SUZANNE GOIN AND CAROLINE ANNOUNCE OPENING OF A.O.C. IN BRENTWOOD

May 6, 2021 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES, California – Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group, announce that they will open a Westside location of their award-winning restaurant A.O.C. in the space formerly known as Tavern in early May 2021.

Caroline Styne at The Shrine Auditorium on January 24, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Los Angeles Magazine

Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant will feature the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and sourcing products from regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016. Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, will curate the wine program that A.O.C. is known for, a large selection of wines available by the glass and carafe and featuring small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown. The beverage program will feature local beer producers and a seasonal selection of market-driven cocktails.

Overseeing the operation as General Manager is the venerated Matt Duggan, the man who remembers everyone’s name and face and is well recognized for effortlessly running Suzanne and Caroline’s flagship Lucques from 2008 until its closure last March 2020. Hamilton Lyons, former chef de cuisine of Tavern, will lead the A.O.C. culinary team.

The space has been redesigned by the acclaimed LA based design firm Nickey Kehoe who are known for their well-honed aesthetic—a masterful combination of traditional inspiration alongside contemporary elegance, equilibrium, and enchantment. About the project, Nickey Kehoe said, “We took our cues from the charm and warmth of the existing A.O.C. and added those elements to the airy and elegant Brentwood space.” The decor encompasses the addition of cozy booths in the bar room, beautiful fabrics, new color scheme, and a more modern yet intimate vibe. With an eye to the post-Covid future, the space now includes a moody private dining room perfect for gatherings of groups of up to 30 guests. A beautiful new outdoor dining area has been created by local darling Fi Campbell Landscapes who stated, “For A.O.C Brentwood, I imagined a light and airy dining experience, inspired by the colors of our native California chaparral, that would evoke the delightful outdoor cafes of Aix en Provence and Southern Spain.”

“We are incredibly excited about this as we have seen such positive response to A.O.C. at our Third Street location and feel that there is definitely a need for our small plates dining format on the west side “ states Caroline Styne. “After the devastation and tragedy of the past year, we are beyond thrilled to reopen this restaurant with a new concept and vibrant forward-looking energy. We feel so fortunate to have this moment to build on the positivity of the city and country as it comes back to life. And, more than anything, we can’t wait to get our staff back to work!”

A.O.C. in Brentwood will serve dinner nightly from 5:00 p.m. expanding to daily lunch, weekend brunch and breakfast in coming weeks with takeout and delivery options as well.

Opening date and hours to be announced soon.

ABOUT THE LUCQUES GROUP:

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – A.O.C. in both Los Angeles and Brentwood. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates the Larder Baking Company and comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. They will operate new restaurants – Caldo Verde and Cara Cara – at the highly anticipated Proper Hotel opening in downtown Los Angeles in 2021. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

A.O.C.

11648 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049

310.806.6464

For further information and complete menus for A.O.C.,

visit www.aocwinebar.com

Please visit Suzanne Goin & Caroline Styne’s restaurants on the Web:

www.thelucquesgroup.com

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne are Social!

Follow Suzanne on Instagram at @SuzanneGoin

Follow Caroline on Instagram at @carolinestyne

Auberge du Soleil Announces The Reopening Of Its Iconic Michelin Star Restaurant And The Return Of Fine Dining On The Terrace

April 29, 2021 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adult getaway, has announced the reopening of The Restaurant, the property’s culinary landmark, featuring a new two- or three-course prix fixe lunch menu ; a three- or four-course prix fixe or six-course tasting menu for dinner service; and a three-course brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays. The Restaurant, one of Napa Valley’s first fine dining establishments and recipient of 13 consecutive Michelin Stars, is synonymous with Wine Country cuisine and widely considered a “must experience” culinary destination among discerning travelers and locals alike.

Photo: @verticalluxurytravel

Simultaneously, the hotel’s Bistro and Bar will welcome guests with its original menu concept featuring a range of casual dishes meant to be enjoyed with refreshing cocktails, craft brews and a vast selection of more than 40 wines by the glass that offer a balanced selection of California and French/Old World wines.

