Eve's Wine 101

Wine in the Pines 2018: Registration Open for Wineries and Ticket Link Open for Sales!

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For the past few years Eve Bushman Consulting has assisted in recruiting new wineries for the annual wine festival, Wine in the Pines. We also market the event to the Santa Clarita Valley audience and beyond. (That’s the disclosure part – done!) So, when I got the email below a few weeks ago from event organizer Debbie Bailey directed to the wineries, I asked for permission to share it and held onto it until the both the winery recruitment form and ticket link went live. It’s all live now! Check out the details below. If you need more info I’m only an email below: Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

wine in the pines 2018 banner

We can’t believe it’s already 2018 and we’re gearing up for this year’s WINE IN THE PINES! Please double check those new calendars to make sure you reserved the date for our 16th annual Wine in the Pines Festival. SAVE THE DATE for SATURDAY, JUNE 9th, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (our VIP doors will open at noon and general admission ticket holders will join in at 1:00pm).

Please make note that we will again host our “Meet and Greet” on Friday, June 8, at 6pm, in the Wine Room Gallery. If you haven’t been able to join us for this, you’re missing out! It’s a great night to meet other Winemakers and taste some of their best creations. Please join us and bring your favorite bottle to share!
If you are planning to stay the weekend in Pine Mountain Club, please be sure to book your room early. Places we recommend staying at are; the Pine Mountain Inn (661-242-1982) or the Old Bear Bed and Breakfast (661-242-1622). Also, there are also plenty of beautiful cabins available through VRBO or Airbnb. We do have some friends with cabins too, so let us know if you would like us to check on that.

Don’t forget that Wine in the Pines festival is a fundraising event hosted by the volunteers of the Village of Pine Mountain Club, Commercial Property Owners and we work hard all year to keep this main event strong and prosperous. Our mission is not only to help to improve our local community, but also to help local non-profits flourish in their missions. Last year we were able to make another $4000 contribution to the local Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society!

Our proceeds will continue to go toward community projects and various non-profits. We personally count on your participation in 2018 to continue to make this happen! (We truly do – and thank you so much for your past support.)

You can reserve your space easily by just responding to this email. As it gets closer, I’ll get any additional details needed. Please be sure to visit our website at http://www.wineinthepines.com. If you have any questions you may contact us by email at thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you this year! (Note from Eve for wineries: look at the Wine in the Pines home page and click where you read these words: Want to be one of the wineries or breweries at the 2018 event? Fill out our online form HERE and we will be in touch!)

Thank you so much for your continued support, it truly makes a difference!

Cheers!
Debbie & Mark Bailey

Debbie Bailey
Coordinator, Wine in the Pines Festival
Owner/Manager, The Wine Room Gallery

Mark Bailey
Chairman of the Board, PMCCPOA
Chairman, Wine in the Pines Festival
Business Owner, Madd Bailey’s Pub & The Wine Room Gallery

The 9th Annual “STARS of Cabernet”

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LOS ANGELES – LearnAboutWine, a wine education and event website dedicated to the education, service, and enjoyment of wine, is pleased to announce a stellar lineup of wineries appearing at the 9th annual “STARS of Cabernet” event on November 15 at One of the top hotels in the Los Angeles area, The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Facebook Banner“STARS of Cabernet” is the premier tasting of the year that celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon. Over 36 of the best Cabernet producing wineries in California and the world will showcase their Cabernet as well as other wines. Tasting over 100 wines including cabernet and variety of others. Wineries come from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, France, Argentina and Chile. The only event of its kind in the Los Angeles area, which showcases some of the top bottles of Cabernet.

There will be guest winemakers that will host an intimate VIP reception before the Grand Tasting and share their experiences and expertise with the select crowd. Featuring Wines from: Hess Collection, Hertelendy Vineyards, Metaphora Wines, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Guarachi Family Wines, Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery, Cornerstone Cellars & Clos Du Val.

A silent auction, containing lots of collectable and large format wines, benefits TJ Martell Foundation. The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. Learn more at tjmartell.org .

Tickets now on sale.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets please visit StarsofCabernet.com

Stars of Cabernet thanks its’ sponsors: Peninsula Hotel, Los Angeles Magazine, Evian, Robb Report, The Somm Journal & Tasting Panel

Confirmed Wineries:

Addendum Napa Valley

Arrowood Vineyards and Winery

Bernardus Winery Bordeaux

CAMi Vineyards

Clos Du Val

Cornerstone Cellars

Derenoncourt (Montesquieu Winery)

Duckhorn Wine Company D

unn Vineyards

Ehlers Estate

Folio Fine Wine Partners

Frank Family Vineyards Frog’s Leap

Gamble Family Vineyards

Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery

Guarachi Family Wines

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

Hertelendy Vineyards

Hess Collection

Hestan Vineyards JH Collection

La Sirena Metaphora Wines Nellcôte

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Oakville Ranch Winery

Silverado Vineyards

Smoking Gun Wines Spire collection/ Mount Brave Spottswoode/ Pilcrow/ True North

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

Stanton Vineyards

ZD Wines, Napa Valley

About Peninsula Hotel:
The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.

