5/30 SUSAN ZURINSKY, 48 HOURS, SHANNON STAGLIN, STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARD, AUCTION NAPA VALLEY E-AUCTION, STEVE EVANS

SUSAN ZIRINSKY – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HOURS

SATURDAY MAY 31st

“LIVE TO TELL: ONE LAST HUG” – A breakup, one last hug. Was she walking into her own murder? A final embrace from a former boyfriend left college student Melissa Dohme near death with 32 stab wounds. Now she relieves that fateful night in her own words. An inspiring story of one woman’s battle to find herself after a brutal attack. Troy Roberts exposes the growing dangers of dating and breakup violence.

In addition, as previously advised, 48 HOURS will air the next THREE MONDAYS with all-new broadcasts at 10pmET/9CT

MONDAY JUNE 2nd

“THE LAST DAUGHTER” – After 25 years, has a Florida Sheriff’s office solved one of the state’s biggest mysteries? Tracy Smith has been following the case and has new interviews with Pat Sessions, Kathleen Frezza, and Detective Kevin Allen, among others. 48 Hours was allowed to go along to the excavation site where investigators believe they might find Tiffany’s body. Do we finally know who killed Tiffany Sessions?


SHANNON STAGLIN - STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARD - AUCTION NAPA VALLEY E-AUCTION

Although Auction Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners’ (NVV) annual charity wine fundraiser is sold-out, wine lovers from around the world can still join the excitement via the E-Auction.

The Auction Napa Valley E-Auction opens on Sunday, June 1 at noon PDT and this year features a record 177 lots. Bidders anywhere in the world have the chance to acquire extraordinary and often one-of-a-kind wines and experiences with vintners and winemakers, while supporting healthcare and children’s education nonprofit organizations. The e-gavel comes down on Sunday, June 8 beginning at noon PDT. Lots can be viewed and bids placed at auctionnapavalley.org.

In addition to each package showcasing Napa Valley’s coveted wines, more than 80% of this year’s E-Auction lots feature a vintner and/or winery experience not available to the general public, creating very personal connections with the Napa Valley winemaking community.

A contribution of any amount can be made to Lot 301, the Fund-A-Need lot, which goes toward lifting children in the Napa Valley community out of poverty and helping them to lead healthy and successful lives.
Auction Napa Valley is the NVV's annual community fundraiser that for more than 30 years has utilized the worldwide reputation of Napa Valley wines and the scenic beauty of the region to raise funds to enhance the health and wellbeing of the Napa Valley community. To date, the NVV has invested more than $120 million from Auction Napa Valley proceeds in Napa County nonprofit organizations.

About the Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence for 70 years by inspiring its 500 members to produce consistent quality wines, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home.
About Shannon Staglin

She is President at Staglin Family Vineyard. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Cultural Anthropology she moved back to Napa to work as a harvest intern in 2001 where she learned the details of production and viticultural practices. In 2002 she moved from the winery into the office where she honed her skills in marketing, hospitality, consumer and trade sales. After earning her MBA from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management she chose to work for several years outside of the wine business to gain insight, a different perspective and valuable experience that she could one day share with Staglin Family Vineyard. She was recruited to create the marketing program for Wells Fargo Family Wealth, providing multifamily office solutions to ultra-high net worth client families.

In 2011 Shannon returned to Staglin Family Vineyard where she oversees all aspects of the business. Her educational and professional experiences provide a new perspective and a fresh outlook that will enhance the family business for many years to come.

napavintners.com
auctionnapavalley.org
www.staglinfamily.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.

5/29 DICK AND JENNIFER DORÉ, FOXEN WINERY, CAITLIN CARVER, ABC FAMILY, THE FOSTERS

GUEST HOSTS DICK AND JENNIFER DORÉ FROM FOXEN WINERY JOIN MIKE AND PAUL IN STUDIO!

Bill Wathen and Dick Doré (also known as the “Foxen Boys”) have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in northern Santa Barbara County. Since that time, their dedication has remained the same—the creation of very small production, sustainably-farmed, vineyard-focused wines using a "minimalist" approach to winemaking.

The winery was named in memory of William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain and Dick's great-great grandfather, who came to Santa Barbara in the early 1800's. In 1837, this Santa Barbara County pioneer purchased the Rancho Tinaquaic, a Mexican Land Grant that originally totaled nearly 9000 acres and comprised most of what is now known as Foxen Canyon. Captain Foxen adopted the distinctive "anchor" as his ranch cattle brand, which has become a trademark of the winery. It is very fitting that FOXEN has made its home on the 2000-acre Rancho Tinaquaic, which remains in family hands.

With the completion of FOXEN’s new solar-powered winery and tasting room in 2009, the historic and beloved “tasting shack was renamed “foxen 7200”, where Bill and Dick now feature their Bordeaux and Cal-Ital-style wines, under a newly designed label. FOXEN Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Rhône-style wines are showcased in the new solar-powered tasting room at 7600 Foxen Canyon Road

Both tasting rooms are open daily, 11 to 4.  Bill and Dick invite you to visit FOXEN to taste their wines and experience the bucolic setting of the Rancho Tinaquaic. And then you’ll understand why many say, “If you don’t know FOXEN, you don’t know DICK...or BILL!”

WWW.FOXENVINEYARD.COM


CAITLIN CARVER TALKS ABOUT ABC’S GROUNDBREAKING HIT SHOW “THE FOSTERS” 

Breathtakingly beautiful actress, classically trained dancer and newest star of ABC Family’s groundbreaking hit show “The Fosters” Caitlin Carver, is taking the entertainment world by storm with her outgoing personality, relentless work ethic and sparkling smile that is certain to be a fan favorite this season! Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, the series follows the lives of the Foster family, consisting of an interracial lesbian couple raising a blended family of biological, adopted and foster children and we would love to set up an interview with you and this talent on the rise in conjunction with the June 16th Season 2 premiere of “The Fosters” to share her story of transitioning from her dancing career to acting.

Born just outside Huntsville in Monrovia Alabama Caitlin had big aspirations to travel and learn about various cultures around the world while growing up dancing, acting and playing softball in her small suburban hometown. An early break on “Drop Dead Diva” followed by a summer in Los Angeles just after graduation inspired her to pursue her dance career as she was motivated by the energy and competitive industry in Hollywood. She quickly landed a role on Disney’s “So Random” followed by back up dancer performances with Beyonce, Pitbull and NeYo and many more. Making her way onto the silver screen she’s appeared on ‘Glee,” ‘Southland,” “Nashville,” and VH1’s hit dance docu-drama “Hit The Floor” as a regular cast member last season.  

A Southern belle at heart, Caitlin enjoys experimenting with vegetarian versions of her family recipes for southern cooking while staying active in Los Angeles with swimming, hiking and hot yoga. She looks forward to giving back to her dance community by teaching classes for children and nurturing self-esteem in young girls just getting their start in Los Angeles. Her love of fashion and beauty techniques she learns on set and have made her quite the fashionista with her favorite quick tips and tricks for the active girl on-the-go!.

ABCFAMILY.GO.COM

5/28 DR. JEREMY LIEB, PROLARIS, SHAUN MOREY, INCREDIBLE—AND TRUE!—FISHING STORIES

DR. JEREMY LIEB - PHYSICIAN AND BOARD-CERTIFIED UROLOGIST - PROLARIS

DR. JEREMY LIEB is a PHYSICIAN and board-certified urologist from California who is a member of a leading community-based urology practice.  He is an expert on prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, including the uses and benefits of genetic testing for clinical decision making.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death of  American men and one in six men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
This year, more than 230,000 new cases will be diagnosed, and 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer.  For patients with aggressive disease, surgery and/or radiation treatment is appropriate and life-saving.  At the same time, 40 to 50 percent of patients have lower-risk prostate cancer and many are eligible for active surveillance.  These patients may opt to avoid or delay surgery and radiation and the side effects associated with these treatments (e.g., urinary incontinence and sexual impotence).  However, according to the National Institutes of Health, 9 out of 10 prostate cancer patients who are candidates for active surveillance will instead receive more aggressive treatment.
Prolaris® is the only clinically proven prognostic test for prostate cancer that assesses a patient’s personal risk profile for the spread of the disease or death from the disease.  In other words, the Prolaris test results tell patients if they have aggressive or non-aggressive prostate cancer.  Armed with this personalized risk assessment, physicians can tailor their treatment plans to individual patients.

