Tuesday, September 30, 2014

9/30 MICHELLE M. WINNER, INTERNATIONAL FOOD WINE & TRAVEL WRITERS ASSOCIATION, FRANCINE BRYSON

MICHELLE M. WINNER – PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL FOOD WINE & TRAVEL WRITERS ASSOCIATION (IFWTWA) 

ABOUT IFWTWA
The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) is now a global network of journalists who cover the hospitality and lifestyle fields, and the people who promote them.

ABOUT MICHELLE
President, Board Member, Conferences & Media Trips Committee Co-Chair Michelle believes that the exploration of a country through its food culture makes for a compelling story. And after her ride through Patagonia on the back of a horse, she is most recently addicted to adventure travel. She is an editor for special projects at New York Times and was a twice weekly contributor at Conde Nast Digital Media’s Hotelchatter.com. she reviewed hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants and wrote about chefs. She is Editor at Large for Lifestyles at the new Luxebeatmag.com and contributes to glossy art and architecture magazines and travel magazine features. She highlights wonderful finds at Afar.com, And features at Justluxe.com and Jetsetextra. Her work has been featured on Forbes.com ( Chef Mavro), BusinessInsider.com ( Chef Jin of Alison Inn) and WSJonline.

WWW.IFWTWA.ORG


FRANCINE BRYSON – AUTHOR- FALL RECIPES

FRANCINE BRYSON has won more than 200 local and national baking competitions and was the runner-up and crowd favorite on CBS’s The American Baking Competition. Her childhood home in Greenville, South Carolina, was located between those of her Nana and Granny, both keen bakers who started teaching their secrets to Francine  when she was barely tall enough to reach the countertop. A member of the American Pie Council, she lives with her husband in Pickens, South Carolina. Francine’s first television show is currently in development.

In Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen (Clarkson Potter; September 9, 2014; $22.00; Trade Paperback) Franny shares her recipes and baking tips with everyone while staying true to her Southern roots, which means pairing chocolate and peanut butter with bacon, turning an apple pie upside down, using cherry pop in a cake, and always making use of seasonal fresh fruit—and plenty of cream cheese.

FRANCINEBRYSON.COM

Monday, September 29, 2014

9/29 CHEF MELISSA D’ARABIAN, BIRDS EYE, BOBBY HOLLAND HANTON, DOVE MEN CARE

CELEBRITY CHEF MELISSA D’ARABIAN GIVES US VEGGIE FILLED RECIPES THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Summer is behind us and families everywhere are back in the swing of school, sports, homework and the rush of fall-oriented activities. With the hustle of a new season comes the pressure of making sure your family eats right, even when time is limited.  

Celebrity chef, television host, author and mom Melissa d’Arabian is here to give a reliable lesson in meal preparation – particularly as it relates to making sure your family is achieving nutritional balance.

ABOUT MELISSA:
Celebrity chef, television host, author and mom Melissa d’Arabian embodies family home cooking at its finest. With an MBA from Georgetown University, Melissa enjoyed a successful career in corporate finance and strategy before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her four daughters. Passionate about sharing her tried-and-true recipes and money-saving tactics, Melissa then competed on and won season five of “The Next Food Network Star.” She has since become well known for “Ten Dollar Dinners” – her popular Food Network show and New York Times best-selling cookbook – as well as the host of Cooking Channel’s “Drop 5 Lbs with Good Housekeeping” healthy lifestyle series. Melissa’s newest projects include: developing and hosting acclaimed FoodNetwork.com series “The Picky Eaters Project” serving as a regular judge on Food Network competition series “Guy's Grocery Games,” and debuting her highly anticipated second cookbook, Supermarket Healthy, due out December 30, 2014. Melissa and her family live just outside San Diego. Stay in touch with Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest and on her website www.melissadarabian.net.

WWW.MELISSADARABIAN.NET
WWW.BIRDSEYE.COM


BOBBY HOLLAND HANTON - CELEBRITY STUNTMAN - FITNESS AND NUTRITION & GROOMING TIPS 

Bobby is a “real guy superhero,” having doubled guys like Christian Bale (in The Dark Knight Rises), Chris Hemsworth (in Thor 1&2, Avengers 1&2), Chris Evans (Captain America in Avengers 2), Channing Tatum (in Jupiter Ascending), Ryan Reynolds (in Green Lantern), Daniel Craig (as Bond), Jake Gyllenhaal (in Prince of Persia) and much more.

