Eve's Wine 101

Priceless bottle of wine donated by nation’s preeminent wine critic raises record-breaking donation for St. Jude

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LOS ANGELES –  The Legacy Cellar Foundation’s inaugural event, “A Goliath 60th Celebration,” honored St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®’s 60th anniversary and raised more than $3 million on Saturday, May 14. The centerpiece of the evening was a massive 27-liter bottle of 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah, a priceless 100-point wine and the only bottle of its kind in the world, which raised an unprecedented $1.8 million and set a record donation for a single bottle of wine. 

Caption: (L-R) Robert M. Parker Jr., Garth Hodgdon (The Legacy Cellar Foundation) and Manfred Krankl (winemaker, Sine Qua Non) with the singular 27-liter bottle of Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Goliath 60th Anniversary on May 14, 2022 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Legacy Cellar Foundation)

The intimate, unprecedented affair was held at a private residence in Bel Air, California with 60 St. Jude supporters donating $30,000 each to experience the extraordinarily rare Syrah, which was generously donated by Robert M. Parker, Jr., widely considered the world’s most influential wine critic. The unicorn bottle of wine was paired with a dinner prepared by James Beard award winning chef, Nancy Silverton. The Legacy Cellar Foundation made it possible to donate 100% of the proceeds to St. Jude. The “Goliath” 27-liter bottle was equivalent to 36 standard bottles of wine and weighed an estimated 134 pounds.

“Through the generosity of Robert M. Parker, Jr., donors, sponsors and participating chefs, we are thrilled to have raised more than $3 million at our inaugural event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Garth Hodgdon, director of The Legacy Cellar Foundation. “We knew the 27-liter bottle of 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah was a staggering wine but transforming it into a record-breaking $1.8 million life-saving gift for children has made it truly priceless.”

Nearly 20 years ago, Robert bestowed The Inaugural Syrah wine a rare 100-point rating and commissioned this one-of-a-kind bottle from famed winemaker, Manfred Krankl, for his personal collection. To date, it was the one and only time Manfred bottled a wine of that tremendous size, which required a custom cork and corking. The dinner drew on the rich history between Manfred and Silverton, who were partners in La Brea Bakery and their James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Campanile. After the sale of La Brea in 2001, Manfred dedicated his full efforts to Sine Qua Non. It was that same year that this wine was bottled, and it was the first wine fashioned entirely from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard. This was Parker’s first public event since retiring from The Wine Advocate in 2019.

Jason Thomas Gordon and his sister, Dionne Kirschner, the grandchildren of Danny Thomas and children of Terre Thomas, were joined by Dionne’s husband, Trevor Kirschner; Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; his daughter, Coury Shadyac, the organization’s senior vice president, territories; and Noah McMahon of Anonymous, LLC. Robert was joined by his wife, Patricia Parker; and Manfred by his wife, Elaine Krankl. Silverton was joined by Steve Samson, chef and owner of Rossoblu, in preparing the phenomenal dinner.  Following the dinner, iconic 80s rockstar Rick Springfield performed some of the greatest hits of his illustrious career.

This was the first of many events planned for Legacy Cellar Foundation, which, through the generous support of a private benefactor, ensures 100% of wine donations go directly to the nonprofit of the donor’s choice. The organization’s mission is to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts.

The evening honored the legacy of Danny Thomas and his family, which has carried on his dream. His vision for the organization was as rare today as it was then: a research hospital where children with catastrophic diseases receive care and treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

During Richard’s opening remarks, he shared that St. Jude was the first hospital in the U.S. to receive patients from Ukraine. Just hours after Russia invaded Ukraine, St. Jude Global, in partnership with ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, began working through its global network of more than 182 institutions in 61 countries, including long-developed partnerships in Ukraine and Poland, to move children with cancer across Ukraine to safety and continued care.

More information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can be found at www.stjude.org.

About The Legacy Cellar Foundation:

The Legacy Cellar Foundation is a 501c3 donor-advised fund that collects, authenticates and liquidates wine collections for charitable purposes. The organization’s mission is to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts. More information about The Legacy Cellar Foundation and upcoming events can be found on the website at www.legacycellar.org  and Instagram.

Vintage Eve Circa 2012: Wined and Dined by Valentino

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I can’t help myself, I know this story is all about a great Italian wine and food pairing, but first I just have to tell you that I TOURED ONE OF WINE SPECTATOR’S 74 GRAND AWARD WINNING WINE CELLARS – OVER 90,000 BOTTLES – WITH VALENTINO’S PROPRIETOR, PIERO SELVAGGIO.

Valentinos wine room - photo from website, but it was set for dinner just like this!

Valentinos wine room – photo from website, but it was set for dinner just like this!

