Sam & Harry's Hosts Elegant Wine Dinner that Showcases America's Top Award-Winning Cheeses

    /24-7PressRelease/ - SCHAUMBURG, IL, August 22, 2008 - Nothing seems to pair better than fabulous cheese and a glass of great wine for a memorable evening. Experience just that and taste some of the best cheeses made in America, each incorporated into five flavorful dinner courses and served with wine from Sam & Harry's extensive wine cellar. On September 11, at 6:30 p.m., executive chef Joshua Humphrey and Sam & Harry's of the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center will celebrate this combination with a Carr Valley Cheese and Wine Dinner. Joining chef Joshua will be Sid Cook, master cheese maker of Carr Valley, who had the recent honor of having two of his cheeses win top honors at the American Cheese Society conference in Chicago. These cheeses won in a competition of over 1,100 artesian cheeses. The cost is $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Guests that night will be able to dine and socialize with both the Schaumburg restaurant chef and cheesemaker.

Chef Joshua spent considerable time sampling and cooking with Carr Valley's vast selection of cheeses, before selecting this delectable sampling for his dinner menu. Among the sampling, the two top award-winning cheeses, Snow White Goat Cheddar and Cave Aged Marisa were high on his list. The evening's exquisite menu includes:

Amuse Buche
Bruschetta of Serrano Ham, Manchego Cheese and Chanterelle
Mushrooms with Balsamic Truffle Oil

Salad of Crinkle Cress
Dungeness Crab, Wisconsin Gorgonzola, Honey Vinaigrette & Rustic Croutons
Meursault White Burgundy, France 2001

Heirloom Parsnip Soup
Black Truffle, Snow White Goat Cheddar & Chervil Pistou
Rochioli Russian River Valley 2005

Rosemary and Sage Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Peruvian Potatoes, Cave Aged Marisa, Roasted Brussels and Elephant Garlic
David Bruce, Central Coast, Pinot Noir 2005

Dessert
Baked Ricotta Custard
Huckleberry Compote & Orange Lace Cookie
Josmeyer, Alsace Reisling 2005

With over 100 years of cheese making experience, the Carr Valley Cheese Company is rich with tradition and secrets for producing unique, award-winning cheeses. Located in the rolling hills and lush pastures of Wisconsin, Carr Valley remains one of Wisconsin's most traditional cheese companies, famous for making cheese the old-fashioned artesian way. The American Cheese Society voted Carr Valley Cheese as "Best in Show" at their 25th Annual Conference and Cheese Competition in July for its Snow White Goat Cheddar. This cheese was singled out as best of the best among 1,149 cheeses submitted by more than 180 producers.

Chef Humphrey is an honor graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, S.C. Under his culinary leadership, Sam & Harry's Restaurant in Schaumburg, Illinois was listed as one of Chicago Magazine's 2006 Best New Restaurants.

For reservations to the Carr Valley Cheese and Wine Dinner, please call (847) 303-4050. Sam & Harry's is located at 1551 Thoreau Dr. in the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information on Sam & Harry's, please visit http://samandharrys.com.

About Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center
Situated 25 miles from Downtown, this Northwest Chicago, Illinois hotel blends futuristic architecture with a heightened appreciation for the surrounding natural wetlands. Designed by the renowned John Portman & Associates, the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel creates a setting that provides an exceptional gathering place. Conveniently located, this Schaumburg Illinois Hotel is near Woodfield Mall, offering world-class shopping and upscale dining. Experience true luxury at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, where the heartland meets the 21st century. For more information or to make a reservation, call 847-303-4100 or visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/chirs.

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