Bobby joins the show today with some Stuntman secrets revealing how he really executes those death-defying stunts!  Fitness and nutrition are very important to him as he needs to quickly change his body to exactly double the actor he’s working with. He'll join  the show with great great tips on how to stay healthy and fit! And most importantly Bobby will give us some of his best Grooming tips! He includes Dove Men+Care in his grooming routine. These products help his skin stay healthy after a long day of hair & make-up transformations – and after being inside that sweaty bat-suit all day!

WWW.DOVEMENCARE.COM

Friday, September 26, 2014

9/26 SUSAN ZIRINSKY, 48 HOURS, BERTOLLI’S NEW ITALIAN STYLE TORTA, NIALL GIBBONS, PASCHAL DONOHOE, TOURISM IRELAND, STEVE EVANS

SUSAN ZIRINSKY – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HOURS SEASON PREMIERE 

48 HOURS: PARADISE LOST – Saturday, September 27, 10 PM ET/PT
A Costa Rican paradise turns into a house of horror. How did a Wall Street millionaire end up shot dead in his bedroom?

“PARADISE LOST” - A brilliant, but troubled, wealthy American and his beautiful, but equally troubled, American wife built a lavish home and wildlife preserve in the jungles of Costa Rica.  After making over $90 million dollars on Wall Street, John Bender relocated to Central America.  He and his wife Ann used their immense wealth to buy 5,000 acres in the jungle; build a house that James Bond would find intriguing.  But they also  created an animal reserve on their property and with the help of a local attorney, set up a trust to manage their money.  They had exotic tastes, and collected over 550 Tiffany lamps to illuminate their jungle home.  They also transferred some of their money into precious gems.

Not surprisingly, their wealth and high profile made them a target for angry locals.  Aside from the Benders love of nature – they shared an illness, he suffered from depression, his wife Ann Bi- polar.  They lived what was to be an idyllic life for almost a decade but between suspicions by the Costa Ricans, financial issues at home and their self-imposed isolation… they became paranoid.  Arming their own security force  to protect them – each sunk deeper into depression.

When John Bender’s life came to an end with a single gunshot wound, investigators had to determine whether he, who had attempted suicide before, finally took his own life, or whether he died at the hands of his wife Ann. Ann Bender would face not one… but two trials.  Ann has been battling on a third front as well.  The fortune that she and John accumulated has been decimated by an unscrupulous attorney.

After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, a panel of three judges ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict Ann of murdering her husband, John.  That should have been the end of the story, but the laws in Costa Rica are not like the laws in the United States.  It’s not just the defense that has the right to appeal convictions; the prosecution can, too, if they are not satisfied with the verdict.  Ann Bender could have left Costa Rica but she didn’t.  And with no double jeopardy… prosecutors brought Ann to trial a second time for the murder of her husband.

48 Hours explores the fascinating case with our own team of forensic experts and full access to the house and the bedroom where the alleged murder occurred.  Their results are astonishing.


NIALL GIBBONS & PASCHAL DONOHOE FROM TOURISM IRELAND  - IRISH CULTURE AND CUISINE 

The launch of Ifest Boston runs September 26th – 28th at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.

Ifest is being billed as the ultimate Irish party bursting with music, Irish cuisine, entertainment & laughter. Don't miss this exhilarating celebration of modern Ireland.

The Minister carries with him an important message about an Irish tourism industry and an Irish economy that have come through some challenging times but both  are now well positioned to move forward with confidence into the future.

WWW.IRELAND.COM



CHECK OUT BERTOLLI’S NEW ITALIAN STYLE TORTA!

A fresh twist on a classic recipe, Bertolli’s new Italian Style Torta is a delicious, hearty meal to satisfy your craving for Italian. Each Torta is filled with premium ricotta cheese, kettle-cooked marinara sauce, and Italian herbs and spices, all stuffed between two layers of flakey, buttery crust. Baked to perfection in Bertolli’s unique tray, the Torta delivers crisp, oven baked flavors straight from the microwave in just minutes. Bertolli Italian Style Tortas sell for $2.99 and can be found in your grocer’s frozen meals section. Bertolli Italian Style Tortas are available in two delicious varieties, three Cheese Marinara and Italian Sausage. Go to www.VillaBertolli.com for more info


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, September 25, 2014

9/25 CELEBRITY CHEF ROBERT IRVINE, ROB DYRDEK, LUNCHABLES

CELEBRITY CHEF ROBERT IRVINE - TIPS ON MAKING DINING A PART OF YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

According to a recent study, nearly 90 percent of respondents say the visual presentation of their food is important. In addition, most agreed that even the restaurant décor is an important part of the experience when dining out. Whether you’re planning for an upcoming vacation or starting to book a trip over the holidays, where and what you eat can greatly impact your overall travel experience and even make your sightseeing more enjoyable.