Enhancements to the hotel’s beverage program include a range of palate pleasing Aperitifs, French-Inspired Cocktails, and elevated “Classics” featuring the most indulgent versions of time-honored standards such as the Martini, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Negroni, along with an array of Speciality Cocktails and a new selection of Digestifs.

“Reopening The Restaurant is something we’ve all been looking forward to these many months as it’s the cornerstone for the full sensory experience of the property. Dining on the Terrace can transport you to the south of France while seated in the heart of Napa Valley,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “We’ve missed the special birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations that our guests share with us and we can’t wait to begin creating life-long memories together once again.”

Auberge du Soleil offers spectacular panoramic views of vineyards and mountain vistas from the expansive outdoor terrace, where guests may sip, savor and linger over the dining experience of their choice: The Restaurant, with an elevated fine-dining approach that showcases seasonal, locally-grown ingredients prepared with French techniques; or the Bistro and Bar, which provides the ideal mid-valley respite for an informal lunch between wine tastings or a casual dinner to relax over at the end of the day.

Robert Curry has served as Executive Chef at Auberge du Soleil since 2005, overseeing the culinary program at The Restaurant, Bistro and Bar and hotel’s Private Dining exclusively for Weddings and Events. Curry began his culinary career in his native Los Angeles and received his degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. After graduation, he was recruited by Michael Richard and Alain Giraud for Citrus Restaurant in New York. In the late ‘90’s he travelled to France working with Alain Ducasse at his three-star Louis XV in the Hotel de Paris, Joseph Thuet at the Moët & Chandon Résidence de Trianon in Epernay, and in Paris at the two-star Michel Rostang. He later served as Executive Chef at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at the CIA in St Helena, California, eight years at Domaine Chandon in Yountville, as Executive Sous Chef under Philippe Jeanty and ultimately succeeding him as Executive Chef.

Reservations are now being accepted for The Restaurant by contacting Auberge du Soleil at 707.967.1211 or online via OpenTable. The Restaurant will be open for Lunch, Wednesday-Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, followed by Dinner service from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Brunch will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. The Restaurant will open seven days a week starting May 1.

The Lunch menu will offer a two course prix fixe for $60 and three-courses for $75. Dinner service will feature three courses for $135, four courses for $155 or a six-course tasting menu for $185. All menus include vegetarian selections available with each course.

The Bistro and Bar offers continuous service seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are suggested via 707.967.1211 or online at OpenTable.

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 exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Known for passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious hospitality, the property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts.

Auberge du Soleil consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the best and most romantic hotels 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. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

Glamorous New Seaside Al Fresco Cafe Unveiled At Los Angeles’ Iconic Art Deco Hotel Shangri-La

August 16, 2020 by evebushman

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Angeles’ Art Deco Hotel Shangri-La has further elevated its culinary excellence with the launch of its chic al fresco dining space. Boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica’s city skyline, The Sidewalk Cafe is the latest addition to the iconic LA destination, a continental style café tucked alongside the glorious coast.

Vibrant white Tulip chairs lined up in a Parisian fashion on the hotel’s VIP roped off pavement outside among the palm trees – where guests can enjoy timeless rituals such as the morning parfait and croissants, lunchtime pizzas made in Santa Monica’s only wood-fired oven shaded by umbrellas, or a leisurely dinner with a Pacific Ocean view while taking in the extraordinarily intense sunsets. Offering internationally inspired, Californian-infused cuisine, everything on the menu is locally sourced, organic seasonal ingredients, from Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Santa Monica’s chic new Parisian style café has been designed for the ultimate outdoor dining experience with dedicated attention from the hotel’s talented team, on hand to create unmissable dishes. The concept has been inspired by CEO Tamie Adaya and GM Armond Khosrovyan, with a varied menu fizzing with flavours, and a design that features space age tables and chairs that were originally designed by Eero Saarinen, of the famed TWA Flight Centre.

Ms Adaya said: “People coming together – dining outside – eating and drinking immediately makes any city come alive again. The Hotel Shangri-La is bringing summer to the streets with a degree of improvisation, vibrancy and spontaneity. Our Sidewalk Café gives our iconic hotel a continental sheen – a bit of Paris on the Pacific that visitors, residents and regulars alike will enjoy surrounded by palm trees and spellbinding ocean views.

