Sunday, October 19, 2008
Pensacola Civic Center
Featuring Celebrity Chef
Jacques Pépin
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Save the Date! Join us for an international celebration at the 20th Annual WSRE Wine & Food Classic. Taste, Toast and Tour the World with the region’s finest chefs, wines from around the world, exclusive auction items and a world-renowned celebrity chef — PBS’ Jacques Pépin! Reserve your tickets now! Call (850) 484-1072 or 1-800-239-WSRE

Stay tuned for the debut of his newest PBS series, premiering in October on WSRE, and companion cookbook this fall entitled Jacques Pépin: More Fast Food My Way!

International Celebrity Chef Jacques Pépin to Headline WSRE's Annual Fundraiser 20th Annual Wine & Food Classic October 19, Pensacola Civic Center

WSRE, invites you to "Taste, Toast and Tour the World" at its signature fundraising event, the 20th Annual WSRE Wine & Food Classic - Sunday, October 19, 5-8 p.m. at the Pensacola Civic Center. International celebrity Chef Jacques Pépin will headline this year's event and marks the first time in many years that a world-renowned chef of Pépin's stature has visited Pensacola. To celebrate the international theme "Taste, Toast and Tour the World," the civic center will be transformed into five countries: Australia, Italy, France, Spain and the United States, each represented by fine cuisine, wine and decor. Silent and live auctions, as well as a book signing and cooking exhibition by Pépin will take place during the evening. Travel around the world in one evening with WSRE as your tour guide. To book your trip around the world in one evening, tickets can be purchased at WSRE, 1000 College Blvd., or the Pensacola Civic Center box office - General admission $50 per person; VIP (reserved seating) $100 per person. For more information about the fundraising event call (850) 484-1072 or visit wsre.org/wineandfood.

One of America's best-known chefs, cookbook authors and cooking teachers, Jacques Pépin has published 26 books and numerous articles, and has hosted ten acclaimed public television cooking series. His newest book and series are follow-ups to his previous PBS series and companion cookbook, Jacques Pépin: Fast Food My Way. Debuting on October 4 at 11 a.m. on WSRE, the new series and book will be entitled Jacques Pépin: More Fast Food My Way. Pépin, born in Bourg-en-Bresse, near Lyon in France, has worked as a personal chef to three heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle, worked at famous restaurants, taught at numerous universities, and received many professional honors.

Wine and Food Classic participating chef, Irv Miller, of Jackson's Steak House, is excited at the prospect of meeting and working with Pépin, "Jacques Pépin is a PBS super chef! He and Julia Child were the pioneers of French-inspired television cooking shows. His participation in this year's Wine and Food Classic is a testament to PBS and WSRE, and their commitment to education and wine and food excellence." WSRE General Manager, Sandy Cesaretti Ray states, "We are proud to be able to offer a unique experience to our community and help put Pensacola on the map while maintaining a focus on our mission of providing educational opportunities to people of all ages."

Chef Pépin will serve as the Grand Judge choosing the best local chef in each of the five countries, as well as one overall winner. He will also delight the crowd with a cooking exhibition on the main stage and be available for signing of his newest book.

Wine represented by each country will be provided by Republic National Distributing Company and Southern Wine & Spirits of North Florida. Dessert will be presented by Commander's Palace, Chef Danny Trace, and international gourmet coffees by Royal Cup Coffee.