Take a deep breath. It happened like this: I tagged Valentino’s in my Facebook status update because I was going there that night for dinner. Valentino’s, and Piero, tagged me back.   Then between courses at the dinner, and bolstered by some amazing wines, I went right up to Piero himself and asked, “Hi, I’m your Facebook friend Eve, any chance of seeing the cellar?”

Piero took me by the hand, led me through the busy kitchen (though the chefs took the time to say hello and smile broadly) and up a narrow staircase – so narrow I had to go up sideways with Piero motioning for me to grasp the handrail.

Once on the second floor, we were met with a small hall lined with framed Wine Spectator covers of Piero, James Beard awards, his latest Grand Award designation…I was already so overwhelmed.

Then, one large room, with built-in large wooden boxes bisected with boards, held the start of the treasure trove. After that came hall after hall – going further back into a greater beyond than we had time for – were more and more boxed sections of wines. Piero pointed out special selections dedicated to the best from Italy, California…before we had to turn back.

But Piero made sure I saw the Pièce de résistance: the private dining room set for dinner, lined from floor to ceiling, on all four walls, with cellared wines.

When I reluctantly returned downstairs, overhearing Piero telling his maitre d’ that I had “kidnapped” him, I was already planning how to get back and…into that private dining room.

It all began with…

THE INVITE

Dear friends, guests and press,

It is with great pleasure that we would like to invite you to a delightfully delicious evening of wine tasting and dinner at Valentino Restaurant…As guests of Briziarelli Estate, you will experience the best wines from Briziarelli paired with 6-course dinner prepared by Nico Chessa of Valentino…We look forward to seeing you at Valentino.

Sincerely,

Piero Selvaggio

PS: Umbria is an up and coming wine region where the Sagrantino di Montefalco grape varietal is one of the most sought after gem of central Italy. The wines of Briziarelli are an example of great wine making in this ever-growing wine region.

IL MENÙ AND MY WINE NOTES

Stuzzichini dello Chef con Salumeria

Carpaccio di Vitello Scottato con Olio Extra Vergine Umbro e Alloro

Seared Veal Carpaccio with Umbrian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Laurel

DUNA ROBBA 2010 – Lovely garnet-colored wine giving off aromas of mushroom, plum, black pepper and mint. The mouthfeel was full, chewy, filled with ripe fruit and rich tannins. 85-87 Eve points.

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Penne Artigianali del Norcino

Artisanal Penne with a Variety of Sausages

UNO NOVE ZERO SEI 2007 – Nice purple color and then a blast of red and blue fruits that included cherry, plum and blackberry, along with black pepper, wet wood, slight mint and mushroom. On the palate I got dark, biting tannins, very palate drying and excellent with the dish. 87 Eve points.

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Agnollotti “In Carbonara” al Tartufo Nero

Agnollotti Pasta “In Carbonara” with Fresh Black Truffles

ROSSO MATTONE 2008 – Deep, dark ruby color followed by a nose both floral and fruity, in a setting of richly soiled forest floor. The taste was a combination of dark chocolate, cigar, dry dark fruit and deep tannins. 89 Eve points.

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La Porchetta Ripiena col Finocchietto e le Patate Arrosto

Roasted Stuffed Suckling Pig with Wild Fennel and Roasted Potatoes

VITRUVIO 2007, 100% Sagrantino D.O.C.G. – This proved to be my favorite of the evening, close to that coveted above 90-point range even after a few refills. A dark purple color stretching out into a black edge, with aromas of stewed dark fruits, cigar, bell pepper and milk chocolate. The taste was of deep drying tannins, dark and dry fruit, very smoky with a nice black pepper lingering on the finish.

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I Formaggi dell’Umbria

Cheeses from the Region with its Traditional Condiments

Semifreddo di Nocciole e Cioccolato con le Banane Caramellizzate

Hazelnut-Chocolate Semifreddo with Caramelized Bananas



Hosted by

Società Agricola Briziarelli SRL

Piero Selvaggio, Proprietor

Nico Chessa, Executive Chef

In regards to my references to the color of the wine, please note that the dining room lighting was low.

YOUR VALENTINO EXPERIENCES

In putting up my Facebook status as “I’m going to Valentino’s Santa Monica tonight, do you have a Valentino experience to share?” I got:

Elaine Scott Harris: Valentino is one of THE BEST in the US . Please say hello to Chef Nico for us!

Rob Barnett: Took my wife there for her birthday a few years ago and we had a great dinner.

Tracy Cervellone: I don’t get to LA often enough, but this is one of my favorite places of all time. Truly world class.