About Prolaris®:
Prolaris is a novel 46-gene RNA-expression test that directly measures tumor cell growth characteristics for stratifying the risk of disease progression in prostate cancer patients. Prolaris provides a quantitative measure of the RNA expression levels of genes involved in the progression of tumor growth. Low gene expression is associated with a low risk of disease progression in men who may be candidates for surveillance and high gene expression is associated with a higher risk of disease progression in patients who may benefit from additional therapy. Prolaris has been proven to predict prostate cancer-specific disease progression in 11 clinical trials with more than 5,000 patients.

For more information visit: www.prolaris.com.


SHAUN MOREY – AUTHOR AND ANGLER ENTHUSIAST, INCREDIBLE—AND TRUE!—FISHING STORIES

The National Fishing and Boating Week, a national celebration of fishing and boating, and this year takes place the first week in June from June 1st-8th. This celebration highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing in enhancing people's' quality of life and preserving our country's natural beauty.

The National Fishing and Boating Week is also is when most state’s offer their Free Fishing Days.  A Free Fishing Day is an ideal time to schedule, or take part in, an event that includes boating and fishing activities. In general, Free Fishing Days allow the public to fish without a license. To find out when your state’s Free Fishing Day is go to the following:  http://takemefishing.org/nfbw/

And an extraordinary catch deserves an exceptional story.  Shaun Morey, LA Times 3 time novel-writing contest winner, tells some of the best in INCREDIBLE AND TRUE FISHING STORIES.
Please let me know if you’re interested in an interview on Wednesday, May 29th….just days before the National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-8)….to help kick-off our country’s love for fishing – America’s most popular sport!!

As Told to, Verified, and Written by: Shaun Morey - Three-time LA Times novel-writing contest winner
Americans have long held a passionate love of fishing. It combines the chance of a spectacle with the opportunity for grandiose storytelling. In INCREDIBLE—AND TRUE!—FISHING STORIES (Workman; May 2014; $10.95), fanatical fisherman Shaun Morey doubles the appeal by telling outrageous stories that are verifiably true.

In his pursuit of the most shocking rod, reel, boat, and shoreline experiences from around the globe, Morey traveled the world and its diverse bodies of water. He visited exotic marinas, interviewed famous captains, and followed trails of narratives back to the original sources. The result is an exciting exploration of America’s most popular sport.

Proving that sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction, INCREDIBLE—AND TRUE!—FISHING STORIES is a must-have for fishing and boating enthusiasts, everyone with a home near the water, and anyone who enjoys a gripping story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shaun Morey is the author of the bestselling Incredible Fishing Stories series and a contributor to Sun magazine. He won the inaugural Abbey-Hill short-story contest and is a three-time winner of the Los Angeles Times novel-writing contest. Over the years, he has worked as a bartender, a fishmonger, a surf instructor, and an attorney, but he always comes back to writing.

5/27 DOUG MARRONE, ORGANIZER, 9TH ANNUAL AUTISM WINE EVENT, TODD RAY, AMC’s FREAKSHOW

DOUG MARRONE – ORGANIZER, 9TH ANNUAL AUTISM WINE EVENT

Like wine, a great dining experience, and love to help others? Come out to the 9th Annual Autism Wine Event on June 8th at The Chart House in Redondo Beach. Tickets: $85.00 all inclusive - go to www.rideforautism.org!   The Autism Wine event is a four course gourmet meal with wine pairing per course. Live music by Retrofit and comedy by Zoe. 100% of the proceeds go directly to families touched by Autism. 1 in 68 kids today are diagnosed with Autism…we can make a difference! The funds go to enriching autistic children’s lives, providing families discounted seminars, free evaluations, and therapy, and helping individuals affected by the autism spectrum.

The Los Angeles Ride For Autism Foundation is a 100% volunteer group dedicated to raising funds benefiting non-profit entities that are directly involved with the Autism Spectrum Disorder, by organizing motorcycle fun rides in the Southern California area.

WWW.RIDEFORAUTISM.ORG


TODD RAY – AMC’S FREAKSHOW

About the Show: Todd Ray was the very definition of normal. He had a highly successful Grammy-winning career in the music industry, a house in the suburbs, a loving wife and two kids. But Todd’s true passion was with all things unique and different - animals, artifacts or people – and his goal was to one day show the world that normal is never easily defined. Todd and Danielle opened up their hearts and home to animals and people who were truly one of a kind, with the ultimate goal of creating a venue for them to show the world that being different is its own kind of normal. So Todd walked away from his career, and with Danielle by his side, sought out a spot on California's famed Venice Beach Boardwalk to share their unique family.

Season two of Freakshow will continue to follow the lives of Todd Ray and his family as they operate their Venice Beach business and open their home and lives to the ever-changing and growing group of performers who make up their Freakshow family. New talent will be scouted to join the show, and cameras will take viewers out of the business and deeper into the personal lives of the Ray’s and their extended family to document the everyday struggles of balancing life, love and the Freakshow.

Todd Ray is the mastermind behind The Venice Beach Freakshow, a classically-inspired circus sideshow with an attached museum of oddities. A 21st Century P.T. Barnum with a congenital resistance to the very concept of “impossible,” Todd has set out to build the world’s greatest showcase for the unique,the bizarre and the wondrous.

As a teenager in South Carolina, Todd fell in love with the early hip-hop singles coming out of New York and began performing locally with friends.In 1986, he landed a record contract which led him to New York where he met Danielle, the woman whom he would end up spending his life with. Over the next decade, Todd produced and worked with a wide range of artists, including The Beastie Boys, Nas, and Mick Jagger. He won two Grammys for his production of the innovative Latin group Ozomatli and one for his work on Santana's “Supernatural” album, as well as being nominated for Rap single of the year with Cypress Hill. He and Danielle ultimately moved to Los Angeles, settling in the suburbs to raise their two children, Asia and Phoenix.

Successful as he was, Todd had creative ambitions that weren’t being satisfied. “I decided I’d rather share the wonders of the world with families – kids, adults, everybody. I recalled an experience in my childhood, which ultimately changed my life forever. I had gone to a sideshow and saw a man named Otis Jordan (known as The Human Cigarette Factory). Performing without any limbs, he used only his shoulders, chin and tongue to roll a cigarette. At the end, I said to him, ‘I don’t think I could ever do what you did.’ He said to me, ‘Son, if I can do what you saw me do on stage, a young man like you can do anything you ever dreamed of.’ From that moment, the world seemed different and I knew it was my call as to what life could be.”

Venice Beach Freakshow opened in 2006, and since then Todd has searched the world for animal anomalies, bizarre artifacts, and people with unusual physiological traits and astounding talents. He has embraced the word “freak” as a joyous rebuttal to “normal” and the pressure of conformity. “Every single one of us, by virtue of our individuality, is an oddity. We’re each a freak: a freak of the universe,” he stresses. “But a ‘freak’ meaning the most special, the most unique, the most magical creatures in the universe.”

WWW.AMCTV.COM/SHOWS/FREAKSHOW
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FREAKSHOWAMC
@FREAKSHOWAMC

5/26 GARY SINISE, MEMORIAL DAY, OZZIE SMITH, KEVIN KOLMAN, SUSAN ZIRINSKI, 48 HOURS

GARY SINISE- AN AMERICAN TRADITION ON PBS FOR 25 YEARS:  THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT - LIVE FROM THE U.S. CAPITOL

PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert will mark its 25th anniversary with a special tribute to our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and all those who have given their lives for our country.  Live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the inspiring night of remembrance will: offer veterans from Afghanistan the grateful thanks of our nation; commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy; and look back at the stories of service and sacrifice featured throughout the years during the annual concert.