Chef Robert Irvine, host of the Food Network hit show Restaurant: Impossible (which has filmed seven seasons and more than 80 episodes since 2011),  is available for live interviews to share his tips for making the dining experience a central part of your travels, no matter where you’re headed. On the road for more than 300 days each year and traveling internationally on a regular basis, Chef Irvine knows first-hand what it’s like to venture out in new cities and unfamiliar locations, and the challenges of spotting the best restaurants in town, finding little-known places that use local flavors to make one-of-a-kind dishes, and making the time to truly enjoy each meal as both a visual and sightseeing opportunity. Since Chef Irvine is always focused on maintaining his health and fitness, he can also provide more about how to stay fit on the road, including the healthiest foods to eat – even some that specifically benefit the health of your eyes – and easy “anywhere” workouts so you can see and feel your best to truly enjoy all of the sights during your trip.

ABOUT CHEF ROBERT IRVINE:
With more than 25 years in the culinary profession, Chef Robert Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean, and the Americas, in hotels and on the high seas. Irvine brings his experience to The Food Network as host of the hit show Restaurant: Impossible, and has previously been seen on Dinner: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America, and The Next Iron Chef. With seven seasons and more than 80 episodes since 2011, Restaurant: Impossible continues its successful run as one of the network’s most popular shows where Robert attempts to save America’s most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000.

WWW.CHEFIRVINE.COM
WWW.SEEMORESIGHTS.COM


PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER, MTV STAR, AND ENTREPRENEUR ROB DYRDEK TEAMS UP WITH LUNCHABLES TO HELPING KIDS TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Rob Dyrdek is a self-made American success story. In just two decades, he’s rapidly evolved from an innovative and influential pro skateboarder to a dynamic serial entrepreneur, pop-culture personality and groundbreaking media impresario. His dedication and love for the sport inspired him to create the SLS Foundation (formerly called the Rob Dyrdek Foundation), whose mission is to contribute to communities by providing the healthy and sustainable benefits of skateboarding to design, develop, and construct safe and legal skate plazas around the world. Now, Rob is combining his passion for skateboarding and mentoring by taking part in the launch of a national campaign that helps kids across the country lead fun and active lifestyles.

Lunchables has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, pledging $1 million dollars over the next five years to renovate and upgrade facilities across the country.

On September 23, professional skateboarder and MTV Star Rob Dyrdek’s SLS Foundation and Lunchables kicked off the program and unveiled a newly revamped skate park at the Boys & Girls Club in Chula Vista, Calif.

Lunchables and Rob Dyrdek have created a new online video series called Fully Uploaded. In each episode, Dyrdek profiles various individuals and groups living their dreams and inspires them to take their skills to the next level. Whether it’s featuring game-changing people like skateboarding phenom Jagger Eaton, pro athletes like NFL leading rusher LeSean McCoy and NBA Champion and Final MVP Kawhi Leonard, to YouTube sensations like Dude Perfect and Freddie Wong, he wants to help your viewers step up their game as they pursue their goals, and invites them to check out the videos at:

WWW.LUNCHABLESUPLD.COM

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

9/24 LARRY LIPSON,CAROL KOZLOWSKI-EVERY, KOZLOWSKI FARMS


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 Florida 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.
                                                 


CAROL KOZLOWSKI-EVERY - KOZLOWSKI FARMS

Kozlowski Farms—Preserving Sonoma's wine country kitchen tradition.

At Kozlowski Farms, when we say—"it's just like my grandmother used to make"— we mean it. All our products began with founder Carmen Kozlowski's legendary recipes, including old fashioned jams, no sugar apple butter, no sugar fruit spreads and homemade pies - including Carmen's fabulous Gravenstein Apple Pie. We believe that the best foods from Salad Dressings to Chipotle Grilling Sauces begin with the very best ingredients.

