Mediaboss Marketing

By Debbie Glover
St. Tammany News
Published on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 12:09 AM CST

A new event to attract visitors, gourmands and art and wine connoisseurs to explore the cultural and eclectic side of Covington will take place March 29 through April 1 and will offer a variety of events from an art market to a cooking demonstration and wine tasting.

Produced by the Covington Business Association and the brainchild of CBA President Cliff Bergeron, Steve Ahrons and David Barfield, the attraction is loosely patterned after other such weekend events that appeal to foodies, gourmets and wine lovers such as the Food and Wine Experience in New Orleans, held each May.

The goal is the four-day event will evolve into a weekend experience similar to New Orleans’ event but with a St. Tammany flair.

“The event is designed to attract visitors from the Gulf South to a four-day weekend event,” said Bergeron. Included in the plans are special offers from area hotels and bed and breakfasts for those wishing to stay over and enjoy a full weekend.

The cooking demonstration and wine tasting at the Covington Trailhead on March 30 will be limited to 125 tickets and will take place from 5-7 p.m. For $10 Glazer’s Domains and Estates and Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket Wine and Spirits will offer wine tastes and two dishes by two restaurants will be prepared for tasting. Bergeron said a souvenir glass of the event will also be given out.

He said each restaurant event is for one seating, so reservations should be made early, as seating will be very limited. In fact, some restaurants are almost sold out, said Bergeron. The vintners’ dinner March 29 will include a wine pairing with each course offered. Restaurants include 407 North, Annadele’s, Beede’s Boston House, Del Porto, Gallagher’s Grill, Lola Restaurant and Seiler Bar. Cost per person, including the wine, is $75. Call the restaurants directly to reserve your seating.

Also that Friday is the Columbia Street Final Friday block party from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on the 300-600 blocks of North Columbia Street. Antique car displays, music, refreshments and family fun await this pedestrian event. Columbia Street will be blocked from vehicular traffic.

On March 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. an art market and gallery stroll will be available on South Lee Lane from Boston Street to Rutland Avenue. Unique one-of-a-kind items in a variety of art media, including wood, jewelry, mixed media, photography and more, will be available for sale.

A gallery and merchant stroll will be held Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and will include wine reps with wine and cheese to add to your shopping pleasure. Select music at various locations throughout historic downtown Covington, including Lee Lane and near St. Tammany Art Association, plus a scavenger hunt with great prizes will be offered. The event is free, but one must register at participating stores to participate in the scavenger hunt. Participating galleries and merchants include Tripolo Gallery, Global Dwelling Fabulous Furniture, The French Mix, Shoeffle and the St. Tammany Art Association.

The final event will be a champagne jazz brunch at Beebe’s Boston House on April 1. The cost will be $25 per person. For reservations call 892-0710.

Copyright © 2012 St. Tammany News

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A Taste of Covington to feature wine, food, more