Solvang’s First and Oak Restaurant Awarded 2019 “Michelin Plate”

July 13, 2019 by evebushman

Solvang, Santa Barbara County, California, USA—For the first time, a Solvang dining establishment has been recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide. On June 3, the 2019 Michelin Guide California debuted, awarding First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn at 409 First Street in downtown Solvang with the “Michelin Plate” which recognizes “Fresh ingredients, carefully prepared: a good meal.” Only 13 restaurants in the entire county of Santa Barbara received this recognition. Other Michelin Guide ratings include “Bib Gourmand” and “Stars.”

First & Oak’s Michelin review states “In a small, romantic boutique hotel, this is a deliciously old-school restaurant that is coming into its own with ambitious contemporary cuisine. This should be no surprise, as the chef boasts a background in some esteemed and globally acclaimed kitchens. Guests are invited to create their own prix-fixe menu by selecting four to five dishes from a variety of categories, such as garden, ocean or farm. This might yield a meal that begins with a refreshing gazpacho made from delicately spiced melon with basil blossom and a bit of smoky fried shrimp. Masterful desserts have included a brown-butter sponge cake with dense clotted cream and marinated strawberries. Be sure to sample the owner’s own wine label, Coqueliquot, available in a range of styles.”

First & Oak opened in 2016, after the Rosenson family bought the Mirabelle Inn which houses the restaurant. Steven Snook, First & Oak’s opening chef, came to Solvang with a Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay résumé. The restaurant’s current chef JJ Guerrero, a protégé of Chef Snook, continues to serve a popular, locally-sourced tasting menu format accompanied by a wine list created by Sommelier and General Manager Jonathan Rosenson. First & Oak serves dinner seven nights a week from 5:30-8:45 p.m. with reservations recommended by calling 805-688-1703.

Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau enthused, “We are so thrilled to celebrate First & Oak being recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide! Bravo to Jonathan Rosenson and his team at First & Oak for bringing your extraordinary international cuisine to California’s Denmark.”

The Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986 to promote the City of Solvang, featuring its Danish-American heritage, Northern European culture, cuisine, arts and attractions. The SCVB operates the Solvang Visitors Center at 1630 Copenhagen Drive; open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; offering free maps, guides, savings options and plenty of information on the destination named by USA Today as one of the 10 best historic small towns in America.

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Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, Box 70, Solvang, CA 93464

Visitor Center: 1639 Copenhagen Drive ● Administrative Office: 436-G Alisal Road

TEL: 805-688-6144 FAX: 805-688-8620 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-468-6765 www.SolvangUSA.com

12th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival Returns, April 11-14

April 8, 2019 by evebushman

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. – The West Coast’s premier epicurean lifestyle event, Pebble Beach Food & Wine returns for a 12th year this spring with four days of culinary decadence, April 11-14. Coinciding with Pebble Beach Resorts’ year-long centennial celebration, the 2019 event is pulling out all the stops as 100 of the world’s top celebrity chefs and 250 acclaimed wineries come together on the spectacular central California coastline. Event-goers will enjoy rare access to the very pinnacle of talent in the food and wine world—from upstarts and rising stars to James Beard and Michelin-star award winners— at a series of wine tastings, cooking demos, and some of the most exclusive and original dining experiences in the world.

Among this year’s luminaries are names like l’Arpege’s Alain Passard, Misiòn 19’s Javier Plascencia, Ludo Lefebvre of Ludo Bites, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto restaurants from New York to Napa, internationally renowned Argentinean grill master and featured chef on the Netflix original series Chef’s Table Francis Mallmann, DAMA’s Antonia Lofaso, Richard Blais of Trail Blais, Michelle Bernstein of Café La Trova, Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant, and the chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent,” Jeremiah Tower. A prime opportunity for event-goers to rub shoulders and snap photos with a veritable “who’s who” of culinary legends will take place at the Lexus Grand Tasting Tent on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, which will feature 30 chefs and more than 300 wines from top-notch producers around the world. Other event highlights include:

A Celebrity Chef & Winemaker Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. This exclusive opportunity to share a bucket-list golf experience with the top masters of food and wine is priced at $1,000 per ticket. Players compete for 18 holes of Team Scramble tournament play, fueled by food, wine and beverage stations strategically placed along the course.

An exclusive, aptly named Decadence Dinner with Chef Alain Passard of the three-Michelin-starred L’Arpège in Paris, whose high-risk gamble to embrace an all-vegetarian menu paid off in spades and was documented in Netflix’s Chef’s Table docuseries.