“It’s an enticing and intimate space. When you feel like gazing at the ocean on a balmy summers day while sipping your coffee, a glass of Chablis or Shangri-La cocktail, The Sidewalk Café is the ultimate seaside dining spot in Santa Monica for an eclectic alfresco experience.”

Entrees include Whole Branzino accompanied by sautéed baby squash, zucchini and heirloom fingerling potatoes drizzled with a citrus butter sauce, Whole Red Snapper, roasted beets, turnips and heirloom fingerling potatoes, and a 12oz. New York Steak with a purple potato purée and a mushroom cognac sauce. For dessert, groups can tuck into the signature Shangri-La Knickerbocker Glory – the only place in the USA that offers this unique and delicious dish which features Vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry compote, pineapple chunks, pop rocks, whipped cream and meringue.

A series of safety features has been put in place to protect both staff and customers, and the space will have a limited capacity in compliance with guidelines set by the State of California, the City of Los Angeles and the City of Santa Monica.

Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, The Sidewalk Café is open every day 7am – 9pm Reservations can be made online at OpenTable

Rates at Hotel Shangri-La start at $286 for a timeless luxury room per night. To experience more visit Hotel Shangri-La

GiangisKitchen.com Now Offering Live Hands-On Online Cooking Classes

June 29, 2020 by evebushman

PHOENIX (PRWEB) – Anyone who aspires to become a kitchen gourmet and prepare delicious, fresh and healthy meals, snacks, appetizers and desserts for their family — and all while staying comfortably within their budget — can get the step-by-step guidance they need by enrolling in new live hands-on online classes offered by award-winning recipe blog GiangisKitchen.com.

Each class — which ranges in duration from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours — is led by Giangi Townsend, the worldwide popular cooking blogger behind GiangisKitchen.com and author of the new eBook “Back to Basics: Cooking 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking”.

Currently, the roster includes classes on French Bistro cuisine, preparing Coq Au Vin Blanc using a pressure cooker, and more. There is also a fun and educational 5-day Children’s Summer Cooking Camp, and groups of parents can get together and schedule 3 or 5-day virtual children’s cooking classes at a convenient time during the summer.

“The online classes are very practical, because I’m a big believer in learning by doing,” commented Giangi, who was named Best Food and Lifestyle Blogger — Southwest USA by CV Magazine. “And while we cover a lot of information in each class, the experience is fun, friendly and interactive. It’s a great learning opportunity for everyone, from those who are already comfortable in the kitchen, to those who are brand new.”

A list of all available online classes and registration information is available at https://www.giangiskitchen.com/cooking-classes.

Access GiangisKitchen.com is free, and no sign-up is required. The website also features money-saving offers and coupons, and is optimized for all screens including tablets and smartphones. Visitors can also subscribe to get a weekly recipe round-up delivered to their inbox.

Facebook users are invited to follow Giangi’s Kitchen at: https://www.facebook.com/giangiskitchen.

For all other information on GiangisKitchen.com, including advertising, marketing and media inquiries, email giangi(at)giangiskitchen(dot)com or visit http://www.giangiskitchen.com.

About GiangisKitchen.com

GiangisKitchen.com is a popular and award-winning blog that features simple, delicious, elegant and nutritious recipes, geared to everyone: working moms, dads, grandparents, empty nesters, teenagers, and anyone else with a desire to prepare a great evening meal for their family in just 30-45 minutes.

Carnival Panorama Debut With “Feast of Fun”

December 20, 2019 by evebushman

We do love to cruise, and short of the destination, and the last night’s festivities, nothing beats the excitement of that first day at sea. Except this first day, which was thrilling, but the first guests on the Carnival Panorama didn’t leave the port. That luxury was reserved for the real first-time travelers on this brand new ship that were boarding the next day. (If you just want to look at the debut via some short videos go here and my photos are here.)

Yes it was a “fun-filled day of events onboard Carnival Panorama, the first new West Coast ship in 20 years.” And we learned about their “variety of activities, entertainment and dining options…starting with the redesigned Long Beach Terminal.”

