Eve's Wine 101

Presqu’ile Recruits Julie Simon As New Executive Chef

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Santa Maria, California – Presqu’ile, the estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, announces the addition of Julie Simon as their new executive chef. Simon will be creating the tasting room wine and food pairings, as well as developing special event menus and overseeing wine dinners, including those with guest chefs.

Julie recently headlined at one of the winery’s sell-out Guest Chef Dinners which brought her to the attention of the Murphys and invited her to come aboard.  In her new position, she plans to rework the wine and food pairings to reflect both her style and to complement the library of wines at Presqu’ile. She is also designing an organic garden on the property.

Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales for the winery welcomes Simon to the Presqu’ile family, stating, “We are very excited to have Julie join the team. Her commitment to local sourcing, organic farming, and clean, ingredient-focused cooking truly aligns with Presqu’ile’s philosophy, and will make for a very great partnership showcasing our wines in their best light.”

Julie Simon is enthusiastic about joining Presqu’ile, remarking, “I am thrilled to be joining such a strong and dedicated team, where I can be a part of propelling the Presqu’ile hospitality experience forward. And the addition of a permaculture garden not only shows our commitment to great food, it also nurtures the ‘sense of place’, mirroring our winemaking philosophy.”

ABOUT CHEF JULIE SIMON

Julie Simon is a San Luis Obispo based chef and farmer. Ten years ago, Simon was enrolled in university in her native France, ready to follow that path to a law career. Her restlessness and uncanny ability in the kitchen compelled her to move to Paso Robles where her aunt and uncle farmed an olive grove and pressed olive oil. Soon after, Simon landed kitchen jobs in some of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants and eventually became executive chef at the renowned Thomas Hill Organics Bistro when she was 23 years old. Julie served as opening chef at Foremost restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Her history in farming and pop-up dinners bring a worthy contribution to Presqu’ile’s vast array of services, further enriching the most sought after wine destination in the area.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY

5391 Presqu’ile Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Phone 805.937.8110

www.presquilewine.com 

ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.

The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines.

For further information on Presqu’ile Winery visit

www.presquilewine.com 

Become a fan of Presqu’ile Winery:

on Facebook: www.facebook.com/presquilewine

on Twitter: @PresquileWine

on Instagram: @presquilewine

The Art of Toasting Moutai From China

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Camus is delighted to invite you to a dynamic culture event to learn and experience the Chinese way of toasting and fine dining, with the iconic spirit Moutai and one of its kind Baccarat crystal drink set. Dress code: Elegant with a touch of red.

Well this was a new one for me. Never heard of the Chinese spirit Moutai or used the Baccarat crystal drink set. Intrigued by the idea of learning how to properly toast with a Chinese spirit, I was ready to learn. But first what is Moutai? From Wikipedia: Maotai or Moutai is a brand of baijiu, a distilled Chinese liquor, made in the town of Maotai in China’s Guizhou province. Produced by the state-owned Kweichow Moutai Company, the beverage is distilled from fermented sorghum and now comes in several different varieties. From the box: Made “only in small quantities” yearly, this “small batch blend” is “available only in the finest duty-free shops around the world.” 53% alcohol.

In the course of the evening (photos here) we tasted the spirit in two cocktails and on its own, both the Moutai Small Batch Blend ($275) and the Moutai Legendary China Collection Edition Li Bai ($375). This second edition “honors Li Bai (701-762) regarded as one of the greatest and most prolific poets of the Tang dynasty.”

But, before I get too ahead of myself, before the first cocktail we were entertained by a Chinese calligraphy artist, then before the first sip of Moutai on its own, we were told and shown the proper way to toast with Moutai and told that “in China we greet with spirits, with meaning and with gravity – to the future…Moutai is always considered the national symbol of China” and all Chinese enjoy toasting special occasions with Moutai.

To toast the spirit is poured at room temperature into a tiny glass “invented by Moutai” and then some simple rules are to be followed: Always fill to the rim, hold with both hands to toast each other, the person who wants to show respect to the host, for seniority or to ladies is to bring their glass lower than the person extending the toast. This last part can be quite fun as people will go down to the ground to get their glass lower than their esteemed friend. Then, more rules included “never leave a comrade’s glass empty” so you must help them to fill it. Never drink alone at dinner. If you are toasted then you must toast in return. Don’t toast before the host toasts – who may toast to each table in the room. Then, and only then, it’s fair game to toast more people. The Li Bai edition was served with small Baccarat red crystal decanters into small round matching crystal glasses.

For me, always the student, after noting all of the rules in toasting I settled in to smell and taste both levels of Moutai. I got strong umami notes, soy sauce, salinity, grilled mushroom and maybe a hint of the terracotta vats the spirit had rested in before bottling.

After that first sip we enjoyed a multi-course Chinese influenced dinner, while listening to different musicians and watching a cultural dance. By the end of the evening, and several more toasts of Moutai – for those that had drivers – I believe everyone attending walked away with not only more knowledge about the Chinese spirit, but an appreciation for Moutai and what China brings to the proverbial global table.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience. 