As one of Sonoma County's oldest family-owned farms, we're big on tradition—the kind where everyone stops what they're doing and comes to the table.
Look for our OCTOBER KozClub! Specials!

WWW.KOZLOWSKIFARMS.COM

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

9/23 PEGGY TROTT, INN AT LAGUNA BEACH, HANS RÖCKENWAGNER, DAS COOKBOOK

PEGGY TROTT - INN AT LAGUNA BEACH

A Southern California boutique escape for business and pleasure designed for an intimate and relaxed getaway. This Laguna Beach, CA hotel features 70 thoughtfully appointed accommodations, including spacious village and ocean front guest rooms. Poised atop a bluff near Heisler Park and overlooking the famous Main Beach, Laguna Village and Pacific Ocean, the view is unparalleled and the main attractions are within walking distance. Known as a premier American art colony, Laguna Beach offers a creative culture with an abundance of Zagat and Gayot rated restaurants, unique shopping boutiques, world-renowned art galleries and the annual Pageant of the Masters. For those seeking a business retreat, the Inn offers executive and ocean front meeting facilities for small groups of 2-40. Local catering cuisine and planning services are available.

The Inn is within walking distance of 40 diverse restaurants offering an excellent variety of cuisine, including Mediterranean, Italian, Traditional American, Contemporary American and much more.

WWW.INNATLAGUNABEACH.COM


HANS RÖCKENWAGNER – AUTHOR, DAS COOKBOOK: GERMAN COOKING CALIFORNIA STYLE 

Culinary icon, Hans Röckenwagner, brings his inventive Californian cooking with a German flare to kitchens worldwide with the highly anticipated release of Das Cookbook. Drawing from more than 30 years of culinary experience in Los Angeles, Switzerland, and Germany, Hans is pulling together the perfect mix of German comfort and California freshness in his latest cookbook. Das Cookbook will include popular recipes from several of his LA restaurants, such as 3 Square Cafe on famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Cafe Röckenwagner in Brentwood, CA.
The cookbook will feature recipes for all occasions, including German-style holiday cooking, bread-making (such as Hans’ famed pretzels and pretzel bread), bar snacks, sandwiches, simple yet sophisticated suppertime dishes and more.

Included in these sections are recipes for the following dishes:

  • Spring Spätzle
    • Homemade Spätzle, Mushrooms, English Peas, Basil, Green Asparagus
  • Roast Goose with Citrus-Spiced Red Cabbage
    • Whole Goose, freshly ground pepper, citrus-spiced red cabbage
  • Kasekuchen
    • Combination of German and American cheesecakes topped with a tangy crème fraiche topping and fresh berries 
  • Bircher Muesli
    • Authentic muesli with raw oats, Apples, Hazelnuts or Almonds, Raisins, Honey, and Mixed Berries
  • German Style Pretzels 
    • Yeast, Salt, Butter with step by step directions for shaping and variations

WWW.ROCKENWAGNER.COM

Monday, September 22, 2014

9/22 ARLAN ETTINGER, GUERNSEY’S AUCTION HOUSE, WAYLON JENNINGS, IAN BLACKBURN, LEARNABOUTWINE.COM, TASTING ARGENTINA

ARLAN ETTINGER, PRESIDENT OF GUERNSEY’S AUCTION HOUSE - AUCTION FOCUSING ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WAYLON JENNINGS

Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey’s, is a walking encyclopedia of all things Waylon.  He has extensive broadcast experience from his years auctioning off everything from the remains of the Titanic, to the estates of Elvis Presley, JFK and much more.

REMEMBERING WAYLON - AN UNPRECEDENTED AUCTION FOCUSING ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WAYLON JENNINGS, THE LEGENDARY OUTLAW COUNTRY MUSICIAN WHO CARVED HIS WAY TO SUPER-STARDOM

Memorable objects from Jennings’ career, plus remarkable items from many of his fellow musicians and friends including Hank Williams, John Lennon, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Muhammad Ali

On October 5 at Phoenix's Musical Instrument Museum, auction house Guernsey’s will resurrect the aura of outlaw country megastar Waylon Jennings with the sale of many of his personal belongings. For the first time, Jennings’ legions of fans will have a chance to own a piece of musical history. The featured collection is being offered by country music legend Jessi Colter, Jennings’ wife of more than thirty years with whom he often shared the stage. The event will help bring attention to the important care provided at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
A driving force of the Outlaw Country movement that erupted in the ‘70s, Jennings rejected the conventions of country’s manufactured “Nashville Sound” and reached superstardom with his commanding baritone and stripped-down, updated honky tonk, which gave his music a gritty edge all its own. His style changed the face of country music and influenced countless musicians, as his songs consistently appeared on both Billboard’s country and pop charts throughout a career that spanned more than five decades. Jennings’ album Wanted! The Outlaws – featuring collaborations with his wife, Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, and Tompall Glaser – peaked at No.1 on the charts and was the first country album to be certified platinum.