Louise Castaldo: I had my 50th birthday In that room, it’s absolutely AMAZING !!!! you are going to have so much fun, it’s an experience I will never forget and the food and service is outstanding !! you will die when you walk around that cellar the wines they have are unbelievable, I forget what it is but they have a bottle locked up worth $30k (you can touch it) I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Denise Lowe: JD and I worked a few events with Ian Blackburn at Valentino – and then stayed for dinner. It’s an amazing place. Enjoy!

Michael Fraschilla: The best meals we ever had at Valentino’s was when we asked the chef to make what he/they want to prepare for us! Not sure if they still do that for diners but you should inquire!   FYI – You will have a field day with the wine list Eve… 2,000 labels – It is like a small book and is VERY heavy on representing Italian wines. You’ll think he has every wine from Italy ever made! As for our most interesting experience of “meeting” someone while at Valentino’s., that was dinning next to Liz Taylor and her fiancé at the time, Victor Luna.

VALENTINO WEBSITE

Valentino, established in 1972 by owner Piero Selvaggio, is widely considered the finest Italian restaurant in the nation and “a restaurant classic.” Our intimate dining rooms, legendary wine cellar of over 2,500 selections, and the consummate graciousness of owner Piero Selvaggio, set the standard for fine dining excellence.

Valentino Santa Monica , the flagship of Valentino Restaurant Group, has endured throughout the years many changes in taste, style and much more, however still remains true to its original vision of Piero Selvaggio: To provide its discerning clientele a dining experience with no equals, a cut above the rest.

We promise the ultimate experience in food, wine and service. For almost 40 years Valentino has showcased authentic artisanal cooking, using the best of Italy’s traditional and contemporary culinary styles and the finest ingredients, setting the standards of excellence for Italian cuisine in the USA.

Fine dining for Piero Selvaggio has been the meticulous work and passion of a lifetime, copied by many, exceeded by no other Italian restaurants yet.

Valentino is the proud recipient of the coveted *Grand Award from Wine Spectator every year since 1981, and was declared the best Italian restaurant anywhere in the world by the influential Italian magazine, Gambero Rosso, as well as being always well spoken of by every food & wine writer in the country, with many more accolades, which are too numerous to even begin to describe!

Five spectacular private rooms can accommodate from 10 to 85 people for entertaining in elegant style, ensuring an evening that is truly memorable, whether it is a business meeting, a special birthday, anniversary, wedding celebration or just a gathering for a perfect dinner among friends.

*One of only 6 restaurants in the nation that has consistently, year after year received the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1981.

www.valentinosantamonica.com

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association Presents Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 100th Anniversary and 2022 Season

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has announced details of the menus for the 2022 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine season in celebration of the Bowl’s 100th anniversary milestone. Now into the seventh year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their legendary first restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings include three restaurants and three marketplaces. Additionally, menus for the Terrace and Garden Boxes, which can be ordered a day in advance, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin. Goin’s vibrant new summer dishes pair beautifully with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, the recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.

Returning for the 2022 season are the fan-favorites Winemaker Wednesdays and Sunday Market Tastings – an eight-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace with guest winemakers, importers, sommeliers, and breweries hand-selected by Caroline Styne. Caroline also introduces a broad selection of vegan and organic wines this year that can be discovered in the marketplaces with other new natural wines on the restaurants’ lists, including Scribe, Broc Cellars and Perichor.

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes, and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.

New additions for the 2022 Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine portfolio are highlighted below:

Supper in Your Seats – Available by pre-order online until 4PM the day before a performance, Supper in Your Seats offers curated three-course dinners or customized meals from à la carte selections delivered right to your box seats.

Menu Highlight: The 101 – red and green little gems with cucumbers, meyer lemon, cherry tomatoes and basil buttermilk; choice of torchio pasta with heirloom tomatoes, pancetta, parmigiano reggiano and garlic breadcrumbs (vegan option) or chicken under a brick with chickpeas, piperade, black olive and saffron; and basque cheesecake with blueberries and candied lemon.

Newly available Supper in Your Seats items for 2022 include:

·         smashed carrots and marinated beets with tahini yogurt, dandelion and toasted seeds

·         seared albacore with weiser potatoes, braised leeks, salsa verde and dijon

·         sea bass with white beans, rapini, coriander crushed almonds and piri piri

·         veal osso buco with saffron risotto, asparagus, pea shoots and meyer lemon salsa

Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C – Showcasing a wine list personally curated by Caroline Styne, Los Angeles’ favorite wine bar comes to life at the Hollywood Bowl with a wine-friendly menu of artisanal cheese and charcuterie, farmer’s plates, grilled flatbreads, market-fresh salads and A.O.C.-style fish and meats. There are also craft brews and farmers’ market-driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors.