This was the schedule – from 3 pm to 11 pm: Arrival/Boarding, Naming Ceremony with Godmother Vanna White, a Feast of Fun where we (travel agents, VIPS and media) had a chance to “sample Carnival Panorama’s culinary and beverage options” which included wine, beer and spirits offered at every venue on the ship.

It was truly an evening of WOWs. Exploring the decks, seeing at least one suite – wished we had time to see more – but the Havana Suites have their own patios that open up to their own pool and bar. Nice. Star chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri were in attendance – as were their namesake restaurants onboard – and they had the USC Trojan Marching Band for the naming ceremony, which in itself was a great show!

We toured several bars and restaurants – had some awesome cocktails from some very experienced bartenders – and sampled bites from the sushi bar, steak house and then settled in to sample some more during a multi-course dinner. The dining room, for the first time that we could tell, featured items from all of the ship’s restaurants.

After being fully sated we opted to watch the comedian instead of seeing the new “Playlist Productions show or the Rock Revolution.” The comedian, Tony Esposito, was hilarious.

The Sky Zone is new, and it’s the “first trampoline park at sea” and definitely something to see if you or your children like obstacle type courses, basketball, balancing, jousting or bouncing. There is a culinary classroom with several workspaces in the Carnival Kitchen that holds a few classes every day.

The Carnival Airship, a baby blimp, made several appearances during the course of the day which made everything that much more festive. The event ended with a very grand fireworks display, drinking and dancing on Lido Deck.

Lastly, as this is a wine and spirits blog, there are plenty of options in every bar, but they don’t all offer the same spirits. If you want an elevated experience pay for the wines offered in the Fahrenheit steakhouse or any of the higher-end restaurants.

More about Carnival Panorama

As the newest ship in our fleet, Carnival Panorama will offer a variety of onboard innovations, including the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea, the line’s first culinary studio and a new Choose Fun-themed water park. The ship will also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse featuring BBQ favorites created by Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, as well as craft beers brewed right on board. These complement Vista-class favorites like the Ocean Plaza indoor/outdoor entertainment venue, the Havana nightclub and pool, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.

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

Masters of Taste Announces 2020 Date and Introduces Chef Vanda Asapahu as 2020 Host Chef! (Sunday, April 5th, 2020)

November 21, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival taking place on Sunday, April 5^th, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Masters of Taste 2020 is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2020 which also happens to mark the 5^th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste Culinary Master and 2020 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asaphu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing the Bangkok street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine, and in May of this year Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of Michelin Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

Masters of Taste 2019 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2020 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2020 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness, rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the fifth annual Masters of Taste 2020!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2020 will take place on Sunday, April 5^th, 2020 and is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, January 1^st, 2020, and Early Bird Tickets will be available from January 1^st, 2020 through Sunday, March 1^st, 2020. For more information on Masters of Taste 2020, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive

Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

Charlie Palmer to Celebrate The Progression of American Cuisine With Inaugural American Fare Event in Napa

October 24, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Chef Charlie Palmer announces American Fare, a celebration of American cuisine, will take place Monday, November 18 at Charlie Palmer Steak and Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel Napa. At American Fare, the Charlie Palmer Collective of chefs will each partner with top Napa Valley Cabernet producers to recreate recipes from Charlie Palmer’s American Fare cookbook. Guests will get to taste and judge who they think is best. Proceeds from this one-of-a-kind event will benefit the Children’s Museum of Napa Valley. Hotel packages and à la carte tickets are now available for purchase on american-fare.com.

Chef Charlie Palmer teams up with our visiting chefs and top Napa Valley Cabernet producers for this one of a kind food and wine event at Archer’s boutique hotel set in the heart of downtown Napa.

“More than 30 years ago, I made a commitment to featuring regional American ingredients at Aureole,” said Chef Charlie Palmer. “Since then, our collective’s footprint has expanded tremendously but my dedication to the constant progression of domestic cuisine is unwavering. I’m excited to see how this next generation of talented chefs has reimagined my Progressive American recipes.”