Aviary Live from Pebble Beach—a chance to meet the “den of chefs” behind what is widely considered the world’s best bar as they tell the story behind the creation of the bar and their new, groundbreaking Aviary Cocktail Book.

Two events with culinary legend Jeremiah Tower—a Fireside Chat complete with champagne, bites, and storytelling by “The Father of California Cuisine,” and a Power Lunch at Casa Palmero with Chef Tower and his proteges Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Maine’s critically acclaimed MC Perkins Cove.

Wonder Women in the Kitchen—a Power Lunch with some of the nation’s gutsiest female chefs who have survived the trenches to rise to top of their industry: Tanya Holland of Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen; Top Chef Masters Alumni Elizabeth Falkner; Antonia Lofaso of L.A.’s white-hot DAMA, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar; and pastry chef Kelsey Larson from Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley.

Two Gone Fishin events with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. In the first, the global restaurateur demonstrates the proper way to butcher a whole tuna. In the second, He joins top seafood chefs Ryan Caldwell, Ravin Patel, Michael Ginor, and Alvin Cailan to vie for bragging rights as the “best fisherman” at the four-day fest.

Ridge Monte Bello Wine Seminar. This epic event features five decades of one of the world’s most legendary wine producers. Led by winemaker Eric Baugher, guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sample vintages dating back to 1975 as well a barrel tasting of the unreleased 2017 vintage.

Steakhouse Feels: Big Cabs & Big Slabs. Festival-goers will live large at this strolling “beachside steak-out,” which will pair the world’s best masters of the grill and BBQ with a martini bar, whiskey on the rocks, big red wines, and a caviar station.

Dining with The Michelin Stars. This over-the-top dinner will blend the talents of out-of-this-world chefs into one kitchen. Michelin starred culinary greats, including Peter Armellino, Rogelio Garcia, Janina O’Leary and Rupert and Carrie Blease, will serve up a memorable meal at this one-of-a-kind event.

Find a full event listing here.

Package Deals

Four package options let event-goers craft their ideal festival experience. The Magnum is a great value for those looking to enjoy all the daytime and afternoon events at Pebble Beach Food & Wine along with the Opening Night Reception. Package holders save more than $300 and gain VIP access, including to the Lexus Grand Tasting, and discounts on Jeroboam and Imperial level wine seminars.

The Jeroboam covers premium day and night events over the full weekend. Package holders save more than $1,000 on a $2,950 ticket and gain VIP access.

The Mastercard Exclusive includes upgraded experiences and access on select day and night events, including the fireside chat with Jeremiah Tower, the hands-on Perfect Blend wine event, Private Dining Room Dinner—a world-class wine pairing meal overlooking the famed 18th Green of Pebble Beach Golf Links, plus access to the Chef, Winemaker and VIP after-hours party Saturday night, and VIP premium gift items. The package is only available for purchase with a Mastercard.

The Imperial gives package holders carte blanche for the full weekend—the highest level of access available and exceptional perks—and is available only to a select few due to space limitations on the rare wine seminars. Package holders save as much as $2,400 and enjoy VIP access and preferred seating at all wine seminars and cooking demos, complimentary access to the Chauffeured Lexus Luxury Vehicles for travel between events, and access to the Chef, Winemaker and VIP after-hours party each night.

Event Sponsors

The 12^th annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Food & Wine magazine, Chase Private Client banking, Lexus, Mastercard, Barilla pasta and many more.

Ticket Information and Reservations

For tickets, packages and more information, visit pbfw.com. For more information on Pebble Beach Resorts and overnight reservations, visit pebblebeach.com or call 888-251-9790.

About Prodigal Events, LLC:

Prodigal Events, LLC (Prodigal), creates unique experiential opportunities in the hospitality, entertainment, and experiential world. Prodigal produces two of the world’s most loved and recognized culinary events, Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, both recognized for the curation of the highest caliber of culinary and wine talents to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

About Pebble Beach Company

Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, Calif., owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts®, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach™, The Inn at Spanish Bay™, and Casa Palmero®. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Spyglass Hill® Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay™, and Del Monte™ Golf Course. Its other famed properties include scenic 17-Mile Drive®, The Spa at Pebble Beach™, Pebble Beach Golf Academy™, and Pebble Beach® Equestrian Center. It annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational presented by Dell Technologies, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. Future site of the 2019 U.S. Open, 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open Championships, Pebble Beach Golf Links® has hosted five U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments. For reservations or more information, please call 800-654-9300 or visit pebblebeach.com.

Michelin Starred Chef Christophe Émé Presents KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant!

