Friday, February 28, 2014

2/28 HONORE COMFORT, SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS, SUSAN ZIRINSKY, CBS, 48 HOURS, STEVE EVANS

HONORE COMFORT - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS

Honore Comfort, joined the Sonoma County Vintners as Executive Director in 2006.  Formerly with Foster’s Wine Estates, Ms. Comfort brings an extensive background in wine marketing, consumer marketing, and not-for profit management to the organization.  As Group Brand Manager for Luxury Imports for Fosters, Ms. Comfort was responsible for marketing major wine brands to the North American market including Penfolds and Wynn’s along with other boutique luxury brands.  Prior to the merger with Foster’s, she managed the Rosemount Estate brand for Southcorp Wines and was responsible for a 2 million case business in the US, Canada, and Latin America. She started her wine career as Director of Marketing for a small, family owned winery in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley.

Ms. Comfort gained her marketing and advertising expertise while working as Director of Print Media for Macy’s West in San Francisco.  Her career also includes four years as a successful strategic planner and corporate fundraiser for the Art Institute of Chicago, and other non-profit museums and institutions around the United States. Honore has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts Administration both from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of California, Berkeley.  Ms. Comfort lives in Healdsburg with her husband, and together they manage their micro-vineyard of 40 year-old Dry Creek Valley Cabernet.

www.sonomawine.com

Take a look at these beautiful photos! It is definitely a great time of the year to visit Sonoma County!























SUSAN ZIRINSKY - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, “48 HOURS: THE LAST CONFESSION” 

MORE THAN FIVE DECADES AFTER A YOUNG WOMAN WAS MURDERED FOLLOWING A TEXAS CHURCH VISIT,  IS HER FAMILY ANY CLOSER TO SEEING A FORMER PRIEST SUSPECTED IN HER KILLING BROUGHT TO JUSTICE?


Richard Schlesinger and 48 HOURS report on the investigation into the murder of a young woman more than 50 years ago and the efforts family members and police have taken to bring a priest to trial in “The Last Confession” to be broadcast March 1, 2014 (10:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

It’s a case that involves allegations of a cover-up, involves secrets hidden for years by people who say they know what happened, and is one that has again become a hot topic in Hildago County, TX.



STEVE EVANS   "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

2/27 LARRY LIPSON, LAUREN PURCELL, EVERY DAY WITH RACHAEL RAY MAGAZINE, EASY 30 MINUTE MEALS




LARRY LIPSON - COSTA RICA WINE REPORT   

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies. 



LAUREN PURCELL, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF EVERY DAY WITH RACHAEL RAY MAGAZINE 

The editors at Every Day with Rachael Ray know it’s the most important meal of the day. They also know that mornings are chaotic for most families, which is why they’ve picked out some great 30 minute meals for the early hours.

•         Chicken Bagel Sandwiches with Bacon-Walnut Cream Cheese
•         Rachel Hash & Fried Eggs*
•         Black Pepper & Parmesan French Toast w/ Italian Sausage Patties

Ms. Lauren Purcell has been Editor-in-Chief of EveryDay with Rachael Ray magazine at Meredith Corp. since January 9, 2012. Ms. Purcell is responsible for overseeing editorial content for the magazine, published 10 times a year and reaching 7.4 million readers, as well as the robust www.rachaelraymag.com website. She joined EveryDay with Rachael Ray from Self magazine, where she served as Executive Editor. She began her career at Self serving as a Senior Health Editor and held several positions in her tenure with the magazine, including Articles Editor and Deputy Editor. Her career also includes working at leading titles such as Mademoiselle, American Health, and Harper's Bazaar. In addition, She is the co-author of several food and entertaining books including Cocktail Parties, Straight Up! Easy Hors D'oeuvres, Delicious Drinks and Inspired Ideas for Entertaining with Style (John Wiley and Sons), and Secrets to Confident Entertaining, a highly popular digital brand. She has more than 15 years of experience editing lifestyle magazines, coupled with her enthusiasm for space, made her the right person to help grow and steer EveryDay with Rachael Ray into this new and exciting phase of the magazine's evolution. She has an intimate knowledge of American women's lifestyle, food, and entertaining interests, and a vision and understanding on how to reach them across multiple platforms. Ms. Purcell began her new role following the completion of the brand's acquisition by Meredith in October. Ms. Purcell holds a Master's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor's Degree from Duke University.

www.rachaelraymag.com

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

2/26 GIULIANA RANCIC, THE OSCARS, E NEWS, MARY GIULIANI

GIULIANA RANCIC - ENTERTAINMENT EXPERT DISHES ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE OSCARS RED CARPET

Awards season is officially upon us - and all of the excitement is leading up to the Academy Awards. You don't need to be a Hollywood insider to get in on the action. It starts with seeing the season's must-see movies, and now's the perfect time.

Entertainment journalist and television personality Giuliana Rancic has the inside scoop on which Oscar-nominated movies to catch, which stars to watch and the latest on red carpet fashion.

Must-See Movies: With so many movies to see and so little time, it can be overwhelming to get them all in before the Oscars. This season there happens to be an impressive variety of genres, each with gripping performances all their own. Giuliana can recommend a smart approach to getting out to the theater to see nominated films that satisfy a variety of interests.  Fashion Fiends: Award show season just isn't complete without the flurry of new trends that catch the attention of fashion lovers all over. Look out for "it" colors on the red carpet, glamorous hair inspiration and glowing make-up must-haves. Giuliana can share the trends she expects to see and which Golden Globes hit and miss will strike again.

Giuliana Rancic is an entertainment journalist, fashion and beauty expert and television personality with 3 million devoted followers  on Twitter. She is the anchor of E! News, co-star of E!'s hugely popular Fashion Police team and has been on the red carpet for every mega-event in the entertainment industry (Oscars, Grammy Awards, Golden Globes) interviewing the stars and getting breaking Hollywood  scoop as well as fashion tips, diet and fitness advice, travel tips and all things pop culture.


MARY GIULIANI - CELEBRITY CATERER FOR THE STARS GIVES TIPS ON ENTERTAINING AT HOME

Mary Giuliani tells us how we can host our own Oscar Viewing party and have fun night by preparing delicious, easy and classy recipes perfect for the “upscale” night without the price tag!

Caterer to the Stars Mary Giuliani launched Mary Giuliani Catering & Events in 2005, based on a love of entertaining, food and hospitality.  The figurehead of the company, Mary creates parties for the crème de la crème of the art, fashion and entertainment sets.  Her clients look to her to break traditional entertaining norms and instead offer and bring to life party ideas that are one of a kind, out of the box, playful experiences.  She is the exclusive caterer for J.Crew, Madewell and Christie’s Auction House.  Her client roster includes:  The Rolling Stones, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Jerry & Jessica Seinfeld, Stella McCartney, Fendi, Carolina Herrera, Sephora, Time Inc, Conde Nast, Hearst, HBO, Warner Brothers, Weinstein & Co. and many more.

www.MaryGiuliani.com

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

2/25 JESSE VENTURA, OFF THE GRID, EMILY VON EUW, RAWSOME VEGAN BAKING

JESSE VENTURA - NEW ONLINE SHOW “OFF THE GRID”

MONDAY, January 27th marked the premiere of Jesse Ventura's online show “Off The Grid” on Ora. The newest edition to Ora.TV, Jesse Ventura will be hosting Off The Grid from an undisclosed location in Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and broadcasting into what he considers "Occupied America."

"Broadcasting from Mexico gives me a unique perspective about the news because I’m not tainted by what’s going on in the states," says Jesse Ventura, the 38th governor of Minnesota. "I won’t be covering something because every other news network is covering it."

Off The Grid will offer Jesse Ventura's electrifying insight into the nation's most pressing problems as well as unleash the former governor's takes on topics ranging from government hypocrisy, to corporate deception, to current events. It will also feature Ventura in conversation with the world's leading political and cultural minds as well as fellow conspiracy savants.

