The second annual Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival, held on the grounds of the Harbor History Museum, took place on Saturday, August 6, 2011.  The festival included 35+ wine (and a few beer) participants, cooking demonstrations, classes, a celebrity chef cook-off, as well as the opportunity to bid on some very nice luxury items and dining packages.  Proceeds benefit the Harbor History Museum and the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association.  http://www.harborwineandfoodfest.com/

This year, the visiting Celebrity Chef was Chef Kevin Gillespie, a 2-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation ‘Rising Star Chef of the Year’ award, a fan favorite of Bravo’s “Top Chef” season 6 and executive chef and co-owner of the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta.  He took part in a cooking demonstration, the chef cook-off, and also signed books during his time here.   Celebrity Chef Thad Lyman of Brix 25 was a big part of the day along with Chefs Jasmine Biernacki (Piece of the Earth Farm), Chef Jeremy Barber (Horseshoe Lake Golf Course) and Chef Tin (Clearwater Casino).   My favorite restaurant sampling served was the Wild Boar Bourguignon from JW (Jason Winniford) and humble cook Justin Goodfellow…delicious!   http://www.jwgigharbor.com/  There were wine and beer classes along with other interesting seminars… like “What’s in your Basket?’  And the wine?  it was good to try a few of those that I had not yet heard of, although there were many more that I did not get to. 

Not that an overnight is needed, but I want to give the Inn at Gig Harbor a mention.  It is a full service hotel and event center.  The bedding is really comfortable, the service all-around is good, and breakfast at The Heritage Restaurant was enjoyed.  If you are familiar with Gig Harbor, it is located closer to the freeway than to the waterfront.   http://innatgigharbor.com/  Also, when walking around town, visit The Harbor Peddler.  It has a nice variety of gifts, personal items, home decor, etc…  The Harbor History Museum is a recommended stop http://www.harborhistorymuseum.org/ and while walking the waterfront, check out the various signage providing historical info.  www.gigharborguide.com