He was born and raised in Connecticut, and is a Dartmouth graduate of economics. After graduation in 1983, he joined W. R. Grace & Co. in New York, N.Y., where he worked as a financial analyst in the restaurant department and assistant to Chairman J. Peter Grace. During his six-year tenure with the company, he worked in operations for various Grace divisions, including Coco’s, Carrows, Baxter’s, Reuben’s, El Torito and Gladstone’s 4 Fish.
In 1989, Jim joined American Restaurant Group, Inc., in Newport Beach, as controller of Spoons, a $35 million division encompassing 20 restaurants and 1,400 employees. In this capacity, he was responsible for the financial management of day-to-day operations, strategic planning, budgeting and the development and maintenance of internal control systems. Jim used his unit-level, district and multi-unit operational experience to help grow the Spoons chain by 50 percent and establish the National Sports Grill concept to six stores during his tenure.
Jim was instrumental in the design and marketing of the Bluewater Grill at The District at Tustin Legacy. The 7,250-square-foot showplace served as the design inspiration for the new Phoenix location and is the prototype for future Bluewater Grills throughout the West.
SARALEE MCCLELLAND KUNDE - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY WINEGROWERS - GRAPE TO GLASS
The party starts with a tasting reception at 4 pm showcasing more than 50 wineries and growers of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers along with local restaurants, caterers and food purveyors offering small bites that pair nicely with our world class wines. While you wine and dine on fresh local delicacies, take a stroll through the park-like setting at Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard and view the work of local artists. Plus, place your bid on silent auction items of oversized and special bottlings, restaurant dinners, gift baskets and more.
Following the reception will be a feast like no other … a savory barbecue dinner with all of the fixins. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Grape to Glass without homemade Gravenstein apple pie. This year, the Vineyard Academy Culinary Arts Department at Windsor High school will make one of the largest apple pies you’ve ever seen! It will be baked at Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg and delivered HOT by our local fire department!
If you love the Russian River Valley area of Sonoma County then you won’t want to miss the spectacular live auction filled with excursions and overnight stays to bring you back in the Russian River Valley for more wine and excitement. Wrap up the perfect evening with great local entertainment by Urban Oasis..
Tickets are available now. To reserve a table, or a seat, at the 18th Grape to Glass Back to Our Roots Party order below or click here to download the order form. For more information, call 707-521-2534.
LARRY VAN AALST - SOMMELIERLARRY HOSTS A WEEKLY PROGRAM ON CRN AND ALSO IS AN EXPERT ON WINE WHO IS SOUGHT AFTER FOR EVENTS, TASTES AND MAJOR SOMMELIER EVENTS IN THE SAM FRANCISCO AREA. HE COMMENTS ON THE INDUSTRY AND HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WINE.