New York and Texas Restaurants to Showcase the Women and Next-Gen Winemakers of Bordeaux This November with Rare, 3-liter Bottle Features

October 23, 2021 by evebushman

BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – The Bordeaux wine region is joining forces with New York and Texas restaurants to celebrate their talented women and Next Gen winemakers with a special big bottle promotion this November. New York restaurants will feature fourteen different “Next Gen” wineries to showcase the young movers and shakers who are making their mark throughout the Bordeaux region. In Texas, the region will sponsor their second annual event for the women winemakers of Bordeaux with a statewide campaign. Making this extra-special, the featured wines will be offered in 3-Liter bottles, a rare, double-magnum size.

Ranging from wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, over 100 accounts in New York and Texas have signed up to support the program this fall. Beginning November 1st, each account will pour a selection of wines from 3-Liter bottles, and many are opting to host additional tasting experiences and promotions throughout the first week of November. Program details and updates will be shared in early October.

“The people of Bordeaux have always been our most dynamic force and source of innovation,” says Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council. “It is exciting to showcase the collective talent of the many young winemakers and women who are contributing so much to enrich our region. We are honored to work together with our wineries and importers to support our hospitality partners in New York and Texas through these challenging times and are tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support we have already received.”

Featured Women Winemakers of Bordeaux (Texas)
The participating women winemakers and châteaux representatives from Bordeaux represent the rich diversity of their region and will present a selection of wines from renowned reds to dry and sweet whites. Their wines capture the artistry and depth of various Bordeaux appellations from many different perspectives, including family-owned wineries and relative newcomers. The featured wineries this November in Texas include:

Château Biac (Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux), Youmna Asseily, Owner and Winemaker
Citran (Bordeaux Supérieur), Sophia Sanchez, General Manager
Château Haut Mazières (Bordeaux), Gwen Corre, Export Manager
Château La Freynelle (Bordeaux blanc), Véronique Barthe, Owner and Winemaker
Château La Rame Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Angelique Armand, Winemaker
Château Larrivaux (Haut-Médoc), Bérangère Tesseron, Owner and Winemaker
Château Rol Valentin (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru), Alexandra Robin, Owner and Winemaker
Château Simon (Sauternes, Graves), Pauline Dufour, Owner and Winemaker
Château Thieuley (Bordeaux rouge & Bordeaux blanc), Marie Courselle, Owner and Winemaker
Clarence Dillon/Clarendelle (Bordeaux rouge & Bordeaux blanc), Erika Smatana, Export Manager USA
Les Vignerons Reunis De Monsegur (Bordeaux), Valérie Gosselin Conche, Commercial Director

Featured Next Gen Winemakers of Bordeaux (New York)
The Next Gen Bordeaux winemakers and châteaux representatives presenting their wines in New York this November are a driving force of new ideas, sustainable initiatives, and global connection. They range in age from 23 to 42 and represent a dynamic generation working in every sector from viticulture, winemaking, and commercial management. The featured wineries this November in New York include:

Château Biac (Côtes de Bordeaux), Yasmina Asseily, Sales Director (42)
Château d’Arche (Bordeaux blanc & Sauternes), Matthieu Arroyo, Winemaker (39)
Château des Combes (Bordeaux), Jonathan Ducourt, Owner and Winemaker (38)
Château du Moulin Rouge (Haut-Médoc), Geoffrey Ribeiro, Owner and Winemaker (28)
Château Gardera (Bordeaux Supérieur), Guillaume Gonfrier, Sales Manager (28)
Château Haut-Rian (Côtes de Bordeaux), Pauline Lapierre, Owner and Winemaker (32)
Château La Rame (Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Augustin Allo-Armand, Winemaker (23)
Château Larose Trintaudon/Perganson (Haut-Médoc), Madeleine Hostache, Export Director (28)
Château Larrivaux (Haut-Médoc), Bérangère Tesseron, Owner and Winemaker (39)
Château Moulin de la Roquille (Côtes de Francs), Jean-Laurent Audoin, Manager
Château Roquefort (Bordeaux), Camille Giai, Commercial Director (39)
Château Simon (Sauternes, Graves), Pauline Dufour, Owner and Winemaker (35)
Château Tassin (Bordeaux Supérieur & Bordeaux blanc), Guillaume Gonfrier, Sales Manager (28)
Clarence Dillon/Clarendelle (Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Erika Smatana, Export Manager USA (30)

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants, and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions:

Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment, sales and prospective data for Bordeaux wines around the world.
The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

Walla Walla’s Newest Businesses – And A Luxury Wine Resort – Spotlight the Valley’s Bounty

October 9, 2021 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA’S NEWEST BUSINESSES SPOTLIGHT THE VALLEY’S BOUNTY
From a luxury winery resort to a refurbished 1930’s Showroom, Walla Walla’s new businesses further the valley’s connection to character and place.

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) – Walla Walla is so nice, they named it twice. Honored for the second consecutive year as America’s Best Wine Region, and boasting a flourishing farm-to-table culinary scene, this rural-chic town in central Washington has earned a reputation for continually building upon its successes as opposed to resting on its laurels. With its sweeping landscape of wheat fields, vineyards, and farmland, not to mention its health and safety-minded Peace of Mind Pledge, Walla Walla continues to delight and entice visitors with no fewer than 11 new businesses opening their doors in recent months.

Yellowhawk Resort, photo from their Facebook page.

Among the most notable, a new luxury winery resort, three new restaurants, three new tasting rooms, and four other businesses, including a curated grocery store, an elevated general store, an artisan showroom, and an educational hops tour.

“It gives me great joy to see these new businesses opening their doors,” Says Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine. “The common theme running through these new businesses is a unified connection to place and community supporting the local landscape, artisans, and history that makes Walla Walla so genuinely unique.”

Following is a list of some of the notable businesses that have opened their doors in Walla Walla in recent months:

LODGING
Yellowhawk Resort (formerly Basel Cellars): Yellowhawk Resort is an 84-acre hillside retreat on Walla Walla’s south side. The resort features a sparkling winery and tasting room with farm-to-table dining, a swimming pool and cabanas, lodging, and event space for weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats. As you enter the gate and wind up the hill to the estate house, the elevated setting provides a sweeping outlook on the fields of wheat, lush vineyards below, and the Blue Mountains in the distance. The property was purchased in December 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality leaders Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Philip Christofides, and Paul Mackay, and is part of the Revelers Club loyalty program. Winemaker George-Anne Robertson leads Yellowhawk’s sparkling wine program.