Newly available Ann’s Wine Bar by A.O.C. items for 2022 include:

·         grilled flatbreadwith asparagus, wilted leeks, taleggio, mint and pistachios

·         prawns with yellow tomato confit, sofrito and parsley aioli

·         halibut with green rice, rajas, crème fraiche, and squash blossoms

the backyard – The al fresco dining area, adjacent to the amphitheater, is flanked by two large wood-burning grills and offers an updated seasonal market-driven menu of summer salads, an extensive raw bar, and side dishes in addition to the wood-grilled selection of fresh fish, seafood, organic chicken, chops and steaks.

Newly available items for the backyard in 2022 include:

·         hungry cat’s kampachi with plums, herbs and chermoula

·         pan con tomate with heirloom tomatoes, alorena olives, salsa verde and monte enebro

·         white trumpet mushrooms with summer vegetables méchoui, harissa and pine nuts

·         scottish salmon with grilled nectarines, pickled fresnos, crème fraîche and pistachio

·         za’atar lamb chops with smoked eggplant, cucumber and preserved lemon labneh

Picnic Boxes – All five of Suzanne Goin’s complete picnic boxes can be pre-ordered a day before a concert and picked up at the Plaza Marketplace or delivered to your box seats.

Menu Highlight: The Westside Story – grilled chicken breast with almond sofrito; fregola with chickpeas, carrots and spinach; marinated beets with horseradish and parsley; baguette with tapenade; and Larder Baking Company chocolate chip cookie.

Kitchen 22 – Made-to-order beef and veggie burgers, Suzanne’s spanish fried chicken, grilled comté cheese on larder sourdough and savory sandwiches anchor the Hollywood Bowl’s tribute to American classic fare.

Menu Highlight: classic double-bacon cheeseburgers

Marketplaces – Three Marketplace locations – Plaza, East, and West – specialize in “grab-and-go” salads, sandwiches, and farmers’ market-driven main courses, as well as charcuterie, cheese plates, desserts, and Magpies Softserve ice cream. The west-side Marketplace includes a sushi bar where chefs prepare premium sushi, available for pre-order or to purchase on-site.

Showcasing the best of Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace, these Hollywood Bowl venues also feature a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas, and waters, as well as salty and sweet snacks including cookies and brownies, candy, nuts and crackers.

Menu Highlight: Endless Love for Two – salmon & avocado roll – 4 pieces; spicy shrimp roll – 4 pieces; spicy tuna roll – 4 pieces; and tuna roll – 4 pieces

Lucques at the Circle – This is a full-service dining experience for Pool Circle subscribers, showcasing a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award-winning cuisine of Lucques.

Menu Highlights: lobster risotto carbonara with pancetta, pea shoots and wild mushrooms; wild striped bass with papa pomodoro, purple tomatoes and smoked paprika butter; and cornmeal shortcake with peaches, strawberries and poured ice cream.

Street Food and Snacks – Authentic street foods can be found throughout the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, including tacos, artisanal pizzas, pulled pork BBQ sandwich, assorted sandwiches and beverages. The Sweet Shop offers signature desserts, cookies and brownies as well as coffee and ice cream. New this year, visitors will find local favorites Magpies Softserve’s ice cream pies as well as their mix-in ice creams, which include non-dairy and vegan options.

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Please visit Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl. High-res photos can be downloaded HERE. Photo credit Rob Stark.

About the Hollywood Bowl

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922 and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music, offering something for everyone. It remains one of the best deals anywhere in Los Angeles; to this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many classical and jazz performances. In June 2021, the Hollywood Bowl was awarded Amphitheater of the Decade at the 32nd Annual Pollstar Awards. It was also awarded the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year award at the 31st Annual Pollstar Awards, an honor bestowed 14 previous times, as well as Top Amphitheater prize at the 2017 and 2018 Billboard Touring Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in partnership with The Lucques Group and Sodexo Live!

Sammy Hagar Shares His Favorite Cocktail Recipes in “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker”

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LOS ANGELES – “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,” the third book by legendary rocker, spirits trailblazer and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Sammy Hagar, is officially available. Published by Skyhorse Publishing and Culinary Book Creations and co-authored with James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, James O. Fraioli, the book is available for order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and other top retailers.

Hagar’s debut cocktail book brings his party rock anthem, “Mas Tequila!” to life with a collection of recipes paired with some of the Red Rocker’s greatest memories. “I wrote this book for the Redheads,” said Hagar of his dedicated fans. “I have been working and studying the art of making and drinking cocktails for decades now and have finally pulled together all of my favorites, my knowledge on how to do it, and what you need to throw the best parties with the best cocktails. I guarantee this is the only cocktail book you will ever need.”