"The American people deserve to know more about what’s really going on in the world. Justin Bieber has no right to make the news. He isn’t news," says Ventura.  "What’s going on in the Ukraine right now? That’s news. The fact that the company responsible for two chemical spills in West Virginia’s drinking water is trying to skirt out of lawsuits by claiming bankruptcy? That’s news."

For the show's debut, Off The Grid will air Monday through Friday. Episodes will be posted online at 12 pm PST / 3 pm EST at www.ora.tv/OffTheGrid and www.youtube.com/JesseVentura and they will be available for immediate viewing at anytime.

After this week, the show will go to a Tuesday through Friday schedule, with a unique behind-the-scenes blog post on Mondays on http://OffTheGridBlog.ora.tv that includes a written and video component from Jesse Ventura. Facebook and Twitter fans can also chime in by asking Jesse Ventura's opinion on important issues or providing questions for him to ask upcoming guests.

"The news is dumbed down, based solely on ratings, and often isn't even factual because American news networks are occupied by the interests of major corporations," states Jesse Ventura. "My show will be off the grid in the sense that I will be off of the corporate payroll; I won't answer to some guy upstairs, giving me orders on what to report or how to report."

The show's tagline is certainly apropos: "No suits, no censors, no red tape. Just Jesse Ventura as we like him: bold, brazen, and bare knuckled."

Ora.TV also produces Larry King's Larry King Now and Larry King's Politicking; the site's major investor is América Móvil, the Latin American wireless service provider majority owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.


EMILY VON EUW – AUTHOR, RAWSOME VEGAN BAKING : AN UNCOOKBOOK FOR RAW, GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN, BEAUTIFUL AND SINFULLY SWEET COOKIES, CAKES, BARS & CUPCAKES

Vegan and raw cuisine has become increasingly popular over the past few years.  Many have adopted this growing food trend for health reasons or as a personal preference. What people don’t realize is that raw and vegan cuisine has a surprisingly large and versatile array of recipes and dishes that anyone can enjoy - - especially desserts. Now these two popular food trends meet in a unique new baking book.
RAWSOME VEGAN BAKING [Page Street Publishing, March 2014, $19.99 US], by Emily von Euw, the creator of the popular blog This Rawsome Vegan Life, is filled with over 100 creative and delicious raw and vegan sweet treats that are easy to make and beautiful to the eye. Some people think that making raw food recipes requires a lot of expensive equipment.  For her dessert recipes Emily says the most important piece of equipment needed is a good-quality food processor.
Whether a vegan, vegetarian, raw foodie, or even a meat-eater looking for healthy alternatives to favorite treats, everyone will enjoy Emily’s eye-catching recipes!

About the Author
Emily von Euw is the creator of the blog This Rawsome Vegan Life, winner of The Vegan Woman's 2013 Vegan Food Blog Award and named one of the Top 50 Raw Food Blogs of 2012 by the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.  Her blog gets over 500,000 page views a month. To learn more about her visit, www.ThisRawsomeVeganLife.com.

Monday, February 24, 2014

2/24 MAUREEN PETROSKY, GINGER MAUNEY, NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD

MAUREEN PETROSKY - CELEBRITY CHEF AND AUTHOR SHARES TIPS TO MAKE YOUR AWARD SHOW WATCHING PARTY THE BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT!

Maureen Petrosky, professional chef, author and lifestyle expert, featured on CNN, The Today Show, Food Network, Fox News Channel, and NPR. Celebrity Chef and Author Shares Tips to Make Your Award Show Watching Party the Biggest Win of the Night!

Background:
The glitz.  The glamour.  The camera-stealing, Jennifer Lawrence red carpet antics.  For any movie buff, this is the most exciting time of the year.  Celebrities come out in droves looking their best on the red carpet.  Movies from every genre vie for the most celebrated award in entertainment.  The host brings out their very best jokes and presentations to make sure even the surliest audience member is enjoying themselves – whether they are at the show in person or watching from home.

For chef and entertaining expert Maureen Petrosky, this is also the best time to throw a party! With such a fun, yet glamorous feel, the awards show provides hosts with the perfect theme.  She is available on Monday, February 24th for live interviews to share tips on how to throw the most award-winning party on the block!

MORE ABOUT MAUREEN PETROSKY
Maureen Petrosky is a professional chef, author and Lifestyle expert.   Since 2001, Maureen has made regular television appearances as a food and wine expert conducting segments relating to hot topics in the culinary industry.   Maureen has appeared numerous times on NBC's The TODAY Show, CNN, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, the Food Network , and the broadcast network affiliates across the country, representing her own projects as well as appearing as an on-air spokesperson for Better Homes and Gardens, and as a Contributing Editor for Bon Appétit magazine.  Most recently Maureen has appeared as a judge for Food Network's Iron Chef America.  Maureen has also been featured on numerous radio programs and is the featured Wine Expert for "A Chef's Table" on National Public Radio.   Maureen has most recently completed her first solo lifestyle book, The Wine Club, A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends.  The book includes her best recipes as well as wine and entertainment tips.   She has contributed as a freelance writer covering food, wine, travel, and restaurant criticism for CNN Interactive, Bon Appétit, Wiesner Publications, vinesugar.com, vino.com, Newcomer Magazine, and The Wine Report.   Currently, she has a regular wine column in NJ Life Magazine and most recently has been writing for Scripps Networks Inc.'s FoodNetwork.com and FineLiving.com.  


GINGER MAUNEY - AUTHOR AND NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Author and Namibia Tourism Board Representative Ginger Mauney is here to chat about the land of Endless Horizons and its unique culinary experiences.  

With the destination recently ranked #6 on The New York Times’ “52 Places To Go in 2014” list, Namibia’s star is on the rise.

Taste of Namibia - culinary backgrounder
Namibia’s culinary fare is largely influenced by German and South African cuisine, and more recently by Angolan/Portuguese traditions. Built on beer, braaivleis (barbequed meat) and bakeries, Namibian cooking offers much to savor – even more so for adventurous travelling gourmands prepared to sample a wealth of traditional indigenous dishes and ingredients.

Traditionally a meat-eating nation, in recent times Namibia’s food industry has grown to support a number of products that would have been thought unlikely to succeed if considered twenty years ago. Namibia now produces a wide range of fruit and vegetables, seafood and sweet and savoury confectionary. In the past few decades, distances have become much shorter in Namibia and small communities bigger and less isolated. Nevertheless, Namibians still cling to the foods that have helped shape their identify, such as the dried and smoked meats that lasted long, hot seasons, wild fruits that provided important vitamins and jams and preserves that made the most of short periods of abundance.

ABOUT THE NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD
With the mandate of promoting tourism both nationally and internationally, ensuring the quality of accommodations and other tourist facilities, and developing environmentally sustainable travel practices, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) was formed by an act of Parliament in April, 2001. It brings together both the private and public sectors and is the only national body devoted entirely to implementing the national policy on tourism. The NTB’s domestic and international offices provide custom-tailored services to the members of the travel trade. www.namibiatourism.com.na

Friday, February 21, 2014

2/21 JIM FOX, LA KINGS, SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SOUTH BAY EVENT, STEVE EVANS

JIM FOX – TV ANALYST, KING CARE FOUNDATION & LA KINGS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SOUTH BAY EVENT

TICKETS TO SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SOUTH BAY EVENT NOW ON SALE! Only 250 Tickets Being Sold For Event Set For March 1 At Manhattan Country Club

Tickets to the sixth annual Taste Of  The South Bay event, presented by Hush Hush and the LA Kings, is now on sale.  The event will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Manhattan Country Club (1330 Parkway Ave. in Manhattan Beach).  Current Kings players and members of the LA Kings Alumni Association Presented By Toyota will be on hand to mingle with guests.

