News Release

FRENCH TRUFFLE AND FOOD EXPERTS VISIT THE FIFTH ANNUAL OREGON TRUFFLE FESTIVAL
October 8, 2009
Eugene, Ore.--- Renowned French restaurateurs Jacques and Noëlle Ratier join fifth generation truffle cultivator and scientist, Pierre Sourzat, in launching the fifth annual Oregon Truffle Festival, to be held in Eugene Jan. 29 through Jan. 31, 2010.

Traveling from France to share their culinary passion and prowess will be renowned chef Jacques Ratier and his wife, Noëlle, whose restaurant, La Récréation, was prominently featured in the popular book, From Here, You Can’t See Paris, by American author Michael S. Sanders. Sourzat, also mentioned in the book and joining in the festivities, directs a truffle college in Le Montat, located just a few kilometers from the Ratiers’ restaurant.

The guests will be on hand for the entire festival, celebrating the truffles from the Old World of France and the New World of Oregon. The Ratiers, Sanders and Sourzat will join for an opening reception and feast called “La Récréation.” Open only to weekend guests, the celebration features Chef Ratier and Executive Chef Rocky Maselli of Eugene’s Marché Restaurant.

Oregon, like parts of France and Italy, is ideal for research, cultivation and the culinary use of truffles. For the same reason it is home to acclaimed pinot noir wines, Oregon is reaching the ranks of its gustatory equals, which is among the reasons the Ratiers, Sanders and Sourzat will share their experience and expertise to further the development of Oregon’s truffle industry.

“Attracting truffle experts from a renowned culinary mecca emphasizes how rich Oregon’s truffle scene really is. Not only will our weekend guests get to experience the delights of both French and Oregon truffles in the same meal, but our visiting author, chef and scientist bring the authority and skill to promote growth and efficacy of the burgeoning truffle industry,” said Leslie Scott, festival organizer.

Registration is now open for Oregon Truffle Festival weekend experiences and the Grand Truffle Dinner. Six weekend and several stand-alone options are available, variously including multi-course truffle and wine dinners, seminars and trainings, cooking classes, winery luncheons, truffle forays, farm tours and a fresh truffle marketplace. All options may be purchased online at www.oregontrufflefestival.com.

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