DINING & RESTAURANTS
AK’s Mercado: One of Walla Walla’s top eateries, Andrae’s Kitchen, which Food and Wine magazine’s Ray Isle once described as “hands down the best restaurant inside a working gas station in America,” recently relocated to its own space on Main St. in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. Focusing on tacos, smoked meats, and other street food, Mercado is inspired by Chef Andrae Bopp’s love for the cuisines of Oaxaca and New Orleans, among other places, with a craft cocktail program curated by local mixology legend Jim German. The venue also features various popups from Secret Squirrel wine, Daylight Plant Co, Walla Walla Cheese Co. and others.

The Kitchen at Abeja: Those with a taste for wine country living have yet another reason to visit Abeja, a 38-acre historic Walla Walla farmstead and home to the acclaimed Abeja winery and bucolic Inn at Abeja. The Kitchen at Abeja, which opened July 13, offers a fine dining experience showcasing innovative wine country cuisine and celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty. Dinner guests choose from a five or seven-course prix fixe menu, as well as an optional wine pairing menu. Executive Chef Elodie Li, who returns to her home state after two years of cooking in Michelin two-star restaurants in Provence, France, collaborates with Abeja winemakers Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler on the menus, updated weekly. Surrounded by the winery’s vineyards and gardens, The Kitchen at Abeja is a rich, refined wine country experience.

The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford (opening early 2022): Farther on the horizon is The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford, a new bistro eatery in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill building, from acclaimed Seattle Chef Maximillian Petty. A multiple James Beard semifinalist, Petty’s menu will range from exuberantly curated items, which built his reputation at Eden Hill, to a bar and lounge area that will stay open later with a snack-heavy lineup, including a pizza oven and an extensive cocktail program.

TASTING ROOMS
Moonbase Cellars: The Blue Mountains and rolling wheat fields of Walla Walla enticed Laine and Drew Pauk to call the valley their home. That, and their desire to make wine with a straightforward approach amidst an ideal viticulture climate. Moonbase Cellars’ philosophy is to find fantastic vineyards suited for a specific grape variety, sourcing excellent fruit from premier vineyard sites in the Walla Walla Valley, including multiple locations within the coveted The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. As for the name, Drew has always been fascinated with space. Though his dream of becoming an astronaut didn’t work out, he managed to combine his love for wine and space with Moonbase Cellars.

Kinhaven Winery : This new family-owned small lot winery and vineyard is perched atop a picturesque knoll in the Southside winery district of Walla Walla. The property, with 8 acres of Merlot, Cabernet, Carmenere and Malbec, enjoys unobstructed views of the Blue Mountains and is the perfect setting for family and friends to connect while enjoying their thoughtfully crafted wines. Purchased in 2019 by Terry and Lisa Davenport, who also own the recently renovated Boyer House. From dining in the vines to weddings, the combination of Kinhaven Winery and Boyer House sets up for the perfect family and friend gathering.

5 Dollar Ranch Brewing : Self-proclaimed as “Walla Walla’s best new brewery in 2021,” this newcomer opened in June 2021. Located on the south side of town along the Oregon border on twelve acres of farm property, with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. An evolving menu of hop offerings is fit to appease the novice to beer connoisseur. The location is both dog and kid-friendly. According to brewer and owner Josh Hulett, while he loves all of his beers, the Hazy’s are not to be missed.

Hoquetas Wine Company: Located at the Port of Walla Walla wine incubator facility in the Walla Walla Airport District, Hoquetas Wine Co. opened its doors in September of 2021. Started by musician turned winemaker Robert Gomez and his family, the winery focuses on producing wines that are both expressive and representative of the region’s terroir. Hoquetus, a musical method where vocal parts alternate to create a single melody, speaks to Gomez’s musical approach to winemaking, where the ingredients are carefully composed to create a melodious pour.

Runway Market : Located in the airport district of Walla Walla’s wine region, Runway Market is a sparkling wine bar serving up local bubbles. The Market serves an assortment of food options, including picnic boxes, paninis, flatbread pizza, and various other grab-and-go options. All tastings include complimentary gourmet popcorn. Cathy Bay and her husband opened Runway Market in 2021 with the hopes of being a stop for not only bubbles and food, but laughter and celebration.

SPECIALTY, ACTIVITIES & OTHER
Showroom at Colville: The Showroom on Colville was built in the 1930s as a showroom for auto sales in the center of downtown Walla Walla. In October of 2019, the Showroom on Colville underwent extensive renovations which unveiled the beautiful bones of the structure, and from there the story began to blossom. A corner of downtown Walla Walla honors local history to gather and celebrate the community with local-centric artisans and purveyors. Shops include TMACS, The Market by Andy’s, Wildlings Co. kids boutique, and many more.

Walla Walla General Store: A new home, kitchen & gift store founded by Jean Bender and Peggy Frasse. The store opened to locals & visitors alike on May 6, 2021. From small delights, such as penny cent candy to homewares from makers such as Simon Pierce, Walter G textiles, Riedel and Staub – there is something for everyone at the Walla Walla General Store. Much more than just a retail space, co-founders Jean & Peggy envision the store as a space for community. Following a successful summer Art Series, resident Allison Palmer will host a continuation of “Make for Joy” there this fall. Weekly Monday-Wednesday classes will begin in September, and continue through December.

Walla Walla Brews Cruise : Walla Walla is known for wine, but it’s also home to plentiful craft beer and cider. Alongside thousands of acres of vineyards are century-old wheat fields and orchards stretching across the valley. Generations of wheat farmers have made their home in Walla Walla and now support a growing community of brewers. Walla Walla Brews Cruise tours are knowledge-based tours where you will learn about the process of brewing beers and crafting cider, with a guided discussion of varying styles of alcohol.