Participating restaurants include:
Ayara Thai Cuisine
BREWCO
Cake Bakeshop
Circa
Darren’s Restaurant
OOMA Kitchen
El Gringo
Fantastic Cappuccino
Fresh Brothers
Lido di Manhattan
Manhattan Country Club
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Pitfire Artisan Pizza
Paul Martin’s American Grill
ROCK ‘N FISH
Rok Sushi Kitchen
Salt Creek Grille
Sesame Moe’s
Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ
Tin Roof Bistro
The Rockefeller
The Strand House

Tickets start at $100 ($125 at the door) with proceeds benefiting the Kings Care Foundation.  For more information visit lakings.com/taste or call 310-535-4466.

The Kings Care Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for youth throughout Greater Los Angeles.  Since its inception in 1996 the Kings Care Foundation has donated more than $6 million in monetary and in-kind support to the local community.


STEVE EVANS   "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

2/20 Louise Roe, Fashion Star, Chef Claud Beltran, Pasadena Grand Pinot Fest,

LOUISE ROE  - TV HOST AND FASHION JOURNALIST SHARES TIPS & SECRETS ON HOW TO GET READY FOR A PARTY

It takes skill to look effortless and time to look timeless. Men may wonder why it takes women so long to get ready but every woman knows exactly why: getting ready for an event IS an event. Fashion Expert and TV host, Louise Roe, is the master of the event before the event and she’s opening her closet and sharing her secrets.

About Louise Roe: Louise Roe is a TV host and fashion journalist who is currently the host of NBC’s hit competition show, Fashion Star. She also fronts Plain Jane on MTV International, a reality makeover show which airs in 66 countries. In 2013, it was announced that she will also co-host Style network’s first ever LIVE show, Pop Style.Roe has contributed to and been featured in numerous publications, including Glamour magazine (where she served as Fashion Editor at Large), Us Weekly, People StyleWatch, Vogue.com, In Style UK, Elle UK, Cosmopolitan UK, Lucky, Mens Health UK, Huffington Post, and StylistPick, among others. Born in the UK but based in LA, she was a host on VogueTV, BBC’s documentary Addicted to Boob Jobs and long-standing style series The Clothes Show, before moving stateside four years ago.Roe is a regular fashion correspondent on the red carpet during awards season. She co-hosted Access Hollywood’s Golden Globes and Oscars coverage this year, ABC’s live pre-Oscars show in 2012, (a show that drew an audience of over 30m viewers), and also the red carpet at MTV International’s Movie Awards, VMA’s and EMA’s for two years running. Additionally, she co-hosted E!’s live coverage of the Royal Wedding. As a cast member of MTV’s The City, Roe put her fashion journalism skills to use, hosting trend videos and designer interviews for Elle.com. She has fronted modeling campaigns for Adidas, Italian fashion label Hogan, Reiss and Bloomingdales, and has appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model, E!’s Chelsea Lately, NBC’s The Nate Berkus Show, GMTV, Project Catwalk, Style Network’s How Do I Look, 10 Things I Hate About Me, and Make Me a Supermodel. Louise launched her namesake clothing line for retail giant HSN, designed to flatter women’s curves, no matter their shape or size. Additionally, she designs a successful shoes and accessories line for European online retailer StylistPick.com. Roe has worked as an ambassador for global brands including Maybelline, Express, Range Rover, Chandon, Macy’s, Marks&Spencer, Gap’s Piperlime, Bebe, Sears, Alfa Romeo and Littlewoods (the UK’s third largest online retailer). She fronts MTV’s ‘Bullied’, a campaign to stop bullying in schools across the globe. She also supports the charity Dressed For Success, and is an honorary fellow at Southhampton’s Solent University where she lectures fashion students twice a year.

www.louiseroe.com


CHEF CLAUD BELTRAN- 2014 GRAND PINOT FEST SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH, 12 PM -5 PM

The Pasadena Grand Pinot fest will give attendees a chance to sip on several different Pinots; 60, in fact, from vendors from all over the country. This year, the annual event will be held at Noor, a luxurious event space on the Paseo Colorado shopping center rooftop, the event includes live music from contemporary jazz singer Michael Lington and food from Chef Claud Beltran of Claud & Co and The Eatery.

Michael Lington has performed all over the world and VIP ticket gets you the opportunity to see him up close and personal on the outside patio and a “Meet and Greet” after the performance. Chef Claud is a local of the area and has worked for many of Los Angeles’ top chefs and restaurants before opening up his own places in the city. He has been part of the Pasadena Grand Pinot Fest in years past as well.
About Chef Claud Beltran - Passion, commitment to excellence, integrity, humor and a sense of adventure - these words sum up Claud Beltran. Growing up in Los Angeles, Claud was always fascinated with food. Cooking his first meal of pancakes and eggs at age five. Working the line with Master Chef Thomas Keller, Claud gained experience with the best of the best - produce, meats and poultry, caviars and specialty products - with a menu that changed daily. His efforts were recognized as he moved from prep cook through the ranks to sous chef.

As Keller moved on, Claud later rejoined Keller as sous chef and manager at Evo (olive oil) Company and at the Beverly Hills Wine Merchant (private dinners) and catering. Celebrity chefs were being made and Keller was at the top of the list. The wine dinners gave Claud a chance to experiment and create dishes not possible in a hotel restaurant setting. When Keller moved on to another adventure, Claud was offered the position executive chef at Pasadena's premier caterer Barbara West. Barbara West founded her Pasadena restaurant Dickenson West. Claud received rave reviews for his cuisine from the Los Angeles Times and others, including a "top 50" food ranking from Zagat's. Claud moved on to various restaurants, such as Pasadena Playhouse, Warner Brothers Studios, Restaurant Halie, Madeline’s all with mentionable reviews. This enabled Claud to explore new ideas with food and wine. Claud is currently co-owner and chef at The Eatery in Pasadena.

www.pasadenagrandpinotfest.com
www.claudandco.com
www.eateryonallen.com

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

2/19 CHEF RAYMOND NICASIO, FREDDIE SCONFIENZA, 2014 STARMIXOLOGIST AND HOTCHEF COMPETITION, STEVEN MASLEY, 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP

CHEF RAY NICASIO & MIXOLOGIST FRED SCONFIENZA - FINALISTS IN THE UPCOMING 2014 STARMIXOLOGIST & HOTCHEF COMPETITION

Two of Hawaii’s finest in the field of food & beverage have made it as finalists in the upcoming 2014 star Mixologist and HOTChef competition.  Now in its third year, this exciting event allows accomplished Starwood culinarians and bartender mixologists to showcase their talents through an interactive and competitive environment. Of the five finalists, executive sous chef Raymond Nicasio represents Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa at the HOTChef competition while bartender Freddie Sconfienza at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa will return as a finalist to defend his 2013 win. Organized by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, over 2,000 attendees including general managers, directors of sales & marketing and senior leadership from properties and corporate offices of the company’s North America division will cast votes for winners in the respective categories at the annual 2014 Sales Kickoff in San Diego later this month.

Voting is now open for the 2014 HOTchef and starMixologist competition!  Please click the link below to be directed to the voting website where you will vote for your top three favorite food items and cocktails. Last year we got top 4, this year we're hoping to take home the gold! Show your pride and vote today!

Follow this link to vote: www.starwoodpromos.com/hotchefstarmixologist
You only get 3 votes per competition (i.e. 3 votes for HOT Chef and 3 votes for Star Mixologist)


STEVEN MASLEY, MD – AUTHOR OF 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP

In THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP Dr. Masley will first help you to determine your heart health. He will then take you step-by-step through a program to tune up your heart, energy, waistline, and sex life.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of Americans today, and while most doctors focus on lowering cholesterol and blood pressure they are overlooking the real culprit: growth of arterial plaque.