About LearnAboutWine and the new wineLA.com
Ian Blackburn, founder of LearnAboutWine, drinks wine for a living. Since it was established in 1995, he has built LearnAboutWine into the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California and as it turns 20 years old in 2015. To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, LearnAboutWine will get a big facelift and a new brand called wineLA (.com) will take over events and classes in Los Angeles. Ian Blackburn say’s “LearnAboutWine has a higher purpose that we intend to grow nationwide in 2015… an exciting time for us indeed.” Ian continues to innovate and focus on demystifying wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector and was voted as “One of the Top 5 Places to Taste Wine in Los Angeles” by LAist.com (8/2013). Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States and currently Ian is studying for his Masters of Wine. Ian’s entertaining ways can heard on YouTube, or on many of Los Angeles radio airwaves; ABC’s “The Bachelor” and on Wealth TV.

Vintage Eve Moves Over Today for: “L.A.​ ​Supports​ ​Wine​ ​Country​ ​Event”​

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UPDATED 11/8/17: both Stars of Cabernet and LA Supports Wine Country have merged and will both be held at the Peninsula Hotel on Weds 11/15. They will be held in two separate rooms…but are connected.

LOS ANGELES – Mother Nature traveled through the North Coast region of California this past month with tragically historic record setting wildfires exaggerated by 70 mile-an-hour winds. ​Over 8,000 structures have been damaged in the spreading fires and thousands of lives have been changed forever. ​The wine industry, meaning the people that live, work, and farm in the regions are the most important casualty in this natural disaster. It will take a great deal of time and energy to build back what used to be. Donations are going to be needed in every way to help those in need. ​To help bring these California communities closer to their fundraising goals, wineLA is putting together a benefit for ​Wildfire Relief supporting ​Habitat for Humanity – going to those that need​ ​it​ ​most​ ​in​ ​Wine​ ​Country.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​time​ ​to​ ​come​ ​together​ ​and​ ​donate​ ​to​ ​our​ ​California​ ​family​ ​in​ ​the​ ​north.

FIRES3The wineLA team is working to put together an event on ​November 12, 2017, which will be open to anyone to come out to help support our efforts. We are looking for volunteers to help bring this event to life so we can reach our​ ​goal​ ​and​ ​grow​ ​the​ ​fund​ ​north​ ​of​ ​1​ ​million​ ​dollars.

ABOUT REBUILDING WINE COUNTRY: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SONOMA: ​Rebuild Wine Country is for long-term giving. Immediate needs are being met by fantastic community non-profit partners already. This fund is about the bigger picture in the weeks, months, and years to come, protecting economic recovery for those without a roof over their head. With these funds, our fiscal sponsor ​Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County will distribute aid to sister​ ​chapters​ ​in​ ​all​ ​affected​ ​counties​ ​to​ ​repair​ ​and​ ​rebuild​ ​homes​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who​ ​need​ ​it​ ​most.

Donations:

  • ●  Benefits​ ​affected​ ​families​ ​in​ ​Wine​ ​Country​ ​as​ ​a​ ​whole,​ ​by​ ​rebuilding​ ​homes
  • ●  Goes​ ​100%​ ​to​ ​the​ ​charity​ ​-​ ​no​ ​fees​ ​are​ ​imposed​ ​by​ ​YouCaring​ ​(​vs​ ​5%​ ​or​ ​more​ ​on​ ​GoFundMe​)
  • ●  Is​ ​tax​ ​deductible​ ​-​​ ​Habitat​ ​for​ ​Humanity​ ​of​ ​Sonoma​ ​County​​ ​is​ ​our​ ​501(c)(3)​ ​fiscal​ ​sponsor
  • ●  Has​ ​no​ ​administrative​ ​costs​ ​-​ ​all​ ​management​ ​of​ ​this​ ​fundraiser​ ​is​ ​executed​ ​by​ ​wine​ ​industry​ ​professionalsABOUT​ ​THE​ ​EVENT:​ ​​ ​​www.LAsupportsWineCountry.com
    Sunday, November 12th at The MacArthur (formerly the Park Plaza) we are looking for e​ntertainers to anchor the festivities, wineries to pour, restaurants to serve, and auction items galore! 3 stages – 4 ballroom spaces full of activities; from costumed performers walking the aisles, to notable artworks from formidable artists and silent auction items a plenty! Come and do some holiday shopping and give 100% of the proceeds to charity! Donate if you’re too busy, or better yet – sign up your employer as a sponsor and give your entire staff a ticket to join the event.Click​ ​here​ ​for​ ​tickets​ ​or​ ​to​ ​make​ ​donations:​ ​​www.LAsupportsWineCountry.com

(Also​ ​you​ ​can​ ​sign​ ​up​ ​to​ ​volunteer​ ​-​ ​support​ ​-​ ​perform​ ​-​ ​provide​ ​-​ ​sponsor​ ​-​ ​and​ ​suggest)

VIP:​ ​1:00​ ​PM
Early entrance – enhanced food experience – top wines – VIP tables – and a stylish VIP tshirt! Special entertainment will​ ​also​ ​be​ ​provided​ ​to​ ​the​ ​VIPS.