Foodscape Walla Walla : Foodscape could technically be described as an online grocer, but it’s so much more. It’s a place to acquire food, talk about food, or gather meaning from food. It was started by Hannah MacDonald, a longtime chef, local, and significant influencer on the Walla Walla food scene over the past decade. Foodscape highlights the area’s bounty, from food to all the agriculture offerings: produce, meat, and seafood. They also directly import hundreds of spices from all over the world, as well as other specialty products like olive oil, seafood, and vinegar. Foodscapes give locals and visitors alike the tools that they need to cook any cuisine under the sun.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines’ daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION’S BOUDIN BOURBON AND BEER GOES “BACK-TO-THE-TABLE”

September 8, 2021 by evebushman

NEW ORLEANS, LA—The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has announced that it will bring Boudin, Bourbon and Beer “Back-to-the-Table” in 2021. In response to the devastating impact the pandemic had on the hospitality industry, the organization has chosen to forego its traditional festival format and celebrate at individual restaurants during the month of November.

“While our industry is still struggling, we are excited to be able to encourage our loyal Boudin, Bourbon & Beer patrons to dine out during November to provide support to our restaurants and sponsors,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing generosity the restaurant community has provided over the last ten years in raising awareness of our mission to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential.”

The “Back-to-the-Table” event will include restaurants across New Orleans that will craft special boudin dishes and feature Abita Beer and cocktails from Buffalo Trace and Sazerac brands. Chefs confirmed to date, include Frank Brigtsen, Adolfo Garcia, Donald Link, Susan Spicer, Stephen Stryjewski, as well as Atchafalaya Restaurant. Additional chef and restaurant participants will be announced as they are confirmed.

In addition to the “Back-to-the-Table” dining campaign, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation will continue the mentorship components of Boudin, Bourbon & Beer through a special internship program. Participating restaurants will welcome student mentees from program beneficiaries into the kitchen for an unmatched learning opportunity.

The Foundation has distributed $15.5 million to date, focusing on children’s education programs and funding to support basic childhood needs. As part of its mission, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation created a signature program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen. This national education initiative integrates gardening and cooking concepts in elementary and middle school curriculums. This one-of-a-kind program offers an engaging experience that connects kids to the world of food and nurtures skills that benefit them not only in the kitchen but also throughout life. Currently, there are three kitchens in operation, with one to be completed in September and a fifth in 2022.

About Emeril Lagasse Foundation: Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. For more information visit emeril.org.

MASTERS OF TASTE RETURNS – The Fifth Annual Masters of Taste Returns Sunday April 3, 2022

September 1, 2021 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!

Chef Vanda Asapahu, Photo credit: Masters of Taste

Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5^th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asapahu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing Bangkok’s street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine, and in May of 2019 Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of MICHELIN Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

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

Masters of Taste 2019 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2022 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness, rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the return of the fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2022 will take place on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, and this is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, August 1^st, 2021. For more information on Masters of Taste 2022, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

Eve Reviews: MADE IN CALIFORNIA, The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food and Restaurants that Changed America

August 27, 2021 by evebushman

So excited when George Geary’s book, MADE IN CALIFORNIA: The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food and Restaurants that Changed America arrived in the mail! Why? Because back in 2016 I really enjoyed reading and reviewing his book, L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants, and knew I would learn some amazing history while being treated to archival photographs and restaurant secrets from this new volume!

An even more special treat, the new book came signed by the author! After the signed page I read the dedication on the next, “To my father George L. Geary, who taught me at the age of six to eat a Foster’s Freeze chocolate-dipped cone without messing my shirt.” Ah, don’t think I learned that one!

Now, let’s get into the book! This time I traveled down “Memory Lane” with inside glimpses of:

– See’s Candies: Learned that besides the free samples, they had been one of the first to start international delivery, and while in California where the brand began, one man took it upon himself to do deliveries too – via his motorcycle and in a chauffeur’s uniform. And yes, the famous chocolate shop Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance learned how to make chocolate at, for the infamous scene in an episode of I Love Lucy, was a See’s shop.

– Clifton’s Cafeteria: Before my single mom took us there for the “Turkey Dinner” during Thanksgiving it served many people during the depression for free, had a “pay what you can afford” plan and opened up a “Penny Cafeteria” as well. Later, during the 1940’s they set up a restaurant training school, and after 13 weeks found jobs for their students.

– Foster’s Freeze: The Hawthorne shop location was near where the Beach Boys lived and their song, “Fun, Fun, Fun” pays homage to them with the line, “She cruised through the hamburger stand now.” And I learned that nowadays there are 163 El Pollo Loco restaurants also offering their soft serve.

– Love’s Wood Pit Barbeque: No idea this old favorite haunt of mine on Ventura Blvd. had won a Gold Medal for their BBQ in the California State Fair, the BBQ beans recipe is still a secret held by the Love family, and that all of the locations have closed. If you want a taste of Love’s, Geary reports, try the internet.

– El Torito: Did you know that the name means Little Bull? I didn’t! The restaurant is credited for making the frozen Margarita popular, and buying more tequila to make them than any other restaurant – something else I didn’t know. Many stars visited the location in Toluca Lake, including John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Lana Turner. Glen Bell, of Taco Bell fame, was known to have watched over El Torito as he was planning his own large venture into Mexican dining. Mexican immigrants, counting for most of their staff, train for nine days before hitting the floor and were offered college courses – paid for by restaurant owner Larry Cano – to further their restaurant careers.

– Pup N’ Taco: One of the first fast food joints to offer diet sodas, grape and cherry slushes that were my favorite, along with prices a kid could afford for an afternoon snack in the 1970’s: my favorites, the Chili Dog and Taco, were .29 each! But by 1986 all but three of the locations were bought by Pepsi Co. and had been transformed into Taco Bells. And my favorites were off the menu.

– There are so many more California restaurants in the book that will take you on your own trip down Memory Lane, but I give you no more teasers! Get any more information that you may need below and get your own tasty copy!

Details From the Publisher
“George Geary’s Made in California takes you on a delightful journey down memory lane. It’s a must-read guide for anyone who loves history, food, and California’s culture of innovation. Fortunately, you can still visit many of these iconic locations, so plan your road trip now!”

— LINDA DISHMAN, president and CEO, Los Angeles Conservancy

Made in California Takes Readers on a Delightful Journey of the Restaurants and Diners That Became American Icons

Los Angeles, CA — A&W Root Beer. Foster’s Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See’s Candy. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. But what are their origin stories? Who started the very first branch? Where were the original buildings? What made them famous? And for the few that are no longer around, or that have a smaller footprint than they had in their glory days, what happened to them?