February 20, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – After twenty-five years as a powerhouse in the fine dining industry, Michelin starred and world-renowned Chef Christophe Émé is ready to uncork another side of his prowess by introducing KASS, a chic and welcoming wine bar and restaurant that offers a sophisticated yet approachable French Dinner Menu and unrivaled Wine List in a 40-seat dining room and bar stripped of pretention, but brimming with innovation and immaculate presentation. Situated on the most in-vogue strip on La Brea, KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant by Chef Christophe Émé officially opened Friday, February 1^st, 2019!

Chef Christophe Eme. Photo Credit- acuna-hansen

Growing up in France’s picturesque Loire Valley was the ideal backdrop for Chef Christophe Émé, who learned from an early age the joy of cooking in the kitchen. At the age of sixteen, Émé began an apprenticeship at the Hôtel de France in Angers before embarking on a journey that has propelled him across the globe, sharpening his skills at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants with enough Michelin stars between them to form a constellation. From Auberge des Templiers, to Auberge de l’Eridan in the French Alps, to the opulent Taillevent, Émé has worked with such culinary legends as Gerard Rabaey, Marc Veyrat, Michel Rostang, Philippe Braun, and Philippe Legendre. Arriving in the United States in 2001, Émé made his way to Los Angeles as Executive Chef at the highly revered L’Orangerie where he challenged perceptions and French cooking technique by renouncing cream and butter sauces in favor of complex layered emulsions and natural jus. In 2005, Émé embarked on his first solo Los Angeles venture and opened the critically lauded Ortolan on West Third Street, where he showcased his impeccable haute cuisine. Shortly after Ortolan debuted in 2005, Émé was honored by Food & Wine as one of the “10 Best New Chefs” and subsequently earned a Michelin star in 2007. After setting a higher standard for the next generation of French restaurants, Émé is now moving in a new direction by introducing KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant.

Wine Consultant Taylor Parsons (Whole Cluster Consulting, République, Spago, Mozza, Campanile) curated the KASS Wine List. “This is a tightly focused wine list created with the purpose to provide pleasure and not intimidation, with wines that serve the neighborhood and the cuisine of Émé.” says Parsons. Thoughtfully overseen by KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant Sommelier and Manager Kyley Jacoby, the KASS Wine List is comprised of seventy percent French Wines, with an emphasis on the Loire Valley in honor of Émé’s home region, with the remaining thirty percent made up of varietals ranging from France, Europe, and California. Designed for connoisseurs and novices alike, the Wines by the Glass are available to sip and swish, beginning with effervescent Sparkling section including the Jacky Blot, Montlouis Brut ‘Tradition’ Loire Valley NV or the Laherte Freres, Extra Brut ‘Ultradition’ Champagne NV. The single Pink offering stands poised and proud, the Vinca Minor, Carignan Rosé Sonoma County 2017, while the White section offers an array of global choices beginning with the Domaine Daulny, Sancerre Loire Valley 2017; the German Andi Knauss, White Blend ‘Boutanche’ Württemberg 2017, or the Frantz Chagnoleau Macon-Villages La Carruge Burgundy 2016, while the Domaine Dupasquier, Roussette de Savoie, Savoie 2013 rounds off the white wines by the glass. The Red section starts with a trio from France, kicking-off with the Jean-Marc Burgaud, Morgon Côte du Py, Beaujolais 2017, a Loire Valley 2016 Domaine Filliatreau, Saumur-Champigny ‘La Grande Vignolle’, and a Domaine de Majas, VdP Côtes Catalanes Carignan Blend Roussillon 2017, before heading over to the Piedmont region of Italy to enjoy a 2016 Brovia, Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Vignavillej’ and the 2016 Piedrasassi, Syrah ‘PS’ from Santa Barbara County. While sharing delectable dishes with good company, the Wines by the Bottle offer an ideal respite to relax and unwind, beginning with Sparkling Wines in two significant categories: Champagne and Not Champagne, followed by a respectable selection of Pink Wine, and a vast library of White Wine that is categorized as Energetic, Fruity, and Muscular, with an equally impressive variety of Red Wine, categorized by dominant notes Bright, Juicy, Earthy and Plush, and a boutique selection Sweet & Fortified Wine.