American Fare will feature sustainably raised, heritage breed, antibiotic-free pork, beef, poultry and game courtesy of Joyce Farms, a family-owned company dedicated to using humane, all-natural and regenerative farming methods.

Participating Chefs

Francisco Lopez, Jr., Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Napa
Jason Collins, Executive Pastry Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Napa
Scott Romano, Executive Chef – Dry Creek Kitchen
Lisa Kaufman, Executive Pastry Chef – Dry Creek Kitchen
Eduardo “Lalo” Saavedra, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Las Vegas
Alexandre Grégoire, Executive Chef – Aureole Las Vegas
Michael Mahoney, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak Reno
Chris Engel, Executive Chef – Aureole NY
Fernando Marulanda, Executive Chef – Upper Story/Crimson & Rye
Michael Ferraro, Director of Culinary Concepts, Charlie Palmer Collective
Mike Ellis, Executive Chef – Charlie Palmer Steak DC

Participating Wineries & Additional Stations

Atelier Find Foods
Black River Caviar
Charles Krug
Clos Du Vol
Duckhorn Vineyards
Faust
John Anthony
Journeyman Meat Co
Louis M. Martini
OHM Coffee Roasters
Raymond Vineyards
Red Mare
Silver Oak
Vintage Sweet Shoppe
Whitehall Lane

American Fare Event:

Monday, November 18, 2019 | 6:00-9:00 p.m. | Archer Hotel Grand Salon $95

Chef Charlie Palmer’s American Fare showcases the very best of food and wine with American-inspired bites by the master chef along with creations from the Charlie Palmer Collective, all paired with iconic Napa Valley Cabernet wines. Guests will enjoy live music by Full Chizel.

American Fare After Party with Tito’s Handmade Vodka:
Monday, November 18, 2019 | 9:00-11:00 p.m. | Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar
$40

Continue the American Fare experience with a VIP after party with hand-crafted cocktails featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Mingle with Charlie Palmer, guest chefs and winemakers with the best views in Napa.

*After party tickets must be purchased with an American Fare event ticket.

Tickets & Hotel Packages

A limited number of Archer Hotel Napa lodging packages are also available for purchase via american-fare.com.

Hotel Lodging Package ($550)

One Night Accommodations for Two in Deluxe King Guest Room
Valet Parking
Two Tickets to Charlie Palmer’s American Fare Event
Two Tickets to American Fare After Party with Tito’s Handmade Vodka

American Fare is sponsored in part by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Joyce Farms and Fiji. For a complete listing of sponsors, visit american-fare.com.

NorCal’s Oakville Grocery Enhanced with New Features + Expanded Food & Wine Offerings

September 18, 2019 by evebushman

OAKVILLE, Calif. – Oakville Grocery, the general store that has been a gathering place for locals and tourists for nearly 140 years, has been enhanced since joining the Boisset Collection in January. Visitors to both Oakville and Healdsburg will now find an emphasis on local sustainable, organic and Biodynamic food offerings as well as an expanded wine selection that includes exclusive, highly allocated wines by the taste, glass or bottle. These new items, as well as the grocery’s signature favorites, can now be enjoyed on renovated patios during extended summer hours.

Photo credit: Scott Chebegia.

“We are so excited to bring new life into community landmarks in Napa Valley and Sonoma County,” said Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection. “Oakville Grocery is a phenomenal destination where guests can spend a relaxing afternoon trying a selection of amazing wines; fresh, healthy and local cuisine; and fabulous craft beers!”

The historical legacy of the Oakville destination has been made more prominent through extensive signage throughout the property that tell the story of its founding role in Napa Valley. In addition, the property next door — 1881 Napa Wine History Museum & Tasting Salon — features tastings of wines from 13 sub-appellations of Napa Valley as well as an archive of wine relics open for complimentary visitation and has published its own history of the region.

A unique feature of both Oakville Grocery locations is that guests can taste some of the most sought-after wines from rotating producers that have included Opus One, Screaming Eagle and Kosta Browne by purchasing cards and using them in Napa Technology dispensers.

“Normally wine lovers have to wait on allocation lists for years to purchase these bottles,” said Ed Maass, Oakville Grocery Wine Program Manager. “We are thrilled that we can make these beautiful wines more accessible and offer them by the taste and glass at Oakville Grocery, and through our Oakville Wine Society.”