Cholesterol-reducing statins treat some signs of heart disease, but not the most common cause of arterial plaque growth. Studies now show that the dramatic increase in pre diabetes, obesity, and the overuse of sugar and trans fat cause most heart disease. Dr. Masley explains the new state-of-the art tests available that can show arterial plaque growth at a much earlier stage-and what steps you can take to actually stop and reverse the growth.

The good news is that everyone-regardless of size, genetics, gender, or age-can treat arterial plaque and prevent heart attacks and strokes with THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP. The keys to the program are shrinking arterial plaque, improving circulation, and strengthening your heartbeat using these tools:

THE 30-DAY HEART TUNE-UP program is easy, fast, and could even be called sexy. Dr. Masley devotes a chapter to showing how improving heart health enhances sex drive and function in both men and women.

Dr. Masley is a fellow with the American Heart Association, the American College of Nutrition, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is also a health researcher, speaker, author, and trained chef. Over the past fifteen years, he has won acclaim for helping hundreds of patients reverse Type II diabetes and eliminate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Currently, he is the President for the Masley Optimal Health Center, the medical director for the Ten Years Younger Program, and has a clinical appointment with the University of South Florida. He is also an instructor for the Lasting Leadership training at Eckerd College and at the Center for Leadership with Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

2/18 DEBORAH CAHN, NAVARRO VINEYARDS, FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA, CARL & JHOANE ROBINSON, FOODS AND SPICES THAT BUILD A HEALTHIER HEART

DEBORAH CAHN - NAVARRO VINEYARDS - FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA

Deborah Cahn is one of the winemakers that will be in attendance at the Family Winemakers of California Pasadena Tasting on Sunday, March 9. Deborah, of Navarro Vineyards, will provide details on the Family Winemakers of California Pasadena Tasting, as well as give a preview of the wines that Navarro Vineyards will be pouring at the tasting.

ABOUT Navarro Vineyards: Our family has been growing grapes, making wine and producing non-alcoholic grape juices in the Anderson Valley in coastal Mendocino since 1974. Since we are small, you probably will not find our wine in your local store. The majority of our production is sold directly.

www.familywinemakers.org
www.navarrowine.com


CARL & JHOANE ROBINSON - FOODS AND SPICES THAT BUILD A HEALTHIER HEART

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death throughout the world, responsible for 30% of all deaths annually. WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that by 2030, over 23 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases worldwide every year. Right now, 40% of all deaths in the United States each year are from heart disease! Most heart disease is preventable.

 “Today, heart disease is the leading cause of death of adults worldwide, and about 600,000 people in the United States die of heart disease every year,” says health expert Jhoane (Joan) Robinson. “Considering that most heart disease is preventable just by taking proper care of ourselves, that number is just not acceptable!”
“I wouldn’t want to be without the medical support of doctors and hospitals and intervention and crisis medications,” says health expert Carl Robinson. “But when it comes to heart health, the belief that we cannot protect and build our heart health has got to be changed! Drug manufacturers would have us believe that we have to take pills or die. We should be doing things every day in our own lives to build healthier hearts.”
ABOUT CARL AND JHOANE (Joan) ROBINSON

Carl and Jhoane (Joan) Robinson are health educators and co-founders of liquid supplement manufacturer Cedar Bear Liquid Herbs & Oasis Gardens Organic Farm & Learning Center.

A clinical and formulary herbalist and nutritional therapist with a Master of Herbology in herbal pharmacognosy and pharmacology, Carl Robinson has been an insider to the herbal products industry for 30 years and was involved in passage of state legislation that became the template for the Federal government’s Dietary Supplements Health Education Act of 1994 (1994 D.S.H.E.A.). He is also the author of numerous White Papers and published works and educational courses on herbs, iodine and natural health.

Jhoane (Joan) Robinson is a traditional herbalist and the former editor and lead writer for a nationally distributed health journal, newsletter, and educational courses in natural and integrative health, a yoga and meditation instructor, and an organic gardener. Jhoane’s father was a medical doctor and co-founded the largest medical clinic in the Northwest. Having had with a disabling auto-immune condition that she overcame using natural holistic means, Jhoane has a unique perspective on healthcare. Her recovery is part of the legacy of Cedar Bear’s Liquid Herbs.

Monday, February 17, 2014

2/17 CAROL FENSTER - GLUTEN-FREE 101, ELIZABETH SHATNER, ART IN BLOOM 2014

CAROL FENSTER - GLUTEN-FREE 101: THE ESSENTIAL BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO EASY GLUTEN-FREE COOKING

It can be upsetting and overwhelming to learn that you can’t eat gluten, or that you need to cook for someone who can’t. Gluten-Free 101 is the guide to help make the transition a simple and positive change. It explains how to select and work with the best g-free foods from a now extensive (and sometimes confusing) product shelf, how to continue eating healthfully, and how to master basic gluten-free cooking techniques, such as cooking g-free pasta and rolling g-free dough. There are 175 simple recipes for everyday favorites like pancakes, pizza, fried chicken, sandwich bread, and cupcakes, with more than twenty-five beautiful recipe photos. Going gluten-free can be fun and delicious!

ABOUT CAROL: Carol Fenster is the author of 10 gluten-free cookbooks for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, including 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes (Wiley, 2010—one of the Denver Post’s “2010 Best Cookbooks” and Natural Solutions magazine’s “Top 12 Cookbooks from 2010”) and the award-winning 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes (Wiley, 2008). Her 10th cookbook,125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes (Avery/Penguin Group) published in July, 2011, is available wherever books are sold.

She was recently inducted into the invitation-only Les Dames d’ Escoffier and taught gluten-free cooking classes at the famed Rancho La Puerta Spa and Resort in Mexico. She offers a weekly gluten-free online cookbook at www.GfreeCuisine.com. She develops the gluten-free products for industry leader Bob’s Red Mill and appears on PBS, the Health Network as well as many radio, newspaper, and web sites. She is a spokesperson for the United Sorghum Checkoff and has been a guest speaker at the American Dietetic Association, Canadian Dietetic Association, International Association of Culinary Professionals, Whole Grains Council, Disney, National Product Expo, FoodEX in Tokyo, and the Institute for Biophysics and Genetics in Italy.

She is the former associate food editor at Living Without magazine, and her articles, recipes, quotes, photos, and reviews of her books appear in USA Today, Saturday Evening Post, Reader’s Digest, New York Times, Washington Post, Woman’s World, Vegetarian Times, Delicious Living, Today’s Dietitian, Living Without, Gluten-Free Living, Energy Times, Better Nutrition, Taste for Life, Women’s Health, Yoga Journal, and Edible Front Range. She is a member of the Gluten Intolerance Group, Celiac Disease Foundation, and American Celiac Disease Alliance.


ELIZABETH SHATNER – ARTIST, ART IN BLOOM 2014

Art in Bloom will be at the University of Kentucky Art Museum on Feb 21,22 and 23. Art in Bloom is an annual fundraiser event that celebrates the tradition of floral works in art. Floral designers create 50 unique floral arrangements inspired by 50 of the art pieces in the museum. The fundraising weekend includes dinners, performances, cocktail parties and auctions to raise funds for the Museum's educational programs.

For the past 13 years, the Museum has chosen a painter to be the Signature Artist, whose work represents the theme of that year's show. 2014 is the first year that they have chosen to feature a photographer (Elizabeth Shatner) as the Signature Artist. Her piece, "Crystal Light 5" (see attached) , a photo of a dried orchid bloom that uses only 100% natural light, is on the press and promotional material for the show.

Elizabeth has two special pieces showing next weekend. One is a large canvas print of Crystal Light 5, which she has donated to the Museum and will be auctioned off live on Friday night to raise funds for the museum. he second is a special installation: An 11-foot-tall digital projection of Crystal Light. Viewers can walk into the projection and become part of the piece itself, creating a new, custom piece that is as unique as they are. Also, the two pieces complement each other, as one allows the viewer to experience the power of viewing an image as an object with reflected light (the canvas), and then experience viewing the same image as intangible projected light.

