Being the son in law of a provincial politician has afforded me the opportunity to go to a number of events that I normally wouldn't be able to go to. Once such event that I attended last evening was the Willow Park Liquor Store's Vintange Fund Charity Auction
http://www.willowparkwines.com/vintagefund.htm
Just to set things up, they clear the whole floor of the Willow park store (in Willow Park) and decorate extravagantly. They have representatives from numerous elite wineries from around the world (Australia, France, South America, Canada, USA, Italy etc.), twenty wineries in total. In addition to this they invite the executive chefs from Calgary's premiere restaurants to prepare appetizers and finger food to pair with the wines. Some of the eateries represented: The hotel Arts, Le Chaumiere, Redwater, Hyatt, Catch, Calgary Stampede, Ranchmans, Ranahans, Belgo just to name a few.
Let me say that the food was AMAZING!!! This is the type of food that leaves a lasting memory. Seriously, no expense was spared foie gras, fres oysters, crab cakes...ahhhh soo good.
The wine was fantastic, it was an evening of all you can eat and drink.
Calgary BMW was a huge sponsor and there was a raffle for a new car. The entry tent was decorated with two very sexy Aston Martins and Bentleys. But the focus was certainly the silent and live auctions. Many FANTASTIC items. Last year they raised $76,000
I must say that it was an impressive event for people watching. The who's who of Calgary was there. Man Barb Higgins is smoking!!!
I even met Calgary's own Paris Hilton....it was seriously hilarious...she was a brunette, looked exactly like her and had the same temperment.
Let me say that tickets for this event wills et you back $175. But it was worth every penny. If you are ever looking to attend a worthwhile event and eat some fantastic food and drink amazing wine then check out this event next year. I know that I will be going.
Willow Park is seriously a jewel in the Calgary Wine and Spirits community. Year round they host a number of fantastic events. Be sure to check them out.
http://www.willowparkwines.com/events.htm