Throughout each store, the wine selections have been significantly expanded and diversified as well as organized by appellation. In the Oakville location guests can discover wines from nearly 300 Napa Valley vintners and in Healdsburg they can browse through an equally large selection of Sonoma County producers. The flagship location in Napa Valley also has two new spaces dedicated to wine: a “cave” where guests can sample the highest-end wines from the Napa Tech machines as well as a wine vault that guests can enter and make selections from, as if they’re perusing their own wine cellar at home. A wine vault is also planned for the Healdsburg location, which has a revamped and upgraded main floor wine section.

The robust and diverse wine offerings are now available through a unique wine club. The Oakville Grocery Wine Society offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to continue their journey through the wine country of Napa Valley through quarterly shipments of wines, many of which are small lot and hard to find. Society members receive access to private tasting experiences as well as a 10% discount on reorders and store purchases. The society has four different levels: Embarcadero, with a three-bottle allocation averaging $225; Expedition, with a three-bottle allocation averaging $450; Quicksilver, with a 3- or 6-bottle allocation averaging $1,050 or $2,100; and Savant, which offers the selections of the most exclusive and hard-to-procure wines, and is available exclusively by invitation for the most discerning collectors.

As a community fixture in the hearts of Napa Valley and Healdsburg, Boisset welcomes chefs, friends, neighbors and visitors to come in to shop. Oakville Grocery is also committed to its community and invites artisans and purveyors to bring in their products for consideration for sale. A steadfast practitioner of Biodynamic and organic farming, through the new food selection at the groceries, Boisset is spreading its mission for people to “take a stand for the future of food” and carefully consider what they are putting in their bodies. As part of this ideal Boisset has improved and expanded the line of Oakville Grocery-branded proprietary offerings — such as vinegar, olive oil, preserves, tapenade, mustards, charcuterie and beer — while at the same time ensuring they derived from more local sources.

“Our motto is ‘Eat Local, Drink Local, Picnic Local.’ We want to sell products that are made as close to Oakville Grocery as possible,” said Oakville Grocery General Manager Barry Dinsmore, referencing both the Oakville and Healdsburg locations of the store. He estimated that 70% of products in the stores hail from California, with another 20% from the U.S. and the remaining 10% international.

One of the new food providers Oakville Grocery has partnered with is Ohm Coffee Roasters. The Napa Valley-based company led by former sommelier and wine marketing professional Derek Bromley is the exclusive coffee provider for both the Oakville and Healdsburg locations. The Oakville location now has a coffee machine from La Marzocco, the benchmark Italian brand, as a central feature of the upgraded coffee program.

In addition to new foods and wines, the Oakville location has a renovated patio with new furniture and umbrellas to better enable guests to take in views of some of Napa Valley’s most notable landmarks—the Mayacamas Mountains and the landmark To Kalon vineyard to the west and the valley’s highest point, Mt. St. Helena, to the north. Guests can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying sandwiches and salads from the deli cases inside; delicious pizza, burgers and sandwiches made in the wood-fired outdoor oven; or locally raised roasted chickens from the rotisserie, along with wine selected from the grocery or the new, adjacent 1881 Napa tasting room. The Healdsburg patio, which has 40 seats and is one of the only outdoor eating spaces near the Healdsburg Plaza, will also soon have an updated look.

1881 Napa derives its name from the history of Oakville Grocery, which was founded in 1874 as a general store by P.B. O’Neil and then transitioned into a community hub in 1881 under the auspices of Jim and Jennie McQuaid.

“None of us own 1881 Napa or Oakville Grocery. We are just guests in their history. These places will outlive us,” said Boisset.

More Information
In Oakville, Oakville Grocery is located at 7856 St. Helena Highway. Oakville Grocery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday through September. The phone number is 707.944.8802, and the catering team can be contacted by emailing cateringnv@oakvillegrocery.com.