Food historian and chef George Geary answers these questions and more as he takes readers on a sentimental journey of some of America’s most iconic foods in his new book, Made in California: The Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants that Changed America.

Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from Bob’s Big Boy to McDonald’s, Winchell’s Donuts to In-N-Out, Peet’s Coffee to Taco Bell. Filled with over 200 historic and contemporary photos, Geary succinctly captures the stories of these essential businesses and structures before they are gone forever.

“In my earlier years as a food writer and professional, I would never have admitted to anyone that I actually eat at these establishments,” Geary says. “But after seeing Julia Child eat McDonald’s French fries in person and say that they were her favorite, and after hearing Anthony Bourdain claim that In-N-Out Burger was the best burger around, I knew that I, too, could come out of my kitchen and into the drive-thru. Now I get to celebrate these places in this book.”

Made in California covers such iconic food establishments such as:
–   Shakey’s Pizza Parlor
–   The Brown Derby
–   The International House of Pancakes (IHOP)
–   See’s Candies
–   Orange Julius
–   Marie Callender Pie Shop (Marie Callender’s)
–   The Blimp (Carl’s Jr.)
–   Hamburger Hamlet
–   Burt’s/Snowbird Ice Cream (Baskin-Robbins)
–   Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakery (Van de Kamp’s)
–   And many, many more

“In Made in California, George cranks back the time machine to reveal the local origins of foods known around the world, like the McDonald’s cheeseburger or the all-night menu at Denny’s, as well as classics like the Double Cream Lemon Pie at Marie Callender’s, which have remained only-in-California favorites. We find out how the International House of Pancakes went from one modest coffee shop in Burbank to serving up flapjacks from Guatemala to Kuwait.” Chris Nichols, senior editor at Los Angeles magazine.

“This delicious book serves up more than a feast of information—it’s food for the soul of anyone who is hungry for the back stories and glories of California’s classic cuisine, iconic kitchens, famous flavors, and tastiest landmarks.” Charles Phoenix, author of Addicted to Americana and Holiday Jubilee.

Forward by Chris Nichols, senior editor at Los Angeles magazine
Prospect Park Books/An Imprint of Turner Publishing
August 2021/Hardcover/$40.00
ISBN: 978-1-945551-91-8 / Ebook ISBN: 9781945551925

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Geary is an award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator. A former pastry chef for the Walt Disney Company, George is a Certified Culinary Professional, and was awarded as the Culinary Educator of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. He is perhaps best known for creating all the cheesecakes for The Golden Girls and other top-rated television programs.

George served as a casting judge for ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain, The American Baking Competition with Jeff Foxworthy, Hell’s Kitchen, Supermarket Superstar, and many other popular television food shows.

For over thirty years, Geary has been a culinary contest judge for such major food manufacturers as Canola Producers, Veg-All, Hormel Foods, the Hershey Company, Knott’s Berry Farm Foods, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Fleischmann’s Yeast, the San Diego Union Tribune, ABC News, and many more. From 1982 to 2010, George was the culinary coordinator of the Los Angeles County Fair. He was also a popular guest chef on board the Holland America Line’s ships, sailing to over 118 countries and every continent.

George is the author of L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State & County Fairs, as well as eleven cookbooks including The Cheesecake Bible, The Complete Baking Cookbook, and 500 Best Sauces, Salad Dressings, Marinades & More. He is a frequent guest on national and local television and lives in the Greater Los Angeles area. For more information visit his website, www.GeorgeGeary.com.

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

Brännland Cider awarded IWSCs inaugural ice cider trophy

August 16, 2021 by evebushman

At IWSC:s inaugural international judging for cider produced as wine from 100% apple juice Brännland Cider won a number of medals, out of which five gold, in the class “Ice Cider – naturally cold produced”. The ice cider judged as the best in the entered field, taking home the class trophy, was Brännland Iscider Barrique 2013. The jury gave it 97 points and wrote:

”Aromatic and giving on the nose. The palate is elegant yet rich with fresh walnuts, spicy nutmeg and cinnamon wrapped around caramelised oranges and orange peel. This is so well balanced with great acidity. Complex example with depth and a long finish.”

Andreas Sundgren, founder, Brännland Cider,

“We made the decision a few years ago to stop competing but when we heard about the IWSC initiative this spring we felt the time had come for an exception. The IWSC puts its focus on judging rather than competition which strengthens an entire field of producers and they have, as the first organisation in Europe, split the ice cider class into two categories, differentiating between ice cider produced using natural cold and ice cider produced by other means, in line with the AOC in the country of origin. IWSC:s global position together with a strong jury made it impossible not to participate. We are honored and happy to have won these medals and to be a part of this historic initiative by the IWSC.”

Brännland Cider’s ice ciders are available in a number of international markets.

About Brännland Cider

Brännland Cider was founded a decade ago with the vision of creating a world class sweet wine using Swedish apples only and guided by the same principles as the greatest sweet wine producers around the world. In its ten years of existence the company has taken place in some of the world’s best restaurants to be served alongside legends like Yquem and Müller.

The company, situated on latitude 63 at par with Iceland, Greenland and Alaska, focuses entirely on ice cider, a sweet dessert wine born in the early 1990s in Quebec, Canada. The light warm summers and cold winters of the sub-arctic are ideally suited to produce ice cider. Parallel to developing European ice cider Brännland Cider are establishing the world’s northern most apple orchards.

The vision is a singular ice cider born out of singular and unique terroir. A truly Nordic terroir that can grow and develop for a century and beyond and rival the finest wine making regions in the world.

About the IWSC

With over 50 years of experience, the IWSC, or Club Oenologique as it was called back in 1969, was the first official wine and spirit competition.
The IWSC is proud to set the international benchmark for quality, standing out in the crowded world of drinks awards with hundreds of global experts.
IWSC judges consist of a mix of wine and spirit experts, such as leading sommeliers, Master of Wines and Master Sommeliers, and distillers from across the globe.
The IWSC is the go-to platform for having your wines or spirits tasted and reviewed by leading decision-makers from both the off- and on-trades, as well as by key influencers.
Whether you are looking for new distribution channels, local or global exposure, product benchmarking, greater brand awareness or simply expert feedback, the IWSC is there for you.

