Wining and dining galas worldwide

In recent years, the food and wine festival has become less of an industry-insider event and more of a chance for civilian epicures, inundated with endless food blogs and the popularity of the Food Network, to mingle with chefs, vinters and restaurateurs. What Julia Child started, Rachel Ray proselytized, and most people now probably spend more time watching cooking shows than in the kitchen cooking. It's the era of the celebrity chef, and what better arena for some of that stardust to rub off than at an event where these "personalities" are giving classes, imparting kitchen wisdom and even handing out their freshly made delectables?