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

Downtown Newhall’s Latest Wine Bar, Newhall Press Room, Achieves Prestigious Wine Award

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Newhall Press Room Receives The Wine Spectator Award Of Excellence – The Only Santa Clarita Valley Restaurant Awarded With This Distinction

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY – Downtown Newhall’s brightest new star, the Newhall Press Room wine bar and restaurant, was recently presented with a very enviable honor: Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence. The Press Room is the only restaurant in the entire Santa Clarita Valley that has been given this award for 2019.

According to the Wine Spectator magazine, “The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Ranging in size from 90 selections to several hundred, these lists are well-focused and tend to emphasize discovery.”

The latest wine bar to open in downtown Newhall, The Press Room is known for its wine list – with over 100 wines on the menu and an inventory that currently has over 1,100 bottles. Wine lovers and aficionados alike appreciate the selection, a living and breathing entity as wine itself is often described, and current California wines on the list include varietals from Nickel & Nickel, Caymus, Leonetti, Oberon, Switchback Ridge, Sojourn, Opolo, Sextant and many more wines from around the globe including the new 2016 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, a Tuscan wine recently awarded 100 points.

One cannot live on wine alone and the Press Room rounds out their menu with popular small and large plates including building your own cheese and charcuterie boards, steaks and house-made pasta. Wine education, live music, special events, weekend brunch, Happy Hour and $7 wines by the glass every Sunday keep guests coming back.

Read more about the award and Newhall Press Room online or in the current issue of Wine Spectator. The Press Room is located in Downtown Newhall at 24257 Main Street and can be reached at 661-753-3454.

https://www.newhallpressroom.com/

https://restaurants.winespectator.com/restaurant/5282/newhall-press-room

L.A.’s Epic Culinary Festival Los Angeles Food and Wine Returns Aug. 22-25, 2019

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LOS ANGELES – In a collision of cuisine and culture, Southern California’s number-one food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine, is ramping up to its ninth rendition, August 22-25. Festival-goers will rub shoulders with the nation’s hottest chefs during the four-day epicurean extravaganza, with events spanning the City of Angels. Fans of fine food can score tickets a la carte at lafw.com.

Among the culinary supernovas on the festival marquee are the legendary Jeremiah Tower (“The Last Magnificent”), native Angelenos Nancy Silverton, Jet Tila and Alvin Cailan, and several celebrity chefs who have made the city their own, like Curtis Stone, Tim Hollingsworth and Antonia Lofaso. The festival will also showcase wines from across California and the world.

Los Angeles Food & Wine launches Thursday evening with a series of dinners at restaurants across the city. The action then shifts to the historic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport, one of LA’s premier event spaces, for the rest of the weekend. Among the 14 culinary star-studded events:

· The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

· Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium.

· The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, star of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” will join celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

· LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and a wealth of Asian-inspired specialties will all share one location for one afternoon only.

· Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

· Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

Find a full event listing here.

Event Sponsors

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Chase Private Client, Food & Wine magazine, Guinness, Suntory Whiskey and Bulleit Whiskey, among others.

Ticket Information

For tickets and more information, visit lafw.com.

Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation Announce New Dates for the 2020 JBF Culinary Cruise Collection

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SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Award-winning small ship line Windstar Cruises, the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, today reveals six new cruises being added to the James Beard Foundation (JBF) Culinary Cruise Collection for 2020.

All sailings are led by James Beard Foundation-recognized guest chefs, sommeliers and beverage experts with a passion for their destination. The six diverse cruise offerings will explore locavore cuisine on a country-immersive Croatia cruise; get a flavor for the rugged north of Alaska; discover the hidden gems of France, Spain, and Portugal’s Atlantic coast; experience exotic cuisines of Indonesia and the Philippines; delight in the hidden harbors of the Caribbean; and introduce cruisers to the trend-setting foodie scene and wine regions of the U.S. West Coast. The six newly announced cruises are scheduled to sail from January through November 2020, and range in length from 7 to 14 days.

Together, Windstar and the James Beard Foundation are taking guests on epicurean adventures that deliver the best travel and cuisine experiences worldwide, by curating genuine local culinary encounters while drawing attention to the impactful work of the Beard Foundation network which celebrates food and advocates for food sustainability.

“Our exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation has allowed us to enrich our culinary experiences giving our guests unparalleled access to the most cutting edge and accomplished culinarians in the industry. Every evening, on every single sailing, our cruise guests enjoy destination-inspired JBF dishes created especially for Windstar by the James Beard guest chefs who have sailed with us. We have proudly hosted nearly three dozen chefs, sommeliers and beverage experts and counting. What is unique is that each one has a special connection to the places they are sailing, whether through food or family heritage, this creates powerful and inspiring personal experiences that our guests will never forget,” said Windstar President John Delaney.

Coinciding with this announcement, and as part of the unique travel-culinary alliance, Windstar sponsors the acclaimed James Beard Foundation Awards, the pinnacle of recognition in the culinary world, happening today at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, IL.

James Beard Foundation President Clare Reichenbach commented, “We are so pleased to have Windstar’s support of our mantra ‘good food for good’, which commits the James Beard Foundation to giving culinary professionals the tools they need to make the world more sustainable, equitable, and delicious for everyone. The JBF Culinary Cruise Collection shines a light on these chefs and wine experts and highlights the important role that food plays in the culture and economies of each of the ports where Windstar sails, the world round.”