Brännland Cider produces ice cider using 100% Swedish apples for a national and international market. The company’s first vintage, an ice cider produced in the Swedish county of Västerbotten, not far from the arctic circle, using Swedish apples in adherence to the denomination set in the country of origin of ice cider, Canada, was released in 2012.

SANTA ROSA BUSINESS AND VISITOR INDUSTRIES THRIVE AMID PANDEMIC RECOVERY, WITH MORE THAN 25 NEW OFFERINGS AS CALIFORNIA FULLY REOPENS ECONOMY

July 26, 2021 by evebushman

(SANTA ROSA, Calif.) — With new and expanded air service, a growing portfolio of new or completely renovated hotels, and a lengthy list of new restaurants, bars, and other businesses, the timing of the reopening of California’s economy coincides with a welcome resurgence of visitor and tourism-related services in the Sonoma County community of Santa Rosa.

Photo: Rickey Buckets

In total, more than two dozen new, renovated, expanded, or planned businesses now call Santa Rosa home, at a time when many similar projects have been postponed, delayed indefinitely, or altogether shuttered nationwide. Santa Rosa’s hoteliers, restaurateurs, shop owners, wineries, breweries, and activity providers are now eager to show off their new or improved products.

“My hat is off not only to the Santa Rosa businesses that endured the pandemic’s challenges, but also to the many entrepreneurial spirits in our community who doubled down on tourism’s future, and who will not let anything get in the way of their pursuit of the American dream,” said Brad Calkins, Executive Director of Visit Santa Rosa. “Our resolve has been tested before, and each time we emerge stronger, more unified, and ready to welcome visitors back to a wonderful place that we are fortunate to call home.”

Following is a list of the new, renovated, or expanded businesses and services that have sprung up in Santa Rosa in recent months, or plan to do so in the coming months:

AIR SERVICE

Avelo Airlines – The inaugural Flight from America’s first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years — Avelo Airlines — touched down at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport on April 28. Avelo offers daily non-stop service between LA’s iconic Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Santa Rosa (STS), the gateway to wine country.

Alaska Airlines – Alaska Airlines has increased its service and commitment to Santa Rosa/Sonoma County with more nonstop flights. Starting June 1, the airline added daily nonstop service between Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and Burbank. On Sept. 8, Alaska will add additional flights to both Orange County and San Diego. With the additional flight, the airline will have 13 peak day nonstop flights to six destinations from Sonoma County.

LODGING

AC Hotel by Marriott (Opened August 2020) – Located in the historic Railroad Square, the hotel offers a blend of Spanish roots and European style, paired with the authentic urban vibe of Santa Rosa and its surrounding neighborhoods.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (Opened February 2021) – The new La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is a contemporary hotel, located in the heart of Santa Rosa and features include super-fast Wi-Fi, micro and fridge, outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit patio area, oversized fitness center, and a lobby bar.

Flamingo Resort (Remodel completed June 2021) – The Flamingo Resort is a mid-century marvel and was the place to see and be seen in Santa Rosa of the late 1950s. Patterned after the horizontal glass and stone design of Las Vegas’ Flamingo, wings of rooms fanned out from a resort-size pool and manicured gardens, all topped by a big, pink bird revolving atop a landmark 50-foot tower. The buildings, rendered with natural materials and iconic angular silhouettes, are the work of master architect Homer A. Rissman and were declared a Historic Landmark in 1996. Fully remodeled in 2021 the 10-acre campus includes 170 sanctuary rooms, a year-round heated pool, hot tub, ice bucket shower, full-service fitness center, Pilates and cycling studio, tennis courts, lap pool and spa.

Holiday Inn Express Santa Rosa North (Remodel completed June 2021) – Following a seven-month closure for a complete remodel, the property recently reopened under the Holiday Inn Express brand. The top-to-bottom remodel included all guest rooms, public areas, and the outdoor pool where they have added grills and fire pits for the year-round wine country experience.

Art House Hotel (Opening August 2021) – The 36-room Art House Hotel, built in a sleek modern design and appointed in serene neutral tones, offers a sophisticated stay, designed as a city sanctuary, and just steps away from the heart of downtown action. Its prime location, two blocks off historic Courthouse Square, makes for the perfect launch point to Sonoma County’s spectacular wine country, redwoods, and coastline or just relaxing in our Art Gallery Lounge. Choose from a Classic King Room with your own private balcony, Urban Escape Studio designed for chic city life or a Glassy, expansive, intimate and evocative Apartment Suite that offers appointed living rooms, boasts a queen sofa sleeper, fully appointed kitchens and dining tables that make dining in a tempting option.

RESTAURANTS & BARS – NEW IN 2021

Warike Restobar – Warike Restobar was born in the search for the perfect pairing between Peruvian cuisine and the best product obtained in the California waters. Three family partners with Latin roots: Luigi, Kevin, and Gustavo bring the concepts of the true cevicheria and Peruvian restaurants to downtown Santa Rosa. From the same family as Ayawaska in Petaluma and Novato.

La Fondita – Roseland’s iconic La Fondita restaurant is expanding to downtown Santa Rosa. Known for more than 20 years for authentic, affordable Mexican cuisine, the downtown location will be the third for owner Maria Elena Reyes. Elena Maria Reyes started her food business in 1996 with an old food truck she and her husband financed by selling their cars and asking her grandmother for a few thousand dollars in start-up money.

Falafel Hut 2 – Owner Mohamed Shawa opened his first restaurant, Falafel Hut, in 2006 with his father in San Rafael. Since then, he’s been serving up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine reminiscent of his Palestinian heritage — shawarma, kebabs, gyros, and, of course, falafel. His recipes, inspired by his mother’s cooking, come straight from Palestine, a place he’s visited for long stretches of time over the years, and where his cousin has been a chef for thirty years. Now, he’s going into business with his cousin, Asem Alshawwa, to open Falafel Hut’s sister restaurant, Falafel Hut 2 in Santa Rosa.

Nothing Bundt Cake – Founders Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz started out making cakes for their friends and family and the cakes they made were delicious, unlike anything anyone had tasted and as a result, the side project turned into something more. Local owners Jan and Waverly are a mother and daughter team. Jan’s bakery in Arizona has won best dessert/bakery in the Phoenix East Valley for the past three years and Waverly is currently the chairwoman of the Healdsburg Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

Sushi Rosa – From the same family as the popular Otoro Sushi in Healdsburg comes Sushi Rosa, which recently opened in downtown Santa Rosa. Like their sister restaurant, Sushi Rosa specializes in traditional Japanese cuisine with a touch of California flavor, and features the freshest, highest quality fish daily.