The concert will be co-hosted for the ninth year by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service.  The live program airs Sunday, May 25th, 8:00-9:30 p.m. Eastern, before an audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home on PBS, and our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

To talk about the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert,” North American Network is offering five- to six-minute telephone interviews with Gary Sinise.  Interviews are being scheduled for Monday, May 19, from 10:00am to 12:00pm Eastern Time. To book an interview window, please call.


BASEBALL LEGEND OZZIE SMITH & GRILL MASTER KEVIN KOLMAN SHARE TIPS FOR A WINNING GRILLING SEASON

Baseball Legend Ozzie Smith & Grill Master Kevin Kolman Share Tips for a Winning Grilling Season!
Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of summer, which means warmer weather, longer days and spending more time with friends and family outdoors. Most importantly, it’s the unofficial start of grilling season.

Baseball legend Ozzie Smith and Weber Grilling Master Kevin Kolman want to give your listeners a few winning ideas for making their next BBQ a home run.

Your listeners will also learn about an opportunity to win the “Greatest Grilling Experience” and attend summer’s “big game” with Ozzie and Kevin. Visit weberseasonings.com/Greats for more information on the sweepstakes and how to enter.

Ozzie Smith is widely cited as one of the greatest defensive baseball players of all time and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. The world champion shortstop, baseball analyst and father of three is passionate about sharing food and laughter while gathered around the grill with family and friends.

Kevin Kolman is Weber's Grill Master who inspires everyday grillers to become backyard heroes through his how-to videos and blogs posts. Because of his passion for grilling, Kevin was invited to be a lead instructor for a barbecue science class at Ohio State University, and has judged grilling competitions around the world.


SUSAN ZIRINSKY - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HOURS

Memorial Day’s 48 Hours explores the case of Stephen DeMocker, accused of killing his ex-wife, Carol Kennedy, a 53-year-old mother of two and educator, who was brutally beaten in her home,  located in a secluded area outside of Prescott, Arizona. The police investigation turned up no physical evidence tying DeMocker to Kennedy’s death.  In fact, there was DNA from another man found under Kennedy’s fingernails.  A key witness speaks out for the first time. Could this new information free DeMocker?

A KEY WITNESS IN A MURDER CASE AGAINST AN ARIZONA STOCKBROKER SPEAKS OUT ON NETWORK TV FOR THE FIRST TIME IN “48 HOURS: END OF THE TRAIL”

“END OF THE TRAIL” IS THE FIRST OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE ALL-NEW “48 HOURS” BROADCASTS TO AIR ON MONDAYS AT 10:00 PM ET/PT

5/23 JOEL FISHER, LA WINE FEST 2014, SUSAN ZIRINSKY, 48 HOURS, STEVE EVANS

JOEL FISHER - THE LAWINEFEST 2014 RETURNS MAY 31 & JUNE 1 AT THE HISTORIC RALEIGH STUDIOS IN HOLLYWOOD

The LAWineFest is proud to be in its 9th successful year. This popular event blazed a trail in L.A. to bring wine and people together in a fun, inviting and accessible way. Now a local institution, we’re known to reliably deliver a sun-kissed event that balances fun, exploration and education. Our goal is to help people explore their taste in a festive environment. Our unofficial motto: Drink what you like; Like what you drink!

Joel M. Fisher, PhD writes or has written for the Culinary Connection of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, for the Beverly Hills Courier, and since 2010 for the Underground Wine Letter. From 2007-2009  he taught at Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. Prior to that, he was the wine instructor for the Culinary Arts Department of the Art Institute of California — Los Angeles for seven years and is a founding partner of the educational Wine Vine and Dine, which conducts programs throughout Southern California and Wine Discoveries. Net. A Sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, he is also a member of The Tasting Panel (formerly the Bon Appetit Tasting Panel) and is a Wine Host for CRN’s What’s Cooking Show.

Dr. Fisher is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, The Circle of Wine Writers (UK), and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Writers. Awarded a Wine Enthusiast Media Scholarship for 2005 at the Culinary Institute of America, he is the author of the Wine Work Book, now in its 6th edition.

Dr. Fisher co-led a program for chefs and culinary students to the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany and to wineries in Burgundy and Champagne in 2005. In June 2006 he again led a program, “Wine and Cuisine of Iberia,” to Spain and Portugal.  Future programs to wine regions are in the works.

In 2010, after numerous requests based on the huge success of the LA WineFest,  Dr. Fisher established the Santa Clarita WineFest, which just held its 3rd annual event to record audiences.

WWW.LAWINEFEST.COM


SUSAN ZIRINSKY - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HOURS

Memorial Day’s 48 Hours explores the case of Stephen DeMocker, accused of killing his ex-wife, Carol Kennedy, a 53-year-old mother of two and educator, who was brutally beaten in her home,  located in a secluded area outside of Prescott, Arizona. The police investigation turned up no physical evidence tying DeMocker to Kennedy’s death.  In fact, there was DNA from another man found under Kennedy’s fingernails.  A key witness speaks out for the first time. Could this new information free DeMocker?

A KEY WITNESS IN A MURDER CASE AGAINST AN ARIZONA STOCKBROKER SPEAKS OUT ON NETWORK TV FOR THE FIRST TIME IN “48 HOURS: END OF THE TRAIL”

“END OF THE TRAIL” IS THE FIRST OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE ALL-NEW “48 HOURS” BROADCASTS TO AIR ON MONDAYS AT 10:00 PM ET/PT

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.

5/22 BASEBALL LEGEND OZZIE SMITH, GRILL MASTER KEVIN KOLMAN, MYRA GOODMAN, STRAIGHT FROM THE EARTH

BASEBALL LEGEND OZZIE SMITH & GRILL MASTER KEVIN KOLMAN SHARE TIPS FOR A WINNING GRILLING SEASON

Baseball Legend Ozzie Smith & Grill Master Kevin Kolman Share Tips for a Winning Grilling Season!
Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of summer, which means warmer weather, longer days and spending more time with friends and family outdoors. Most importantly, it’s the unofficial start of grilling season.

Baseball legend Ozzie Smith and Weber Grilling Master Kevin Kolman want to give your listeners a few winning ideas for making their next BBQ a home run.

Your listeners will also learn about an opportunity to win the “Greatest Grilling Experience” and attend summer’s “big game” with Ozzie and Kevin. Visit weberseasonings.com/Greats for more information on the sweepstakes and how to enter.

Ozzie Smith is widely cited as one of the greatest defensive baseball players of all time and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. The world champion shortstop, baseball analyst and father of three is passionate about sharing food and laughter while gathered around the grill with family and friends.

Kevin Kolman is Weber's Grill Master who inspires everyday grillers to become backyard heroes through his how-to videos and blogs posts. Because of his passion for grilling, Kevin was invited to be a lead instructor for a barbecue science class at Ohio State University, and has judged grilling competitions around the world.


MYRA GOODMAN - STRAIGHT FROM THE EARTH: IRRESISTIBLE VEGAN RECIPES FOR EVERYONE

Myra Goodman, with her husband Drew, founded Earthbound Farm on their 2 ½ acre backyard in 1984. From an heirloom raspberry patch and roadside stand, Earthbound Farm has become the largest grower of organic produce in North American. As a passionate advocate for organic food and farming, Myra has appeared on dozens of televisions shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and Good Morning America Health, and has been featured in many publications, including More, People, and Bon Appétit. She is the author of Food to Live By and The Earthbound Cook, and the inspiration behind Earthbound Farm’s farm stand café.  She and her husband live on their original farm in Carmel Valley, California.

As environmentally healthful and thoughtful eaters pile on the vegetables and fruits and push animal protein off their plates, the desire for more recipes showcasing fresh produce has gone sky high. From Myra Goodman, the co-founder of Earthbound Farm, and her daughter Marea, comes Straight from the Earth, full of creative, delightful vegan recipes that are so delicious you will change your mind about what it means to eat a plant-based diet.