As an added treat, couture fashion designer Maui Crane will be designing custom gowns based off of Elizabeth's pieces and they will be worn by models during fashion show during Saturday night's "night on the Town" fundraiser cocktail party (see attached).

Elizabeth will be holding a "Meet the Artist" meet and greet on Saturday afternoon from 1:30-3. Museum visitors can meet Elizabeth Shatner at the UK Art Museum in the Singletary Center from 1:30-3 on Saturday for informal discussions about art, photography, and the inspirations for her works.

Elizabeth's Crystal Light 5 pieces will be interpreted as a floral arrangement by Clifton Smith of Lexington, KY.

More information about the event and a link to buy tickets to Saturday night's Night on the Town Cocktail party, visit Elizabeth's art website: ElizabethShatnerArt.com/news 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

2/13 KAREN MACNEIL, CAB FEST NAPA VALLEY

KAREN MACNEIL - AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, WINE EDUCATOR & CONSULTANT - CAB FEST NAPA VALLEY

The Stars Align for CabFestNV the Napa Valley’s First Festival Devoted Exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon!

Jeff Bridges, famed Oscar-winning actor, singer and songwriter, is set to headline the CabFestNV Festival Kickoff Concert on Friday, February 28 at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, California. CabFestNV, set for Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, is the first festival devoted exclusively to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This spectacular three-day wine weekend will be filled with great Cabernet, keynote presentations by Karen MacNeil, bestselling author of “The Wine Bible,” educational seminars by The Culinary Institute of America, informative panels, exceptional food by noted Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, special perks and surprises, a VIP-exclusive “Cigars & Guitars” post-concert party, and world-class entertainment.

CabFestNV is a three-day celebration featuring more than 100 of the biggest names in the wine industry, as well as the best boutique wineries. Through current and library wine tasting, interesting and informative panels, educational and interactive seminars and keynote presentations, CabFestNV will spotlight the many facets of Cabernet Sauvignon’s complexity and mystique. But there is much more to CabFestNV than just enhancing the appreciation and appeal of Cabernet Sauvignon. CabFestNV is out to also prove that seriously good wine needn’t take itself too seriously… which means the weekend will also be laced with great music from rock to classical, plus VIP events and fun festivities.

The entertainment begins with Jeff Bridges & The Abiders performing a lively mix of country-rock music at the Festival Kickoff Concert on Friday, February 28. Jeff Bridges’ talented daughter Jessie Bridges will open the concert, as well as perform a solo set at the exclusive “Cigars & Guitars” after-party. The VIP after-party, only open to All-Access Ticket holders, will also feature a rare guitar exhibit co-sponsored by the Napa Valley Museum, Cigar Aficionado Magazine’s cigar-sampling tent, great fortified wines and library Cabernets, and a “meet and greet” with Jeff Bridges. The entertainment continues throughout the weekend, including the Saturday night Wine Industry Insiders “Meet-Up & Concert” starring The Silverado Pickups, a very popular “winemaker / musician” band.  This special concert is open to the public for just $10.

CabFestNV will feature more than 100 of Napa Valley’s exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon producers, representing both the enduring tastemakers and the hottest boutiques. A sneak peek at participating vintners reveals that highly sought Cabernet producers such as Silver Oak Cellars, CADE Estate Winery, Gargiulo Vineyards, Crocker & Starr, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Antica Napa Valley, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, Rocca Family Vineyards, Merryvale Vineyards, Freemark Abbey Winery, Girard Winery and Peju Province Winery are set to participate.

A highlight of the fully-integrated weekend of current and library wine tastings, seminars and panels will be international wine expert and “The Wine Bible” author Karen MacNeil’s interesting and entertaining keynote presentations “What Makes Great Cabernet Sauvignon Great” and “Cab on the Couch” (relaxed and spontaneous conversations with the people behind Napa Valley’s legendary Cabernet).

All CabFestNV ticketholders are invited to complimentary wine tasting receptions during the day on Friday at ten participating wineries by driving the “CabFestNV Kickoff Tasting Circuit,” allowing attendees to sample Napa Valley’s great Cabernet wines at their source.

Ticket prices and packages (available online at www.lincolntheater.org or by calling 707-944-9900)

To get 20% off Two Day and Single Day Grand Tasting Passes...just use the code insider20 at checkout! This code expires on February 17th.

ABOUT KAREN: Karen MacNeil is an American author, journalist, wine educator and consultant based in Napa Valley, and the only person to have won every major wine award in the English language. MacNeil is also the creator and chairman of the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena.

MacNeil has published The Wine Bible, a book 10 years in the making,[2][4] and was the host of a 13-episode PBS series titled Wine, Food and Friends with Karen MacNeil, for which she won an Emmy. The show was done in tandem with the publication of a companion book, Wine, Food & Friends. MacNeil was also wine correspondent on NBC's The Today Show, has published articles in a wide range of publications, and works as a private wine education consultant.


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

2/12 LARRY LIPSON, COSTA RICA, JOHN STONEHILL, CHECK THEIR FRIDGE



LARRY LIPSON - COSTA RICA WINE REPORT   

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies. 


JOHN STONEHILL - REFRIGERATOR DATING EXPERT, WHAT DOES YOUR FRIDGE SAY ABOUT YOU?

What does your fridge say about you? ChecktheirFridge.com offers advice by checking your date's refrigerator! After living the single life for over twenty years, John Stonehill knew one thing: checking his date’s refrigerator revealed great insight into the kind of person he was going out with.  So John created Check Their Fridge, a dating advice site that picks up where the others leave off.

John is the world’s first RDE: Refrigerator Dating Expert.  Though dating is not an exact science, a fridge can tell us a great deal about a person, from their health to lifestyle, income to the kind of romantic partner they’ll be.  (Mom was right: we are what we eat)

 Check Their Fridge’s premise is that for everything you need to know about your date, all you need to do is, well, check their fridge.  It’s something John believes we can all relate to.  We’ve all had dates and we all have refrigerators. Though John married last summer, he has been the go-to dating Yoda of his inner circle for years.  With the instant buzz sparked by CheckTheirFridge.com, word has gotten out, and demand for John’s insight has been immediate.

With a fresh, common sense approach to dating, and advice that goes well beyond the fridge, John has already appeared on ABC News in NY, the Fox morning shows in Sacramento, Seattle, KC and DC, The Chew, The Bender, Thought Catalog, DatingAdvice.com, Taxi TV, D Magazine and over a dozen radio shows.

www.CheckTheirFridge.com

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

2/11 THE GRAZIANO SISTERS, HOW TO USE A MEAT CLEAVER: SECRETS AND RECIPES FROM A MOB FAMILY'S KITCHEN, KATHLEEN INMAN, INMAN FAMILY WINES

THE GRAZIANO SISTERS - MOB WIVES COOKBOOK, HOW TO USE A MEAT CLEAVER: SECRETS AND RECIPES FROM A MOB FAMILY'S KITCHEN

“Mob Wives," the reality TV series that follows the lives of four women affiliated with the Mob, has quickly risen to become the #1 show on VH1 and has inspired multiple spinoffs. The show's creator, Jennifer Graziano, one of its stars, Renee Graziano, and their restaurateur sister Lana Graziano, have joined together to create a stunning full color cookbook. Interviews and recipe excerpts from the book are available in time for Valentine’s Day (think: lobster arabiatta, Sicillian rice balls, tiramisu).

In How to Use a Meat Cleaver: Secrets and Recipes from a Mob Family's Kitchen (February 4, 2014) the Graziano sisters share 100 of their favorite and most coveted family recipes. They also share never-before-heard stories and anecdotes from inside the most famous mob family of our day (like how to sneak meatballs to family members in prison). For these women, there is nothing more important than family. And at the heart of every family—especially every Italian family—is food.