A number of Windstar alumni guest chefs are attending the JBF Awards Gala including Chef Danielle Leoni of Breadfruit in Phoenix, AZ. who led guests on a Caribbean cruise adventure in January, and is a James Beard Foundation 2018 Fellow for the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program; also attending is acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson of Empire State South, Five & Ten, and The National in Atlanta, GA. who headlined a 2017 European JBF Culinary Cruise and is nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Windstar’s Corporate Executive Chef Graeme Cockburn joins an exclusive club of chefs that have been invited to prepare a signature bite for the 1,000 plus guests attending the famed JBF Awards Gala. Chef Cockburn sails aboard each JBF cruise overseeing the culinary operations, and the dishes specially developed by the James Beard guest chefs are featured in Windstar’s restaurants each evening and enjoyed on every sailing. For the JBF Awards Gala, Chef Cockburn has developed a recipe inspired by Windstar’s forays into the alpine areas and glaciers of Alaska and will be serving up Seared Venison Loin & Alaskan Pine Spruce Salad with Nasturtium Pesto and Goat Buttermilk Dressing at the epicurean extravaganza.

Windstar also supports JBF’s Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change. A number of the guest chefs who have sailed with Windstar are alumni of the prestigious camp, a part of the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Programs which are committed to establishing a more sustainable food system through education, advocacy, and thought leadership.

Windstar’s JBF Culinary Cruise Collection Offers Authentic Culinary Experiences

The bespoke portfolio of nine total upcoming sailings in the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection embarking June 2019 through November 2020, are attracting food and wine enthusiasts seeking to fully immerse themselves in the culture, tastes, and flavors of regional cuisines where the ships sail. Each cruise features a James Beard chef, working alongside Windstar’s culinary team. The guest chef acts as an onboard culinary ambassador teaching first-hand tips and techniques during cooking demonstrations, leading “Shopping with the Chef” tours to local markets, and picking out fresh local ingredients to use in featured dishes at a wine-paired gala dinner for all on board to enjoy.

Similarly, the JBF sommelier/beverage expert accompanies tours to local wineries, leads on board tastings of regional wines and spirits, and works with the chefs to create one-of-a-kind pairing menus that celebrate the quaint, small ports that Windstar is renowned for visiting. Guests on board get to know these epicurean experts on a personal level, tasting the dishes and wines they recommend and hearing firsthand what stirs their passion for food, wine, and spirits. One-on-one interactions with the guest chef and sommelier/beverage expert are a given during memorable cruise moments like Windstar’s Signature Sail Away and Signature Deck Party, or on a culinary-focused shore excursion.

The names of the 2020 guest chefs, sommeliers, and beverage experts who are being tapped as the culinary cruise ambassadors will be announced in the coming weeks. Below are the dates and itineraries for the six newly announced 2020 additions to the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection:

In addition, following is the super star line-up of award-winning chefs and celebrated sommeliers who will headline the three remaining 2019 JBF Culinary Cruise Collection sailings:

June 22, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras
8 days aboard Wind Surf

  • Chef & Restaurateur Jamie Leeds, JL Restaurant Group & Hank’s Oyster Bar in Washington, D.C.
  • Sommelier Jeff Strine, JL Restaurant Group & Hank’s Oyster Bar, and more) in Washington, D.C.

Chef and Restaurateur Jamie Leeds — a James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp Alumna and owner of JL Restaurant Group — will be seeking out the freshest French oysters and bringing guests on chef-led visits to lively markets to gather produce, herbs, fish, and more to showcase in cooking demonstrations and a gala evening meal on board. Alongside her will be Jeff Strine, who works closely with Jamie at JL Restaurant Group where he developed a thoughtful and concise wine program for Hank’s Oyster Bar’s seasonal seafood-focused menu.

Both love to travel and are excited to visit lesser-known wine regions and visits to smaller ports such as quaint Sanary-sur-Mer, France. This coastal jewel offers a wine tasting tour above the vineyards in the Provençal hilltop village of Le Castellet, followed by a visit to Domaine de Souviou for tasting the house wines and olive oils grown on the expansive 70-hectares property that is planted with 100-year-old olive trees and rows of vines, cypress trees, and lavender, a treat for all of the senses.

September 24, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza
10 days aboard Star Legend

  • Chef Duskie Estes of Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Bovolo, and Black Pig Meat Co. in Sonoma County
  • Beverage Expert Michael Metzger of Distinguished Vineyards and Wine Partners

Award-winning Chef Duskie Estes is the perfect culinary guide for this first-ever Windstar sailing along the West Coast of America, as she was born in San Diego, raised in San Francisco, and spent eight years in Seattle working for JBF-awarded Restaurateur Tom Douglas before moving to Sonoma County, where she is celebrated as a chef and avid farmer/advocate for “snout to tail” cooking.

Providing wine pairings and insight will be Michael Metzger from Distinguished Vineyards, who works with the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Program as their sustainable wine partner and represents a collection of iconic wineries including the highly acclaimed Argyle Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards in Sonoma, and Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley.