From their humble beginnings as a 2½-acre raspberry farm, Earthbound now grows and distributes organic produce nationally. Myra and Marea are skillful home cooks, and their proximity to fields of fresh vegetables and fruits made it easy to develop creative—and definitely satisfying—dishes that are not only heavy on the produce, they just happen to be completely free of meat or dairy.

 Each recipe in Straight from the Earth comes for either Myra or Marea and their unique voices and styles add a personal, conversational element to this collaborative project. Marea, for instance, has long enjoyed a vegan diet, while Myra has not; for Myra, writing the book has transformed the way she eats. Both women excel in salads, and Marea’s deliciously skewed Eccentric Caesar with its cashew and curry based dressing is just a taste of what’s offered.

The book’s diverse and delectable collection of recipes takes you from breakfast and lunch to dinner and dessert with such satisfying delights as Quinoa-Banana Skillet Bake, Slow-Simmered Beans with Tuscan Kale on Bulgur, Thai Fresh Spring Rolls, and Very Chocolaty Chocolate Brownies. And as you prepare each recipe you will gain insight into organics and essential recipe components like nuts and seeds, soy and coconut, and you will learn the practical and personal reasons to eat vegan. Straight from the Earth ensures that you will enjoy and savor every single bite.

5/21 KURT AND ROB WIDMER, WIDMER BROTHERS BREWING COMPANY, JULIE GOULD, CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH, GARDEN LITES VEGGIE MUFFINS

KURT AND ROB WIDMER - WIDMER BROTHERS BREWING COMPANY - OFFER IDEAS TO HELP YOUR PARTY STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and this year, millions of Americans will kick off the season with a barbecue for friends and family. This year, if you want your party to stand out among the crowd, get tips from the experts.

Kurt and Rob Widmer, craft beer pioneers and founders of Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. offer out-of-the-box party ideas, and share their insight on the craft brew movement that is sweeping America. In fact, according to the Brewer’s Association, in 2013 the craft brewing industry grew 18% by volume and 20% by retail dollars.

More About the Widmer Brothers: Founders Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their 20s, they began brewing unique interpretations of traditional German beer styles. Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the brewery has continued to push the boundaries of craft beer. Their Hefeweizen brew just took home the Gold Medal in the “American-Style Wheat Beer With Yeast” category in the World Beer Cup 2014!

widmerbrothers.com
www.facebook.com/WidmerBrothersBreweryandPub

JULIE GOULD - CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH – GARDEN LITES VEGGIE MUFFINS 

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.  An estimated 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, yet 83% remain either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.  Currently, the only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten Sensitivity?
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity ('gluten sensitivity') is a non-specific immune response to gluten that presents with symptoms similar to celiac disease.  According to preliminary research, gluten sensitivity does not result in damage to the intestine.  Research is conflicting, but it has been estimated that up to 6% of the American population has this condition.  Researchers don’t fully understand the long-term effects of gluten sensitivity, but a gluten-free diet is the current recommended treatment.

In honor of Celiac Awarness Month try Garden Lites Veggie Muffins, a new snack that has vegetables as the first ingredient and is 100% gluten free. Julie has lots of relevant information she can share on celiac's disease and why so many Americans are choosing to opt for a gluten free diet. In addition, she can speak to some of the newly released flavors of Veggie Muffins - Banana Choc Chip, Zucchini Chocolate, Blueberry Oat, Carrot Berry and Golden Corn. In addition to being gluten free, they are vegetarian, low in calories and Kosher parve.

The company also makes veggie souffles - with 4 grams of fiber and they're gluten free, too.

www.garden-lites.com

www.facebook.com/GardenLites

5/20 GARY PISONI, MARGARETE GRAY, IN LABOR AND THE LOCAVORE

SPECIAL GUEST GARY PISONI JOINS IN ON THE WHAT'S COOKIN' SHOW! 

Winegrower Gary Pisoni comes from generations of farmers who tended row crops long before he was born. His parents, Swiss-Italian immigrants, Eddie and Jane Pison, began farming vegetables in the Salinas Valley in 1952.

Pisoni enjoyed drinking and collecting fine French wines while in college. When he graduated, he was eager to find a way into the wine business. When he told his father he wanted to plant grapevines on the family cattle ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands, he was met with several objections, not the least of which was the cost. Gary countered to his father, “Have you ever been to a $250 lettuce tasting?” His father relented and a legendary vineyard was born in 1982. Gary’s positive energy has made him a household name and a passionate pioneer among Pinot circles.

Gary planted his first 5 acres of own-rooted vines in virgin soil at 1,300 foot elevation. It took ten years of witchers and well drillers to tap into a water source on the sixth try. Water turned the wilderness into a garden and made Gary’s dream come true. The original vines are rumored to be from suitcase cuttings from a famous domaine in Vosne-Romanee, now called the Pisoni clone or selection.

Winemaker son Jeff and grape grower son Mark created the Pisoni label, releasing the first estate Pinot Noir in 1998. A second label, Lucia, debuted in 2000. Pisoni fruit quickly became highly prized in California and Pisoni Vineyard put Santa Lucia Highlands on the map, becoming one of California’s true ‘cult’ vineyards. Many top producers craft a Pisoni vineyard-designate Pinot Noir (Arcadian, Capiaux, Morgan, Patz & Hall, Peter Michael, Siduri, Tantara, Testarossa). Gary Pisoni also manages nearby Garys’ Vineyard with Gary Franscioni.

The Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir is sold exclusively through a mailing list. The Lucia wines are made in larger quantities and are sold through a mailing list offering and retail distribution (see Lucia in Winery Directory).


To coinicide with the 30th anniversary of Pisoni Vineyards, a Pisoni Estate Chardonnay was offered with the 2010 vintage. Chardonnay was initially planted at Pisoni Vineyards in 1982, but the fruit has gone into Lucia Chardonnay. The Pisoni Chardonnay comes from some original 30-year-old vines and some from blocks planted in 1999. Only 100 cases produced.


MARGARET GRAY – IN LABOR AND THE LOCAVORE: THE MAKING OF A COMPREHENSIVE FOOD ETHIC

To most minds, locally grown equals small, sustainable, and simply better than eating the tasteless produce and processed goods shipped to supermarkets from the big world of factory farms.

The “eat local” movement in the U.S. is growing and much of the food movement writing is premised on a food ethic.  When we talk about concern for animal welfare and protecting the environment from toxic pesticides we are thinking about what we put in our bodies, but more important, we desire to make the world a better place through our food purchases.

So if we use that logic, then by all means shouldn’t those who plant and harvest our food be included in any discussion about sustainable and ethical farming?

In LABOR AND THE LOCAVORE: The Making of a Comprehensive Food Ethic (Univ. of California Press, 2014), Assoc. Professor of Political Science at Adelphi University Margaret Gray sheds light on the plight of farmworkers that supply beautiful, delicious locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally crafted cheeses, baked goods, and more to upscale eateries, thriving farmers’ markets, and ultimately our dinner plates.

As Gray makes clear by focusing on one of the country’s most celebrated local food hubs—New York’s scenic Hudson Valley--, this local bounty comes at a price.  Family farms largely thrive because the overwhelming majority of farmhands are undocumented Latino workers, willing to put in long hours of hard manual labor for meager wages—typically $8 an hour, or less—and put up with hazardous conditions and unfair, paternalistic management.

“Improving workers’ conditions should be considered as important as protecting watersheds or shielding animals from pain and stress,” Margaret Gray contends. With LABOR AND THE LOCAVORE, she calls attention to the realities and responsibilities that come with eating local.

