I'm not sure if June in Houston is exactly the best time for a wine walk @ Market Street in the Woodlands especially when its close to breaking temp heat. We knew how hot it would be, but the Columbus Salame marketing team was in for a big meltdown coming from cool San Francisco. We were all envious of the sponsors who landed their tables inside buildings where it was nice and cool. 
Jessica and Gaye preparing cacciatore, finocchinonia, sopressata and calabrese for the wine walk. Needless to say, I brought a battery operated fan which sort of helped. HEB market street gave us a big trough full of ice which Valerie and Jessica from Columbus rolled through the streets to get to our booth. It saved the day and kept the salame from cooking in the heat.
Chef Josh and son from Tavola inMagnolia getting ready for the Sips, Suds & Slider judging at the Marriott Waterway. Columbus provided product to the restaurant, and Josh made his sliders with charcuterie full of pancetta, proscuitto, calabrese salame, Texas goat cheese, fresh basil and a thin slices of fresh pear on a homemade bun. His team lost 1st place by 12 votes but the sliders were a hit!
Valeria Bellini from Columbus Marketing gave a great seminar on pairing wine with salame. Wines were discussed as Josh showcased dishes using different salames in his recipes. A great seminar for only $35.00 which was well worth the food and all the different wines. Our final night was the Grand Tasting at the Marriott with their biggest sponsor HEB who had a massive display of cheeses and desserts to eat. Lots of restaurants serving great food and of course, our table full of salame. So in all I think Houstonians had a great time. I know I did.