Chef Émé utilizes his near thirty years of expertise to present a concise, but yet approachable KASS Dinner Menu featuring appetizers and entrées, which will experience weekly variant twists curated by Émé, depending on the availability of fresh, seasonal ingredients from the local Farmers Market. Guests will have the pleasure of watching Émé directly in his element in the open kitchen, along with his condensed, but highly skilled team, with a window perfect for awestruck onlookers. The ever-evolving KASS Dinner Menu will feature dishes such as the Salad of Baby Beets with black lentils and aged Comté; the Oxtail Parmentier made with marrow bone and Burgundy truffles; the Farro Risotto, accompanied by celery root, kale, and Morel mushrooms, and the Chicken Cooked in Clay served with wild mushroom sauce and green asparagus. Dessert will include delectable treats, like the silky Chocolate Tart accompanied by chocolate sorbet. Ever the artiste, Émé showcases every dish like a work of art, be the canvas the Pordamsa porcelain plateware, which showcases a mimicry of patterns and textures found in nature, or the Shichirin Hida Konro, a miniature Japanese portable charcoal grill and the black slate cutlery. Whatever the vessel, presentation will be at the forefront alongside flavor and technique.

A clean, contemporary space designed by Émé with assistance from Annie May of Kuskin / May Designs, harmonizes between warm and cool neutrals and the perfect balance between natural and manmade materials. Warm enough to be inviting, but cool enough to retain a sleekness, this stylishly inviting space offers guests three atmospheric experiences: The Wine Bar, where cheese, charcuterie and oysters are the perfect accompaniment to wine offerings and spirited conversation, and the Dining Room which offers plush banquette seating ideal for intimate and vibrant gatherings alike. The Outdoor Patio welcomes guests with cozy woven rattan nest chairs and low tables perfect for enjoying a bottle of wine, enclosed by a wood plank façade, mimicking a Japanese hinoki, successfully encapsulating KASS guests away from the bustling street. “KASS is an involved experience; I want guests to come in for the atmosphere as much for the wine and the food,” says Émé.

With an ever-expanding array of top eateries such as République, Sugarfish, Sycamore Kitchen, Odys + Penelope, and trendsetting shopping destinations like American Rag, Best Made, Champion, Undefeated, Kelly Cole USA and Aether Apparel, KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant by Chef Christophe Émé is a chic, sophisticated and welcoming new addition to this bustling street that offers an approachable French dinner menu and unparalleled wine list, in a lively setting!

KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant is open for Dinner every Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The KASS Wine Bar is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight, and every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For reservations, please visit KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant Yelp Reservations or call KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant directly at 323.413.2299.

Please follow KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant on Instagram @kassrestaurant or on Facebook

KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant

320 South La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.413.2299

Auberge du Soleil Honored with 13th Consecutive Michelin Star Award

January 28, 2019 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, Calif. (PRWEB) – Synonymous with wine country cuisine, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant, has received its 13th consecutive Star rating from the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country. The internationally recognized rating Guide is one of the most universally respected culinary authorities of fine dining. In its 13th edition, the 2019 Guide rates Auberge du Soleil among the top restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California Wine Country, one of the leading travel and culinary destinations in America.

Renowned for its commitment to sourcing ingredients from neighboring farms and purveyors, Mediterranean-inspired seasonal dishes, an award-winning international wine cellar, and spectacular vista views, The Restaurant has attained a rich legacy as a “must experience” stop along any culinary journey to Napa Valley. In addition, The Restaurant has received a Star award every year since Michelin began publishing the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California Wine Country edition.

“At Auberge du Soleil, we have a passion for all things culinary,” said George Goeggel, Managing Partner of Auberge du Soleil. “We want to know what’s in season; where the ingredients came from; and how Chef Curry and his team will interpret them on the plate. This genuine interest provides a natural entrée for connecting with our guests, most of whom also share our food-obsession. We are deeply honored to receive our thirteenth consecutive Star from the Michelin Guide which essentially recognizes our team for doing what they love and sharing it with others.”

Robert Curry has served as Executive Chef at Auberge du Soleil since 2005. Widely considered a landmark among California wine country restaurants, Auberge Du Soleil is dedicated to maintaining the culinary traditions of both Napa Valley and France. Curry’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes showcase peak seasonal ingredients sourced from a range of local and regional purveyors and farmers with whom Curry has developed long-standing relationships.

Executive Pastry Chef Paul Lemieux has led the pastry team at Auberge du Soleil since 2003. His finely crafted work is evident in the exquisite seasonal desserts he creates including delectable house-made chocolate, involving sourcing cacao beans from select international farms and carefully roasting and refining the chocolate in small batches in the hotel’s pastry kitchen.

The Restaurant’s menu items are complemented by pairings from an award-winning wine list. The 15,000 bottle cellar of domestic and international selections is curated by Wine Director, Kris Margerum. The Restaurant’s wine program has consistently received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the past 20 years.

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is open daily for breakfast (served from 7:00am to 11:00am), lunch (served from 11:30am to 2:15pm) and dinner (from 5:30pm to 9:30pm). Brunch is available on the Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 2:15pm. For reservations, please call 800-348-5406 or reserve online.

