Cygnus 27, Gill’s at The BOB, Huntington Club, Leo’s, Louis Benton Steakhouse, Melting Pot, San Chez, Tre Cugini and Wildfire Grille. Additionally four select restaurants (Bar Divani, Tre Cugini, The 1913 Room and six-one-six) will be partnered with distinguished wineries and breweries for special Pairings – gourmet multi-course meals served on-site in a casual yet intimate “bar top” setting. Tickets for the Pairings may be purchased at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $25 per person. Each Pairing is limited to 16 seats; see reservationist on-site.

Esteemed individuals from the culinary world – including Joe Borrello of Tasters Guild International and Angus Campbell of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts, as well as New York’s Tony “Wine Chef” Lawrence, Sue Dow, Sheri Steinbach and Chef Eric Villegas – will host seminars, demonstrations and workshops throughout the event.

Gourmet specialty items and high-end accessories will also be available in the Riverfront Marketplace, just in time for holiday entertaining and shopping.

Additionally, culinary and hospitality students from Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University, are given the opportunity to work side-by-side with industry leaders for an unparalleled educational experience.

Turtle Expert to Speak at Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo and Brigham Audubon Society are welcoming special guest speaker David A. Mifsud, owner and founder of Herpetological Resource and Management, on Wednesday November 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a presentation titled “Conservation of Turtles in Michigan.” This is the second lecture of Binder Park Zoo and the Brigham Audubon Society Chapter of Michigan Audubon Society Fall Lecture Series.

David Mifsud, herpetologist, certified professional wetland scientist and professional ecologist, has been working for over ten years in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, and habitat conservation and management. He has developed Michigan’s first salamander monitoring program as well as a mudpuppy monitoring program. He has overseen numerous projects for nonprofit and governmental agencies, including wetland mitigation design and monitoring, wildlife and habitat management, large scale ecosystem mapping, amphibian and reptile rescue and translocation, and educational outreach.

Although his work includes conservation of all amphibians and reptiles, Mifsud’s greatest pleasure is working with turtles, something that he has been enjoying for over 25 years. Mifsud holds an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan as well as degrees in Biology, Geography, and Environmental Studies from Aquinas College.

The natural Michigan wetlands on Binder Park Zoo grounds are home to many native species of turtles. Come to this month’s lecture to find out what is being done to conserve one of the fascinating animals that can be found right here in Michigan!

A short Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7 pm, with the lecture beginning immediately afterward at 7:15 pm. The lecture will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public.