The National Ability Center, one of the nation’s leading community programs providing sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, hosts its premier, three-day Red, White & Snow event every year. The fundraising weekend offers a unique opportunity for culinary and wine connoisseurs, vintners and snow sports enthusiasts from across the country to mingle in an extraordinary setting, with all funds raised providing new possibilities and programs at the National Ability Center. Vintner Dinners are one of the highlights of the weekend where premier chefs and vintners craft an exquisite experience in a luxurious and private environment. I was lucky enough to be invited to an exceptional night at the home of Dave and Melissa Berry. Melissa owns Rootd Home and yes, her home is as beautiful as you would imagine. Katie Eldridge, owner of Panic Button Media, co-hosted the evening and this was her fourth year hosting for the National Ability Center.
What followed was a perfect evening of food, wine, ambience and appreciation. 
Adam Kreisel was able to be our chef, thanks to his affiliation with the Park City Culinary Institute where he is an instructor. Chef Adam Kreisel also owns Chaia Cucina Catering and was ldishing up exquisite dish after dish while Judd Finkelstein of Judd’s Hill Winery provided artful pairings.
Chef Adam Kreisel
Dave Berry, Melissa Berry and Judd Finkelstein
A highlight of the evening was when both a participant and volunteer of the National Ability Center joined us to share their personal experience of discovering the possibilities through the unique programs offered and how it has changed and helped their lives together.
And then there was the food…
Heirloom Eggplant Caponata Brushetta | Grilled artisan bread, micro greens, olive oil
Curried Cauliflower and green yogurt “spoon” | Gingersnap crumbles, green onion
Scottish salmon, leek and sea clam chowder | Dashi, white wine, roasted gold potatoes, celery, thyme
Muscovy Duck Confit Salad | Baby arugula watermelon radish, shaved fennel, french feta, honey cranberry vinaigrette, dried apricots
Kentucky White tail deer neck and elk ragout | Sherry, san Marzano tomato, rustic polenta, sprouts
Strawberry apple crostata | Basil ice cream, candied almonds, balsamic syrup, sel de guerande
In short, the evening was filled with great food and great wine for a great cause.
Photo Credit: Blake Petersen & Panic Button Media.