5/19 GARY SINISE, HE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, LEE SCHRAGER, FRIED & TRUE, GARY PISONI

GARY SINISE- AN AMERICAN TRADITION ON PBS FOR 25 YEARS:  THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT - LIVE FROM THE U.S. CAPITOL

PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert will mark its 25th anniversary with a special tribute to our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and all those who have given their lives for our country.  Live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the inspiring night of remembrance will: offer veterans from Afghanistan the grateful thanks of our nation; commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy; and look back at the stories of service and sacrifice featured throughout the years during the annual concert.

The concert will be co-hosted for the ninth year by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service.  The live program airs Sunday, May 25th, 8:00-9:30 p.m. Eastern, before an audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home on PBS, and our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

To talk about the 2014 National Memorial Day Concert,” North American Network is offering five- to six-minute telephone interviews with Gary Sinise.  Interviews are being scheduled for Monday, May 19, from 10:00am to 12:00pm Eastern Time. To book an interview window, please call.


LEE SCHRAGER - FRIED & TRUE:  MORE THAN 50 RECIPES FOR AMERICA'S BEST FRIED CHICKEN AND SIDES

Whether you prefer it cold out of the fridge or hot and crispy on a buttery biscuit, you will find your new favorite fried chicken recipe inFried & True, serving up more than 50 recipes for America’s most decadently delicious food.

Lee Schrager has left no stone unturned in his quest to find America’s best fried chicken. From four-star restaurants to roadside fry shacks, you’ll learn how to brine your bird, give it a buttermilk bath, batter or even double batter it, season with loads of spices, and fry it up to golden perfection. Recipes to savor include:

--Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
--Yotam Ottolenghi’s Seeded Chicken Schnitzel with Parsley-Caper Mayonnaise
--Marcus Samuelsson’s Coconut Fried Chicken with Collards and Gravy
--Jacques-Imo’s Fried Chicken and Smothered Cabbage
--The Loveless Café’s Fried Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole
--Blackberry Farm’s Sweet Tea–Brined Fried Chicken
--Charles Phan’s Hard Water Fried Chicken
--Thomas Keller’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken
--Wylie Dufresne’s Popeyes-Style Chicken Tenders and Biscuits

Sink your teeth into Fried & True, the source of your next great fried chicken masterpiece and a tribute to America’s most beloved culinary treasure.

ABOUT: Lee Brian Schrager is credited with creating one of Miami’s biggest tourist attractions, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SoBe, as it is known), which has raised more than $10 million for the Florida International University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and the Southern Wines & Spirits Beverage Management Center. Schrager’s Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival benefits the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is a vice president of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

SPECIAL GUEST GARY PISONI JOINS IN ON THE WHAT'S COOKIN' SHOW! 


Winegrower Gary Pisoni comes from generations of farmers who tended row crops long before he was born. His parents, Swiss-Italian immigrants, Eddie and Jane Pison, began farming vegetables in the Salinas Valley in 1952.

Pisoni enjoyed drinking and collecting fine French wines while in college. When he graduated, he was eager to find a way into the wine business. When he told his father he wanted to plant grapevines on the family cattle ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands, he was met with several objections, not the least of which was the cost. Gary countered to his father, “Have you ever been to a $250 lettuce tasting?” His father relented and a legendary vineyard was born in 1982. Gary’s positive energy has made him a household name and a passionate pioneer among Pinot circles.

Gary planted his first 5 acres of own-rooted vines in virgin soil at 1,300 foot elevation. It took ten years of witchers and well drillers to tap into a water source on the sixth try. Water turned the wilderness into a garden and made Gary’s dream come true. The original vines are rumored to be from suitcase cuttings from a famous domaine in Vosne-Romanee, now called the Pisoni clone or selection.

Winemaker son Jeff and grape grower son Mark created the Pisoni label, releasing the first estate Pinot Noir in 1998. A second label, Lucia, debuted in 2000. Pisoni fruit quickly became highly prized in California and Pisoni Vineyard put Santa Lucia Highlands on the map, becoming one of California’s true ‘cult’ vineyards. Many top producers craft a Pisoni vineyard-designate Pinot Noir (Arcadian, Capiaux, Morgan, Patz & Hall, Peter Michael, Siduri, Tantara, Testarossa). Gary Pisoni also manages nearby Garys’ Vineyard with Gary Franscioni.

The Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir is sold exclusively through a mailing list. The Lucia wines are made in larger quantities and are sold through a mailing list offering and retail distribution (see Lucia in Winery Directory).


To coinicide with the 30th anniversary of Pisoni Vineyards, a Pisoni Estate Chardonnay was offered with the 2010 vintage. Chardonnay was initially planted at Pisoni Vineyards in 1982, but the fruit has gone into Lucia Chardonnay. The Pisoni Chardonnay comes from some original 30-year-old vines and some from blocks planted in 1999. Only 100 cases produced.

5/16 CHEF BRIAN MALARKEY, HERRINGBONE LA, WINEMASTERS, SAM CHAMPION, STEVE EVANS

CHEF BRIAN MALARKEY - HERRINGBONE LA – WINEMASTERS  

Nestled inside the swanky Mondrian Hotel, our newest Herringbone restaurant has a laid back coastal flare but stays true to the trendy West Hollywood vibe of the city. Brian Malarkey’s “Fish Meats Field” dining venue is quickly becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles because of the innovative dishes made with the freshest ingredients from the ocean, ranch, and garden.

As you make your way to the dining room, you won’t help but notice the breathtaking views of the city. Our eclectic decor accentuates our love for small details and designs by Thomas Schoos. The custom designed communal tables are perfect for large groups or making new friends. Since we’re located in the sunshine state, we couldn’t imagine life without an outdoor patio bar to sip on our house infused cocktails like the “Jalaberry Strawpeno” while working on a California sun tan.

THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS: is a perennial Wine Spectator Top 10 Charity Wine Auction set for May 17, 2014 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.  This extraordinary event showcases 50 international chefs and 75 of California’s Finest Wineries.  “Winemasters” has raised almost $26 million in support of the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The CF Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle.  It’s focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF and ultimately, to find a cure.

The Foundation’s drug development success has been recognized by Harvard Business School and by publications such as Forbes, Discover Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

WWW.HERRINGBONEEATS.COM/LOS-ANGELES
CALIFORNIAWINEMASTERS.ORG


SAM CHAMPION - HOST OF THE WEATHER CHANNEL’S NEW SHOW AMERICA’S MORNING HEADQUARTERS - HOW TO BATTLE ALLERGY SEASON

Sam Champion Everybody loved him as the weather anchor on Good Morning America and recently he became host of the Weather Channel’s new show America’s Morning Headquarters.  In fact, Millions of Americans are used to turning to him for answers on all weather related issues! Sam Champion is available to  for an interview discussing his career move but also advice to your readers on how to battle allergy season... how this year’s weather in YOUR AREA  will severely impact all the allergy sufferers out there— and will give some great tips. Time to prepare—it’s going to be a rough allergy season! Of course you can also discuss his career move!

This winter’s weather is expected to bring more than just record snowfalls – it’s also primed to spur high pollen counts across the country this spring. That’s because the spring allergy season is affected by the winter weather pattern. According to the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America), Spring 2014 will bring one of the most intense allergy seasons to date, due to winter’s sudden rises and dips in temperatures as well as the windy conditions, activating and spreading more pollen by plants, trees and grass.

Sam Champion, host of The Weather Channel’s new show America’s Morning Headquarters, is available to talk about how the weather plays a role in this spring’s allergy season and how the allergy forecast can affect your home’s indoor allergy report. He’ll also share tips on how to keep track and manage the allergens in your home, no matter what the weather.

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.

5/15 PHIL KEOGHAN, THE AMAZING RACE, DANIEL WINER, JUICEPRESSO, EXECUTIVE CHEF OLIVIER ROUSSELLE, LUXE SUNSET BOULEVARD HOTEL, WINEMASTERS

PHIL KEOGHAN - EMMY AWARD WINNING HOST OF THE AMAZING RACE - THE 24TH SEASON COMES TO AN EXCITING CONCLUSION
                   

The 24th season of THE AMAZING RACE comes to an exciting conclusion, Sunday, May 18, 8-9 PM ET/PT.  Chat with the Emmy Award winning Phil Keoghan about the Amazing All-Star season & preview the finale!

