Contact Us

West Houston to Host a Zesty Food, Wine, Art and Craft Beer Experience!

3rd Annual Celebration for Residents and Business Professionals in West Houston

HOUSTON (September 30, 2010) - Launched in conjunction with the Houston West Chamber of Commerce and Food & Vine Time Productions, "Zest in the West," presented by Kroger, is a fine food, wine, craft beer and art "Zestival" held from October 20-23 at various venues throughout West Houston. This four-day affair includes entertaining and intriguing "Grand Zesting" events at West Houston area restaurants, each featuring culinary expertise beside quality wines. There is something for everyone!

The event kicks off on Wednesday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. with a Gran Cru Port Tasting featuring Robert Bower from Portugal, an 8th generation family member of the original founders of Port. Hosted by Rioja Restaurant, the formal port tasting will be followed by a multi-course, special selections, wine dinner featuring Chef/Owner Ignacio Fonseca. This is a rare opportunity to hear and visit with one of the industry's greats, Robert Bower.

The Grand Zesting takes place on Thursday, October 21 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Houston Marriott Westchase located at 2900 Briarpark Dr. During this "Zestival," participants will be invited to wine and graze in a quaint, European style room while being serenaded by musical entertainment. Restaurants from the West Houston area will feature their culinary expertise beside quality wines from around the world. Wines and unique items will be auctioned at the close of the event.

West Houston beer lovers are in luck! Foam on the Range Craft and Specialty Beer Festival is on Friday October 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at West Oaks Mall near the entrance to Alamo Draft House. In addition to over 20 beer tasting tents featuring close to 100 selections, guests engage in interactive games and activities, live music and beer food concessions under the Texas skies. Serious beer enthusiasts can opt for the VIP ticket for premium beer selections.

CityCentre offers the perfect venue for the first annual Connoisseurs & Canvas Art & Wine Walk presented by Streettalk Advisors on Saturday, October 23 from 3:30 - 6:30. Live artists displays will be interspersed with wine tasting stations and food sampling tents. Guests will enjoy the backdrop of CityCentre's fountains and buildings while sipping the afternoon away. PJS Services hosts the VIP Room for those who want to upgrade their ticket and enjoy the finest wines featured at Connoisseurs & Canvas.

"The Houston West Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to help bring this new and exciting event to West Houston residents, employees and businesses," said Jeannie Bollinger, President of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. "This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the culinary and business leaders in our community, help raise funds for scholarships and have a zesty time in the process."

Proceeds from the live and silent auction will benefit the West Houston Leadership Institute by providing scholarships for participants of a ten-month program coordinated with the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. The West Houston Leadership Institute's purpose is to train and develop leaders in the West Houston community.

This Zesty event would not be possible without the generous underwriting by founding and presenting sponsor Kroger Food Stores and supported by Streettalk Advisors, Republic National Distributing Company, West Oaks Mall, Sterling Bank, Great Brewers, Houston's PBS Channel 8, CityCentre, Kwik Kopy Printing & Mailing, Josephine's Day Spa & Salon, The Westchase District, Sarah's Florists, The Westchase District, Blackmon Mooring, West Houston Medical Center and the Marriott Houston Westchase.

Zest in the West, a "Zestival" designed and dedicated to the residents and employees in the prestigious West Houston Area, is hosted by Food & Vine Time Productions, producers of the Wine and Food Week in The Woodlands, The Epicurean Adventure at the Bayou City Art Festivals, Brewmasters International Beer Festival and custom client experiences. For more information on the Zest in the West, visit www.zestinthewest.com.

Houston West Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth and vitality of the West Houston business community through leadership and business development. The Chamber currently has more than 600 business members representing 45,000 employees. For more information, visit www.hwcoc.org or call 713-785-4922.

# # #