Forks of Cheat Winery brings flavors of the Caribbean

Break out your flip-flops and tropical attire and dine on the flavors of the Caribbean, at 6 p.m. June 23 at Forks of Cheat Winery.
Chef Tom Thompson of Madeleine Marie’s Catering has again joined with the owners of Forks of Cheat Winery for a third season of themed dinners. The yearly celebration highlights handcrafted wines, creative themed meals prepared by an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef, and local entertainment, all held in an event pavilion overlooking the mountains.
All events will be held at the Forks of Cheat Winery begin at 6 p.m. at a ticket price of $35 per person. Reservations can be made by contacting Tasia Thompson at 304-826-7244 or email her at info@madeleinemaries.com.
The first event of the summer dining series is a local favorite theme: Caribbean. A menu of conch fritters with a warm pineapple salsa will be served upon arrival and then a buffet dinner of grilled Jamaican jerk chicken with mango salsa, camarones borrachos (drunken shrimp), Cuban black beans and coconut rice, Caribbean-style skewered vegetables and key lime pie for dessert. Forks of Cheat’s wines and craft beer will be available at a cash bar. Entertainment will feature the Tom Batchelor Band performing a mix of reggae, calypso and rock and features steel drums.
Upcoming themed dinners at the winery will include:
— July: Summer Bounty: A showcase of the area’s local harvest and music provided by Soup Camel, a band that gets the crowd involved with toe tapping and kazoo-playing fun.
— August: Executive Chef Tom Thompson pays homage to his favorite chef Julia Child on her birthday, with entertainment provided by 18 Strings.