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L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout Returns

July 29, 2023 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES, CA — After a three year hiatus, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz, returns on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. The Presenting Sponsors for the cookout are Northwestern Mutual and Volvo Cars of North America. 

Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more. The 2023 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Michael Cimarusti, Chris Bianco, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Tracht, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures (for a current list, see page 3). First time participants Akasha Richmond, (LA) — AKASHA;  Dana Slatkin & Brittany Cassidy (L.A.) — Violet; Drew Deckman (Baja California, Mexico) — Deckman’s; Gavin Fine (Jackson Hole, WY) — Fine Dining Restaurant Group; Tiffany Dela Pena, Tim Cardenas and Irene Widjaya (L.A.) —  Caldo Verde and Cara Cara; Jeremy Tummel (Santa Barbara)— La Paloma Café; Mason Hereford (New Orleans) — Turkey and The Wolf; Roxana Julipat (L.A.) — Friends & FamilySarin Sing (L.A.) — Jitlada; Sergei Simonov (Santa Barbara) — Loquita; and Vivian Ku(L.A.) — Pine and Crane.

More chefs will continue to be announced, as well as leading vintners and mixologists from across the country.

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195 until August 1, when the price increases to $255. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade also offers a $1,500 premier ticket level that includes early access to the event, VIP seating and an exclusive invite to the private and intimate Welcome Dinner the evening before, on Friday, September 22. The culinary cookout is family-friendly; children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult and do not need to register for the event.

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

L.A. supporters enthusiastically responded with huge turnouts in the first ten years, sampling signature dishes of world-renowned chefs and reaching over $8 million in sponsorship, ticket and auction sales to date. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendees Jimmy Kimmel, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions of the cause. 

  • More than 2,500 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, attended the last cookout in 2019, which raised over 1.3 million. Those in attendance heard an inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents, and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.  Three-time childhood cancer survivor and UCLA graduate, Alexandra Keir, also spoke, telling guests about her experience with cancer and how supporters can join her and ALSF in the fight against childhood cancer. 

“I’m unbelievably happy that we are finally bringing L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade back. Suzanne, David and I have missed being able to support this amazing Foundation and bring all of our food and wine friends together again,” said co-founder Caroline Styne. “I always say this, but this is literally my favorite day of the year.

“‘We’re so excited to be back and we’re in awe of the commitment and generosity of Suzanne, Caroline and David, all the participating chefs, vintners, mixologists and guests of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “It is so special to celebrate an entire decade of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade! Every year we move closer to achieving Alex’s vision of finding a cure for all kids with cancer!” 

For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Sara Moyer at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (610) 649-3034 or S.Moyer@AlexsLemonade.org 

A selection of photos from 2019 can be downloaded HERE; PHOTO CREDIT ABImages 2019

Become a fan of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ALSFCulinaryEvents

Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @LALovesAlexs

Suzanne Goin, David Lentz and Caroline Styne photo credit Carolina Korman 2019

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $175 million so far, funding nearly 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

Partial List of Participating Chefs
Adam Perry Lang (Hollywood, CA) — APL BBQAkasha Richmond (L.A.) —  AKASHA
Bob Oswaks (Los Alamos, CA) — Bob’s Well Bread Bakery
Boe Delashmutt (Tilghman, MD) — Marker 5
Bricia Lopez (L.A.) — Guelaguetza
Chris Bianco (L.A. / Phoenix, AZ) — Pizzeria BiancoDana Slatkin & Brittany Cassidy (L.A.) — Violet Los Angeles
Donald Link (New Orleans, LA) — Link Restaurant Group
Drew Deckman (Baja California, Mexico) — Deckman’s
Frank Castronovo & Frank Falcinelli (Brooklyn, NY) — Frankies Spuntino
Gavin Fine (Jackson Hole, WY) — Fine Dining Restaurant Group
Giada De Laurentiis (Las Vegas, NV) — GIADA
Irene Widjaya (L.A.) — LA Proper Hotel
Jason Winters (L.A.) — Speak Cheezy
Jason Paluska (Santa Barbara, CA) — The Lark Santa Barbara
Jeremy Fox (Santa Monica, CA) — Birdie G’s, Rustic Canyon
Jeremy Tummel (Santa Barbara, CA) — La Paloma Cafe
Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo (L.A.) — Jon & Vinny’s
Jonathan Sundstrom (Seattle, WA) — Lark Seattle
Jonathan Waxman (New York, NY) — Barbuto
Josiah Citrin (Santa Monica, CA) — Mélisse Restaurant
Kevin Meehan (L.A.) — Kali Restaurant
Kris & Sarah Yenbamroong (Venice, CA) — Night + Market SahmLaurel Almerinda (L.A.) — Huckleberry
Ludo Lefebvre (L.A.) — Petit Trois
Marc Vetri (Philadelphia, PA) — Vetri Cucina
Mason Hereford (New Orleans, LA) — Turkey and The Wolf
Matt Molina (L.A.) — Hippo
Michael Palmer (Santa Barbara, CA) — McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
Michael Cimarusti (L.A.) — Providence
Michael Fiorelli (West Hollywood, CA) — Olivetta
Michael Schwartz (Miami, FL) — The Genuine Hospitality Group
Nancy Silverton (L.A.) — Mozza Restaurant Group
Nancy Oakes (San Francisco, CA) — Boulevard
Neal Fraser (L.A.) — Redbird
Ori Menashe (L.A.) — Bestia
Paul Kahan (Chicago, IL) — The Publican
Richard, Gloria and Beverly Pink (L.A.) — Pink’s Hot Dogs
Rocco Whalen (Cleveland, OH / Charlotte, NC) — Fahrenheit
Roxana Julipat (L.A.) — Friends & Family
Sara Kramer & Sarah Hymanson (L.A.) – Kismet
Sarin Sing (L.A.) — Jitlada
Sergei Simonov (Santa Barbara, CA) — Loquita
Sherry Yard  
Stephanie Mutz & David Lentz (L.A.) — Sea Stephanie Fish
Steve Samson (L.A.) — Rossoblu, Superfine Playa
Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken (L.A.) — Border Grill
Suzanne Goin (L.A.) — AOC
Suzanne Tracht (L.A.) — JarSweet Rose Creamery (L.A)
Valerie Gordon (L.A.) — Valerie Confections
Vivian Ku (L.A.) — Pine and Crane
Walter Manzke & Margarita Manzke (L.A.) — Republique
Zachary Pollack (L.A.) — Alimento, Cosa Buona