The collection of cocktail recipes are crafted with the Red Rocker’s award-winning spirits portfolio including Santo Tequila Reposado, Santo Tequila Blanco and Santo Mezquila, a partnership with bigger-than-life award-winning chef and TV personality, Guy Fieri; and Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with fellow GRAMMY award winner, Rick Springfield.

Hagar’s longtime friend, Fieri wrote the forward for the book, in which he notes, “One of the greatest things about Sammy is how he loves to share all of these experiences with his friends, family and fans, and this book is a perfect example of that.” The recipes have earned praise, which are documented in the book, from famed foodies and rockstars alike. They include world-famous chefs Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina, music legend, Toby Keith, Patrón Spirits founder, John Paul Dejoria and Campari Group Chairman, Luca Garavoglia.

In addition to bartending basics and cocktail foundations, chapters of the book include: Splash of Aloha!, Hawaii’s coolest cocktails; Mas Tequila, South of the Border cocktails; Sinful Signatures, Vegas-inspired cocktails; Tinseltown Twists with Cleveland Pre-Funk, an original mix of Hollywood and Cleveland’s best cocktails; and Encore, more of Sammy’s personal favorites.

Signature cocktail recipes include the Coconut Mojito, Maui Mama, Tiki Swizzle, Blanco Gimlet, Coco Loco, Coronarita, Santo Oaxaca, Santo Paloma, Brazilian Kiss, Vojito, Strawberry Surf, Black & Blue Lemonade, and more.

Hagar created his Cabo Wabo Cantinas and Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grills as a place where people could hang out with their friends and families while enjoying cocktails and soaking up the unique cultures of the places he enjoys most; the recipes in Sammy’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker reflect those differences.

“Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker” is priced at $29.99 for hardcover and $19.99 on Kindle. Additional information is available at http://www.redrocker.com/cocktailhits.

About Sammy Hagar:

For more than four decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the frontman of Van Halen, Chickenfoot and his latest best-selling supergroup The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love” and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since launching his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina, he’s turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand that now encompass top-shelf labels, Cabo Wabo Tequila (sold in 2008), Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Santo Tequila, as well as several restaurants. Never one to hit the brakes, Sammy’s also expanded his successes into publishing, TV, radio and beyond, including five seasons of his hit TV show “Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar” and as host of “Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown,” a weekly syndicated radio show broadcast airing on 90+ US stations. He’s also a #1 NYT bestselling author and dedicated philanthropist. Visit RedRocker.com for more information.

About James O. Fraioli:

James O. Fraioli is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. He has more than 40 published titles to his credit. His celebrated books have been featured on the Food Network, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and in O, The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, People, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He is the founder and president of Culinary Book Creations. Visit www.culinarybookcreations.com.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort and Spa, elevates two rising stars to the head of its culinary team

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Landon Post and Samantha Sanz step into the spotlight

as former executive chef Beau MacMillan transitions to an advisory role

Scottsdale, Ariz. –Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort and Spa has entered the new year with new leadership in its critically acclaimed kitchen. Stepping into the executive chef role is former catering chef Landon Post, a fixture in the Sanctuary dining experience since 2014, while chef de cuisine Samantha Sanz has become the new face of the resort’s signature restaurant, elements. After 23 years as executive chef, Beau MacMillan has transitioned his role at the resort to culinary advisor. He will continue to spearhead culinary events for Sanctuary, including the upcoming Robert Irvine Dinner and the Nirvana Food and Wine Festival.

Post has taken on responsibility for the resort’s day-to-day culinary operations in his new role as executive chef.

Over his eight years as catering chef, he succeeded in elevating Sanctuary’s catering dining experience to equal that of elements—one of the top-rated restaurants in Scottsdale.

Sanz continues to serve as chef de cuisine, a position she has held for more than a year, while taking on a more public profile at elements with MacMillan’s departure. The two-time James Beard award nominee launched her career as one of elements’ first female cooks, then continued to develop her talent as chef de cuisine at Virtu Honest Craft and Talavera before returning to elements in October 2020.

About Gurney’s Resorts

Gurney’s Resorts are luxury, full-service resorts found in premier U.S. travel destinations. The all-encompassing havens provide luxury lodging in Montauk, New York, Newport, Rhode Island and Scottsdale, Arizona. All properties feature well-appointed accommodations, elevated dining, sumptuous spas, sparkling pools, expansive grounds and thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor space for weddings and events. Gurney’s Memberships offer exclusive access to world class amenities, concierge services and North America’s only Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Montauk while The Residences at Gurney’s deliver the most unique ownership opportunity in the Hamptons. Under ownership led by George Filopoulos (Metrovest Equities, Inc) and Lloyd Goldman (BLDG Management Co, Inc.), the brand has defined itself as both market leaders and year-round destinations.

