Food and wine festival debuts in Sun Valley

Idaho Mountain Express and Guide - Ketchum, ID, USA - The first Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival, at Ketchum locales and restaurants, featured cooking demonstrations by nationally known and local chefs, exclusive vintner dinners and a grand tasting event at the Elkhorn Golf Club.

The festival kicked off on Friday, June 8, with keynote speaker Jim Harrison at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum and a well-attended reception catered by Ketchum's Ric Lum at 6 p.m..

In Harrison style, laid back and comfortable in his oversized chair, the acclaimed writer enlightened the audience to a few of his favorite and memorable dining moments, such as eating a 37-course meal in France. The feast included King Louis XV's favorite dish--an omelet with sea urchins.

Harrison said he writes about food because he cannot separate it from life. Having been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, he claimed he could not be the pig he used to be.

"A true gourmand does not have to be hungry to eat," Harrison said.

However, he said, that attitude has become increasingly difficult to maintain in the United States.