General:​ ​2:00-5:00​ ​PM
Walk around tasting event with different food, wine, music in every room. Artworks and donated items on every​ ​table.

Participating Wineries: ​Aganjanian Vineyards, Herb of Lamb, ​Dragonette Cellars, Alpha Omega Winery, Beekeeper Cellars, Cakebread Cellars, Clos Pepe Estate Vineyards, Dane Cellars, Donelan Family Wines, Lucky Dogg Wines, Mauritson​ ​Wines,​ ​Moraga​ ​Wines,​ ​Nabor​ ​Wines,​ ​Page​ ​Mill​ ​Winery,​ ​Robert​ ​Craig​ ​Winery,​ ​Windrun.

Participating Restaurants: ​Cafe Pinot, Momed Restaurants, Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse, Otis Spunkmeyer, La Brea Bakery,​ ​Petrossion

Participating​ ​Entertainers:​ ​​Carmen​ ​Rizzo,​ ​123​ ​Andres,​ ​Snap​ ​Boogie,​ ​Tina​ ​Kim,​ ​Malynda​ ​Hale,​ ​Los​ ​Caminantes

ABOUT​ ​WINELA
wineLA ​is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle,​ ​and​ ​celebrate​ ​the​ ​people,​ ​the​ ​place​ ​and​ ​the​ ​passion.

In 2005 – founder Ian Blackburn hosted ​www.LAsupportsLA.com – an event to support victims of Katrina. Over 2500 guests – world famous entertainers – and hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised and donated to two charity entities. The event was seamless – and appeared to take months to prepare… but we accomplished the event in just 8 days… and hundreds of talented and loving individuals came together to make one of the most legendary events of all time take place. This time – we do it for Northern California and the industry we love and depend​ ​upon.

SCV Healing Fund Works With Local Restaurants (on Nov. 7) and Businesses to Help Local Victims of the Las Vegas Shooting

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Santa Clarita, CA: Local nonprofits SCV Healing Fund and feedSCV have teamed up to unite local businesses to help local residents affected by the Las Vegas Shooting. On November 7th, 10 local restaurants and businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to this effort. The donations will be used to help cover the costs of medical and psychiatric needs of local residents who were victims of this horrible tragedy.

22853249_142696369694705_649082591648304778_nNovember 7th is a day to set aside our differences and come together as a community, to show the world that we will not allow a horrendous act to break our compassion towards our fellow neighbors. It is also a reminder to the victims, that they are always in our thoughts and that we are “stronger together”.

There are a few ways to participate in this endeavor:

On November 7th, visit one of the participating restaurants and mention “SCV Healing Fund” to have a portion of your bill donated. The restaurants include:

Vincenzo’s Newhall – 24504 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Vincenzo’s Saugus – 20701 Plum Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Pocock Brewery and Pacific Pizza Co – 24907 Ave Tibbitts B, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Newhall Refinery – 24258 Main St, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Egg Plantation – 24415 Walnut St, Newhall, CA 91321

Southern Smoke BBQ – 24255 Main St, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

An Indian Affaire – 23360 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355

Sisley Kitchen – 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355

Businesses donating a flat sum: Schoonerville Bar and Grill – 26254 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 and Dallas Pest Control – 661-287-3254.

Studio 11\Tonya Hair Design – Call on November 7th and make an appointment for any day after the 7th, and a portion of your sale will go to the Healing Fund. 661-433-7146.

You can also make a direct donation to feedSCV on the website.

About SCV Healing Fund: SCV Healing fund was founded after the Las Vegas shooting as a way to organize local support for victims from the Santa Clarita Valley of emergency disasters. It is an organized and lasting effort to quickly mobilize local businesses offering help to those in need of this and future tragedies. “Strength Through Unity”

Nick Jonas Welcomes 2017 Harvest Season at Honig Vineyard and Winery

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NAPA VALLEY, CA  (Newswire.com) – ​Nick Jonas (singer, songwriter, producer, and actor) visited Napa Valley’s Honig Vineyard and Winery on Thursday, August 10th to help kick off the 2017 harvest season, and to offer his thanks for the incredible fundraising event that was held at the winery to raise money for Type 1 diabetes. Nick made his way into the vineyard with Honig winemaker Kristin Belair to sample sugar levels in the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. As Kristin explained, “The refractometer we use in the vineyard is not that different from the glucose meter you use to check blood sugar.”

The previous evening, Stephanie and Michael Honig hosted 350 guests at the winery, raising $215,000 for Type 1 diabetes. Their ten-year old Sophia, the oldest of their four children, was diagnosed with Type 1 at the age of 5, dramatically altering their lives and their family dynamic.

BT1-BIKE-HEADER-MAP-2The party at Honig was one stop on an epic, 10-week adventure for the Team Bike Beyond cycling team. On the afternoon of the event, the 20 riders, all with Type 1 diabetes, were met at the county line and escorted to the winery by the Napa County Sheriff and Congressman Mike Thompson, who also rode his bike to celebrate the occasion. “The Honigs have been tireless advocates for their daughter Sophia and the millions of other children and families living with Type 1 diabetes. Their efforts are more important than ever as federal funding for medical research comes under attack,” said Representative Thompson.