The Restaurant, along with the casual Bistro and Bar, are open to the public, and serve as cornerstones for Auberge du Soleil, a Forbes Five Star hotel and a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, the most prestigious collection of small luxury hotels and restaurants in the world. Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France, and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil provides the quintessential Napa Valley adult getaway. The hotel consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and other influential publications. For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil.

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a 13-time Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant, and the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Known for passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious hospitality, the property is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts. The hotel consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the best in the world by influential publications. For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil. For reservations and availability contact the hotel directly at 800.348.5406 or email ads.reservations@aubergeresorts.com.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014.
http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each Auberge property possesses a unique individuality, all share a crafted approach to luxury that is expressed through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Properties in the Auberge Resorts Collection include: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Solage, Napa Valley; Esperanza and Chileno Bay, Los Cabos, Mexico; Hotel Jerome, Aspen; Malliouhana, Anguilla; Nanuku, Fiji; Madeline Hotel and Element 52, Telluride, Colorado; Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica; Mukul, Guacalito, Nicaragua; Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Conn.; White Barn Inn, Kennebunk, Maine; Vanderbilt Hotel, Newport, R.I.; Grace Santorini and Mykonos, Greece; Auberge Beach Residences and Spa, Fort Lauderdale; The Lodge at Blue Sky, Park City, Utah (opening Spring 2019); Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (opening Summer 2019); Mauna Lani, Hawaii (opening late 2019); Commodore Perry Estate, Austin; and Susurros del Corazon, Punta de Mita, Mexico (opening 2020), with several others in development. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit http://www.aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts.

San Francisco Stars in 2019 Michelin Guide

January 3, 2019 by evebushman

SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) – The 2019 Michelin Guide for the San Francisco Bay Area confirms the city as the fine dining capital in the United States. The eight three-star restaurants total more than any other American city (including New York). San Francisco and the region has a total of 80 stars among the 58 venues listed in the 2019 Michelin Guide. The area’s Bib Gourmands, “restaurants that offer high-quality food at pocket-friendly prices,” increased by one this year to 68.

Two restaurants were given three-star rankings for the first time: Atelier Crenn (San Francisco) and Single Thread (Healdsburg). They join Benu, Quince and Saison in San Francisco and The French Laundry (Yountville), Manresa (Los Gatos), The Restaurant at Meadowood (St. Helena) in locations surrounding the city.

Dominique Crenn at Atelier Crenn is now the first female chef in the U.S. to achieve three Michelin stars. Her newer restaurant, Bar Crenn, also received its first Michelin star and was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine (see below). The San Francisco Travel Association features Crenn in a video about what makes San Francisco a districting dining destination, available at http://www.sftravel.com/article/5-places-chef-dominique-crenn-loves-within-walking-distance-atelier-crenn.

“I am so proud of San Francisco’s incredible culinary scene. Best new restaurant in the U.S.: check. More Michelin three-star restaurants than anywhere else in the Americas: check. First female chef in the U.S. to achieve three Michelin stars: check. And it’s only just the beginning,” said Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco is also home to the least expensive Michelin-starred restaurant in the U.S. – the vegetable-centric Al’s Place, where an individual meal costs about $18 USD. Other affordable restaurants with stars in the region include Kin Khao, Commonwealth, State Bird Provisions and Terrapin Creek.

San Francisco also took the top spot on Esquire’s list of “Best New Restaurants in America.” Angler, on the Embarcadero, was named #1 and described as “an Avalon of pleasure and ease.” Other San Franciscans on the list: Bar Crenn (#12) and Che Fico (#17).

San Francisco Travel offers extensive information about San Francisco as a dining destination at http://www.sftravel.com/explore/dining.

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit http://www.sftravel.com, read The San Francisco Traveler or call 415-391-2000.

San Francisco Travel operates Visitor Information Centers at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market St. at the corner of Powell and Market streets, and at Macy’s Union Square. San Francisco Travel is also a partner at the California Welcome Center at PIER 39.

For more about San Francisco, follow http://www.facebook.com/onlyinSF, http://www.instagram.com/onlyinsf and https://twitter.com/onlyinsf.

American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 50 international cities on 44 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 85 cities in the U.S. on 12 domestic airlines. SFO offers upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit http://www.flysfo.com. Follow SFO on http://www.twitter.com/flysfo and http://www.facebook.com/flysfo.