As with all Windstar sailings, this first-ever West Coast cruise boasts a myriad of shore-side adventures including specially curated culinary shore excursions from vineyard visits, to food trucks and farmers’ markets. In Seattle, guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes docent tour of the iconic Pike Place Market; after sailing up the Columbia River, the ship has a two-day overnight stay in James Beard’s native Oregon, where guests can enjoy an “Elevated Foodie Walking Tour” of the Portland culinary scene, or a brewery/cidery tasting tour. An all-day excursion to Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley allows guests to indulge in private tastings at three wineries in the region that put Pinot Noir on the U.S. map. In Sonoma, foodies will delight in a private cave tour with wine and cheese tasting at the Gloria Ferrer Winery, followed by lunch and an afternoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegars tasting at Figone Olive Oil & Production Mill.

Also of note, this U.S. West Coast itinerary is featured as one of the newly announced 2020 culinary cruises but sailing aboard Star Breeze, following her upcoming full ship renovation as part of Windstar’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. The May 5, 2020 itinerary will be a reverse version of the 2019 offering with similar culinary-focused shore excursions, but departing from San Diego, CA. and sailing to Vancouver, B.C. instead. Details on chef and beverage experts in 2020 will be announced soon.

October 14, 2019 – James Beard Foundation: Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast
8 days aboard Wind Surf

  • Chef Chris Pandel of Swift & Sons, Cold Storage, and Dutch & Doc’s in Chicago
  • Beverage Expert Marcello Cancelli of the Boka Group in Chicago

Chef Chris Pandel, a James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp Alumnus, has a love affair with Italy and Italian-American heritage, so who better to cruise with and explore the shores of Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro, discovering the charm of Venice, the magnificence of Rome, and the vast beauty of the Dalmatian Coast? While visiting the picturesque seaside resort of Rovinj, a top pick shore excursion lets guests tour the wine cellar of the Matosevic Family, Croatia’s most well-known wine producers.

Offering beautiful wine pairings on this cruise is Marcello Cancelli, a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers who is Area Wine Director for Chicago’s Boka Group, overseeing the wine programs at Swift & Sons, Momotaro, Bellemore, Girl & the Goat, and more. Cancelli will be demonstrating his passion and commitment to great wine and its rightful place alongside a meal.

For more information on Windstar’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation, find featured recipes, and view the JBF Culinary Cruise Collection visit: https://www.windstarcruises.com/why-windstar/james-beard-foundation/. To learn more about the Beard Foundation visit: https://www.jamesbeard.org/.

Windstar has garnered recent culinary awards, notably being named Best Small Cruise Ships for Dining in Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, and a 2019 Editor-in-Chief Award for Best Cruise Partnership as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation from Porthole Cruise Magazine. Windstar was also voted 2018 Best Small Ship Cruise Line by AFAR readers; scored a top spot as Best Small Ship in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and was named to the magazine’s prestigious Gold List for 2019; while Windstar’s flagship Wind Surf ranked #1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines in the 2018 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

To learn more about authentic small ship cruising with Windstar or to book a cruise, contact a travel advisor or Windstar Cruises by phone at 1-800-258-7245, or visit http://www.windstarcruises.com.

Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Region This August

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Curd nerds and growler geeks can now find fulfillment as they travel with Cheese Journeys on its inaugural adventure to northwestern Vermont, August 8-13, 2019, to some of America’s favorite creameries and breweries, including award-winning Jasper Hill Farms & Cellars and the “Best Brewery in the World,” Hill Farmstead Brewery. The journey will aptly include an exclusive experience at the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at historic Shelburne Farms on August 11, 2019.

Officially kicking off the tour in the city of Burlington, food trippers will enjoy a convivial signature cocktail featuring a local spirit and brew, followed by a short introduction to food photography before heading to a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

The next day travelers head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to visit renowned Jasper Hill Farm, one of America’s most innovative and successful artisan cheese businesses. An exclusive visit to the creamery with founders and brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, will not only include tasting some of the most prized cheeses in the US and abroad, but will also provide an opportunity to learn about their philosophy of cheesemaking, affinage, and sustainability. A stop at Jasper Hill’s Randi Albert Calderwood Cropping Center, the Farm’s state-of-the-art hay drying facility which allows the company to produce much of their herd’s own feed, contributing to the true taste of Jasper Hill’s products, underscores the meaning of “terroir.”

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Burlington Farmers Market will offer an overview of many of Vermont’s best artisan producers of cheese, meats, cider, and even veggie fermenters. Mad River Distillers and Lake Champlain Chocolates are just two of the several specialty food makers that will be visited. During an exclusive Vermont Cheesemakers Dinner, including cheesemakers (naturally) and the director of the Vermont Cheese Council, Tom Bivens, guests will learn about the Vermont cheese scene in more depth.

At the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, idyllically located on the shores of Lake Champlain, travelers will enjoy VIP admittance as they meet up with nearly fifty cheesmakers as well as local wine, craft beer, and numerous other food and beverage purveyors in attendance. Presentations about farmstead and artisan cheesemaking, cooking demos, workshops, and educational seminars are all awaiting at the festival.

A return to Shelburne Farms with a cheese-tasting and tour of the grounds, as well as a stop at Shelburne Vineyards to enjoy their award-wining wines will add to the appreciation of this region’s agricultural heritage and diversification.

Finally, no cheese venture to Vermont would be complete without a stop at Vermont Creamery, one of the country’s best-known goat dairies. Company president, Adeline Druart, will reveal how co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, developed their highly-acclaimed fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and other European-style dairy products 35 years ago.

Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will lead this adventure throught the back country of Vermont, accompanied by two co-hosts: Tenaya Darlington, author and academian who goes by ‘Madame Fromage,’ and Jeff Roberts, author and one of Vermont’s food-scene experts. Believing in the importance of cheese education, Curds & Co (Brookline, MA), The Cheese Shop (Concord, MA), and Fairfield Cheese Company (Fairfield, CT) are collaborating with Cheese Journeys on this trip. FREE travel to and from Burlington, VT is available at each of these three locations.

Visit Temecula Valley Announces 10 Best Restaurants

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TEMECULA VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) – The top restaurants to try in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, according to ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor include dining experiences in Temecula Valley Wine Country and Old Town Temecula, as well as others just minutes away from these main attractions. Some of the restaurants that made the list have been popular favorites for years while others are new additions to the destination. All top ten restaurants were given 4.5 ratings on TripAdvisor by its customers, the largest social travel website in the world. There were several more Temecula Valley restaurants with this rating, so those with the highest number of positive reviews were selected as the top ten.

The Restaurant at Ponte Winery received the most reviews at 620. It also placed as a Top 100 Restaurant for Al Fresco Dining in the United States, as rated by TripAdvisor and OpenTable. The outdoor restaurant is surrounded by stunning vineyards and manicured gardens. They serve locally sourced produce, all natural, hormone-free meats and wild caught or sustainably farmed fish. They are open for lunch daily and dinner is available Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Other wine country restaurants in the top ten are Pinnacle at Falkner Winery and Creekside Grill at Wilson Creek Winery. Set on a 1,500-foot hilltop, Pinnacle offers indoor and outdoor seating with a breathtaking panoramic view. This award-winning restaurant serves Mediterranean style lunch in an elegant setting daily. Their wines pair perfectly with their menu items. Creekside Grill is cozied up to the winery’s 30-year old Cabernet grapevines and herb garden. The restaurant offers fresh, wine-inspired casual fare. Guests can expect gorgeous salads, scrumptious sandwiches, and seasonal inspired specials. They are open daily, including a popular Sunday brunch.

The Goat & Vine came in with 537 positive reviews. Their philosophy is that food should be honest, healthy, and created with the utmost integrity. Every morning they handcraft their breads, pizza dough, sauces, dressings, and proteins from scratch. Themed handcrafted pizza is their specialty. The Goat & Vine is open daily for lunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations so plan for a wait but its well worth it.

Another Old Town Temecula top place to dine is E.A.T. Marketplace. They do their best to make sure every ingredient is free of GMO’s, antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides. They are dedicated to sourcing the cleanest foods possible and serving locally driven foods that are hyper fresh and nutrient dense. E.A.T. Marketplace offers delicious menu items for those with dietary restrictions as well as carnivores, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and paleo eaters. They are open for breakfast and lunch daily.

An authentic Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian cultural experience can be found at Trattoria Toscana. Chef Pietro, born in Sardinia, carefully selects fresh, local ingredients as well as imports from Italy to create high quality, homemade Tuscan and Sardinian meals in his scratch kitchen. He sun-dries tomatoes by hand using fresh, organic tomatoes to accentuate the flavors of his dishes, such as his popular dish, Pappardelle con Funghi. Trattoria Toscana is open daily for lunch and dinner, excluding Tuesdays.

Cork|Fire Kitchen is nestled in the canyon on the south end of town at Temecula Creek Inn. This rustic yet refined farm-to-table dining experience features inventive menus made for sharing. Floor to ceiling windows provide a gorgeous view of their pristine golf course. Cork|Fire Kitchen uses Temecula edibles, foraged fresh and organic whenever possible. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner makes it convenient for those staying at this charming resort, as well as visitors to the region since its located just minutes from everything there is to do in Temecula Valley.

Seafood lovers savor the fresh, sustainable menu at Bluewater Grill. The company operates their own swordfish harpoon boat and serves the finest quality locally harpooned swordfish in the season. Other fish is direct from the fisherman offshore in San Diego, just south of Temecula Valley. Bluewater Grill offers more than 40 varieties of seafood annually, with oysters on the half shell, award-winning chowder, and local wines that pair with their menu beautifully. They are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Garage Brewing Company not only serves award-wining handcrafted beers, but they have thin crust pizza dough made fresh daily with Italian milled double 00 flour that is fermented for a minimum of two days. The unlimited possibilities of flavor combinations keep guests coming back for more. Be sure to save room for one of their tempting dessert pizzas. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Great Harvest Bread Company is known for its fresh, made from scratch breads but they also serve lunch daily. Their sandwiches are made from breads using whole wheat that is ground fresh daily. Between the slices of breads are layered with premium meats, gourmet style spreads, and fresh vegetables. Arrive early for the best selection of baked goods to start the day or enjoy their full menu until 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

These stand-out restaurants identified on TripAdvisor are some don’t-miss stops when staying in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Find out more about dining options in Temecula Valley at VisitTemeculaValley.com.

A three to five-day stay is recommended to see and do everything this destination has to offer. Just an hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs; and 90 minutes from Los Angeles makes it an ideal hub for visiting all major Southern California attractions.

ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY AND VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY
Laid back, picturesque Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country welcomes nearly three million visitors each year. It is a year-round vacation destination, located 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Temecula Valley Wine Country is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and experiential wineries. The popular boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as historic Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. It also was named as a 2019 Wine Enthusiast 10 Best Wine Travel Destination.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.

Dates Announced for 2020 Oregon Truffle Festival in the Willamette Valley

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PORTLAND, Ore. (PRWEB) – The Oregon Truffle Festival, a Willamette Valley-based nonprofit organization and North America’s premier truffle celebration, announces dates for early 2020. The festival’s two weekends, spanning January 23-26, 2020 and February 14-16, 2020, are supported by the Willamette Valley Visitors Association through its Regional Grant Awards. The new grant, awarded in early 2019, promotes regional messaging to drive tourism in winter months and supports the festival’s year-round goals of building Oregon’s native truffle industry.

With four native Oregon truffles and the successful cultivation of prized European truffles in the Willamette Valley, the region is North America’s contribution to the short list of world-class truffle and wine regions. This singular culinary bounty in Oregon wine country, coupled with the winter timing of the truffle season, presented a perfect opportunity for collaboration between the festival and the Valley’s regional marketing organization.

The 2020 Oregon Truffle Festival will open with the world’s premier truffle dog competition, the Joriad™ North American Truffle Dog Championship, wherein spectators cheer for teams of truffle dogs and their trainers as they race to search for hidden truffle-scented targets. Aspiring foragers from far and wide will have the opportunity of finding their own truffles by registering their dogs for the popular two-day Truffle Dog Training camp on January 24 and 25.

The January weekend in Eugene and surrounding counties promises decadent dinners, wine pairing luncheons, cooking classes, a fresh truffle marketplace, and much more. The full lineup of events and participating chefs, restaurants, wineries, and culinary artisans will be made available on the Oregon Truffle Festival’s website in the coming months.

The February weekend, with its especially romantic timing in 2020, highlights the shared terroir of Oregon wine and truffles. Taking place at some of the region’s most notable wineries, the north Willamette Valley weekend will include truffle hunts, indulgent winery luncheons, decadent winemaker dinners, and a truffle brunch. The weekend will close with a festival favorite, the Newberg Fresh Truffle Marketplace, which brings together regional wines, artisan foods, and fresh local truffles.

Tickets to weekend packages and à la carte events will be released in September 2019.

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association and the Oregon Truffle Festival share the dual goals of raising awareness for the region as a year-round travel destination and driving economic impact to all parts of the region. Every year, the festival takes place across several Willamette Valley counties, including Yamhill, Marion, Polk and Lane counties, across two weekends and welcomes domestic and global travelers seeking the ultimate truffle and wine experience.

The small grant awarded by the Willamette Valley Visitors’ Association further supports the Oregon Truffle Festival’s seasonal programming, offering many more opportunities to discover the allure of Willamette Valley wine and truffle country. More details on events and workshops will be posted on the Oregon Truffle Festival’s website and social media channels as they are scheduled.

This project has been funded in part by a grant from Willamette Valley Visitors Association in utilization of Travel Oregon Regional Cooperative Tourism Program funds.

ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY
The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s leading wine region, has over two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards and is home to more than 500 wineries. It is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing areas in the world. Other cool-climate varieties such as Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewürztraminer are equally at home in the Willamette Valley. Around 150 miles long and up to 60 miles wide, it is Oregon’s largest AVA. Named for the river that flows through it, the Willamette Valley has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon. The region is also a hub for native Oregon truffles and cultivated European varieties, placing the Willamette Valley on the short list of world-renown wine and truffles regions.

ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY VISITORS ASSOCIATION
The Willamette Valley Visitors Association is a private, non-profit organization that supports travel and tourism in the Willamette Valley – Oregon Wine Country. Comprised of six destination marketing organizations, the Willamette Valley Visitors Association works to maintain the Willamette Valley as Oregon’s premier wine destination, while highlighting the culture, heritage and natural resources of the region. For more information, please visit oregonwinecountry.org or call (866) 548-5018

ABOUT THE OREGON TRUFFLE FESTIVAL
The Oregon Truffle Festival is North America’s premier event for truffle appreciation and education. Held every winter in the Willamette Valley, it attracts thousands of culinary travelers, chefs, growers, dog trainers, scientists and journalists from all over the globe for a series of dynamic and participatory events. The festival was founded in 2006 by renowned mycologist Dr. Charles K. Lefevre, OTF General Manager, Leslie Scott, and is run in partnership with OTF Culinary Director Charles Ruff. Dr. Lefevre is also the founder of New World Truffieres, a company specializing in truffle cultivation. Now planning its 15th year, the Oregon Truffle Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Follow the Oregon Truffle Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

Fall in Love At These Eight Special Date Spots This Spring

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Bone Kettle: 

Old Town Pasadena has welcomed Bone Kettle with open arms as brothers and Partners Eric Tjahyadi and Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi have transformed beloved Indonesian dishes into a modern dining experience that ignites the taste buds, creating a very unique and special place for Date Night. Guests can enjoy Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s homemade Bone Broth, using time-honored cooking techniques and fresh, ingredients reflective of Southeast Asian traditions, is made by boiling beef for 36 hours in filtered water with onions, garlic, ginger and a specific to Bone Kettle mix of dried spices; the Oxtail Dumplings made with oxtail, seasonal mushrooms, leeks, San Bai Su, or the Spicy Papaya Salad prepared with green papaya, mangoes, tomatoes, chili, cilantro, green beans, peanuts, and bay scallops adding just the right amount of zest for the perfect night. The sharable plates and unique desserts, along with Bone Kettle’s specially curated Wine, Sake and Beer List, will nourish your mind, body and soul, making this your new go-to Date Night spot!