On the evening of Wednesday, August 9th, after a special singing performance by Ambrosia songwriter David Pack, and a surprise flash mob choreographed by Honig family member Regina Weinstein and in which Stephanie Honig and fifteen of her close friends participated, the dancing continued into the night with music from Groovetronix Productions.

Partygoers feasted on culinary creations provided by Brasswood Napa Valley, Brix Restaurant & Gardens, Charlie Palmer, The Clif Family’s Bruschetteria, Crisp Kitchen and Juice, Elaine Bell Catering, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer, Heritage Eats, Kara Cupcakes, Model Bakery, Mustards Grill and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, Oakville Grocery, Salute Santé! Grapeseed Oil, and Prabh Indian Kitchen. Wine and beverages for the event were provided by Honig Vineyard and Winery, Beran Wines, C. Beck Winery, The Chafen Family Dutch Henry Winery, Charbay Distillery, The Frank Family, Luna Vineyards, Mad Fritz Brewing Co., St. Supéry, Schramsberg Vineyards, Tobias Wines, and Vineyard 29.   In true Napa Valley style, the community rallied to support the Honig’s and their cause. Sponsors of the event included Darioush, Breakthru Beverage Group, Chuck Wagner, David Drucker/EmpireMerchants, Nadalié USA, St. Helena Hospital, The Rudd Foundation, Trinchero Family Estates, Inc., and The Winebow Group, as well as the host committee which included American AgCredit, Andrea Ivarsson + Bryan Kolozsi, Jamie Kurtzig + Family, Jelly Belly Candy Company, and Nomacorc|Vinventions.

Silent auction donors included: Alpha Omega Winery, Beran Wines, Chambers Hotels, BD Hotels, LLC, Charbay Distillery, Cynthia Carey/Jessup Cellars Gallery, DJ Boca Negra, Donny Frate, Mr. Jean and Dr. Karin Denoyer, Harvest Table by Charlie Palmer, Jordan Vineyard +

Winery, Karen Rose, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Michelle Baggett, Napa Valley Aloft Air Balloon Rides, NBC Universal, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Rockin’ Love Producions/Dusty Kramer, Round Pond Estate, Staglin Family Vineyard, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, and Volker Eisele Family Estate.A special thanks goes to Bright Party Rentals for donating the evening’s party equipment, furnishing, and supplies.

Five Acres Announces 30th Annual Golf Classic & Mad for Plaid Par-Tee

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[Los Angeles, Calif] August 2017 – Five Acres, San Gabriel Valley’s oldest nonprofit, will celebrate its 30th Annual Golf Classic and Mad for Plaid Par-Tee on September 18, 2017 at a private golf club in Pasadena. The event will raise critical funds to support children and families in Los Angeles and will also recognize past chairs for their contribution to Five Acres’ mission.

Five Acres 30th Anniversary Golf Sponsorship CommitteeFollowing the 18-hole golf tournament, guests are invited to don their finest plaid for Scottish-themed Mad for Plaid Par-Tee. The evening will include cocktails in the “Tartan Tavern” along with dinner, dancing and live entertainment. Sensational auction items include an 8-day Viking Cruises river cruise, helicopter ride and priceless guitar autographed by Maroon 5.

To honor 30-years of community support, a special honorary committee of former chairs will receive special recognition.

“Our past chairs have been champions for Five Acres’ mission to help kids and families thrive, setting examples for others to join the cause,” said Bolton & Company’s Brad Reaume, Title Sponsor and former Five Acres golf chair. “The 30th golf classic anniversary is the ideal opportunity to honor that work and inspire future leaders.”

This year’s sponsorship committee is chaired by Five Acres board member Rustin Mork along with Scott Street, both long-time Five Acres supporters.

“The Five Acres golf tournament has raised more than $3.9 million in support since 1987. We encourage anybody interested in helping vulnerable children to visit the Five Acres campus in Altadena to see what they’ve done,” said Street. “We invite all golfers to join us on September 18 and all people, regardless of their interest in golf, to celebrate with us at dinner.”

For sponsorship/underwriting opportunities or to purchase tickets to the tournament or Mad for Plaid Par-Tee, visit 5acres.org/golf or contact events@5acres.org.

About Five Acres

Five Acres is a child and family service agency ensuring every child has a safe, healthy and permanent family solution through advocacy, prevention and evidence-based services. Established as an orphanage in 1888, today Five Acres offers programs spanning a full continuum of care including community – based counseling and support services, intensive residential care, a therapeutic school for special needs students, and foster care and adoption services. In 2016, Five Acres served over 8,700 children and their families across five counties. Visit 5acres.org for more information.

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Picture Caption:
Five Acres 30th Golf Classic Sponsorship Committee.
Front row, from left: Rustin Mork, Scott Street. Back: Ryan Dietz, Will Nash, Jim Halferty, John Berger, Joey Reaume, Danny Reaume, Brad Reaume, Jason Berns, David Bolstad, Burke Eiteljorg and Ben Taylor. Not pictured: Billy Abel, Casey Adams, Jennifer Berger, Don Boline, Travis Buhl, Anthony Cannizzo, Brian Dennis, Bill Hayden, Chris Hoshek, Craig Stewart and Erica Tejeda.