Kosta Browne Announces ‘Chef Series’ Winery Dinners

October 20, 2018 by evebushman

SONOMA, Calif. (PRWEB) – California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer Kosta Browne announces the Chef Series lineup of winery dinners. The first event—already sold-out—will take place on November 9, 2018, and feature a custom menu from Chef Kyle Connaughton of two-Michelin-starred SingleThread. The dinner series will continue into 2019 with Maui’s Chef of the Year, Chef Mike Lofaro from Humuhumunukunukuapua`a restaurant at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, and Chef Christopher Kostow from three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley.

From Kosta Browne website.

“The goal with each evening is to bring members together for an unforgettable celebration of exceptional farming, food and wine,” says Damon Wong, Director of Hospitality for Kosta Browne Winery. Each evening presents a custom multi-course menu paired with rare Kosta Browne library selections, current releases or wines from the newly minted Observations series.

“Farming is at the core of what we do at Kosta Browne,” says Winemaker Nico Cueva. “To collaborate with culinary artists who share our appreciation of the land is a true treat. The wines selected to pair with these dinners represent our commitment to site-specific vineyard sourcing and farmer relationships, as well as our signature approach in the cellar.” Wine pairings for the Chef Series come from the rugged Sonoma Coast, foggy Russian River Valley, chilly Santa Lucia Highlands, powerful Sta. Rita Hills, and the wild, untamed Anderson Valley.

SingleThread, an acclaimed restaurant and five-bedroom inn founded by Chef Kyle Connaughton and Head Farmer Katina Connaughton, is known for its ethos of Japanese omotenashi: the spirit of selfless hospitality. “We are excited to kick-off the Chef Series with Kosta Browne,” says Chef Connaughton. “We share a dedication to hospitality and a commitment to working with the very best farming sources. It’s a natural partnership, and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the best that Sonoma County has to offer.”

Anticipated Chef Series menus will include Chef Mike Lofaro’s Hawaiian-fusion style, inspired by his quest to support the preservation of the Hawaiian Islands through invasive plant management and sustainable fishing partners. Later in the year, Chef Christopher Kostow will bring his love for working with local artisans, growers, foragers and other members of this dynamic area to Kosta Browne for a three-Michelin-starred dining experience.

For questions or further information, please contact Krisna Bharvani (kbharvani(at)colangelopr.com) or Gabe Ramirez (gramirez(at)colangelopr.com) at Colangelo & Partners.

About Kosta Browne:
Located in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, Kosta Browne is a trusted authority on California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They produce appellation and single-vineyard wines from the most coveted cool climate vineyards across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations. A commitment to quality, stewardship of the land, and customer relationships has made Kosta Browne an industry-leading producer of inspiring wines that transcend their origins and represent California on a global stage.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Welcomes Jakob Esko as Executive Chef

October 11, 2018 by evebushman

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay welcomes Jakob Esko as its new Executive Chef. Esko joins the oceanfront resort having most recently served as Executive Chef at W Barcelona.

World Gourmet Summit 2012 – Chef Jakob Esko. Photo: you tube.

Raised in Sweden near the Arctic Circle, hunting was an important means of survival for Esko and his family – moose and reindeer were often on the menu at home. Drawing from his Scandinavian roots and international experience, Esko’s European-inspired culinary style complements the fresh, locally sourced cuisine at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.

Esko’s illustrious career spans over 26 years and has taken him all over the world. In that time he has been recognized for excellence in team management as well as his culinary prowess. He was awarded “Leader of the Year” from Hotel Arts Barcelona where he served as Chef at Restaurant Veranda. Years later, during his tenure as Executive Chef at Capella Singapore, Esko was named one of the top 10 best “Western Cuisine” chefs by the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards.

Esko held esteemed positions at numerous Michelin star restaurants such as The Square in London and the legendary Ulriksdals Wärdshus in Stockholm before moving to the United States in 2012. It was then that he joined Capella Hotel Washington D.C., Georgetown as Executive Chef. There he carefully designed daily menus to reflect the best of the season’s ingredients, which often featured expertly prepared seafood and bone-in meats.

Drawn back to Spain in 2014, Esko took on the role of Executive Chef at W Barcelona. During his tenure there, he successfully managed and developed the hotel’s culinary team and high-volume banquet department in addition to the design and implementation of all menus.

Esko’s striking accomplishments as a thoughtful leader and culinary artist have positioned him as the perfect addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. He will oversee all culinary aspects of the resort and is looking forward to embracing the rich, coastal flavors offered by Northern California.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline,
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room spa and golf resort offering a relaxing and romantic setting. As the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront resort, the timeless estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience for a romantic getaway. For more information, please contact The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay at 650-712-7000. For room reservations, contact your travel professional, visit ritzcarlton.com/HMB or call Ritz-Carlton worldwide reservations at 800-241-3333.

