The Westin Aruba Resort Hosts Wine Connoisseurs, Food Enthusiasts and Art Aficionados During Aruba's Fourth Annual Wine, Food & Art Festival
Three Day Festival Includes Art Exhibitions, Wine Tastings, Renowned Chefs and Continuous Entertainment
The newly renovated Westin Aruba Resort will host its Fourth Annual Aruba Wine, Food & Art Festival from Thursday, May 22 "“ Saturday, May 24, 2008. This three-day festival will include live musical entertainment, art exhibitions, exceptionally elegant cuisine offered by renowned chefs, local and international liquor purveyors and wineries represented by six different countries. In addition, Aruba's artist community will present the fourth annual exhibition, curated by Gilbert Senchi of the Mar Azul Gallery. The Daniel Aguirre Jazz Band will provide the musical entertainment.
"The Westin Aruba Resort is delighted to host Aruba's Wine, Food & Art Festival for the fourth year in a row," said Matt Balcik, General Manager, The Westin Aruba Resort. "It is an honor to be a part of this cultural event which celebrates local artwork, delectable cuisine, island music and premium international wines and liquors."
During the final day of the festival, guests can delight their taste buds by sampling a sophisticated five-course menu created by the invited celebrity chefs. The meal will pair perfectly with Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon champagnes. Afterwards guests are invited to the Coffee Lounge to end the incredible evening with a glass of Grand Marnier Liquor or Hennessy Cognacs.
“This three-day event exemplifies the strong influence of wine, food and art in Aruba. Each day demonstrates the very best of each, with wine samples from all over the world, exceptional cuisine, and masterful exhibitions of Aruba’s rich artist community,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edison Briesen. “Aruba is renowned in the Caribbean region for its unique and eclectic fusion of international cuisine. The island is home to over 200 diverse restaurants so it’s fitting that Aruba hosts a spectacular wine and food festival. We are confident the festival’s fourth year will be successful and The Westin Aruba Resort will present a brilliant showcase.”
Additional information on the Aruba Wine, Food & Art Festival is as follows:
Thursday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. "“ 11:00 p.m.:
Wine & Food Tasting & Art Exhibition
This all you can drink and eat event is hosted by Chef Gerard Coste and the Westin Aruba Resort Culinary Team. Aruba's artist community will present the fourth annual exhibition, curated by Gilbert Senchi of the Mar Azul Gallery. Guests are encouraged to sample more than 60 varieties of wine by the glass from the USA, Italy, France, Australia, Chile and Argentina, in collaboration with the island's liquor purveyors. The Daniel Aguirre Jazz Band will provide the entertainment throughout the event. General admission tickets are sold for $35 per person at the door and include a souvenir wine glass.
Friday, May 23, 00:00 a.m. "“ 2:00 p.m.:
Trade Fair in the Grand Ballroom
Local and international wine and liquor purveyors will host a trade fair in honor of their clients. The event is by invitation only.
Time TBD
Aruba Taste and Tales Cookbook Dinner
Wine lovers will receive a special invitation to the Rosenblum Winery, hailed as one of the top American wineries. Today, Rosenblum Cellars is recognized as one of North America's most acclaimed producers of zinfandel and Rhône varietal wines. During the Cookbook Dinner, foodies will feast on a five-course dinner in the Cabaret Royal Room as they watch top chefs from Aruba create their meals in the live exhibition kitchen. This open to the public event is $120 per person and includes an autographed cookbook.
Saturday, May 24, 7:00 p.m. "“ Midnight:
Capturing the Champagne Sparkle
The gala offers guests an exquisite five-course menu created by invited celebrity chefs, which will be paired with Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon champagnes. An art and wine auction will follow at the Coffee Lounge with Grand Marnier Liquor and Hennessy Cognacs. Tickets are available at The Westin Aruba Resort concierge desk during the week for $140 per person.
About The Westin Aruba Resort
Located amidst the white sands of Palm Beach and encased by lush gardens and swaying palm trees, The Westin Aruba Resort is the perfect blend of peaceful paradise and exciting entertainment. With something for everyone and every mood, the resort features 481 luxurious guest rooms, ten sensational restaurants and lounges, a world-class Casablanca Casino, a variety of activities and flexible meeting and banquet space. The resort is located just seven miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport and five miles from downtown Oranjestad. Aruba is one of the only non-U.S. islands in the Caribbean that allows travelers to clear customs before landing in the United States.
Westin Hotels & Resorts are owned, managed and franchised by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood® is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W Hotels®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced ALOFTSMand ELEMENTSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