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

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: auction, California, charity, chef, chefs, cocktail event, cook, culinary, food event, food pairing, fundraiser, james beard, los angeles, mexico, mixologist, mixology, new orleans, restaurant, Santa Barbara, vintner, wine event, winemaker

The LA Phil Announces Complimentary Market Tastings Series Schedule at the Hollywood Bowl – Begins June 18

June 14, 2023 by evebushman

Wine and Beer Talent is Hand-Selected by James Beard Award Winner Caroline Styne,

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s Sommelier and Wine Director 

Wednesdays and Sundays, Three Hours Before the Concert, in the Plaza Marketplace

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Philharmonic announces the return of the Market Tasting Series for the 2023 summer season at the Hollywood Bowl. This offering from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine allows visitors to participate in wine tastings hand-selected by Caroline Styne, named Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year 2018 by the respected James Beard Foundation.

“I am proud to say that once again, we will be hosting our free Market Tasting Series on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Hollywood Bowl. I truly love allowing our theater guests to get up close and personal with my favorite wine and beverage professionals. It’s a fun and educational way to start your night at the Bowl!” states Caroline Styne.

The complimentary wine tasting series begins with the annual Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in the Plaza Marketplace at the Box Office Plaza. The series continues through Sunday, September 24, 2023. Offered three hours before performance time, the tastings are a small gathering place where guests can meet celebrated vintners and beverage professionals like Tobin Heminway, Grey Hartley, Piper Overbaugh, Jeremy Garber, Megan Kunin, Jeff Fisher, Chase Hawkins, Chris Cornejo, Babak Shokrian, Ann Miller and Jim Knight, among others. Wines and beers featured in the tastings are available for purchase at the Plaza Marketplace and other select Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine locations.

Note that ticket holders that use the Hollywood Bowl Park & Ride or shuttle bus can show their ticket to receive 20 percent off purchases at the Hollywood Bowl Plaza Marketplace, including wine purchases.

Wednesday Tasting Series Schedule:

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Tasting 4:30 –7:30 PM:  

Wine tasting with wine professional Brittany Carlisle, Shiverick Imports

Concert at 7:30 PM:

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Tasting 5–8 PM:  

Wine tasting with wine professional Piper Overbaugh, Springboard Wine Company

Concert at 8 PM:

Charlie Wilson

En Vogue

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Tasting 5–8 PM:  

Wine tasting with wine professional Jeremy Garber of Garber & Co

Concert at 8 PM:

Diana Krall

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 

Tasting 5–8 PM:  

Wine tasting with wine professional Adam Ohler, Ramona Spritzers and Grand Cru Selections

Concert at 8 PM:

Joe Bonamassa with Orchestra

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Tasting 5–8 PM:  

Wine tasting with co-owner Magan Kunin, Kunin Wines

Concert at 8 PM:

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Tasting 5 –8 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Sarah Mathias, Regal Wines

Concert at 8 PM

Herbie Hancock

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Tasting 5-8 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Jeremy Garber of Garber & Co

Concert at 8 PM

Buddy Guy

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Tasting 5-8 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Piper Overbaugh, Springboard Wine Company

Concert at 8 PM

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Tasting 4-7 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Marin Preske, Skurnik Wines

Concert at 8 PM

Promises

Sunday Tasting Series Schedule:

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Tasting 12:30–3:30 PM:  

Beer tasting with beer professional Derek Detz, Scout Distributing 

Concert at 3:30 PM:

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Tasting 5–8 PM: 

Beer Tasting with beer professional Chase Hawkins from Boomtown Brewery

Concert at 8 PM:

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Tasting 4:30–7:30 PM: 

Wine Tasting with winemaker Gray Hartley, Hitching Post Wines

Concert at 7:30 PM:

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys 

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Tasting 4:30–7:30 PM: 

Wine tasting with wine professional Sarah Mathias, Regal Wines

Concert at 7:30 PM:

Maestro of the Movies: John Williams with the LA Phil

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Tasting 4:30–7:30 PM:  

Beer tasting with beer professional Chris Cornejo, Topa Topa 

Concert at 7:30 PM:

Sparks

They Might Be Giants

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Tasting 4–7 PM:  

Wine tasting with winemakers Tobin Heminway and Raymond Hannigan, Red & Green Vineyards

Concert at 7 PM:

Reggae Night XXI

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Tasting 4:30 –7:30 PM:  

Beer tasting with beer professional William Dinwiddie, Stone Distributing

Concert at 7:30 PM:

Everybody Rise! A Sondheim Celebration

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Tasting 4 –7 PM:  

Wine tasting with wine professional Christina Hammond, Martines Wines

Concert at 7 PM:

Portugal. The Man | Chicano Batman – KCRW

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Tasting 4–7 PM: 

Wine tasting with wine professional Christina Hammond, Martines Wines

Concert at 7 PM:

Maggie Rogers – KCRW

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Tasting 4-7 PM

Wine tasting with winemaker Jeff Fischer, Habit Wine

Concert at 7 PM

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Tasting 3:30-6:30 PM

Wine tasting with winemaker Jim Knight, Jellyroll Wines

Concert at 6:30 PM

Smooth Summer Jazz – Dave Koz and Friends

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Tasting 4:30-7:30 PM

Wine tasting with winemaker Babak Shokrian, Shokrian Vineyards

Concert at 7:30

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Tasting 4:30-7:30 PM

Wine tasting with winemaker Tom Hunter, Revel Wines

Fireworks Finale: Maxwell

Concert at 7:30 PM

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Tasting 4-7 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Ann Miller, Chambers & Chambers

Pixies and Modest Mouse | Cat Power – KCRW

Concert at 7 PM

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Tasting 4-7 PM

Wine tasting with wine professional Justin Timsit, Martines Wines

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs | Los Auténticos Decadentes – KCRW

Concert at 7 PM

***

Please visit Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for more information about the food and wine experiences available at the Hollywood Bowl. Photo credit Rob Stark or Dylan + Jeni. 

#HBFoodandWine #Hollywoodbowlfoodpluswine 

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 February 2023, the venue was named the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year at the 34th Annual Pollstar Awards, an honor bestowed 15 previous times. The Hollywood Bowl was also named Amphitheater of the Decade at the 32nd Annual Pollstar Awards as well as Top Amphitheater at the 2017 and 2018 Billboard Touring Awards. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer. hollywoodbowl.com

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in partnership with The Lucques Group and Sodexo Live!

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: California, chef, hollywood, james beard, restaurant, sommelier, Wine tasting

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

June 21, 2022 by evebushman

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: bottle, California, charity, chef, cork, fundraiser, james beard, los angeles, robert parker, Syrah, wine advocate, wine auction, wine dinner, Wine tasting, winemaker, winery

Vintage Eve Circa 2012: Wined and Dined by Valentino

June 17, 2022 by evebushman

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.

  

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.

  

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.

  

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.

  

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

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: aroma, bottle, California, cellar, chef, color, Facebook, flavor, food pairing, Ian Blackburn, Italy, james beard, los angeles, restaurant, santa monica, tannins, u.s., umbria, wine pairing, wine spectator

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

May 24, 2022 by evebushman

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.

# # #

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!

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, California, cheese, chef, cocktails, craft beer, food, importer, james beard, liquor, los angeles, menu, organic, restaurants, soju, sommelier, vegan, wine bar, Wine tasting, winemaker

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

April 26, 2022 by evebushman

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.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: blanco, chef, cocktail, cocktails, culinary, james beard, las vegas, mojito, reposado, rum, spirits, tequila

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

February 9, 2022 by evebushman

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: arizona, caterer, chef, cook, cuisine, culinary, dining, food event, james beard, kitchen, resort, restaurants, u.s., wine festival

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

August 9, 2021 by evebushman

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.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, beer tasting, chef, culinary, dessert, food event, foodie, james beard, las vegas, spirits, wine event

Costa Palmas Announces Collaboration with Chef Nancy Silverton

July 6, 2021 by evebushman

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.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: chef, culinary, james beard, los angeles, menu, mexico, restaurant

Remembering James Alexander Clendenen

May 30, 2021 by evebushman

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

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: balance, beverage, burgundy, California, Central Coast, Chardonnay, james beard, length, Pinot Noir, robert parker, Santa Barbara, santa maria Valley, wine and spirits, winemaker, winery

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Eve Bushman, owner Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting.

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