3 Disciples Brewing (Relocated brewing facility to Santa Rosa) – 3 Disciples Brewing is the result of the perfect balance that three partners, James, Matt, and Luke have created. Determined to never cut corners, and to make certain every single batch has all the qualities they desire, or else it never makes it to your glass. We believe in our vision and have prevailed to ensure our followers will also see the light. 3 Disciples Brewing has crossed boundaries and blended style genres, yet we keep our focus on one goal: Innovative Ales.

Grill Santa Rosa (Opened April 2021) – Head founders, Ali Cetin and Berat Ilhan, fuse Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, comforting classics, and west coast flair to craft their seasonal menus including our ever-changing Grill Santa Rosa, a four-course dining experience.

Johnny Donuts (Opened May 2021) – Owner and founder Craig Blum was part of the opening team for the first US Hard Rock Café but then he got the idea of starting a food truck and doughnuts quickly became his calling. In addition to doughnuts, the new shop will serve up Crodoughs, Bismarks, cinnamon rolls, and even vegan doughnuts.

Dolan’s Den (Opened April 2021) – Local owners Derek and Trinh Dolan have always appreciated restaurants and bars, never missing a date night at any one of Trinh’s favorite spots. While working in the corporate world, Trinh would always dream of bartending or cooking up one of her amazing meals for the reward of putting a smile on a stranger’s face. Born in Vietnam and raised as an Air Force brat, Trinh spent her childhood in different countries and was exposed to many different cultures. Her love of cooking might have derived from cooking for her 3 siblings as her parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Derek–born in San Francisco and raised in Sebastopol–always had one foot in the city and one in the country. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his grandpa and great-grandpa and is working as a Local 38 plumber in San Francisco. The thought of a career change often crosses his mind but for now, plumbing is first. Derek spends his free time supporting Trinh’s dream of owning a bar and grill during an unprecedented time of entering the restaurant business.

Crumbl Cookies (Opened April 2021) – Local owners Jim and Moley are successful restaurateurs from Ukiah and their son Chris, and his wife Caley (from Petaluma) decided as a family to jump headfirst into this adventure together. A rotating menu with 120+ specialty cookies are made fresh daily, and they’re baked in an open kitchen for all cookie-lovers to see up close! They are still looking for that quintessential Santa Rosa/Sonoma County cookie to add to their offerings.

Huckleberry’s (Opened January 2021) – Ann Bailey, owner and General Manager is from the Bay Area and has always been a breakfast fan. Ann previously managed other restaurants before diving headfirst into ownership and opening Huckleberry’s in Santa Rosa, where they serve southern cooking with a California twist.

3 ^rd Street Aleworks (Remodeled May 2021) – When the new owners took over in April of 2019, they set out to carry on this winning tradition, and breathing some fresh life into the pub itself. During the pandemic, they took advantage of being closed/outdoor dining, and started a multi-phase remodel. They fully remodeled the bar. Now when you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a marble-like facade and seven brand new TVs, with a 75” digital beer board in the middle, which will double as a TV for the big games!

RESTAURANTS AND BARS – NEW IN 2020

4 ^th Street Social Club (Opened October 2020) – The energetic 30-something first-time restaurateurs Melissa and Chris Matteson hope will make the 4th Street Social Club an instant favorite for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. A longtime gardener using sustainable practices, Melissa is creating health-forward, yet crave-able dishes (including gluten-free options) such as Jacked Up Popcorn Chik’n and Seasonal Sliders (meat-based and vegetarian) based upon the changing bounty of her garden; currently planted with over a dozen varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Multi-flavored signature micheladas and creative, food-friendly cocktails such as About Thai’m utilizing Thai tea will draw on Melissa’s 17 years of experience in the service industry from New York City to San Francisco.

Nimble & Finn’s Homemade Ice Cream (Opened October 2020) – Back in 2012, Jazmin turned her background as a baker and her passion for ice cream into a new career. She named her fledgling business after her two children’s nicknames and started visiting local farmers’ markets with one pushcart freezer filled with old-fashioned artisanal ice cream. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, and Jazmin quickly had more work than she could handle alone so she roped her sister Leandra into the business with promises of endless creamy desserts. They use organic dairy from Straus Creamery, seasonal produce, and housemade jams, cakes, and candy in their inspired takes on classic flavors.

Mi Ranchito Downtown (Opened October 2020) – The Rodriquez family of Cuernavaca, Mexico established the first Cantina in 2008 and it is based on the heritage of the family. They offer the most delicious traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas. When you visit you will discover an ambiance that makes you feel at home, the Mexican-style way.

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar (Opened March 2020) – James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalists Mark and Terri Stark together own and operate six of Sonoma County’s favorite, and most highly rated, restaurants including the newly opened Grossman’s, a New York-style deli, bakery, and bar. The menu features eclectic breakfast dishes, noshes, sandwiches, soups, salads, platters for sharing, nightly specials, dumplings, and desserts based on Jewish cuisine from the East Coast of the US, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Baked goods and cured and smoked fish and meats are made in-house.

Flagship Taproom (Opened June 2020) – Who would have known that five childhood friends would reunite to start a business in their hometown? With backgrounds in restaurant management and entrepreneurship, it only made sense to combine our assets to create the type of place where we would want to work and hang out with friends & family. From pilsners to sours and everything in between, we serve a variety of beer styles to suit every palate. We love our local community and love serving our neighbors, friends, and family.

Land and Water Coffee (Opened June 2020) – Land and Water Coffee is a specialty coffee roasting company in Santa Rosa. All our coffees are ethically and sustainably sourced, and meticulously roasted.

Americana (Opened March 2020) – Samantha & Ryan Ramey are a husband/wife duo with a passion for all things food. Ryan is a classically trained chef and Samantha was raised working in the front-of-house of restaurants. They began their own entrepreneurship as caterers in the Bodega Bay Area before purchasing Estero Cafe In Valley Ford in 2014. Americana is a classic American-style diner located in Historic Railroad Square.