BIO: An Emmy award winning producer and host of The Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan, has experienced a life full of travel and adventure.  He started traveling around the world at the age of two and has been globetrotting ever since.  Serving as host and a producer of CBS’s multi Emmy Award-winning reality series, THE AMAZING RACE, Keoghan continues to travel at a pace few could match.  

After surviving a near death experience at the age of 19, where he found himself lost at 120 feet inside a 22,000 ton ship wreck, Keoghan was prompted to write a list of things to do before he died.  For more than 20 years, he has lived this, Life List, in front of a TV camera working in more than 100 countries as an actor, author, television host, producer, and cameraman.

Some of his adventures include having a five star meal on top of an erupting volcano; changing a light bulb on top of Verazano bridge; breaking an unofficial bungy jumping record with eight others; swimming from Asia to Europe across the Bosporus; and putting a golf ball across Scotland. Most recently, he rode his bike from Los Angeles to New York City to help raise awareness for the National MS Society.  Keoghan filmed the grueling 3,500 mile adventure and turned it into a documentary film titled THE RIDE.

Phil’s challenging Life List evolved into his life philosophy and the title of his best selling book, No Opportunity Wasted, NOW, (Eight ways to create a list for the life you want).  The book was later developed into an award winning television series produced in the US, Canada and New Zealand.

With a passion to help others get the most out of life, Keoghan is a regular motivational speaker at colleges and major corporations throughout North and South America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.


DANIEL WINER - CEO OF JUICEPRESSO 

Beyond it's sleek design, Juicepresso has the smallest footprint of any in-home slow juicer. Internally Juicepresso houses a powerful DC motor, which is why we guarantee it to last at least seven years with daily juicing. Other cold pressed juicers use AC motors which are larger and less powerful, leaving you with a bulky appliance on your countertop.

While other cold press juicers operate at 80 RPM the Juicepresso operates at an incredibly slow 40 RPM. Although juicing time remains the same as traditional speed juicers, your fruits and vegetables are pressed slower, providing maximum juice extraction. Juicepresso provides up to 40% more juice than loud, old-fashioned juicers and since pressed juice lasts up to three days in your fridge, you can juice less often.

Inside the clear plastic drum lies Juicepresso's greatest feature. It's patented three in one screw! Other cold press juicers have several internal parts. Juicepresso has one, making it easy to clean. Simply pull your three in one screw out of the drum, rinse and place in the dishwasher. It's that easy, and we've made it BPA free!

Juicepresso is a great addition to any kitchen. There is simply no better way for you to enjoy the many benefits of juicing in your home.

WHY COLD PRESSED: Cold press juicers operate at a very low speed, slowly squeezing juice out of fruits and vegetables. Cold press juicers or masticating juicers typically use an auger and strainer to squeeze and push juice out. Using the slow juicing or cold press juicing method, a slow juicer creates very little friction and no heat. This effectively retains all the enzymes and nutrients in fruits and vegetables, producing juice with no separation. Cold pressed juice does not oxidize quickly and can last for up to 72 hours in the refrigerator. The pulp that is produced is also much drier, meaning that the maximum amount of juice has been extracted from fruits and vegetables. Juicepresso Pulp can be used in many delicious recipes from baked goods to baby food!

Cold press juicers produce up to 40% more juice than high speed juicers. The machine essentially pays for itself. Traditional centrifugal juicers operate at high speed. A shredder disc or spinning blade is used to pulverize fruits and vegetables against a metal strainer, generating a force that separates the juice from the pulp. High speed creates friction and heat, which can destroy nutrients and enzymes from fruits and vegetables. The juice extracted from centrifugal juicers also separates and oxidizes much faster. This oxidation causes your juice to begin losing nutrients minutes after juicing. The pulp extracted is a lot wetter, yielding much less juice than a slow juicer.


EXECUTIVE CHEF OLIVIER ROUSSELLE, LUXE SUNSET BOULEVARD HOTEL – WINEMASTERS May 17th, 2014

ON SUNSET RESTAURANT: Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel’s fashionably designed Bel Air restaurant, On Sunset, presents the celebrated cuisine of Executive Chef Olivier Rousselle. Known for discriminating taste, our menus feature seasonal California fare with a splash of French influence. Bel Air fine dining is available al fresco on the comfortable and luxurious patio or indoors in the main dining room. Dine with us and experience one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. On Sunset Restaurant holds a variety of special events in our Bel Air restaurant. Read on for more information, and check back often for new gourmet tastes.

JAZZ SUNDAY BRUNCH: Besides gourmet dining and 24-hour in-room dining, On Sunset is known for a spectacular Sunday Jazz Brunch. Stocked with specially-prepared plates and a variety of traditional brunch favorites, guests can enjoy swinging live music with their meal. It’s a great brunch, with great live jazz at a great price. Chef Olivier wouldn’t have it any other way.

BIO: World-class chef Olivier Rousselle, whose culinary experience spans over three continents, has created exquisite lunch and dinner menus featuring seasonal California fare with a fresh French twist for Bel Air fine dining at On Sunset Restaurant.

Executive Chef Olivier Rousselle originally hails from Paris, and his family ties are rooted in Gascony located in the Bordeaux region of the country. His formal culinary studies began at the ripe age of 16 in Paris with an externship in Gascony under the tutorship of famed chefs Bernard Ramouneda and Andre Daguin. Upon graduation, he was immersed in the fast paced environment of a traditional French Brasserie in Paris, where he learned to love the art of travel.

London was his next culinary adventure destination where he worked alongside chefs Keith Podmore and Keith Stanley, both from the prestigious Academy of Culinary Arts. While working with Podmore, Rousselle sharpened his skills in some of the most prestigious gentleman’s clubs in London, where he often cooked for Prince Charles, the Queen Mother and other members of the Royal Family. Another continent was tugging at his chef’s coat, and soon Rousselle moved to South Africa’s wine country where he helped transform “La Couronne” Hotel and Winery to world class status along with award-winning chef, Peter Goffe-Wood.

After that successful experience, Rousselle decided to move to California to explore the phenomenon of ‘farm fresh’ cuisine and to experience the culinary scene in the U.S. Prior to joining On Sunset Restaurant, Rousselle was the executive chef at Michael’s in Santa Monica for four years.

THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS: is a perennial Wine Spectator Top 10 Charity Wine Auction set for May 17, 2014 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.  This extraordinary event showcases 50 international chefs and 75 of California’s Finest Wineries.  “Winemasters” has raised almost $26 million in support of the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The CF Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle.  It’s focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF and ultimately, to find a cure.

The Foundation’s drug development success has been recognized by Harvard Business School and by publications such as Forbes, Discover Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

WWW.LUXEHOTELS.COM/SUNSET
CALIFORNIAWINEMASTERS.ORG

5/14 KIM RAVER, 24, NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK, CHEF TIM LOVE, NATIONAL BURGER MONTH, LARRY LIPSON

KIM RAVER - “24” ACTRESS SUPPORTS NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK

Support National Women’s Health Week  With “24” Actress Kim Raver! Hear all about Kim’s work on the highly anticipated return of the hit show “24”, plus how she is encouraging healthy living among women

The hit show “24” has been off the air since 2010, but it finally made its return to network television on May 5th with a special two hour premiere. Actress Kim Raver, also known for her work on Grey’s Anatomy, has reprising her role as one of the main characters Audrey Raines.

Raver, a strong advocate for healthy living, can share some of her own tips on how to get ready for summer, with an emphasis on both health and beauty.

National Women's Health Week (May 11 and runs through May 17) is an observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority.

About the Talent: Kim Raver is an actress best known for television roles as Kim Zambrano on NBC’s Third Watch, Audrey Raines on FOX’s 24 and Teddy Altman on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.