Your Raves From Past Cocktails on the Roof Events (This year’s party is TONIGHT!)

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Tonight’s the night! Cocktails on the Roof takes over the top level of the Macy’s parking structure from 8pm until 11pm! If you didn’t already order your tickets there will be some available at the door! Why would you want to miss this event? I could go on and on about what we’ve created, but instead I will share what our guests said about our last two rooftop events:cotr17 1st postcard

  • Lori C: Loved this event Eve! Santa Clarita needs more of them. Loved how each restaurant made a signature dish and drink to pair with it – and what a selection of eateries both old and new. Location and weather were perfect and the white tents, twinkling lights and trees just added to the elegance. Best of all – not a single t shirt or backwards baseball cap in sight! Thank you for making this such a must attend event. Can’t wait to see what you do next year.
  • Rhona J: I was there….Great Event!!
  • Kathi D: Looking forward to the 2016 version…as long as all your terrific vendors (and more?) are back! Great vibe, amazing food and spirits, inventive (and tasty) cocktails, awesome DJ – a fun, fun night for a good cause. Thanks for pulling it all together.
  • Scott C: We had a Fabulous time. Great Atmosphere (really, the parking lot was a great idea) Great Vendors, Well Organized, and a great crowd and vibe. There was a great variety of food and the cocktails were delicious. Sign us up for the next one!
  • Roland G: It was a great time, and the vendor offerings were superb!!! The 90 prof Whiskey wasn’t bad either!
  • Lori D: Great and well organized event. Look forward to the next one!!
  • Margo B: Great event, well organized, very fun!
  • Theresa H: Such a great time.
  • Scott E (vendor): Good time all night, but things definitely took a turn for the better after “someone” brought me a special glass of scotch, followed by our neighbors, Salt Creek Grill, handing over some wasabi stuffed, bacon wrapped grilled shrimp in BBQ sauce. Yeah, definitely better.
  • Tamar H: ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!
  • Michael P: Great event. All involved should be very proud.
  • Sandi N: Great event!!!
  • Dee Dee J: Great event! Definitely coming next year!
  • Karen M: Eve & Marlee hosted an incredible event! It was fun seeing everyone. Can’t wait until next year! Great event! Cocktails! Food that genuinely paired well with the drinks! The DJ! Everything was spot on! We will all be back next year.
  • Mitch R: The event was fantastic! So happy to have been a part of it!
  • Juliet K: We had a great time!
  • Larry M: Exceeded my expectations. Number of guests was not too much. Food and drink were all high end. And I discovered several local restaurants that I now have to try based on their offerings last night.
  • Kathy W: The shrimp wrapped in bacon from Salt Creek & those Diego Lara drinks were our favs.
  • Michael P: So much fun!!!
  • Pam I: Another great event…
  • Kathy L: The first time trying food from Olive Terrace last night. It was so good (Cocktails on the Roof) we came here the next day. Great event to find new places.
  • Joyce C: It was a great evening for a good cause. Thx for all your hard work.
  • Janine J: The best pomegranate sangria I’ve ever experienced! Thank you! Now bottle it and sale it so I can have more please.
  • Daniel S: Great event. Thanks.
  • Susan H: So much fun!!!! We will be back next year!!!! xxoxoxox
  • Carolyn L: Fun evening, great cause!
  • Richard S: Great event…

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, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Stu and the Kids Announces 2017 Fundraiser at Vibiana on July 30

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A Thai flavored Food & Wine Festival hosted by Chef Stuart Skversky and his chef friends who will create dishes for the 4thannual Stu and the Kids Fundraiser on Sunday, July 30. Proceeds will fund scholarships for Hill Tribe kids in Chaing Mai, Thailand.

Stu and the Kids 2016 – photo credit Erik Fisher

Stu and the Kids 2016 – photo credit Erik Fisher

Participating chefs for this year’s event include Hosts Neal and Amy Fraser, Vibiana; Brooke Willamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions; Walter Manzke, République; Eric Klein and Connor Shanahan, Wolfgang Puck Catering; Shirley Chung, Steamer’s Co. Raw Bar & Bowl of Hug; Gilberto Cetina, Chicken Itza; Matt Lee, Restaurant 917; Kris Yenbamroong, Night+Market; Jason Neroni from The Rose Café; Akasha Richmond, AKASHA and AR cucina; Sherry Yard, The Tuck Room; Warren and Rose Schwartz, Magpies Softserve; Jason Fullilove, Barbara Jean’s; Tetsu Yahagi,Spago Beverly Hills; Roxana Jullapat, Friends & Family; Gavin Mills, Miro; Joel Miller, The Wallace; Carlos Enriquez;Bakers Kneaded; Matt Dixon, Division 3; Gilberto Cetina, Chichen Itza; Food Network Celebrity Chef Jet Tila and special guest Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit who will be flying in from Cleveland, Ohio with his team. Other chefs to be announced.

