WALLA WALLA, Wash., Jan. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Walla Walla's annual month long celebration 'February is for Foodies' is dedicated to the inner epicurean found in everyone. Complete with special menus, gourmet cooking classes and world-class wine, February is the perfect time to visit beautiful Walla Walla Valley and celebrate the bountiful joys of food. Throughout the month of February, the legendary Marcus Whitman Hotel welcomes guests and visitors to the property with enticing room rates, romance packages and special menus not to be missed. 

Each Saturday in February, the public is invited to discover their inner chef by partaking in gourmet cooking classes led by Walla Walla's renowned chefs throughout the city. Join The Marc Restaurant's Chef Scott McLean at The Marcus Whitman Hotel on Feb. 14 as he demonstrates how to expertly butcher and prepare a whole chicken breast, while creating delicious side dishes. Sommelier Dan McCaffrey will share his wine pairing expertise using Saviah Cellars Pinot Noir, and Pastry Chef Troy Tipton will demonstrate how to create delicious chocolate desserts. Class will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes a light lunch with wine pairings. Each class is $50 per person and reservations are required; call (509) 525-8799 to reserve a spot.

Also as part of 'February is for Foodies," the Vineyard Lounge in The Marcus Whitman Hotel will offer three delicious courses for $25 with the choice of one starter, entree and dessert. A small sampling of starters includes French onion soup, chorizo-stuffed mushrooms, poke tuna and crispy fish tacos. Entrees include fireside beef stroganoff, steak frites and vineyard chicken pot pie, among many other irresistible plates. Delectable desserts include lemon curd and chocolate ganache. To see the full list of participating Walla Walla restaurants and wineries, visit http://www.wallawalla.org/things-to-do/february-is-for-foodies.html. 

In addition, throughout the month of February, the Marc Restaurant, located within the hotel, will feature a Valentine's Tasting Menu complete with food and wine pairings, including:

• Warm Wilted Spinach Salad; Forgeron, Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, 2012 – served with house cured pork belly, pickled red onion, sunny side up quail egg crostini, apple fennel salad
• Seared Diver Scallop; Three Rivers, Riesling, Columbia Valley, 2012 – served with candied beet puree, meyer lemon risotto, apricot mostarda, micro basil
• Red Prickly Pear and Strawberry sorbet – intermezzo
• Dry Aged Snake River Farms New York Steal; Bergevin Lane, Moonspell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 2011 – served with Australian black truffle, aged white cheddar bread pudding, white chocolate parsnip puree
• Textures of Chocolate and Coconut; Cougar Crest Estate, Port, Walla Walla Valley, 2009

The special menu is only available during February and the cost is $60 for food only and $85 for food and wine pairings. To book a reservation, please call (509) 525-2200.

Finally, to celebrate national romance month, The Marcus Whitman Hotel is offering couples looking for a romantic vacation, a 'Sweet Hearts' Package' available the entire month of February. The special offer includes one night's accommodations in the luxurious Historic Tower or deluxe accommodations in the West Wing, six gourmet chocolates, a bottle of sparkling wine and an $80 dining credit for The Marc Restaurant, recently named "Restaurant of the Year" by the Washington State Wine Commission. Room rates start at $219; for reservations or more information call (866) 829-9422 or visit www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com.

About The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center
Built in 1928 through a community labor of love, The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center is a downtown Walla Walla landmark where history and luxury intertwine. The property was fully renovated in 2001 and restored to its original grandeur, while adding modern updates to provide a truly luxurious experience for today's traveler. The full grounds include a 127-room hotel with luxury suites, a state-of-the art conference center featuring grand renaissance ballrooms, six on-site wine tasting boutiques, and the award-winning The Marc Restaurant and The Vineyard Lounge. Thousands of overnight guests, diners, wine lovers, conference goers, business travelers and pleasure seekers enjoy the Marcus Whitman's exceptional guest service each year, where they find "ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen" to the backdrop of modern splendor. http://marcuswhitmanhotel.com/

Contact: Kelsey Richards, Duo PR
Tel. (206) 445-1498
Email: kelsey@duopr.com

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SOURCE The Marcus Whitman Hotel

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