Brookshire Brothers and the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau are teaming up for round three with another evening of elegance and education at Pour & Explore: Destination California. 

By TARA WATSON-WATKINS
Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau

Pour & Explore begins at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 23, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin with a guided tasting tour through the famous wine-producing regions of California. Featured wines will be paired with a delicious five-course dinner by Brookshire Brothers’ catering chef, Kate Rudasill. During the “tour” of the California wine regions, the renowned winemakers themselves will walk guests through the menu and the wines they’ve selected to accompany each course.  

"The Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to continue to partner with Brookshire Brothers and Pour and Explore," said Tara Watkins, Executive Director of the Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We hope to establish Lufkin as a haven for foodies and fine-wine aficionados, and Brookshire Brothers has always been such a great supporter of the LCVB. It's wonderful to work with partners who not only understand that people will travel for an exceptional culinary experience, but also know how to provide that experience."

Pour & Explore: Destination California will spotlight the country's number one grape-producing state. Featured wines will include Korbel Sweet Rosé, KJ Pinot Gris, KJ Grand Reserve Pinot Noir, KJ Grand Reserve Chardonnay and Stonestreet Reserve Cabernet.

Pour & Explore: Destination California will begin with a cocktail hour. A specialty cheese board with assorted crackers and Hiland Dairy dips, including Southwest and Sour Cream Chive, will be available, and the Korbel Sweet Rosé will be served.

Following the cocktail hour, the five-course meal created by Chef Rudasill will begin with Mushroom Agnolotti with Browned Butter Sage and Pine Nuts, served family style and paired with the KJ Pinot Gris. The second course, Potato and Chanterelle Soup with Arugula Pesto and Shaved Parmesan will be served with Pesto and Parmesan Cheese Straws and will be paired with the KJ Grand Reserve Pinot Noir. The third course, a California Salad with Sesame Maple Orange Vinaigrette, features fresh greens, butter lettuce, endive, broccoli slaw, cilantro and green onion, along with seasoned cashews, steamed edamame and crispy wontons. It will be served family style and paired with the KJ Grand Reserve Chardonnay. The entrée will be Grilled Ribeyes with Cabernet Thyme Reduction, Butternut Squash Risotto, Steamed Haricot Verts  with Herbed Butter and Parker House Dinner Rolls with Herbed Butter, paired with the Stonestreet Cabernet. Dessert will be individual Praline Mille Feuille with Praline Pastry Cream, Praline Paste, and Ferrero Roche, and will be paired with the Korbel Sweet Rosé  .

Don’t miss this elegant night out! Seating is limited, and tickets are available through the Lufkin CVB, (936) 633-0359, for $65 a person or $550 for a reserved table of eight.

For more information on Pour & Explore and other upcoming wining and dining events “Like” us on Facebook at Visit Lufkin and check out our event calendar on www.visitlufkin.com.