Jennifer Graziano is the creator and Executive Producer of "Mob Wives," the #1 show on VH1 for two seasons running, with two more seasons on the way. She also produces “Big Ang” and “Mob Wives Chicago” in partnership with Harvey Weinstein.

Renee Graziano is the star of "Mob Wives" and perhaps the show’s most compelling character. She is divorced from Hector Pagan, Jr., who was exposed as an FBI informant, and with whom she has a son, A.J. She’s been the subject of feature articles in People, US Weekly, and OK!, and appeared on The View, GMA, Extra, and many more.
Lana Graziano-Zancocchio is the oldest of the Graziano clan. She married John Zancocchio, brother in law to Hector “Junior” Pagan and member of the Bonanno crime family, in the 1980s. Now divorced, they still own and operate several restaurants. Lana’s also a close friend of Big Ang of "Mob Wives."


KATHLEEN INMAN - OWNER & WINEMAKER, INMAN FAMILY WINES 

Napa Valley native Kathleen Inman began Inman Family Wines in 2000 when she planted Olivet Grange Vineyard, the 10.45-acre parcel that she farms organically in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Kathleen has always been passionate about environmental issues. When she began making her wines, it provided an opportunity for her to meld her passion for Pinot Noir and what she calls her “eco-ethics”–sensitive farming, natural winemaking and environmentally responsible business practices.

Since Kathleen’s first small vintage in 2002 she has been an ardent supporter of non-interventional winemaking practices, ignoring the critically acclaimed riper style and leading the movement towards more subtle, nuanced wines with a sense of place. Kathleen’s elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are naturally low in alcohol, high in acid and food-friendly. She was the first to launch a new California luxury brand using all Stelvin closures. Another first came in 2010 when she opened the new Inman Winery, which is made almost entirely from recycled materials, with the first privately owned, publically available electric vehicle charging station in the North Bay; it is connected directly to the winery’s solar array which powers 100% of the winery and vineyard.
Kathleen is a member of the American Society of Viticulture and Enology and serves on the Board of Directors of Wine Road. In 2011 she was awarded the Best Practices Award from the Business Environmental Alliance of Sonoma County Award, and in 2012, she was awarded the Rising Star Winemaker Award by Women for WineSense.

FOR THE LOVE OF PINOT

Don’t miss the day to share your passion for Pinot. Spoil that special someone - or yourself with Inman wines! Our love lasts, so even if weather restricts the shipment of wine* where you live, we will hold it for you until it is safe to ship. Buy a mixed case of any of our wines and receive a 10% discount!

2013 Endless Crush Rosé of Pinot Noir $25
2012 Brut Rosé $56
2011 Thorn Ridge Ranch Pinot Noir $68

Planning a romantic dinner an need some suggestions? Try any or all of these seductive food pairings. (Did we also mention fast and easy too!) Pair our 2012 Brut Rosé with Beet Risotto or with the 2013 Endless Crush Rosé why not try some Scallops in a Saffron Sauce.  A simply seared duck breast is always a fabulous pairing with our Pinot Noir. Before cooking try rubbing ground cinnamon on the meat side of the breast and then on the fat side, score it slightly and rub in sea salt. Simple yet delicious - especially with Thorn Ridge Pinot Noir!

www.inmanfamilywines.com

Monday, February 10, 2014

2/10 FRANK PELLEGRINO JR., RAO’S RESTAURANT, DON VAN STAAVEREN, THREE STICKS WINES

FRANK PELLEGRINO JR. – CO-OWNER, RAO’S RESTAURANT

Being a restaurateur, let alone a successful one, has never been easy, even when you’ve got a legendary restaurant such as Rao's in New York in your arsenal. Frank Pellegrino, Jr., co-owner of the original Rao's in Harlem and Rao’s at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, however knows that a successful restaurant is made by making guests feel like they’re part of the family.

"Frankie" as he is known to Rao's regulars, grew up helping his father and family at the restaurant – waiting tables, cooking, managing the restaurant – basically learning the family business, even though his father, Frank Sr. attempted to talk him out of it.

The fourth generation owner of Rao's, Pellegrino attended Connecticut State University on a wrestling scholarship; where he studied graphic design and eventually went on to open his own advertising agency in New York. The restaurant business never left his blood, as he continued to work at the restaurant nights. Frank, however, knew that this was his legacy and where he belonged, ultimately returning to work at Rao's full-time.
In 2000 he opened Baldoria in New York's tony Theater District, a 200 seat restaurant that managed to still carry off the intimate ambience, and stellar Italian cuisine of Rao's, except at Baldoria, people eventually would be able to get a reservation. Pellegrino then decided to bring his talents to Las Vegas to open the second outpost of Rao's.

Pellegrino moved to Las Vegas to open Rao's at Caesars Palace in 2006, and has since brought the same Southern Italian fare and sense of family and camaraderie that one used to only be able to get if they had their standing reservation at the original Rao's. He can be found not only greeting guests, but floating from table to table, ensuring that the Las Vegas experience is the same warm, familiar and inviting one they'd feel in New York.

In 2012, Pellegrino released Rao's On the Grill (St. Martin’s Press), which is full of signature Rao’s dishes and new creations from "Uncle Vincent's Lemon Chicken," to pastas, salads and even desserts, this book is a must-have for anyone with a passion for cooking or dining al fresco.



DON VAN STAAVEREN – WINEMAKER, THREE STICKS WINES                

The son of Dutch immigrants, winemaker Don Van Staaveren grew up living and working on dairy farms in California’s Central Valley. Vowing to leave cows behind him, he studied fruit science at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, with a specialty in orchards and vineyards. He worked first for Gallo, then for Frank Bartholomew of Buena Vista Vineyards, managing vineyards and a citrus grove on his Sonoma property. 
“But I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I’d be a winemaker,” he says. 

This is hard to believe coming from the man widely thought to be responsible for bringing international attention to Sonoma winemaking when his 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages was the first Sonoma wine to receive Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” accolade. Modesty, however, is chief among Van Staaveren’s qualities, along with the calm, steady demeanor shared by surfers and farmers (of which he is both), and an unrelenting curiosity—what he calls his love of “tinkering”—that drives his commitment to create ever better wines. 

Van Staavaren fell in love with Pinot Noir early in his vineyard days: while at Buena Vista, he joined a post-harvest celebration where someone had opened a bottle of 1947 Chambertin. “And I was transported,” says Van Staaveren. “It was definitely an ‘aha’ moment, and I’ve been hooked on Pinot Noir ever since,” he adds. 

In 1976, Van Staaveren left Buena Vista for a job as a crush temp at Chateau St. Jean’s new winery facilities in Kenwood. Dick Arrowood, the owner and winemaker, known for being a taskmaster and perfectionist, liked Van Staaveren’s work ethic. It wasn’t long before the young temp was working his way up the ranks in the cellar and in 1985, he was promoted to winemaker. Around that time, Van Staaveren, who had long been a fan of Burgundian wines, began experimenting with eschewing crushing grapes in favor of whole berry fermentations. 
“When I became winemaker, I really wanted to look for gentler ways to handle grapes,” he says. He explains that in 1990, following the winery’s purchase of a new de-stemmer, designed to remove berries from the stem and then drop them in the crusher rollers, he decided to remove the rollers. The idea was unheard of at the time. “I didn’t want any macerated grapes,” he says. 

The critical acclaim showered upon Chateau St. Jean—including the first ever winery to have five wines featured in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100—came in the vintages that followed Van Staaveren’s introduction of gentler winemaking practices, including “crush-less” pressing and gravity-fed operations. 