Las Vegas Food + Wine Festival Is Here for Its 12th Season to Feature The World’s Extraordinary Chefs

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LAS VEGAS/PRNewswire/ — The who’s who of culinary talent will converge at the 12th Annual Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival. Celebrity Chefs from over the world take part at this annual event from the Las Vegas strip to Downtown Las Vegas and Summerlin.

The event will be headlined by James Beard Foundation Award winning chefs including the likes of Chef Katsuya Uechi, Chef Todd English, Chef Francois Payard, just to name a few.

Some of these talented individuals will showcase their skills by bringing you deeper in the world of creations within the live culinary demonstrations.

Who is ready for spectacular desserts? There will be a plentiful number of mouthwatering treats you will getting seconds of as well as making your fellow foodies jealous. The desserts are almost too pretty to eat, but you won’t be able to resist so be sure to dig in.

Tickets are now on sale and range from $100-$150. Tickets include a special tasting of world-class wines, beers, spirits, and delicious food. Individuals interested in attending are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible due to popular demand.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit VegasFoodAndWine.com.

Social Media
Instagram: @VegasFoodWine
Facebook: VegasFoodAndWine
Twitter:  @VegasFoodWine

About Tivoli Village
From dancing in the streets to yoga on the Piazza, old-world elegance blends seamlessly with today’s active lifestyle at Tivoli Village. Anchored by Restoration Hardware’s RH Las Vegas, The Gallery at Tivoli Village, the outdoor center is complemented by a curated collection of retailers ranging from luxury brands to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Enticing restaurants range from local favorite, Echo & Rig Butcher and Steakhouse, to national standout, Brio Tuscan Grille, while David Barton Gym and Dance With Me serve as upscale experiential destinations beyond traditional retail and dining options.

Located in one of the most affluent sections of Southern Nevada, Tivoli Village is 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, conveniently situated near the Summerlin Parkway. The center proudly boasts 370,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and 300,000 square feet of Class A office space.

Complimentary valet and covered parking are provided. Restaurant and store hours vary. For more information on events at Tivoli Village visit www.tivolivillagelv.com follow Tivoli Village on Instagram and Twitter, or like Tivoli Village on Facebook. Get social with Tivoli Village by following them on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TivoliVillageLV.

Costa Palmas Announces Collaboration with Chef Nancy Silverton

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO (PRWEB)  – Costa Palmas, the 1,000-acre resort and residential community on the East Cape of Los Cabos that is home to Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos and soon-to-be Amanvari Resort & Residences, has announced a partnership with James Beard Foundation Award winner, author and restauranteur Nancy Silverton, her first restaurant in Mexico. The acclaimed chef, known for multiple Los Angeles eateries such as Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza and chi SPACCA plans to inject a distinctly Baja spirit into the refined yet relaxed atmosphere of the Los Angeles favorites, as she becomes the anchor in the first phase of the Costa Palmas Marina Village.

“After many years of anticipation, we are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Nancy and her team at Mozza at the center of the Marina Village at Costa Palmas,” says Jason Grosfeld, Chairman and CEO of Irongate (Costa Palmas developer). “The casual and vibrant Marina Village plaza will come to life under Nancy’s direction set around a handmade pizza oven with the active Marina only steps away. Mozza at Costa Palmas will be a place where both members and guests socialize from day to night, and it will very quickly become the place to be at Costa Palmas.”

Set to open early this fall, Mozza will be centrally located in the courtyard of the Marina Village, located at the edge of the international Costa Palmas Marina. The multi-dimensional eatery will be the perfect blend of Osteria Mozza, Pizza Mozza and chi SPACCA, all with an East Cape flare, that features the incredible seafood, produce and provisions of the area. As each day evolves, the menu will change and the crowd may change, but the energy will always be there around the handmade wood-fired pizza oven with the world-class marina in view.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Costa Palmas for the debut of my first Baja outpost. Mozza will soon open, as the classic 1939 song goes, ‘South of the border, down Mexico way,’ ” says Nancy Silverton. “The vibrant flavors of Mozza’s cuisine combined with the alluring vibe of Baja will be a match made in culinary  heaven. I don’t want to give away the entire menu just yet, but I’ll tease just this … imagine the Mozza wood-fired oven and grill sizzling with the glorious bounty of the Sea of Cortez right outside your window. We can’t wait for our guests to experience what we have in store.”