Other participating restaurants include 71 Above; Bar Alma; Chadaka Thai; and Jitlada (complete list of participating chefs and restaurants below).

Beverages will be plentiful, featuring the Stu and The Kids popular fresh Coconut Bar and Herb + Orchard water infusions. The Bodega Wine Bar will offer Santa Monica Brew Works beer and a great selection of beverages for a summer afternoon. Wines will be provided by Youngs Market, including sparkling wine and cider. Thanks to a generous donation from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the festival will showcase a Thai-inspired cocktail mixed with Austin’s favorite spirit.

In 2009, Stuart Skversky, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a rising- star chef, made a dramatic life change by giving up a promising chef career in Los Angeles to move to Chiang Mai, becoming a full-time volunteer at the Wat Dan Chan (a local Buddhist temple), teaching local children English, cooking and baking. Recognizing a need to help prepare these high-risk Hill Tribe kids following their graduation, he founded Stu and the Kids to better prepare them for adulthood, helping them get into a university or technical college and giving them the tools for an independent future. Proceeds from this event go directly to the children’s education, school uniforms, supplies, housing, food and tuition for higher education. Now in their ninth year of fundraising throughout the world, Stu and the Kids has raised over $300,000 for the charity, including last year’s astounding record of $110,000 accumulated from the LA festival, fundraising on the east coast and online donations during 2016. Stu and the Kids supervise seventeen kids, including fifteen who have earned four-year scholarships to university and a seven and fourteen-year-old that is supported with rent and food due to family hardship. The charity hopes to increase the awards to twelve four-year university scholarships in the coming year.

During the evening there will be an educational presentation and activities for all ages, including a vivid display of Northern Thai umbrellas and lanterns from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and performances of Thai music and dancing. The silent auction benefiting Stu and the Kids will include photos of locations in Chiang Mai, Thailand, hand-made Hill Tribe bags and silver jewelry, gift certificates, gift baskets, autographed cookbooks and a month of yoga classes.

The incomparable Billy Harris, celebrity charity auctioneer and host of Hanging with Harris will lead the live auction with several spectacular experiences:

  • An exclusive 4 night, 5 day trip to Thailand to meet the kids and enjoy the beauty and flavors of Chiang Mai.
  • 2 tickets to the two hour finale and live reunion show for Survivor: Heroes v Healers v Hustlers.This also includes an exclusive, fun luncheon with the Survivor players where the winner can meet, chat and take photos. Winner of the auction will also participate in some Survivor challenges that will be set up on the CBS lot. This once in a lifetime afternoon for the diehard Survivor fan is tentatively scheduled for Dec 20th, 2018 at CBS in Los Angeles. Dates might fluctuate slightly.
  • Dinner for eight guests at The Rogue Experience, Wolfgang Puck’s experimental Test Kitchen at the Pacific Design Center. A one-of-a-kind full dining experience valued at $5000.
  • Dinner for four at Vespertine by Jordan Kahn, valued at $1000.

Hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $125 General Admission, $195 for VIP Admission and $25 for children 6-12. To purchase tickets, visit StuandtheKidsTickets
Sunday, July 30, 2017, 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. for VIP tickets

General Admission: $125

VIP Admission: $195; early admission at 3:30 p.m. including a meet and greet with Chef Jet Tila, the Culinary Ambassador to Thailand and of the Food Network fame. Includes a personalized autographed copy of Chef Tila’s new cookbook, “101 Asian Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die.”

Kids tickets: $25 for kids 6-12
Tickets for general admission, VIP admission and kids may be purchased online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stu-and-his-friends-a-thai-style-food-festival-to-support-stu-and-the-kids-tickets-33984327037

Vibiana, 214 South Main Street | Los Angeles, California 90012

ABOUT STU AND THE KIDS:

Stu and The Kids is a 501c3, tax-exempt nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for orphaned and underserved Hill Tribe children for continuing their education in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

For further information on Stu and the Kids, visit www.stuandthekids.org

Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stuandthekids

Follow Stu and the Kids on Twitter and Instagram at @stuandthekids

****

Participating Chefs

Presenting Chef and Culinary Ambassador to Thailand – Chef Jet Tila

Gilberto Cetina

Shirley Chung

Neal and Amy Fraser

Jason Fullilove

Eric Klein and Connor Shanahan

Jason Neroni

Warren and Rose Schwartz

Rocco Whalen

Brooke Willamson and Nick Roberts

Sherry Yard

Tetsu Yahagi

Kris Yenbamroong

 

Participating Restaurants

71 Above

Akasha

AR cucina

Bar Alma

Barbara Jean

Broken Spanish

Chadaka Thai

Chichen Itza

Division 3

Fahrenheit (Cleveland, Ohio)

Friends & Family

Jitlada

Magpies Softserve

Miro

Night+Market

Pastry Lab

Patina Catering

Playa Provisions

Redbird and Vibiana

République

Restaurant 917 at the Porches Experience

Savore Catering

Sinners & Saints

Spago Beverly Hills

Steamer’s Company, Raw Bar and Bowl of Hug

Tender Greens

The Ensaymada Project

The Olive Pit

The Rose Café

The Tuck Room

The Wallace

Wolfgang Puck Catering

 

Sponsors

6 Degrees LA

Behind the DJ Booth

Chef Spoons

Chefs to End Hunger

Erik Fisher Photography

LA & SF Specialty

Sustainable Works

The Bouqs.com

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Vibiana

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Young’s Market Company

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout is Back Again for an 8th Year on 9/9!

