There were demonstrations by world famous chefs, wine and spirit seminars with a panel of master Sommeliers and even lifestyle seminars about Cheese and Wine Paring by Barrie Lynn the Cheese Impresario, Entertaining with Flowers by Rene Van Rems of Floral Ambiance and even The Art and Science of Cooking by Chef Steve Beno of College of the Desert.

Let the adventure begin. We started out at the Chef Demonstrations listening to Chef Joey Altman giving his demonstration of creating his Gilled Lamb Chop with Red Onion Jam and Celery Root Puree.  The aromas were heavenly. 

Next we popped in to the demonstration by the Hearty Boys, Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh.  They were demonstrating three recipes, perfect for Thanksgiving that are easy and for the most part can be prepared in advance of the dinner so that the hosts can actually enjoy the dinner with the guests. Their dishes were Honey Roasted Parsnip Bisque, Double Wide Green Bean Casserole and Apple Picker’s Punch. Their years of experience in front of audiences and cameras have afforded them a to perfect a relaxed and very inviting format that entertains and educates at the same time. The food dishes just came together so effortlessly that I may even have to give them a try this Thanksgiving for our family. Dan and Steve have been kind enough to offer us these recipes to print for our readers to enjoy.  The Hearty Boys just released their first cookbook “Talk With Your Mouth Full” in September 2007. A must for great home cooking, go check it out. A highlight of my day was to meet these very talented chefs.

To be able to use the Hearty Boys Thanksgiving Recipes, click here. 

Off to the tasting. Kaiser Grille offered a ceviche as well as a pancetta wrapped shrimp with risotto and a lemon cream sauce, refreshing. The Chop House offered St Louis ribs that were heavenly to say the least. Click here to hear the delicious description by George McGuire from the Chop House. ...

Jackalope Ranch to be opening soon at 111 and Jefferson, Chef Eduardo Rios, served southern style BBQ, very tasty and worth trying when they open.

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant served Choriso Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon. A delicious combination. Chef Alex Bongard.

Ironstone Vineyards was represented by Robin Booth and Kacy Henriksen.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse, Cara described the dishes for us. Click here for the description ...

Chef James Corwell of Purple Palm restaurant tells about their delicious fare. ... click here. Tasted out of this world.

Danny Alfaro and Claudia Solis of Callahan Concierge in Palm Desert. Hear about how they can make your life easier from errands to events to catering. ... click here.   

Cava Restaurant from the Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel, Esteban Bautista, Sr. Sous Chef, Culinary Team Listen to what they served up. ... click here.

Executive Women’s Golf Association’s Teresa Miller tells more about them. ... click here.

Juan Flores Executive Chef and Bruce Jacobs, New Zealand by Bristol Farms prepared a Seared Scallop with coconut chili Sauce and Gisborne Lamb Salad. This was to honor the other Palm Desert sister city Gisborne, New Zealand.

Maple Leaf Duck Farms, Clark Raines, representative. These products are found seasonally in local stores like Costco.  You can find them online at   www.mapleleaffarms.com

A lovely group from Ristorante Tuscany of JW Marriott Resort and Spa, Julie Lee, Jessica Kim, Chef Gino Cipriano, served Crostini Con Fungi S. Daniele and Maltagliate Sorrentina.

Mikado Desert Springs, JW Marriott, Solon Rodas Chef and Noly, assistant, offering Shrimp Fried Rice and Mikado California Roll.

Brandt Beef, Chef Thomas. Brandt beef is not hormonally treated, corn fed and is California grown. This is the healthy beef.

The Spa at Desert Springs was represented by two very lovely and helpful ladies Laura Rogers and Rebecca Alquist.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse served a Filet Sandwich and Sweet Potatoes.

Food Art, Chef John Gargone, Garde Manger (pronounced gada manjay) a most beautiful array of foods carved into flowers and other table top decor for all occasions. He has a book available for the aspiring caterers and home parties. Make your party special with interesting food decorations.

Cork Tree California Cuisine with Jim Kelley and Herve Quinn, Executive Chef.

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Thai Smile of Rancho Mirage Matthew and Irene Creighton, owners. Serving Steamed Chicken Dumpling and Pineapple Fried Rice. Delicious as usual.

Tommy Bahamas Tropical Buffet served a Mocha Mousse in a Chocolate Shell. Outrageous!

Newly re-opened Rivera Spa and Resort, Circa 59, Adam Votaw, Executive Chef explains the fare ... click here . Tasted beautiful.

Bing Crosby’s Chris Pielstick Executive Sous Chef and Ana Schultz Sales and Marketing. They served Short Ribs in a Celeryroot Puree.

There were so many wineries and vineyards just a few of note, 585 Wine Partners offered 14 different wines for tasting, Acacia Vineyard Beaulieu Vineyard, Chalone Vineyard and Edna Valley Vineyards offered 9 different wines to tempt the palate, even Francis Ford Coppola Winery offered 11 impressive wines there were so many more.  See our slide show with all the various booths of foods, beverage, arts and services of this phenomenal event.

At the day’s end we were joyously exhausted and very well fed. Our numerous wonderful  experiences of meeting people who were all enjoying the day of meeting people and sharing food, festivities and fun really was the crowning glory for us. We can hardly wait for the Fourth Annual Art of Food and Wine 2009.

Thank you to the fantastic staff of Art of Food and Wine and Desert Springs JW Mariott Resort and Spa and the Desert Willows Golf Resort for a third spectacular event. Thank you to the Hearty Boys for sharing their recipes with our readers.

For more Art of Food and Wine Grand Taste Photos by John Garber, click here.

For more Art of Food and Wine Grand Taste Photos by Allen Lawrence, click here.

To see photos of the Hearty Boys in action, click here.

To read about the Palm Desert, Art of Food and Wine "Food Flight" Evening, click here.

To read about the Palm Desert, Art of Food and Wine "Sweet Dreams" Evening, click here.

To see photos of the Palm Desert Art of Food and Wine, Golf Tournament, click here.

For more information about the chefs, restaurants and other contributors, click here.