With the yachts, sailboats and fishers forming its backdrop, Mozza at Costa Palmas will seamlessly blend the indoors with the outdoors to complement the natural East Cape setting.  Made up of a variety of interconnected spaces, Mozza’s design will feel like it has evolved over time. Bright, colorful furniture pieces that evoke the fragmented spirit of Postmodernism will be juxtaposed against a worn and weathered landscape that hints at the elegance of traditional Mexican design.  Mozza’s grab-and-go counter, on the other hand, will be reminiscent of a timeless Italian deli.

The Costa Palmas Marina Village, located at the heart of Costa Palmas international marina, adjacent to Four Seasons Resort and Residences, will be alive from the earliest morning hours as fishermen set out, until the wee hours of the night as the late-night crowd heads in. The Marina Village will be connected with the marina itself as world-class sailing, fishing and cruising yachts up to 250 feet form the backdrop to everyday village life. The concept is designed to be a marketplace that works together as retail spaces, open pavilions, restaurants and cafes open onto a central plaza to create a lively gathering place. Costa Palmas Marina Village will be where the community comes together.

Plans for future Marina Village phases include a vibrant boutique hotel and residences, a nightclub, new retail, as well as the Costa Palmas Yacht Club, the marina outpost for the private members-only club at Costa Palmas. Four Seasons Private Villas within the Costa Palmas Marina, only a short water taxi from the Village, are available for sale now.

ABOUT NANCY SILVERTON
Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and Newport Beach as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. Silverton also founded the world-renowned La Brea Bakery as well as Campanile Restaurant, an institution that Angelenos cherished for decades. Early in her career, Nancy was named Food and Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef.” In 2014, she received the highest honor given by the James Beard Foundation for “Outstanding Chef.” That year, she was listed as one of the Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink by both Fortune and Food and Wine Magazines. Silverton is the author of eight cookbooks and was profiled in 2017 on Netflix’s documentary series “Chef’s Table.” Nancy is active in fundraising for numerous charities including No Kid Hungry and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

ABOUT COSTA PALMAS
Costa Palmas is a 1,000-acre (400 hectare) beachfront resort community located 45 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport on the East Cape of the Baja Peninsula. Thoughtfully and sensitively designed and situated along a two-mile (3.2 kilometer) stretch of swimmable beach, Costa Palmas introduces an elemental form of luxury hospitality set among organic farms on an international marina. The community is home to Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Amanvari, a Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course, 18 acres (7.3 hectares) of orchards and farms, and its own private beach and yacht club.

ABOUT IRONGATE
With operations in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Mexico, Irongate is a full-service real estate development firm specializing in residential and resort communities located in world-class destinations. The company’s expertise lies in identifying opportunities for high profile, luxury branded projects that combine timeless architecture and design with five-star service. Entrepreneurial in spirit, the vision of Irongate is to elevate the communities in which they develop creating one-of-a-kind opportunities and introducing brands that attract visitors, residents, and investors alike.

Remembering James Alexander Clendenen

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SANTA MARIA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The wine world has lost an icon. James Alexander Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery in Santa Maria, CA passed away Sunday, May 16th in his sleep. He was 68. A visionary, Jim was instrumental in putting the Santa Barbara region on the map by cultivating an international reputation for fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir since 1982. His absence is keenly felt, but his legacy will continue.

 

Jim Clendenen, guiding light for the Santa Barbara County wine region. Photo by Kirk Irwin

Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” as was his official title, was one of the lions of the wine industry, recognized worldwide for his classically styled wines of balance, restraint, and longevity. This was countered by his larger than life personality. He was outspoken, articulate, humorous and unfiltered in his beliefs. Jim was both enthusiastic ambassador and guiding light for the Santa Barbara County wine region. He was essential in elevating Burgundian varietals on the Central Coast and continued to be a driving force throughout his life. Among his accolades, Jim has been named Winemaker of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine Magazine; one of the Fifty Most Influential Winemakers by Wine & Spirits Magazine; one of the Fifty World Wide Creators of Modern Classic Wine by Oz Clark, Winemaker of the World by leading German Magazine Wein Gourmet; deemed One of the Best Wineries in the World by Robert Parker; and inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.”

A man of great generosity, Jim was a key figure at many wine auctions, from Emeril Lagasse’s Carnivale du Vin and the Atlanta High Museum Wine Auction to Direct Relief’s biennial auction, with his sizeable donations always one of the top grossing items. He was also generous with his time mentoring budding winemakers, sharing the spotlight and acknowledging fellow colleagues, and when in need, always there with a helping hand. An avid cook, Jim’s lunches at the winery that he prepared every day for the crew were legendary with celebrated guests from around the globe often in attendance. Amazing wine, food and discussion was a daily event, and that is how Jim lived his life – to the fullest.