Brännland 2016 Iscider served as bespoke wine pairing at Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection

June 18, 2018 by evebushman

Coworth Park is the world renowned 5 Star Dorchester Collection’s Ascot country retreat. For those customers who have had enough of the hustle and intensity of central London then there is Coworth Park. Centred around horses it is boasts a central historic house, around which there are various out-buildings used as private suites, private dining or event area and other luxury accoutrements.

brannland cider-lapomme 1824 glass

The restaurant is Michelin starred and menus are designed by Executive Chef Adam Smith. Service is led by the impeccable Jonathan Ellson, knowledgeable to a tee and providing perfectly balanced restaurant direction to the well organised staff team.

So it is an honour to be accepted by Coworth Park on their wine list in the first place, but to be on the tasting menu and served in the special La Pomme glasses is a real treat.

La Pomme Glasses are special. Designed by Ingegard Raman, renowned for her work with global retail businesses and others, this return to her favoured media of glass is an honour for Brannland.

The tasting menu is made up of seven dishes carefully crafted by Adam and his team. In their words

“Dining add Coworth Park is about experiencing the English countryside and the best of British products, cooked in a simple fashion with a respect that allows them to shine”

Amongst the Caviar Tart with Cornish Crab, Cornish Turbot, 60 day Salt Aged Beef, is Sautéed Duck Liver with Apple, Cider and Ginger chosen to partner the Brannland IsCider. The diner receives this as the second dish, an inviting rich counter to the first-up, palate readying fresh, sea oriented Caviar Tart.

The richness of the duck liver, perfectly cooked with a pique of cider and apple and a fresh warmth of ginger sits alongside the sumptuous yet fresh Brannland Iscider. The sweetness balances the acidity, the unmistakeable apple intensity wraps around the duck liver and apple forming a delicious rich but sensuous mouthful.

Served in La Pomme the Iscider is in its perfect goblet. Delicate and imperfect hand crafted perfection provide a bowl that is ideal to swirl and discover, the tapering rim forming the sense of the apple offer the impeccable aperture to receive the aromas of sophisticated apple. Brannland IsCider is definitely apple, but more sophisticated, as wine. Wine smells of fruit, hence the often over worked adjectives, but seldom do we say grape! Ironic maybe, but it goes to show the level of appreciation and respect that we have for the drink. The same goes for the Brannland Iscider – it has the aroma of apples, but more so, more intense, yet delicate, finessed, although distinctly powerful.

We look forward to being able to celebrate with Coworth Park guests a deeper understanding of Brännland, Iscider and respect for the apple in the near future.

/Alistair Morrell, Andreas Sundgren Graniti, Brännland Cider

Auberge du Soleil Named No. 1 Napa Valley Hotel

March 12, 2018 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, Calif. (PRWEB) – The results of U.S. News & World Report’s hotly anticipated “Best Hotels of 2018” awards list are in, and Auberge du Soleil has been named No. 1 Napa Valley Hotel. The resort that embodies the sophistication of the South of France infused with California soul, has also been named No. 3 Best California Hotel and No. 16 Best Hotel in the USA.

Napa Valley’s quintessential adult getaway, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a 12-time Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant and an exclusive spa. The property’s exceptional attention to detail and unabashed romance earn Auberge du Soleil its renowned acclaim. Special touches include custom sculpted soaking tubs and al fresco showers on private terraces, intimate walking trails that invite guests to linger among the olive groves and curated sculpture garden, and the spa’s hammam steam rooms and temperate soaking pools.

“We are honored to be acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report as the No.1 hotel in Napa Valley, as this distinction celebrates the heritage and soul of the Auberge du Soleil experience,” said George Goeggel, Managing Partner, at Auberge du Soleil. “The credit goes to the incredible team who genuinely express their gracious hospitality and passion for wine country and look forward to welcoming returning and new guests to experience our inn of the sun.”

Auberge du Soleil is the Napa Valley’s longest-standing Forbes Five Star hotel and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux. The hotel consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the best in the world by influential publications.

The annual awards program from U.S. News & World Report, nationally acclaimed publisher of consumer news and information, evaluates more than 3,000 luxury properties across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The methodology accounts for both expert and guest sentiment and industry accolades a hotel receives to determine each hotel’s rank. To view the full list of 2018 rankings, please visit https://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/USA/.