While at Chateau St. Jean, Van Staaveren met Bill Price III following Texas Pacific Group’s purchase of the winery from Suntory in 1996. The two would get together a few times a year to taste wines, even after Van Staaveren left St. Jean to work at what would later become Artesa. They also both share a love of surfing, which is evident in the numerous surfboards and wet suits gracing the walls of the Three Sticks winery. In 2004, after what Van Staavaren jokes was an “eight-year job interview,” Price asked Van Staaveren to become winemaker for Three Sticks Wines. 

In his free time, Van Staaveren surfs the waters off the Sonoma Coast, and creates special cookie recipes for each new release from Three Sticks. He’s also a fan of woodworking, and is at work on a surfboard made from the stalks of an agave plant. He enjoys spending time in the garden and the kitchen with his wife, Margo Van Staaveren, whom he met at Chateau St. Jean in 1980 and who continues to work there as winemaker. They have two grown children, and live in rural Sonoma County. 


Friday, February 7, 2014

2/7 MAKANA, WENDY EACHUS, MADERA VINTNERS ASSOCIATION, STEVE EVANS

MAKANA – AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN 

Makana, born Matthew Swalinkavich, is an award-winning slack-key guitar player, singer, and composer. Born and raised in Hawai'i, his guitar playing has been featured on three Grammy-nominated albums, including the soundtrack of the Academy-Award winning film "The Descendants", starring George Clooney. In 2008, he was second runner up in Guitar Player Magazine's Guitar Superstar competition eliciting praise from judgesSteve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Elliot Easton. In 2012, he was awarded one of Hawaii's top musical honors: a Na Hoku Ki Ho'alu (Slack Key) Legacy Award (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy”) by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts.

On November 12, 2011, Makana, who had performed previously at the White House, turned a gig performing at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation dinner in Honolulu, attended by President Barack Obama and the leaders of 18 other nations, into a political protest by opening his suit jacket to reveal a t-shirt reading "Occupy With Aloha" and singing his song, "We Are the Many," for 45 minutes, in support of the Occupy movement. Rolling Stone Magazine went on to call "We Are the Many" the "anthem of the Occupy movement."

Makana began singing when he was seven years old, took up 'ukulele at nine and began learning the indigenous art of slack key guitar at eleven. A protégé of slack key guitar legends, including Bobby Moderow Jr. and the late master Uncle Sonny Chillingworth, Makana has dedicated his life to perpetuating as well as evolving the traditional Hawaiian art form of slack key guitar. From this tradition, Makana has evolved his own dynamic, high-octane style, coined "Slack Rock": slack key infused with elements of bluegrass, rock, blues and raga. Makana's playing has garnered praise from such guitar luminaries as Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Pepe Romero(Spanish Flamenco Master).

His debut album “Makana” was released in 1999; it won the Best World Music Album Award at the Hawai’i Music Awards. It was followed by “Koi Au” in 2002 (“A landmark musical statement” – Star Bulletin) and “Ki Ho’alu: Journey of Hawaiian Slack Key” in 2003. Soon thereafter Makana contributed to the Grammy-nominated albums “Hawaiian Slack Key Kings I & II”. In 2008, his first all-original release “Different Game” came out and in 2009 he released a 20th anniversary slack key guitar instrumental compilation, “Venus, and the Sky Turns to Clay”.

His latest album Ripe was released in 2013 and funded by fans through the online crowd sourcing platformKickstarter. It was produced by multi-platinum producer Ron Nevison (The Who, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones) and renowned producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt), with arrangements by Grammy-award winning keyboardist, composer, and arranger Jeff Bova (Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton).

Makana has toured with or opened for acts such as Jason Mraz, Santana, Elvis Costello, Paul Rodgers, Sting,No Doubt, Jack Johnson, Chris Isaak, John Legend and more.


WENDY EACHUS - EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR, MADERA VINTNERS ASSOCIATION - MADERA WINE TRAIL - WINE AND CHOCOLATE WEEKEND  

Madera Wine Trail Presents - “Wine & Chocolate Weekend” February 8 & 9 10am-5pm - Tickets Available In Advance for $25 or the Weekend of the Event for $30!

Do something unique this year for Valentine’s Day and enjoy an extraordinary wine tasting experience on Wine & Chocolate Weekend. The family wineries of The Madera Wine Trail will host this two-day wine tasting event on February 8 through 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travel to ten wineries and taste a wide variety of award-winning wines, chocolate pairings, enjoy live music, gift shopping and indulge in gourmet food. Wine Trail Weekend is the perfect time for visitors to experience Madera’s rich wine heritage and unique family wineries! Whether you’re new to wine or a connoisseur, there is something for everyone on the Wine Trail.
Wine is always a special gift for family and friends. Plan to taste and take home award-winning wines! Participating wineries will have a large selection of excellent wines to choose from and many will have special pricing on Wine & Chocolate Weekend.

To enhance the wine tasting experience of our guests, no large capacity tour buses (30+ person capacity) will be allowed at any participating winery on Wine & Chocolate Weekend. The Madera Wine Trail encourages safe driving through the use of designated drivers, limousines and shuttles. Designated Drivers are free of charge and can pick up a VIP kit at their first stop on the Trail.

 www.MaderaWineTrail.com

STEVE EVANS   "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

2/6 Camron King, Lodi's Wine & Chocolate, Keith Bellows, Where the Locals Go, National Geographic

Camron King - Executive Director, Lodi's Wine & Chocolate: A Weekend of Ultimate Indulgence

Treat your sweetheart and yourself to a tantalizing weekend of indulgence during the 17th Annual Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend, set for February 8th & 9th, from 11AM to 4PM both days!  Your senses will be delighted as you sip delicious, handcrafted wines paired with decadent chocolate treats at over 50 Lodi Appellation wineries. Here's a little taste of what our wineries have in store for you.

Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 the day of the event and include an event wine glass, a chocolate treat provided by Brix Chocolate, wine tasting and admission to all participating wineries. Tickets are valid both Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge for Designated Drivers.

ABOUT CAMRON KING - Camron King is Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, overseeing all of the commission’s marketing, promotion, strategic planning and branding efforts, as well as constituent relations. He also serves as the primary spokesperson for the Lodi wine industry. In addition to his work for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Camron King serves on the Program Development Committee for the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Grape and Wine Initiative, and contributes his expertise and knowledge to a number of other organizations.

King has served the wine industry for over a decade, working as the Vice President of State Government Relations for the California Association of Winegrape Growers, and serving as a public policy representative and spokesperson for the statewide winegrowing industry. King attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California State University, Sacramento studying Environmental Horticulture and Public Policy and Administration, respectively. King also volunteers with a national cancer focused non-profit organization and has served on the National Consumer Taskforce on Genetic Testing. Living in Elk Grove, California with his wife Alicia and their two children, King enjoys photography, travel and wine.

lodiwineandchocolate.com 


Keith Bellows - Editor In Chief of Where the Locals Go - National Geographic’s Latest Release

Editor In Chief Keith Bellows and Team Explore the Path Less Traveled In National Geographic’s Latest Release Where the Locals Go! More than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax

For travelers craving authentic experiences, not just any travel guide will do. In February, National Geographic offers adventurers a new book: WHERE THE LOCALS GO: More than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax, which goes beyond overcrowded tourist destinations to share local cultures and customs from around the world for travelers seeking a rewarding and memorable experience.

WHERE THE LOCALS GO suggests restaurants, markets, festivals and events beloved by residents of the featured towns and cities. Those looking for the best local specialty — the finest cowboy boots in San Antonio or the most authentic dim sum in Hong Kong — will find the go-to spots from those in the know.