Jim’s other passion was his children. He treasured his time with Isabelle (26) and Knox (21), and enjoyed taking them on great adventures all over the world.  Isabelle states, “My father was a very generous, bright, and candid man. Beyond wine, his contributions to the culinary world were tremendous.  He was an icon to many, but most importantly, he was a very caring father. He made sure my brother and I wanted for nothing. His loss effects so many, but his impact will never be lost to any of us. It means a lot to me that he was celebrated and loved by so many.”

Jim is also survived sister Pat Matela and her husband Frank Matela, niece Marisa Matela who is assistant winemaker at Au Bon Climat, sister Marsha Clendenen, and nephew Patrick Clendenen.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Direct Relief: https://secure.directrelief.org/8FF475FC&2924_donation=form1

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

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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

15th Annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience 2021 Goes Virtual- LiveCast Sunday, FEB 21

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New York, NY – With sold-to-capacity crowds, the annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) is undisputedly among the hottest tickets in the kosher culinary world. These massive events in New York, California, Israel, Miami, and London attract thousands of restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and foodies who wait all year to sample the latest and greatest in fine kosher wines and creative cuisine.

Fans of the expo will be thrilled to know that social distancing won’t spoil the party this year. In fact, those coveted tickets won’t be needed when the 15th annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience goes virtual on Sunday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

All are welcome to sip and savor with the pros during this free livecast, presented by Royal Wine Corp. Program highlights include guided wine tastings with Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Marketing and Wine Education for Royal Wine; Erik Segelbaum, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year; wine blogger Gabriel Geller, Royal Wine’s director of PR; and others.

“We spent quite a bit of time behind the scenes trying to figure out how to safely bring this experience to people while still capturing the essence of the show,” noted Buchsbaum. “Yes, things will be a little different this year, but the virtual format creates new opportunities. For instance, the more intimate setting means we can do a deeper dive into the wines, wineries, and winemaking process.”

Another innovative twist is the Official KFWE Tasting Kit, which will allow home viewers to sample wines with the experts. Each kit includes 100mL samples of 25 featured wines – each enough for 2-3 pours – from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries. Kits also include a tasting guide, recipe cards, and shopping lists so guests can cook along too. Available for $250 (plus processing and shipping fees), tasting kits can be ordered through www.TheKFWE.com. Order by February 12 to ensure delivery in time for the event. Must be at least 21 years old to purchase.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a KFWE without the food. Celebrity chef, restauranteur, and James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov will be on hand along with Chef Gabe Garcia of Tierra Sur and personalities from Kosher.com, the leading website for all things kosher. Viewers can watch their demonstrations and cook along in real-time. Detailed recipe cards with shopping lists and prep instructions will be available for download ahead of time.

“Just as Erik Segelbaum and Michael Solomonov are respected and admired in the global mainstream wine and culinary world,” noted Royal Wine’s Gabe Geller, “kosher and Israeli wines deserve the same indiscriminating quality and appreciation. KFWE was created to spread that message far and wide. So even though we are presenting on a smaller physical scale this year, KFWE 2021 will drive that message home to more people than ever.”

This year’s event focuses on the following releases – all of which are kosher for Passover:

Carmel Signature Mediterranean 2017

Barkan Special Reserve Winemaker’s Choice Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Shiloh Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Jezreel Valley Argaman 2017

Binyamina The Chosen Diamond 2017

Gush Etzion Winery Blessed Valley Chardonnay 2019

Tulip Black Tulip 2017

Netofa Dor 2017

Flam Noble 2017

Tabor Malkiya Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Psagot Peak 2017

Teperberg Essence Malbec 2016

Hagafen Estate Bottled Coombsville Napa Valley Dry White Riesling 2018

Covenant Red C 2017

Herzog Variations Be-leaf Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Herzog Generation IX Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2017

Chateau de Santenay Les Bois de l’Alier Mercurey 2019

Château Guiraud 1er Cru Sauternes 2019

Chateau Giscours Margaux 2017

Chateau Montviel Pomerol 2018

Capcanes Flor de Primavera Peraj Ha’abib Montsant 2017

Elvi Wines Herenza Rioja Reserva 2014

Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

Sforno Gran Reserva Red Blend Mendoza 2020

For more information on KFWE 2021, to register, or to purchase the Official KFWE 2021 Wine Tasting Kit, visit www.TheKFWE.com. Participants will receive a viewing link for the livecast along with recipes, shopping lists, and a sneak peek at featured wines.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Since 1948, Royal Wine Corp., also known as Kedem, has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots date back eight generations to 19th century Czechoslovakia.

Today Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, and Argentina. Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest Mediterranean inspired contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine on Face Book.com/RoyalWineCorp/, and instagram.com/royalwinecorp/, and twitter.com/royalwinecorp