Bone Kettle is open for Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103: 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com 

 

Casita Del Campo: 

Legendary Casita Del Campo celebrating 57 years in Silverlake is colorful, artistic and the perfect setting for a Date Night in a cozy booth or in the Chimney Room by the fireplace. Delicious Fresh Fruit Margaritas, such as the Strawberry and Pomegranate Margaritas made with fresh lime juice, triple sec and tequila are the perfect treat to get you in the mood. Homemade Mexican fare like the Casita’s Special; six delicious crispy mini tortillas topped with chicken, beef, beans, jack cheese, sour cream, and fresh guacamole, served with chopped tomatoes and peppers is served to share; the cheesy Enchiladas are prepared with a choice of protein or can be served vegan with a light tomatillo sauce, and the Mahi Mahi is grilled and topped with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro, tomatoes and is served with white rice, black beans, and plantains made with love and perfect to enjoy over conversation. Casita Del Campo’s atmosphere will take your Date Night to the next level, not to mention, the music will bring just the right amount of fun to spice up any night!

Casita Del Campo is open every Sunday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, every Thursday from 11:00  am  to  12:00  Midnight,  and  every  Friday  and  Saturday  from  11:00  am  to  2:00  am;  1920  Hyperion Avenue,  Los  Angeles,  CA  90027; 323.662.4255; www.CasitadelCampo.net

 

Celestino, Photo Credit: acuna-hansen

Celestino Ristorante: 

A true Pasadena staple, Celestino Ristorante, is the epitome of where to go to impress a date. The perfect combination of Old School flare with just the right amount of Pasadena sophistication, this Drago establishment has you covered with delectable Wines from Italy, as well as authentic and highly regarded Italian cuisine from Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago. Whether you begin with the Prosciutto & Melon or the Jumbo Scallops, be sure to also enjoy one of Celestino Ristorante’s Homemade Pastas like the Spaghetti Alla Vongole, spaghetti with clams, or go for the delightful Risotti Porcini e Mascarpone, risotto with porcini mushrooms and Mascarpone cheese, and do not forget to leave room for the Cannoli and an Italian Grappa to make this Date Night one for the books!

Celestino Ristorante is open for Dinner every Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, every Friday from 5:30 pm  to  11:00  pm,  every Saturday from 5:00 pm to  11:00  pm, and  every  Sunday  from 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.com

 

Culina & Vinoteca: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills 

Make it a night in Beverly Hills and impress your special date with a modern Tuscan meal from Chef de Cuisine Luca Moriconi at Culina & Vinoteca located in the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Chef Luca will take you on an Italian getaway through his masterpieces beginning with the Antipasti with choices such as the Cozze al Prosecco comprised of black mussels, Prosecco, garlic, tomato, parsley and grilled ciabatta to ignite the fire on this “Buona Notte.” Continue to impress with an assortment of house-made pasta, such as the understatedly refined Gnocchi alla Sorrentina prepared with San Marzano tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella, or the robust Tortellini Lucchesi served with roasted beef and prosciutto stuffed pasta, thyme, and braised beef sugo. Continuing on to the Secondi, where Chef Luca offers a multitude of proteins from the land and sea, such as the Baccala Ripassato, a dish that centers on fried and braised salted cod filets in an escarole and leek stew with San Marzano tomatoes, shallots and garlic, or the Cinghiale in Umido con Polenta prepared with braised wild boar, polenta Gialla, black olives, Piave Vecchio, and Taggiasca olives. Finally, indulge your date and your inner cheesemonger by enjoying the Quattro Formaggi with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Pecorino, Taleggio, and San Marzano tomatoes. All of these unique and addictive dishes pair perfectly with the incredible and worldly wine selection that Culina & Vinoteca offers, making this Beverly Hills meets an Italian dream night very real.

Culina & Vinoteca is open for Dinner every Sunday through Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and every Thursday through Saturday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.860.4000; www.CulinaRestaurant.com

 

HATCH Yakitori + Bar: 

Make it a yakitori night and opt for a modern izakaya experience that celebrates creativity and quality at HATCH Yakitori + Bar in Downtown’s Financial District. Partner and Executive Chef Daniel Shemtob brings a fresh take on Japanese cuisine to excite and make Date Night memorable in more ways than one. Dive into dinner with your date and try the unique and zestful Beef Tongue Gyoza, a slow braised beef tongue with herbs and special XO sauce, or get cheeky and cuddly over an order of a Half Dozen Oysters, prepared Chilled, Grilled or Fried. HATCH Yakitori + Bar’s signature Sticks are also a must try with choices like the Organic Jidori Chicken Heart, Chicken Breast and Shiso or Seared Ahi Belly among many other incredible pairings! Date Night should be lavish just like the sharable Half Maine Lobster with house pickles, micro cilantro, key lime, tomato, Japanese chili sauce and onigiri rice, or savor the 18 Day Aged Rib Eye, Aspen Ridge beef steak, wasabi mash, potato three ways, and mustard tare. Cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to this Date Night adventure with the Matcha Highball made with Iwai whisky, coconut lemongrass Nigori, lemon juice, honey syrup and matcha powder, or the For Goodness “Sake” prepared with dry sake, Tito’s vodka, lychee juice and pear syrup. Finally, to end the perfect evening savor the sweetness with the Yuzu Panna Cotta made with yuzu kosho, pickled pear and honey dust. HATCH Yakitori + Bar will soon become a regular Date Night for you and your sweetheart!

