We are going to Scottsdale next year. Top notch resorts, golf, spa, dining. It will be amazing.
I am so annoyed with F&WF this year I think we need a break from the event. Maybe a permanent break.
We learned last year that September events are sorely lacking, and this year is the same thing. DH's AP expires in September, so that determined our dates for this year. I would have LOVED to attend Morimoto's brunch (we met him at his restaurant a couple of years ago - he is very kind) but we have a super early flight out that morning. I love Chef Zakarian. I love Chef Guarnaschelli. I think any of the Chopped judges would be fun. Any of the Iron Chefs would be fun. I think Duff Goldman is adorable. I do not think the Saved by the Bell girl is the same level as those chefs, yet her seminar is the same price. No thanks. No disrespect to her, she just isn't what I would consider a top chef. Gordon Ramsay would be a hoot.
A friend mentioned doing the South Beach Food & Wine thing in Miami next year. We chatted with a couple from Miami at La Cava last month and they said that one can be fun, but it can be confusing and expensive. There are a TON of events, and it draws a lot of big name chefs.
We have also talked about doing the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, but I HATE, and I do mean H A T E cold weather and TX weather in January can be nasty.
Bottom line, there are way too many other options for us to keep dragging our butts to WDW for a lackluster event. And again, I will say I think this is a direct result of them running so many flipping "festivals" that NONE of them are properly planned and executed. OK. End rant.