In Healdsburg, Oakville Grocery is located at 124 Matheson Street and is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday through September. The phone number is 707.433.3200, and the catering team can be contacted by emailing cateringhb@oakvillegrocery.com

About Boisset Collection
Boisset is a family-owned collection of historic and unique wineries and lifestyle destinations led by Jean-Charles Boisset and bound together by a common vision: authentic, terroir-driven wines in harmony with their history, their future and the land and people essential to their existence. With more than 25 historical and prestigious still and sparkling wineries in the world’s preeminent terroirs, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, Jura, the Rhône Valley, the south of France, and California’s Russian River Valley and the Napa Valley. Its California wineries include DeLoach Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery and JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset; its French properties feature Domaine de la Vougeraie, Jean-Claude Boisset, Bouchard Aîné et Fils, J. Moreau et Fils, Louis Bouillot, Henrie Maire, Fortant and Bonpas. Each house retains its unique history, identity and style, and all are united in the pursuit of fine wines expressive of their terroir. Wine is at the center of Boisset’s mission, and is complemented by spirits, beer, cider, gourmet foods and luxury goods, both of its own design and from partnerships with historic companies such as Baccarat, Lalique, St. Louis, Riedel, Christofle, and Bernardaud. To learn more about the Boisset Collection, please visit www.boissetcollection.com.

Winesong Charity Auction and Destinations in Paradise

August 17, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Winesong’s 35th annual charity auction and tasting will take place September 6-7th. The event invites guests to sample the best of local cuisine and wines, while supporting the enhancement of comprehensive hospital services, and up-to-date equipment for the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Since 1984, Winesong has brought natives and visitors together to engage in a weekend full of soothing and rhythmic instrumentals, exquisite art, world-class wines, and their lively charity auction.

The 35th annual Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting will take place at the stunning Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The venue displays a collection of exotic and endangered flora and succulents overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Ticket holders will enjoy a diverse setlist of music genres ranging from folk to Latin. In addition, a variety of food and drink vendors will offer a large selection of luxurious and vintage wines, and local fare in the midst of a peaceful California oasis. Winesong’s main highlight is their large silent and live auctions, including original art from acclaimed California artists, as well as highly coveted international wine getaways and vacation packages. Only minutes away, Destinations in Paradise’s secluded oceanfront estate provides premier lodging for the ultimate weekend getaway to Mendocino, during Winesong or all year-round.

Experience the best of both worlds — ultimate tranquility with every modern-day convenience imaginable. Named “The Most Beautiful Community in the U.S.” by The LA Times, Mendocino is visually stunning from the mature redwood trees and crystal-clear beaches, to the only oceanfront botanical gardens in the U.S. The property is 27 miles from Camp Navarro, and at 6,385 square feet this hideaway features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, an award-winning chef’s kitchen, media room, private art gallery, and a separate guest wing.

About Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting

Winesong is an annual charity auction and wine and food tasting festival produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation. Proceeds are used to enhance equipment, facilities and services at the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The Diagnostic Imaging Center, Medical Evacuation Helipad, Out-Patient Surgical services, and Emergency Department Equipment are just a few of the vital areas that Winesong funds have enhanced. Since 1985, Winesong has raised over $8 million for improvements in local healthcare.

Stroll through the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond, and food from some of the finest regional finest food purveyors. The tasting is accented by various music groups performing a variety of styles, including jazz, classical, blues, calypso and folk rock.

About Destinations in Paradise

Destinations in Paradise is a luxurious resort company with properties in Mendocino California, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Hawaii. Destinations in Paradise is a pristine getaway for any suave wanderer, couple or family. The perfect travel escape amidst panoramic natural scenery, the luxury retreats offer extraordinary experiences to guests, whether having a whale shark encounter, hiking in national parks, swimming with dolphins, art and wine festivals, enjoying contemporary and local art collections, and observing a rare sea turtle hatching release. Full service amenities such as a personal Paradise Butler are available to accommodate guests’ every need, helping them to achieve maximum relaxation during their stay.

Destinations in Paradise is a proud auction sponsor of Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting.To find out more about Destinations in Paradise, please visit: Destinations in Paradise.

For more information on Winesong, visit http://winesong.org/

http://www.mchfoundation.org/ or email winesong@mchfoundation.org.

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