Todd Gray, executive chef of Equinox in Washington DC and the forthcoming Salamander Resort in Middleburg has been selected as one of the top chefs to create a specialty truffle-centered meal.  He joins 6 other top national chefs in preparing a 7-course food extravaganza.

The First Annual National Truffle Fest, sponsored by the National Truffle Grower’s Association, a non-profit group dedicated to producing more truffles in North America, will be held in Asheville, NC March 5-8.

Truffles are a tuber that grows on the roots of an oak or hazelnut tree. Importing the Perigord truffle from Italy, is an expensive proposition. The Mid-Atlantic region has ideal weather conditions for growing this expensive delicacy.

In addition to the Black Tie Gala Dinner at the Renaissance Hotel with Chef Gray, there are numerous food-related events. The true gourmet foodie should be able to feast on cooking demonstrations, tasting dinners, competitive cook-offs, and truffle-dog hunting. There’ll be no more confusing the mushroom with a truffle!