FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Visitors to the New River region know that there is more to the area than the spectacular scenery.  Gourmet restaurants and shops are located throughout the vicinity.  On Nov. 21 and 22, a gourmet food tour of the New River Gorge region will be offered, complete with delectable food and wine tastings,  two cooking schools and a performance of the indomitable Julia Child by storyteller and actress Karen Vuranch.

The weekend will begin with registration as well as appetizers and wine on Friday evening.  While dinner is not included that evening, coupons for area restaurants will be provided, offering some discounts to local eateries.

On Saturday, the event will start with a tour of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center with its stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge.  Next, participants will take a tour of Blue Smoke Salsa, in Ansted, W.Va., and taste the salsa that has earned the title “The Salsa of the Americas.”  A lunch at Pies and Pints will offer a choice of gourmet pizzas.  After lunch, the event will continue with food tastings at the retail shops of Fayetteville.  Destinations such as Studio B will offer West Virginia wines; Trillium Crafts will provide a tasting of West Virginia jams and jellies; Gumbo’s restaurant will give tastings of Cajun appetizers and Wisteria’s Gifts will present some sweets. These are a few of the offerings that will be available that day.

The day continues at Tamarack where Greenbrier Chef Jamie Henderson will present a cooking school to the participants. Following the school, coupons for Tamarack will be provided for use in the famous arts complex.  A dinner prepared by Chef Jamie will be given and followed by a performance of Julia Child by Vuranch in the Hulett C. Smith Theatre. Following her performance, Vuranch will answer questions while still in character. Her performance of Julia Child has received rave reviews.

The weekend will continue on Sunday at the Gourmet on the Gorge in Lansing, W.Va., near the New River Gorge Bridge. Chef Joy Marr will teach a cooking school to the participants and the event will culminate with a Sunday brunch. Chef Joy is well-known for her feasts, from the garden to the table.  The sumptuous brunch will be prepared using the freshest ingredients harvested directly from the earth to create a memorable season based menu.

The Gourmet on the Gorge Weekend is a cooperative effort between organizations and individuals in the New River Gorge area and celebrates the fine food and dining that can be found in the New River Gorge.  A ticket for the two-day event is $295 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call Gourmet on the Gorge at 304-574-0394 or visit www.gourmetonthegorge.com.