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LOS ANGELES, CA —L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin, partner Caroline Styne (Lucques, A.O.C.,Tavern) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), returns to UCLA’s Royce Quad on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 12 – 4pm for its eighth highly-anticipated event. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) in their quest to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. The Presenting Sponsors for the cookout are Northwestern Mutual and Volvo Cars of North America.

L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade - 2016 Participants | ©Alex Berliner/ABImages

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade – 2016 Participants | ©Alex Berliner/ABImages

Featuring fantastic food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, silent and live auctions, and much more. The 2017 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Chris Bianco, Giada De Laurentiis, Donald Link, Mary Sue Milliken, April Bloomfield, Nancy Silverton, Nancy Oakes, Zach Pollack, Michael Voltaggio, Jonathan Waxman and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures (for a current list, see page 3). More chefs will be announced in the coming months, as well as leading vintners and mixologists from around the country.  

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195, and L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade offers a $1,200 premier ticket level that includes early access to the event, a behind the scenes tour of the venue and VIP seating as well as an exclusive invite to the private and intimate Welcome Dinner the evening before, on Friday, September 8. In the spirit of the culinary cookout, children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult, and do not need to register for the event.

For complete listings of participants and to purchase tickets for this year’s event visit the ALSF website. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.

L.A. supporters enthusiastically responded with huge turnouts in the first seven years, sampling signature dishes of world renowned chefs and reaching over $4.2 million in sponsorship, ticket and auction sales to date. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendee Jimmy Kimmel, Lena Dunham, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna,Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions to the cause.

More than 2,000 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, attended the 2016 event, which raised over $1 million. Those in attendance heard an inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents, and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and hero family and SuperSibs Dario and Emilio, who lost their brother to cancer and highlighting the importance of how one individual can make a difference.

“What we’ve accomplished in seven years is so gratifying. It’s a tremendous amount of work to produce, but the rewards of knowing that the money we’ve raised truly helps research for better treatments and cures makes it worthwhile,” said Caroline Styne. “There are so many people that come together to make this happen; they work tirelessly to come up with ideas to make this year’s celebration better than the one before. And we do this because Alex Scott’s legacy inspires us to rise to the challenge.”

“The L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade event continues to be one of the most inspiring, and not to mention delicious, events of the year benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “We have been continually amazed by the dedication of Suzanne, Caroline and David to help achieve our daughter’s mission – a cure for all kids with cancer, as well as the outpouring of support from their friends who travel from all corners of the country to participate in this important fundraising event.”

For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Anita Gates at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (610) 649-3034 orA.Gates@alexslemonade.org.

Become a fan of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ALSFCulinaryEvents Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @LALovesAlexs

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $140 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 690 pediatric cancer research projects nationally.

Partial List of Participating Chefs
Nick Anderer (New York, NY) – Maialino
Chris Bianco (Phoenix, AZ) – Pizzeria Bianco
April Bloomfield (New York, NY) – The Spotted Pig, The Breslin
Michael Cimarusti (Los Angeles, CA) – Providence
Josiah Citrin (Los Angeles, CA) – Melisse
Derek Dammann (Montreal, QC, Canada) – Maison Publique
Sue Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (Los Angeles, CA) – Border Grill
Michael Fiorelli (Los Angeles, CA) – Love & Salt
Neal Fraser (Los Angeles, CA) – Redbird
Evan Funke (Venice, CA) – Felix Trattoria
Ray Garcia (Los Angeles, CA) – Broken Spanish
Suzanne Goin, Javier Espinoza, Amy Deaderick, Adam Cherney(Los Angeles, CA) – Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern
Hedy Goldsmith (Los Angeles, CA) – Sweet Hedy
Valerie Gordon (Los Angeles, CA) – Valerie Confections
Cosmo Goss (Chicago, IL) – The Publican
Timothy Hollingsworth (Los Angeles, CA) – Otium, Barrel & Ashes
Bruce Kalman (Los Angeles, CA) – Union, Knead Pasta + Co.
Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymenson (Los Angeles, CA) – Madcapra, Kismet
Giada De Laurentiis (Las Vegas, NV) – Giada
David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach, CA) – Manhattan Beach Post,