COMING SOON

ACME Burger (Opening July 2021) – Todd’s passion for food began when he assisted his father in the family catering business at 15 years old in Connecticut. He pursued a culinary career at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and completed his apprenticeship on Grand Cayman Island. ACME features Sonoma Mountain Beef (locally raised, hormone and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and grain-finished), Willie Bird (local) turkey burger, the Impossible Burger (plant-based protein), Bodega Bay rock cod, and a comprehensive menu of freshly prepared sides and salads.

Tony’s Galley (Opening July 2021) – Chef and owner Tony Ounpamornchai owner of SEA Thai Bistro and SEA Thai Noodle is opening a new restaurant. Tony’s Galley is a seafood-centric café and will include four versions of the classic East Coast lobster roll sandwich, including Maine Style with chilled mayonnaise, celery and scallions; Connecticut Style featuring lobster poached in clarified butter; Thai Style with tempura-fried lobster in sweet chili aioli, pickled chiles, tobiko (flying fish roe) and green onion and an LGBLT with lobster, garlic butter, bacon, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Sessions Climbing (Broke ground in April 2021) – Local rock climber Kevin Jorgeson, who completed a free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with partners Tommy Caldwell is starting the next adventure. Set to open in early 2022, Sessions Climbing is a 55-foot-high, 23,000-square-foot structure featuring indoor climbing, yoga, and fitness center.

Ruth Asawa Fountain (Scheduled Opening TBD) – Ruth Aiko Asawa was an American sculptor, her works can be seen in San Francisco along with collections at the Guggenheim and the Whitney Museum of American Art. At the dedication of her Santa Rosa fountain in 1987, Asawa was there, wearing a floppy white hat and her very best smile as the joyful crowd celebrated with her as the Santa Rosa sculpture was one of her last large works. The fountain panels depicting Sonoma County life were originally installed as concrete. With the completion of the Courthouse Square project, the next step is to reinstall the fountain with the original, carefully conserved sculptured panels re-cast in bronze. Santa Rosa’s Art in Public Places and the Downtown Action Organization are working on private donations to complete the bronze panels as a tribute to Asawa.

About Santa Rosa, CA:

Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is the urban heart of all there is to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa is the biggest city in Sonoma Wine Country, yet the town’s vibe and charm are as welcoming as a small town. Central to Sonoma County’s 400+ wineries, Santa Rosa is also just 30 minutes from the Pacific Ocean and even closer to California’s majestic redwood trees. Santa Rosa is home to an impressive array of world-class restaurants and craft microbreweries, some of the best cycling routes in the U.S., the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, and Safari West. For more information, or to begin planning a trip to Sonoma County’s Santa Rosa, visit www.visitsantarosa.com.

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance announces Finger Lakes Wine Month Reboot!

July 25, 2021 by evebushman

GENEVA, NY – The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, in partnership with the Wine Trails of Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, Finger Lakes Wine Country, and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, invite you to join in the reboot of FINGER LAKES WINE MONTH this August!

Through specialty tastings and unique experiences at member wineries, virtual tastings and events online, and meetups and happy hours at favorite regional restaurants, the organizations have partnered together to remind the world how great the Finger Lakes wine region and its wines are, and ask the world to celebrate the new and improved Finger Lakes wine region.

“We are very excited about our organizations partnering together for this region-wide promotion,” said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. The sentiment was echoed by Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; “We look forward to increasing the visibility of the Finger Lakes wine region through this collaboration,” she said. “2021 will be the first of many years where we’ll celebrate Finger Lakes Wine Month in August, and we can’t wait to kick it off!”

Participating wineries will be easily identified by flying a FINGER LAKES WINE MONTH flag for the entire month of August. Specials, promotions and events planned for the month will be listed on www.flxwinemonth.com, shared on social media by the participating organizations and wineries, and with the hashtag #flxwinemonth.

###

About the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

Founded in 2004, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to increase the visibility and reputation of the Finger Lakes region, its wines and wineries. The alliance is composed of 32 members and it is guided by a board of directors composed of winery owners and principles from the Finger Lakes AVA. The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance offers a wide range of programs to its members including wine submissions to trade publications and a number of local and national events that increase the visibility of Finger Lakes wines.

With its glacier-sculpted landscapes, ideal microclimates and gifted winegrowers, the Finger Lakes region is home to almost 150 wineries that produce exceptional cool- climate wines and world-class Rieslings. For more information, visit www.fingerlakeswinealliance.com, call (315)563.1480 or connect on Facebook or Instagram.

Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach & Pasadena Welcome Summer with The Return of BURGER WEEK 2021 for 7/11 – 7/17

July 10, 2021 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA | Orange County, CA – Coming together for the second time to welcome summer, Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach and Pasadena unite for the 2^nd Annual Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 11^th, 2021, through Saturday, July 17^th, 2021!

pasaBosscat Kitchen and Libations – Three Burgers.

The 2^nd Annual Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!

“There’s so much to celebrate this summer with the reopening of restaurants to full capacity, so the timing of our annual Burger Week event couldn’t better,” says Pamela Waitt, President of the OC Restaurant Association. “This is a great time for those who have spent the year away from family and friends to make plans to come together for ‘Burgers and Bourbon’ and support their local culinary community.”

The 2^nd Annual Burger Week event will highlight Burgers from local participating restaurants all throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach and Pasadena. During this week-long event from Sunday, July 11^th through Saturday, July 17^th, 2021, diners will be able to explore a variety of Burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring various proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based options, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20 and $25. Many restaurants will also feature Cocktails made with Old Forester Bourbon, Ford’s Gin, Herradura Tequila, and Chambord. The restaurants participating in Burger Week, their Menus, and their featured Cocktails will all be highlighted at BurgerWeek.com.

