Food (and Drink) for Thought

Refrigerating malbec, sloshing it in a martini glass and matching it with pre-sliced American cheese are certainly forgivable sins. Forgivable, yes, but never forgotten: There will always be an oenophile somewhere shuddering at the thought. If the whole wine-pairing and etiquette business has escaped you, no worries: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' sixth annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience provides an excellent opportunity to learn how it should be done. Sample more than 450 wines from across the globe at the Chase Park Plaza (212 North Kingshighway Boulevard; 314-968-4925 or www.repstl.org/foodandwine) this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (January 26 and 27). Among the reds, whites and rosés, plenty of fresh-from-the-oven food and live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Christina Pirello and Father Dominic Garramone enhance this sensual learning experience. A one-day ticket costs $35 ($40 at the door) and includes a complimentary (not to mention useful) wine glass; special Sip and Learn Tasting Seminars with master sommeliers cost $15 (see the Web site for a schedule of available sessions). For a $75 VIP ticket, enjoy the "highest caliber" wines and catered foods in the upscale Reserve Room, and receive a free Riedel wine glass. Those not interested in sampling the vino, pay only $25 (complimentary wine glass not included). Please note that you must be 21 or older to attend.
Sat., Jan. 26; Sun., Jan. 27, 2008