Fishing with Dynamite
David Lentz (Los Angeles, CA) – The Hungry Cat
Donald Link (New Orleans, LA) – Pêche, Herbsaint, Cochon, Cochon Butcher
Jenn Louis (Portland, OR) – Ray
Walter and Margarita Manzke (Los Angeles, CA) – Republique
Ori Menashe (Los Angeles, CA) – Bestia
Matt Molina (Los Angeles, CA) – Everson Royce Bar
Dahlia Narvaez (Los Angeles, CA) – Mozza Restaurant Group
Zoe Nathan (Los Angeles, CA) – Huckleberry
Nancy Oakes (San Francisco, CA) – Boulevard
Eva Ein (Santa Barbara, CA) – McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Chris Phelps and Zak Walters (Los Angeles, CA) – Salt’s Cure
Zachary Pollack (Los Angeles, CA) – Alimento
Steve Samson (Los Angeles, CA) – Sotto, Rossoblu
Michael Schwartz (Miami, FL) – The Genuine Hospitality Group, Fi’Lia
Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Los Angeles, CA) – Animal Restaurant Group
Nancy Silverton (Los Angeles, CA) – Mozza Restaurant Group
Frank Stitt (Birmingham, AL) – Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega, Chez Fonfon
John Sundstrom (Seattle, WA) – Lark, Bitter/Raw, Slab Sandwiches & Pie
Shannon Swindle (Los Angeles, CA) – Craft
Marc Vetri and Jeff Michaud (Philadelphia, PA) – Pizzeria Vetri
Michael Voltaggio (Los Angeles, CA) – ink.
Jonathan Waxman (New York, NY) – Barbuto
Rocco Whalen (Cleveland, OH) – Fahrenheit
Jason Winters (Los Angeles, CA) – Urban Pie

***All chefs and vintners have graciously donated their time, food and talent to the cause for this event***

HALL WINES RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $80,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AT 8th ANNUAL HALL CABERNET COOKOFF

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NAPA VALLEY, CA – – On Saturday, April 29th, over 750 wine and food enthusiasts came together on the great lawn at HALL Wines in St. Helena to raise a record $80,000 for local charities at the 8th Annual Cabernet Cookoff. Fourteen chefs from Bay Area restaurants teamed up with local non-profits of their choice to create the best dish to pair with HALL’s 2013 Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon, voted on by a panel of celebrity judges and the attendees of the event. This year’s record breaking amount raised brings HALL’s Cabernet Cookoff 8-year fundraising total to over $400,000.

18209081_10158770454715434_3079073763878186655_o

Photo credit: Hall Facebook page.

“”Our team continues to be amazed each year that such talent, both in the participating chefs and judges, clear their very busy schedules to help us raise money for the community,”” says Vintner Kathryn Walt Hall. “”We are beyond thankful to everyone involved – sponsors, volunteers, and attendees – for helping us raise a record amount of money for these amazing charities.””

Four celebrity judges participated in this year’s cookoff, including chef Duff Goldman of Food Network’s Ace of Cakes, wine critic Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast, Michelin-rated chef Ken Frank of La Toque, and 12-time Olympic Medalist in swimming Natalie Coughlin.  They were tasked with choosing a first place winner and runner-up from dishes such as Harris Ranch’s “Coffee Marinated Angus Hanger Steak with popcorn infused butter” and Brix Restaurant’s “Sonoma Duck Terrine with a black truffle praline tart”.

This year’s fierce competition was documented in a short film.  The 7-minute documentary follows three chefs, including Mark Dommen of One Market in San Francisco, Jen Biesty of Shakewell Restaurant in Oakland, and Brandon Watts of Bounty Hunter in Napa, as they compete against one another – and 11 other chefs – to be named the best chef of the day and win for their charity. Released on June 6th, the film can be viewed here: http://www.hallwines.com/visit/special-events/cabernetcookoff

Chef Mark Dommen took home the Judges’ Choice first place medal for an unprecedented fourth time with his “Liberty Farms Duck Risotto with smoked Gizzards, peas, and crispy duck skin”, while chef Daniel Capra of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering was runner-up with his “Urfa Pepper braised veal cheeks, shrimp grits, and sour cherry veal jus”.  Dommen’s charity of choice, Collabria Care of Napa, and Capra’s St. Helena Hospital were each awarded over $9,000.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite dishes in the People’s Choice Award competition.  First place People’s Choice winner was Chef Michael Wong of Intercontinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco with his “Braised Oxtail Asada with pickled cucumber, avocado puree and queso fresco”. The runner-up, with “Steak Frites: charred hanger steak with crispy potato rosti, salsa verde, and aged balsamic”, was Chef Jeremy Zimmerman of The Patriot Restaurant in Carmichael, CA. Their charities, Grace Cathedral of San Francisco and Food Literacy Center of Sacramento, respectively, were also awarded over $9,000. Proceeds of ticket sales and 15% of purchases of select wines sold throughout the event were donated to all participating charities.

For more information and winning recipes from this year’s event, please visit HALL Wines at www.hallwines.com. The 9th Annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2018. Tickets are available now at www.hallwines.com.

ABOUT HALL:

HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two tasting rooms and winery locations in Napa Valley. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, its vineyard collection features seven estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF) estates. Each vintage, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts distinct, Napa Valley-style Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALL’s highly rated wines include two 100pt scores given by Robert Parker for its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet and its 2010 Exzellenz. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 180 HALL wines have been rated 90 points and above. HALL employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture matched with spectacular settings. HALL’s partner winery, WALT, known for producing premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards, is located in Sonoma, California. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

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