CHEF TIM LOVE - GIVE AMERICA A BURGERVENTION FOR NATIONAL BURGER MONTH

Chef Love shares his secret tips for ensuring the summer burger staple is juicier than ever – and officially puts an end to dry burgers everywhere.

WHO: Celebrity Chef Tim Love is known as much for his freewheeling personality as he is known for his signature grill master skills. Chef and owner of Dallas’ favorite burger joint, Love Shack, and recently opened Queenie’s Steakhouse, Woodshed Smokehouse, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, a founding partner of the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival, and partner of the Big Apple BBQ Block Party,  his inspired and innovative dishes have earned critical and popular acclaim.  His charm and southern hospitality are always on display, whether it's at his restaurants, on TV, or at culinary events and cultural festivals around the world such as the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.

WHAT: With summer just around the corner, grilling season is upon us! We all know someone who could use a tip or two to make their burgers juicier, and this summer Hellmann’s is teaming up with Chef Tim Love to put an end to dry burgers and give America a Burgervention.

This May, just in time for National Burger Month (including National Burger Day on May 28th) and Memorial Day, Tim Love is transforming the ordinary hamburger into a juicier, more delicious summer staple. Tim’s secret tip? Mixing mayonnaise into the burger meat to help lock in moisture on the grill.
In addition to touting his grilling prowess, Chef Love can also speak to his new culinary show, Restaurant Kickstart, premiering on CNBC this summer.

TIM LOVE'S BEST EVER JUICY BURGER 
4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes     Chill Time: 15 minutes     Cook Time: 8 minutes  
1 1/2 lb  lean ground chuck
2 Tbsp.  Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp.  smoked paprika
1 tsp.  salt
1/2 tsp. EACH garlic powder,  chili powder and cayenne pepper
4 slices  American cheese
4  whole wheat hamburger buns
MIX ground beef with Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise and spices and roll into 4 balls; cover and chill 15 minutes.
FLATTEN balls into 1/2-inch thick patties. Grill 4 minutes per side, topping with cheese during last minute of cook time. Brush buns with Mayonnaise; grill until toasted.
PLACE burgers on buns; top if desired, with shredded Bibb lettuce and sliced tomato and red onion.

LARRY LIPSON - WINE REPORT FROM FLORIDA

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.

5/14 LISA CAREY, THE CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, EXECUTIVE CHEF CHANG SIVILAY, THE STANDARD HOTEL, CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS

LISA CAREY - THE CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL (MAY 17-18)

The delicious heart shaped fruit is the main ingredient of celebration with the 2014 California Strawberry Festival getting underway the weekend of May 17 and 18, 2014 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard (3250 S. Rose Avenue).  Ranking among the top Festivals in the entire nation, the fruitful fete boasts lip-smacking strawberries every way imaginable, featuring all day fun for the entire family with concert performances, more than 200 Fine Arts & Crafts booths, the Strawberry Promenade with celebrity cooking demonstrations, Strawberryland For Kids featuring rides and attractions, gooey contests, special appearances, and more, on 15 scenic acres of parkland.
An estimated 1.5 million strawberries will be consumed over the weekend. With 50 food booths where berries abound, the fruit that wears its seeds on the outside is served in a bevy of berry delicious forms. If you haven’t had strawberry pizza alongside a strawberry beer, you haven’t been to the Festival. Or perhaps the strawberry nachos are more you style. Oh, did we mention strawberry funnel cake, strawberry crepes, chocolate dipped strawberries, fried strawberries, the “build your own” strawberry shortcake tent, or even strawberry popcorn?

Indulge guilt free, because with each bite the non-profit food booths reap 100% of sales for their causes. The formula has proven to be a fruitful enterprise. Over the past three decades more than $4 million dollars has benefitted more than 40 southland charities. Serving up wholesome family fun, where else can you throw berries at your best friend in the Tart Toss Contest, or eat a strawberry pie by literally putting your face in it at the Pie Eating Contest, or pile on the fixings in the Strawberry Shortcake Build-Off Contest?

General admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8 and children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. Hours are 10:00a.m. to 6:30p.m.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.strawberry-fest.org. The California Strawberry Festival information line is 1 888 288-9242.

The U.S. Census reports that nearly four million babies will be born this year. By eating strawberries, expectant mothers consume folic acid, an important B vitamin that helps prevent neutral tube birth defects such as spina bifida. Eight strawberries have more vitamin C than a cup of orange juice.

WWW.STRAWBERRY-FEST.ORG



EXECUTIVE CHEF CHANG SIVILAY FROM THE STANDARD HOTEL – CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS MAY 17

Currently oversee "The Restaurant" at The Standard, Downtown LA specializing in organic locally sourced comfort classics which are served 24/7 all day, everyday in a vibrant brasserie setting. Oversee The Rooftop, The Standard Biergarten, Spin Standard, and Room Service (207-rooms) food operations ensuring quality of all product. Menu development for restaurant, special events, holidays, tasting menus.

Has served as the executive chef at the Mondrian Hotel, Pelican Grille, the Ritz-Carlton ETC…

THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS is a perennial Wine Spectator Top 10 Charity Wine Auction set for May 17, 2014 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.  This extraordinary event showcases 50 international chefs and 75 of California’s Finest Wineries.  “Winemasters” has raised almost $26 million in support of the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The CF Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle.  It’s focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF and ultimately, to find a cure.

The Foundation’s drug development success has been recognized by Harvard Business School and by publications such as Forbes, Discover Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

CALIFORNIAWINEMASTERS.ORG
STANDARDHOTELS.COM

5/12 MARLENE KOCH, EAT WHAT YOU LOVE EVERYDAY, NELSON TUCKER, THE WINE GUY

MARLENE KOCH’S - NEWEST COOKBOOK “EAT WHAT YOU LOVE EVERYDAY”

“Magician in the kitchen” Marlene Koch is back with the third book in her bestselling “Eat What You Love” series. Eat What You Love–Everyday! offers 200 brand-new guilt-free recipes for every day, every occasion—and everyone! No one knows the foods Americans love to eat best, or makes fat, calories, and sugar “disappear” like Marlene. With easy-to-make great tasting recipes, and gorgeous mouthwatering images, Eat What You Love—Everyday! is the golden ticket for anyone who wants to eat the foods they love, and still look and feel their best, including those on weight loss or diabetes diets. Includes amazing makeovers from restaurants like Panda Express, Cheesecake Factory, and Starbucks, complete with compelling comparisons (Pasta Carbonara for 335 calories—not 1,440!), special occasion dishes, comprehensive nutritional analysis including Food Exchanges and Weight Watcher plus points comparisons for every recipe, and new options for all-natural, sugar-free sweeteners and glutenfree eating.

ABOUT MARLENE: Bestselling cookbook author Marlene Koch is known as a "magician in the kitchen" for her extraordinary ability to create amazingly healthy yet unbelievably delicious recipes. A nutritionist and professional cooking instructor whose taught the principles of healthy cooking to chef's across the country for the American Culinary Federation, Marlene's "customer top rated" on QVC where she appears regularly, and her books and better-for-you recipes have been featured on television from the "Today Show" to the "Food Network," in print from publications such as Cooking Light, Men's Fitness, and Diabetes Health, to across the web from Hungry-Girl, to iVillage, and about.com.

Marlene she holds a nutrition degree from U.C.L.A. with advanced training in child and adolescent weight management and is a regular contributor to healthy eating and diabetes publications and websites. Marlene resides in California with her two sweet loving boys and husband and is the go-to cook for a big food loving family.

WWW.MARLENEKOCH.COM


NELSON TUCKER – THE WINE GUY

Everyone knows that Nelson Tucker is The Wine Guy.  He's not the first and is not the only Wine Guy but he is the only one with the legal right to use the name in California.

He has been in the wine business for many years as a retailer, provider of hard-to-find, rare wines, and wine and food critic.  Actually, the word "critic" does not fit when it comes to wine since he has rarely met one that he didn't like.  His discerning palate does give him the ability to know the difference in good and great wines.