SOME OF THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES AND PASADENA INCLUDE:

Alondra’s Hot Wings, Pizza, Pasta – Multiple Locations

Eureka! – Multiple Locations

George’s Burger Stand – Los Angeles

M Café – Los Angeles

MFK Modern Filipino Kitchen – Bellflower

Mi Piace – Pasadena

Nomad Eatery – El Segundo

Open Face Food Shop – Los Angeles

Paul Martin’s American Grill – El Segundo

Plants + Animals – Eagle Rock

Proudly Serving – Redondo Beach

The Corner Butcher Shop – La Verne

The Raymond 1886 – Pasadena

Wood & Vine – Hollywood

SOME OF THE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS IN ORANGE COUNTY & LONG BEACH INCLUDE:

17th Street Grill – Tustin

Andrei’s Restaurant – Irvine

Biergarten at Old World – Huntington Beach

Billy’s at the Beach – Newport Beach

Bru Grill & Market – Lake Forest

Burger Daddy – Long Beach

Burgers From Bombay – Irvine

Cambalache – Fountain Valley

Champagnes Bistro & Deli – Newport Beach

Cappy’s Cafe – Newport Beach

Chapter One: the modern local – Santa Ana

El Mercado Modern Cuisine – Santa Ana

Eureka! – Multiple Locations

Falasophy – Irvine

Famous Dave’s BBQ – Irvine

Georgia’s Restaurant – Anaheim & Long Beach

Hangry Belly – Long Beach

Helmsman Ale House – Newport Beach

Hole in the Wall Burger – Lake Forest

Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Hills

Lido Bottle Works – Newport Beach

Luna Rossa – Tustin

Malarky’s Irish Pub – Newport Beach

Meat Up BBQ – Placentia

MFK MODERN FILIPINO KITCHEN – Bellflower

Muldoon’s Irish Pub – Newport Beach

Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Newport Beach

Paul Martin’s American Grill – Irvine

Poppy & Seed – Anaheim

Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Beach

Side Door – Corona del Mar

Slater’s 50/50 – Huntington Beach

Stag Bar + Kitchen – Newport Beach

Stowaway Tiki Bar – Tustin

Strong Water – Anaheim

TAPS Fish House & Brewery – Brea

TAPS Brewery and Barrel Room – Tustin

TAPS Brewery + Kitchen – Yorba Linda

Tavern House kitchen+bar – Newport Beach

The Country Club – Costa Mesa

The Hideaway – Long Beach

The Penalty Box – Garden Grove

The Stache Bar – Long Beach

VBurger – Long Beach

Villa Roma – Laguna Hills

Waterman’s Harbor – Dana Point

Waters Edge Winery – Long Beach

WAVE Gourmet Burgers -Huntington Beach

Whitestone Restaurant & Bar – Dana Point

Wild Goose Tavern – Costa Mesa

Woody’s Wharf – Newport Beach

Sponsors: The 2^ND Annual Burger Week is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors which include Old Forester Bourbon, Ford’s Gin, Herradura Tequila, Chambord, Brandt Beef, Heinz, KFI AM 640’s The Fork Report with Neil Saavedra, Orange Coast Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Greer’s OC, OCfoodies, Moxxe PR and Lawrence Moore & Associates Inc.

General Information: The 2^nd Annual Burger Week will be held from Sunday, July 11^th, 2021, through Saturday, July 18^7h, 2021 throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Pasadena. To learn more about Burger Week or find out about sponsorship opportunities during Burger Week, please visit BurgerWeek.com. To find out more about the Orange County Restaurant Association, please visit OCRestaurantAssociation.org.

Photo Credits:

Burger Week Burger Photo – Courtesy of Burger Week
Burger Week Trio of Burgers – Courtesy of Burger Week
Foodbeast Burger Photo – Courtesy of Foodbeast
Georgia’s Restaurant Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich – acuna-hansen
Mi Piace Black Label Burger – acuna-hansen
Side Door Burger and Cocktail – Anne Watson Photography
The Raymond 1886 – Fried Chicken Sandwich Studios

Please follow Burger Week on Faceboook @BurgerWeekOfficial and Instagram @burgerweek.official

Paso Robles Wine Country’s First Virtual Auction Raises Over $70,000 Paso Wine Fan’s Go Above and Beyond

June 19, 2021 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) has completed the first Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction, which began on Monday, May 10, and concluded on Sunday, May 16. This inaugural online auction supports the PRWCA Foundation, the non-profit organization that gives back through its scholarship program for high school seniors and supports the local community with charitable contributions.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0012.JPG

A total of 23 auction lots, as well as donations, raised $72,000 for the PRWCA Foundation. This weeklong auction saw bids quickly come in for some of the anticipated items, which included the Saxum Current Release Portfolio lot as well as the French Family Affair package at Les Petites Canailles which brings the wine families of Clos Solène, Benom, and L’Aventure to the dinner table. A 3L bottle of PATRIMONY and Estate Experience also generated bidders’ enthusiasm. These top lots received a flurry of bids and achieved the highest totals.

“The popularity of the Paso Robles wine region has been on the rise with wine lovers and critics alike,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This acclaim coupled with the newfound ease and familiarity of virtual experiences created a perfect opportunity for this inaugural auction, which supports our local community.”

Over the six days of the auction, 342 bids took place in pursuit of these carefully curated auction lots by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Collections of wines and unique experiences were collected through generous donations from more than 70 member businesses, including wineries, hotels, transportation providers, restaurateurs, and more.

“This auction’s success was all about the relationships and sense of community shared among the local industry,” said Molly Scott, Chairperson of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Director of Grower Relations for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. “As a wine community, our vintners, growers, and associated businesses live, work, and invest into the local economy and to raise funds that make their way back to support this community we all live in is exceptionally important. As an organization and board, we are happy with how well this first time out went and with the results netted.”

Auction lots garnering the strongest bids at the inaugural Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction include Saxum Current Release Portfolio, A French Family Affair, The PATRIMONY Estate Experience, Turley Wine Cellars Stay, Sixmilebridge | Denner Vineyards Dinner, VIP Booker Experience, Geneseo Retreat, Best of JUSTIN Library, Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Portfolio, Tour of Paso with its Organic Leaders, Sacramento Kings Game and Dinner with Cordant | Nelle, and the San Francisco getaway and dinner at The Battery with J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

The inaugural Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction had bidders and buyers from across the United States, upholding the goals of promoting the Paso Robles wine region to a diverse audience. The net results of the auction far surpassed all expectations, confirming how the wine industry can positively enhance the greater community. These funds will augment not only the scholarship program for high school seniors in northern San Luis Obispo County but also help in other community-oriented initiatives.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade organization that represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third-largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit pasowine.com. Facebook – @PasoRoblesWine, Instagram – @Pasowine, #pasowine.