HATCH Yakitori + Bar is open for Dinner every Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, every Friday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Saturday through Sunday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 700 West 7th Street, Suite G600, Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.282.9070; www.HatchYakitori.com

 

Mi Piace: 

Head to an Old Town Pasadena classic, Mi Piace, where modern Italian cuisine takes reign in this contemporary, yet homey establishment. The food will delight so take your time and start the evening off with the Escargot, prepared with imported Burgundy Escargot baked with Pernod liqueur, garlic, shallots, fresh parsley and herb butter, served with grilled Ciabatta crostini, or opt for the Cozze con Chorizo, steamed Prince Edward Island black mussels topped with Pamplona Spanish Chorizo, cherry tomatoes and lobster cream sauce. Continue the extravagance with the Osso Bucco di Vitello to share, a 16-ounce slow braised veal shank served with mushroom risotto, or try one of the handmade pastas such as the Pork Ragu Papperdelle made with a slow-braised Moroccan spiced pork ragu and topped with homemade lemon zest ricotta and a touch of Fleur de sel. The Cocktails are not to be forgotten with the sweet and savory Oi’Pas, made with vodka, St. Germaine, strawberry preserves, rose orgeat and fresh lemon juice. Just when you think the night could not be going any better, end an evening of Italian fun with a Chocolate Soup, Mi Piace’s signature bittersweet Belgian flourless chocolate soufflé served with a side of Chantilly cream. Vita Amorosa!

Mi Piace is open every Monday through Thursday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, every Friday from 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight, every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight and every Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131; www.MiPiace.com

 

Preux & Proper: 

Bringing Southern hospitality to Los Angeles, Owner Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour have created a heavenly haven right in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles, which includes two open window dining areas and a beautiful and lively bar. Start this Southern adventure off with the Chicken Liver Pate with Knob Creek whiskey, bacon fat, house piccalilli relish, creole mustard seeds, served with a baguette, or the tasty Squash Blossom Chile Relleno prepared with Humboldt fog, midnight bean succotash, cornmeal crust, and pumpkin seed mole. Preux & Proper also offers sharable Southern plates such as their signature Dungeness Crab Hushpuppies made with house-bourbon barrel-aged green hot sauce, boil spice and charred poblano butter, or make the night really authentic with the Cast Iron Seafood Gumbo Pot served with Louisiana crawfish, tiger prawns, Willapa Bay oysters, PEI mussels, rice and tobacco leeks. Delight and sip on Beverage Director Kassady Wiggins’ Handcrafted Cocktails such as the classic P&P Old Fashioned – 110 Proof, P&P Makers Mark, organic cane sugar and bitters. Laughing over cocktails and savoring Southern fare is truly all you need for a great date, but do not forget to finish off this perfect Date Night with Preux & Proper’s famous Beignets for that final touch of sweetness!

The Preux & Proper Dining Hall is open for Dinner every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight, every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 pm to 12:00 Midnight, and every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Preux & Proper Barroom is open every Monday and Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, every Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight, and every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 840 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.896.0090; www.PruexandProper.com

 

The Raymond 1886: 

For over 40 years, the iconic Craftsman Cottage that is The Raymond 1886 has been delighting diners with both its delicious dishes and refined Old-World charm. There are three beautiful patios; the South Patio with an especially cozy fireplace; the Main Dining Patio, and the Wisteria Patio that each offer a perfect dining experience for a lovely Date Night. Soft lighting, warm flames and a delicious new menu from new Executive Chef Jon Hung include Micro Farmed Oysters with champagne mignonette; Roasted Chicken with creamy truffle polenta, Maitake mushrooms, fried capers and preserved lemons, or the house favorite Strozzapreti prepared with a short rib ragu and citrus gremolata. Executive Chef Hung’s real-life and professional partner new Pastry Chef Alexa Clark could not be any sweeter and her Peanut Butter Mousse with Nutella cremeux, honeycomb, cinnamon condensed milk and lime gel is an absolute must. Any selection from the mouthwatering new menu will pair perfectly with one of 1886’s Handcrafted Cocktails, so try The Forbidden Peach prepared with Cognac, peach purée, peach bitters and rosemary simple syrup, or sip and savor a special selection from the Wine List, making for one truly memorable Date Night at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena!

The Raymond 1886 is open for Dinner every Tuesday through Sunday from  5:30  to  10:00  pm. 1886 is open every Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 am  to  12:00  Midnight, every  Friday  and  Saturday  from  11:30  am  to  2:00  am, and on Sunday from 11:30  am  to  12:00  Midnight; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com 

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