From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Paul Lopez, Villa Creek Cellars assistant winemaker and enjoy a variety of Paso’s popular Villa Creek wines along with tray-passed hors d ‘oeuvres created by Executive Chef Chris Garasic. The event is designed to be fun, informative, build wine appreciation and tasting skills and provide a perfect socializing opportunity to bring or meet up with friends.
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate has described Villa Creek among a handful of growers who represent a rare level of ambition and are at “the cutting edge of the adventurous, pioneering spirit that is the essence of Paso Robles, and also in many ways, the heart of what makes the United States a great country.”
“Villa Creek specializes in blending Rhône and Bordeaux varieties together and the wines regularly receive above 90 point-ratings in Wine Spectator, often selling out due to their popularity and artisan-scale production,” said Shade Owner Michael Zislis. “It is a treat to have winemakers who have a passion for the greatness to showcase at my hotel for Wine Academy guests to enjoy, here in the South Bay.” Tickets to the event are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door.
The Wine Academy takes place monthly on every third Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., providing wine lovers of all experience levels the opportunity to enjoy an intimate, casual, wine-centric social gathering. Afterwards, Wine Academy guests are invited to adjourn to zinc@shade to enjoy a complimentary wood-fired margherita pizza with a beverage purchase. Savory snacks, innovative American small plates, tapas for two and more are also available on the zinc menu. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.shadehotel.com/ or call 310-546-4995.
Wine enthusiasts will also want to make plans to attend Shade Hotel’s annual Ultimate Wine Festival on Sunday, April 28, when more than 30 notable wineries will present their latest vintages. Attending winemakers so far include: Michael Silacci of Opus One; Heidi Barrett of La Sirena; Amelia Morán Ceja of Ceja Vineyards; Violet Grgich of Grgich Hills Estates; Zeke Neeley of Trefethen; Dominic Chappellet of Chappellet Vineyards; Jean Hoefliger of Alpha Omega; Marcelo Freitas of Quintessa ; Mario Monticelli of Trinchero, and Sam Baxter of Terra Valentine.
The Ultimate Wine Festival will run from 2-5 p.m., with a special admission price of $200 per person for the Reserve Magnum Tasting between 2-3 p.m., and a $125 admission per person for those arriving between 3-5 p.m. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the Manhattan Beach Middle School. This special event is limited to 350 guests and is expected to sell out quickly.
Shade, Manhattan Beach’s premiere luxury boutique hotel, intertwines California beach culture and contemporary sophistication just 15 minutes south of LAX. Merely two blocks from the beach, it is surrounded by thriving upscale dining and shopping destinations in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. The hotel’s energized yet refined interior was designed by Christopher Lowell, and boasts stainless-steel and natural touches that include river rock, running water and exotic bamboo to encourage an environment of balance, harmony and spiritual well-being. Guests will enjoy accommodations that will allow them to host their dream beach wedding, host a business meeting or enjoy a refreshing California coastal living experience at the hotel’s spa, incredible indoor and outdoor dining at zinc@shade, and relaxation poolside at the rooftop Skydeck bar and pool.
In the spirit of the great wine producers of the southern Rhone and the bodegas of Rioja and Priorat, blending is what Villa Creek does best. The area's finest Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Tempranillo Vineyards are just a stone's throw from the west Paso Robles winery where these blends are lovingly produced from grapes that come from some of the region’s most progressive vineyards, such as James Berry, Denner, Ohana and Booker, which currently grace the wines of Villa Creek Cellars. Per acre contracts insure that the fruit comes off the same blocks each vintage. Proprietors Cris and JoAnn Cherry's own 70-acre estate on the west side of Paso Robles boasts elevations of 1400-1800 feet, calcareous soils, south-facing slopes and ample water. In the spring of 2012, the Cherry's finished planting their first grapevines, 3.5 acres of Grenache, planning to plant Mourvèdre and Carignan in the months to come.
Chef Jerrett Joslin - The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse
Since opening its doors in 2009, The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse has been a dining destination for locals and tourists alike. Co-owned by John Shepherd and Chef Jerrett Joslin (An Award of Excellence Winner from Wine Spectator), the duo boast nearly two decades of experience in the restaurant industry and have mastered the task of offering delicious, upscale cuisine in an intimate atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind experience. The restaurant showcases an ever-changing menu that combines astonishing creativity with gourmet classics as well as a plethora of cutting-edge cooking techniques. The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse is located at 1917 Martin Drive in Weatherford, Texas and can be reached at (817) 599-4935. Find them on Facebook at “The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse & Lounge.As a historical melting pot and magnet for diversity, the United States boasts a wide variety of cuisine that changes both regionally and locally. American multiculturalism, along with an innovative and competitive restaurant industry, has made for a long list of amazing restaurants serving unique cuisine across the country. Co-Owner and Chef Jerrett Joslin of The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse in Weatherford, Texas, has compiled a list of his top five not to miss restaurants in every city—here are his top five picks nationwide.
• Gautreau’s, New Orleans: A fusion of contemporary Louisiana cuisine with modern French influences, Gautreau’s is a unique staple of New Orleans, nestled in a lush garden spot in Uptown. Gautreau’s was badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina and closed for a year and a half to undergo repair and renovation. Once it reopened in February 2007, Executive Chef Sue Zemanick was able to put her mark on the new Gautreau’s, offering elegant fare using only fresh ingredients.
• The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse, Weatherford, Texas: A dining destination that boasts creativity and innovation, The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse showcases an ever-changing menu of gourmet classics. The upscale cuisine, cutting-edge cooking techniques, and an intimate atmosphere make for a one-of-a-kind experience. From perfectly grilled steaks to fresh wild salmon filets, a meal here becomes a story to remember.
• iNG, Chicago: Chef and Owner Homaro Cantu is an innovator in post-modern cuisine and an internationally recognized leader in molecular gastronomy. His work at iNG is science-based and high-tech, making for the most interesting flavor combinations. iNG uses only the fresh, pure and exotic ingredients to create menu items. They specialize in a flavor-changing experience utilizing the Miracle Berry to twist flavors from sour, spicy, salty, or bitter. It’s a cutting-edge restaurant that shouldn’t be missed.
• Congress, Austin, Texas: This upscale, prix fixe-only restaurant makes dinner more of an experience than a meal. The menu focuses on local and sustainable cuisine, and you can opt for a three-course menu or seven-course chef’s tasting menu, both with excellent wine pairings. Menu items change daily, making it a truly unique dinner experience. With a refined, upscale atmosphere, Congress is a no-brainer for fine dining, thanks to executive Chef David Bull and his “Natural American” cuisine.
• Canlis, Seattle: The family-named Canlis offers a contemporary take on Northwest cuisine. The menu is both comfortable and cutting edge, showcasing six generations dedicated to refinement, restraint, technique, and creativity. As executive chef, Jason Franey set a new course by keeping Canlis relevant and at the forefront of fine dining in Seattle, providing a dining experience and menu that are second to none.
Since opening its doors in 2009, The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse has been a dining destination for locals and tourists alike. Co-owned by John Shepherd and Chef Jerrett Joslin (An Award of Excellence Winner from Wine Spectator), the duo boast nearly two decades of experience in the restaurant industry and have mastered the task of offering delicious, upscale cuisine in an intimate atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind experience. The restaurant showcases an ever-changing menu that combines astonishing creativity with gourmet classics as well as a plethora of cutting-edge cooking techniques. The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse is located at 1917 Martin Drive in Weatherford, Texas and can be reached at (817) 599-4935. Find them on Facebook at “The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse & Lounge.