Keith Bellows is the senior vice president and editor in chief, National Geographic Travel Media. Under his stewardship, the magazine has been nominated for two National Magazine Awards, won more than 60 Lowell Thomas Awards for best travel writing (it has been named best magazine eight of his 12 years), and seven Folio Awards for Best Travel Magazine. Traveler has won an iTunes People's Choice Award for Best Podcast of 2006, for which Bellows wrote two scripts. Its “Intelligent Travel” won a 2007 Travvie and a 2009 Lonely Planet Award as best travel blog. He has written for Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Parenting, AARP, and many other magazines. He also wrote “The Canuck Book” and the 1998 Winter Olympics ACCESS Guide for ABC-TV. He is a graduate of Gordonstoun School (Scotland) and Dartmouth College. He lectures extensively around the world (and is part of the National Geographic Speakers Bureau), and his more than 200 television appearances include the “TODAY” show, “Good Morning America” and a regular segment on “National Geographic Today.”

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

2/5 INGRID HOFFMANN, LARRY LIPSON

INGRID HOFFMANN - CELEBRITY CHEF SHARES EASY & DELICIOUS RECIPE IDEAS & TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States.  In addition to a healthy lifestyle and exercise, little steps like easy ingredient swaps when cooking, can be the key to a healthy heart.   To kick-off American Heart month, celebrity chef and author Ingrid Hoffmann is on hand to provide simple and delicious ways to be kind to your heart. She is a big believer that eating healthy and taking good cardiovascular care doesn’t have to be boring – it can be delicioso!  She is available on Wednesday, February 5 for live interviews to share cooking and prep tips on how to make your meals more heart healthy. In addition, Ingrid will debut an easy, heart healthy recipe that will delight the whole family and share information on new research about cooking and corn oil.

Ingrid Hoffmann professional eater and host of Simply Delicioso (Cooking Channel) and Delicioso (Univision), is passionate about food and entertaining and spends each day sharing her enthusiasm and talent with an international audience. In 2010, Ingrid partnered with Spanish media giant, Univision, to take her Delicioso brand to a new level. Hoffmann and Delicioso are featured in a range of cooking segments and capsules across Univision Networks, including popular morning show “Despierta America” and daytime show “Hoy,” as well as an online/mobile platform with Univision Delicioso. Her latest book LATIN D’LITE: Delicious Latin Recipes with a Healthy Twist is available in bookstores nationwide in both English and Spanish.

www.ingridhoffmann.com


LARRY LIPSON - COSTA RICA WINE REPORT   

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies. 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

02/04 Andy Glaser, Purity Vodka, Chef Seren Bardwell, The Madonna Inn

ANDY GLASER - PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PURITY VODKA 

Purity® Vodka is the result of a long lasting quest to redefine vodka, bringing character to a spirit which by tradition is more one of image and style rather than substance. Daring to stand out from the crowded cluster of neutral, mainstream vodkas, Purity Vodka has not been made to please everyone. It is full-bodied, complex and loaded with character yet, smooth and sophisticated.

Combining heritage and innovation, Purity Vodka comes to life in a proprietary vodka still at the Purity Vodka Distillery at Ellinge Castle in the south of Sweden. Purity Vodka has developed a unique still system specifically for vodka production. During the thirty-four distillations, ninety percent of the liquid is lost. The remaining spirit is so refined that no filtration is necessary, leaving all the natural flavours and character in the vodka. Because taste does matter.

www.purityvodka.com


CHEF SEREN BARDWELL – THE MADONNA INN VALENTINES SPECIALS

As an international landmark destination, Madonna Inn redefines unique with 110 individually decorated guestrooms, each with a distinct theme and color, and ideally located near downtown San Luis Obispo and in the heart of Central Coast wine country. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a beach-entry pool, two whirlpool spas, fitness room, tennis and basketball courts, horseback riding, hiking and biking, as well as, a luxurious Day Spa, world-class restaurants, fabulous shopping and the world-famous Madonna Inn Bakery.

Click here for the Perfect Pairings Valentine’s Dinner menu and other specials!

Monday, February 3, 2014

02/03 STEPHANIE IZARD, GIRL AND THE GOAT, DOUGLAS FLETCHER, THE TERLATO WINE GROUP

STEPHANIE IZARD – EXECUTIVE CHEF, GIRL AND THE GOAT

Stephanie Izard, James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes,” and Food & Wine “Best New Chef” is the Executive Chef/Partner of two Chicago restaurants, Girl & the Goat and Little Goat.
A 2011 James Beard “Best New Restaurant” nominee, Girl & the Goat has been praised by high-profile publications such as Saveur, New York Times, Food & Wine, Better Homes and Gardens and others. Little Goat, Stephanie’s highly successful follow-up to Girl & the Goat, encompasses a diner, coffee shop, bread shop and bar.  An outpost of Little Goat Bread opened at the Chicago French Market in Spring 2013.

Izard was the first woman to win Bravo’s Top Chef (Season 4/2008) and is the only winner of the original version of the show to take the title of “Fan Favorite.” Among other recent accolades, Stephanie was appointed to the Macy’s Culinary Council and was named celebrity chef of “CMT Artists of the Year.”

Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has worked in some of the most respected kitchens in Chicago including La Tache, Spring and Vong. She previously owned the highly-acclaimed restaurant Scylla, which she sold just prior to appearing on and winning season four of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”  Izard’s first book, “Girl in the Kitchen,” was released in the fall of 2011 (Chronicle). Izard also has a newly launched product line called "The Flavor, By Stephanie Izard," consisting of sauces and rubs available for purchase for the home cook.

www.stephanieizard.com 


DOUGLAS FLETCHER - VP OF WINEMAKING FOR THE TERLATO WINE GROUP

After 50 years in the wine industry, wine is still an inspiration for me. Every vintage brings an anticipation and excitement. After all, it’s a new birth.

When I discovered Pinot Grigio in Italy, I was taken by its fresh aromas, its crispness, freshness and the way it paired effortlessly with foods. It was virtually unknown when I brought it to the United States in 1979. Not surprisingly, an entire nation of wine drinkers embraced Pinot Grigio for the same reasons I did. Today Pinot Grigio is the most requested wine in fine restaurants, and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is the quality leader for the varietal. The U.S. was introduced to a new wine, as well as a new level of quality from Italy. I still feel about it today the same way I did the first time I tasted it.

The Syrah from the Rhone Valley, dense, rich and aromatic, immediately captured my fascination as well. It was a wine that could stand alongside the best of another classic, Cabernet Sauvignon, because the taste profiles were similar: dense, rich and aromatic. We have fashioned our Syrah along those same lines.

Of course, like most wine lovers, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with Bordeaux, the aristocracy of red wines, a blend of classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Angels’ Peak is the first of three blends we will introduce.

When we decided to become vintners, our winemaking team found the right soil, and climate conditions that suited our needs. We planted some vineyards, bought others and Terlato Family Vineyards was born. It is small venture, but a sincere tribute to the wines and winemakers who have inspired us for decades.

My regard for these winemakers is as artists and dreamers. I know this is true because now as a winemaker myself. I want Terlato Family Vineyards to stand among the finest wines in the world, with those crafted by my friends.

About Doug Fletcher: A rarity among winemakers, Doug Fletcher is as comfortable in the vineyard as he is in the cellar. He has worked with Stags Leap District fruit for more than two decades and in the process has become a leader in growing and crafting wines from the District. Fletcher began his career as a winemaker in the mid 1970s. He arrived at Chimney Rock in 1987 and oversaw the replanting of the original estate vineyard, as well as 65 acres of additional plantings done under the Terlato Family’s leadership in 2001.

In 2006, Fletcher was appointed Vice President of Winemaking for the Terlato Wine Group. He oversees all aspects of winemaking at the Terlato properties - including Episode, Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill and Terlato Family Vineyards in Napa Valley, Alderbrook and Terlato Family Vineyards in Sonoma and Sanford in Santa Barbara County. Additionally, Fletcher serves as a senior consultant to the Terlato Family's joint ventures throughout the world.

TerlatoVineyards.com