Nelson is the CEO of The Wine Guy, LLC, and President/CEO of the Top 100 Cabs of the Napa Valley.  He Nelson Tucker     is also CEO of the International Wine Judges Association.

The Wine Guy - Nelson is the founder and organizer of The Winer's Club, a group of wine enthusiasts in Southern California. He and his wife, Elva, have travelled to most wine producing countries in the world in search of the world's best wines. Their next planned trips include Napa Valley, Spain, Germany and Italy (Tuscany wine region in May 2012).

WWW.WINEGUYREVIEWS.COM

5/9 LUCILLE O’NEAL, MEGAN MARSHALL, ROBERT SIMON, THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS

LUCILLE O’NEAL & MEGAN MARSHALL - “MOST INSPIRATIONAL MOMS” IN AMERICA

Lucille O’Neal, mother of NBA All-star Shaquille O’Neal and alumna of the Boys & Girls Clubs and University of Phoenix, helps Award Three Of The Most Inspirational Moms In The Country
With an Undergraduate or Master’s Degree On A Full-Tuition Scholarship

After a nationwide search, three devoted moms have been selected as this year’s “Most Inspirational Moms”--mothers who are doing extraordinary things while inspiring their families as role models, especially when it comes to education and leadership.

The search was conducted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and University of Phoenix. All three moms will receive full-tuition scholarships to pursue an undergraduate or master’s degree at University of Phoenix. This scholarship program was designed to promote a culture of family achievement and raise awareness about how the University of Phoenix and Boys & Girls Clubs are creating great futures for parents and youth. The three were chosen from among 80 applicants.

MEGAN MARSHALL, 27, a mom from Utah, who has a 1-year old daughter and a 7-year old stepson, has life-long dreams of starting her own business. She hopes a BS in Business with a concentration in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship from University of Phoenix can set her on her journey to provide employment for others and improve lives, promote growth and make a positive impact for future generations.


ROBERT SIMON, OWNER OF AKA AN AMERICAN BISTRO AND BISTRO 45 - THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS - MAY 17TH

AKA’s menu showcases California’s blending of regional flavors from Napa and compliments these flavors with a great wine selection that will amaze you. We feature an authentic farm-to-table menu highlighting local, sustainable and organic ingredients at their peak freshness throughout the year. The ingredients are sourced from local purveyors whenever possible because organic alternatives are what makes AKA unique.

AKABISTRO.COM

Bistro 45 Is Pasadena's most awarded restaurant. Offering an fresh, organic and sustainable dishes, accompanied by the best wine list in Pasadena.

BISTRO45.COM

THE CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS is a perennial Wine Spectator Top 10 Charity Wine Auction set for May 17, 2014 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.  This extraordinary event showcases 50 international chefs and 75 of California’s Finest Wineries.  “Winemasters” has raised almost $26 million in support of the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The CF Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle.  It’s focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF and ultimately, to find a cure.

The Foundation’s drug development success has been recognized by Harvard Business School and by publications such as Forbes, Discover Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

CALIFORNIAWINEMASTERS.ORG

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.

5/8 CATENYA MCHENRY, MUST-HAVE MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS, CHEF GEORGE DURAN, NATIONAL BARBECUE MONTH

CATENYA MCHENRY - LIFESTYLE EXPERT, MUST-HAVE MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

It was 100 years ago that President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation creating Mother’s Day.  The intent was to celebrate what mothers do for us every day of the year.  As we mark this hundredth Mother’s Day on May 11, it’s a perfect opportunity to honor your mom by giving her gifts she can appreciate every hour of the day all year round.

POCKET POPPET 

The Cardigan on the go: Stylish. Practical. Packable. Perfect for the mom on the move! The stylish and functional Pocket Poppet offers a fashionable and easy way to always have a clean cardigan handy to pop on. Proudly made in the USA, the Pocket Poppet is a fashionable open drape front cardigan that is created to fold into its own attached convenient and protective pouch. From boardroom to beach, work to weekend, retro to metro, The Pocket Poppets’ cozy, flattering, and adaptable design translates to any type of event, activity, or errand for the ultimate in style mileage!

LIMBO JEWELRY DESIGN 

Mother’s Day Feature - Bubble Grow Necklace and Earrings (Sterling Silver): Moms are the heart of the home and nothing says “I love you mom” more than jewelry. So this year give mom a gift that encompasses both beauty and simplicity. Don’t fret if can’t afford designer necklaces, rings or bracelets exclusively made for Mother’s Day.  If you are looking for “exclusive for less” look no further than Limbo Designs. This one-of-a-kind line incorporates nature-inspired designs created through the unique use of shapes and architectural design not normally seen in jewelry.   The line has a wide array of stunning, trendy and classic accessories. Prices range from $35 and up.

KARMA GIFTS 

Scarf and Keychain: Mom will love the boho-chic, affordable products available at Karma Gifts. Get a matching towel, flip flops, tote, coffee mug, scarf, wrap bracelets and so much more! Feel great about your purchase too, Karma Gifts donates a portion of each sale to those in need. Gifts starting under $20.


PROSPERITY CANDLE 

Three wick Majorelle Bowl Candle: Prosperity Candles aren't only gorgeous, but they are designed to "do good in the world." Each candle is handmade and ethically poured. Your candle will come with a story about the woman who poured it. From pillars made by Iraqi widows, to repurposed glass votives from Haiti... to unique rice bowl candles poured by refugees living in the US--each candle is handmade by a woman rebuilding her life. Candles starting at $18.


VINTAGE TRADITION 
Body Balm: Whole body care for mom for her face, lips, hands, feet and body. For all skin conditions including: dry, chapped, calloused, cracked, sun-damaged skin, rashes, burning and itching. Simply rub into the problem area well.. a little goes a long way, so a jar lasts an incredibly long time. It does not result in a greasy look or feel because it is readily absorbed as nourishment. Ingredients include: tallow (from 100% grass-fed organic cows), olive oil (extra virgin, organic) and essential oils. Available in eight scents and two sizes... two ounces and nine ounces. Great for eczema, sensitive skin and so much more!


ENDLESS GAMES 

Mom would love to receive board games to play with her friends and family! For ages 3 to 103, Endless Games offers card, dice, party, word, strategy, trivia, survey and pop culture games for everyone! Games like Oddly Obvious, the wild new party game where all the answers are right in front of you. One player reads clues while the other players race to spot the correct answers on a game card. The trick, the answers are each in different fonts and colors, written up, down, and even upside down. Shout out the most correct answers to win. It's not as easy as you think!


UWATER – THE ULTIMATE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE COMPANION 

UWater offers the world’s smallest action audio gear that goes from sand to surf!  Designed to go anywhere, weighing just one ounce, the UWater G5 is a 4GB 100% waterproof MP3/FM player that can be attached to goggles, a headband, armband, swimsuit, wetsuit or belt so that you can play your favorite  songs or listen to audio books while out enjoying your favorite water sports, including swimming laps!



CELEBRITY CHEF GEORGE DURAN - MAY IS NATIONAL BARBECUE MONTH

Hottest Trends on the Grill for 2014! Join Celebrity Chef George Duran  As He Grills Up Some Wild Recipes! After a long and cold winter for many of us, it’s finally that time of year to take the cover off the grill, dust off your tongs and fire up the grill! Celebrity Chef George Duran shows you how to kick jt up a notch with some of the Trendiest New Grilling Ideas!

Steak and hamburgers may be the darlings of the grill, but getting stuck in a food rut can happen to any of us. This summer, break away from those standard barbecue choices. Chef Duran is dishing up ways to wake up your taste buds by introducing new foods and recipes to the grill.

 Chef George Duran will discuss the hottest new BBQ trends and unique grilling ideas for the season. Chef Duran is author of Take This Dish and Twist It and known for his Food Network show Ham on the Street.  He was also host of TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off and has appeared as a guest on the Dr. Oz Show, NBC Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Wendy Williams Show, The Nate Berkus Show and many others.