For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection owns and operates a portfolio of exceptional hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While Auberge nurtures the individuality of each property, all share a crafted approach to luxury that is expressed through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Properties in the Auberge Resorts Collection include: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Solage, Napa Valley; Esperanza and Chileno Bay, Los Cabos, Mexico; Hotel Jerome, Aspen; Malliouhana, Anguilla; Nanuku, Fiji; Hotel Madeline and Element 52, Telluride, Colorado.; Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica; Mukul, Guacalito, Nicaragua; and Auberge Beach Residences and Spa Fort Lauderdale (opening Spring 2018), Bishop’s Lodge (opening Autumn 2018), Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah (opening Winter 2018-2019) and Commodore Perry Estate, Austin (opening 2019), with several others in development. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit http://www.aubergeresorts.com/. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts.

About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is comprised of a consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, golf and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, GSM Marketing, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Adventures. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Sale e Pepe names Antonio Minichiello as new executive chef

February 4, 2018 by evebushman

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (PRWEB) – Sale e Pepe, the elegant Italian restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico within the award-winning Marco Beach Ocean Resort, has named Antonio Minichiello as executive chef.

Raised in the small, southern Italian town of Avellino, Minichiello’s love for cooking began at an early age alongside his mother and grandmother, eventually leading him to enter culinary school at age 15. After graduation, he spent many years honing his skills at acclaimed restaurants throughout Europe and the United States, including the Four Seasons in London and the two-Michelin starred Four Seasons in Prague. Most recently, he served as executive chef at Veranda Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.

Throughout his career, Minichiello has earned a reputation for creating authentic and luxurious cuisine that reflects the rich culinary tradition of his Italian homeland, and he will now bring his extensive experience, talent and inspiration to lead the culinary team at Sale e Pepe. Since his arrival in the fall, Chef Minichiello has worked to create a menu that is influenced by old-world tradition, yet reflects a personal style that he describes as authentic Italian with a modern twist.

At Sale e Pepe, Minichiello looks forward to continuing to incorporate his creativity and passion for Italian cuisine to create unique and memorable experiences for guests by leading them on a nostalgia-filled journey of his homeland. “It’s like a trip that goes to Sicily, all the way through the south and stops in Rome, and up to Tuscany and finishes up in Milan,” Minichiello said.

Chef Minichiello has recently introduced two six-course tasting menus, providing diners with the opportunity to sample a broad range of his culinary repertoire. Both the Avellino and the Campania menus pay homage to Minichiello’s Italian roots and showcase his extensive culinary talent and experience. Additionally, each tasting menu offers guests an optional wine pairing from Sale e Pepe’s award-winning 400+ label collection, recognized by Wine Spectator with its Best of Award of Excellence for 12 consecutive years.

Located within the award-winning Marco Beach Ocean Resort, Sale e Pepe offers authentic, elegant Italian cuisine overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with alfresco dining on The Terrace, or elegant dining indoors, surrounded by magnificent Renaissance-inspired art and architecture. Complemented by South Florida’s fresh produce and seafood, the menu presents a dining experience that embraces the culinary traditions of southern Italy in a unique and progressive style, from preparation to presentation.

Sale e Pepe has been a AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant each year since 2005. The restaurant was ranked No. 2 among Marco Island’s top restaurants on USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, named one of the 100 Best Alfresco Dining Restaurants in America for 2017 by OpenTable, and also is the only Marco Island restaurant to receive the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine – an honor it has earned for 12 consecutive years.

Reservations are preferred at Sale e Pepe and can be made by calling 239-393-1600 or visiting sale-e-pepe.com.

Known for its intimate environment and personalized service, Marco Beach Ocean Resort is a 103 room, all-suite beachfront boutique resort. The suites feature a kitchenette, spacious living room and private balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or lush garden terraces. The resort features a variety of dining options, including beachfront casual; a spa and fitness center; swimming pool; rooftop garden; and direct access to four miles of the island’s famed sugar-sand beaches. The resort’s location and amenities make it the perfect choice for vacations, destination weddings and executive business meetings.

Overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Beach Ocean Resort is a designated AAA Four Diamond resort for 15 consecutive years and was ranked No. 16 on the Travel + Leisure 2013 World’s Best Awards List of Top Resorts in the continental U.S. In 2015, the resort was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 25 resorts in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico and Central regions; was named among the top 400 hotels worldwide by Expedia+ members; and was inducted into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.

Developed by the Gulf Bay® Group of Companies, Marco Beach Ocean Resort is located at 480 South Collier Blvd. on Marco Island. Shopping, entertainment and dining are all within walking distance; golf, boating, fishing, kayaking and nature tours are nearby. For additional information or to make reservations, call 239-393-1400 or toll-free at 800-715-8517, or visit marcoresort.com. Aubrey J. Ferrao is President of Gulf Bay Group of Companies.