Throughout his career, Jennings worked with some of the music industry’s biggest names and was a member of The Highwaymen, the legendary country music supergroup comprised of four of the genre’s most well-known artists. Alongside Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, “Ol’ Waymore” (as he was often called) toured extensively and helped transform country music from a more regional affair to the most popular musical genre in America. Early in his career, Jennings performed with Buddy Holly & The Crickets, who – at the time – were on an ambitious winter tour with early rock ‘n’ roll greats Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. It was during that tour when Jennings gave up his seat on the ill-fated flight that claimed the lives of all three headlining musicians, a date that was immortalized as “the day the music died.”

Don Was, premium producer of our generation with credits too many to number was quoted as saying, "I think Waylon reigns supreme as the innovator who incorporated rock and roll ethics and rock-and-roll rhythms into country music. We can trace him back to his early days with Buddy Holly to see where his rhythmic ideas come from, and I think we see his rebellious attitude manifested in most of the young stars in country music today. He rebelled against the rules, he sort of forsook the award show lifestyle and all the gimmickry and pageantry, simply for the purity of the music.”

Many items from fellow artists are brilliantly preserved in Jennings’ collection, which stands as a timetable and testament to his calling in life. Unpublished photographs, favorite stage outfits, instruments including a selection of Jennings’ iconic guitars, music awards and stage equipment are among the countless treasures to be sold.

Other important pieces in this remarkable collection include the original signed contract for the establishment of The Highwaymen, a handwritten letter to Jennings from John Lennon, Willie Nelson’s braids (which Willie himself famously cut off in 1983 to cheer on Jennings during his path to sobriety), and a custom pair of Nudie cowboy boots emblazoned with a white “H” for their original owner, Hank Williams Sr. Aside from items relating to fellow musicians are pieces that were important to Jennings on a deeper level, such as a pair of training gloves and a ring robe from his personal hero, Muhammad Ali, presented personally to Jennings before his fight in New Orleans against Leon Spinks. A prolific song writer, one of the most compelling sections of the event will be the presentation of Jennings’ hand-written lyrics and soulful thoughts for songs to come, penned in notebooks and on assorted pieces of paper of every description. The collection also includes an array of instruments, among which are several of Jennings’ iconic Fender guitars with his signature design.

The entire collection can be previewed at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona on October 3-4 from 10:00am to 9:00pm. The live auction will take place in two sessions on Sunday, October 5, beginning at 1:00pm.

ABOUT GUERNSEY’S:
Approaching its 40th anniversary, Guernsey's has built a reputation as an auction house known for the presentation of the most extraordinary properties. From the largest auction in history (the contents of the ocean liner S.S. United States) to vintage racing cars on to artwork from the Soviet Union, pre-Castro Cuban cigars and the $3 million McGwire baseball, the firm has few rivals when it comes to the presentation of wildly diverse art and artifacts. Guernsey's also has brought some of the most famous and intriguing personalities of the 20th Century to auction in events that captivated the world. The official Elvis Presley Auction featuring items from the Graceland Archives on to treasured items relating to the lives and careers of John F. Kennedy, Princess Diana, Jerry Garcia, John Coltrane, Dick Clark, Mickey Mantle and the Beatles were all Guernsey's events.  High-quality, high-visibility projects continue to be Guernsey's forte. The Auction house is in the midst of its series of events devoted to the legendary, Holocaust-related poster collection of Dr. Hans Sachs and is currently offering one of America's finest, most historic carousels for sale. Record-setting events of exceptional collections have very much become a Guernsey's trademark.

WWW.GUERNSEYS.COM


IAN BLACKBURN – FOUNDER, LEARNABOUTWINE.COM, SOMMELIER – TASTING ARGENTINA 10/22/14

TASTING ARGENTINA  10/22/14 6:30 – 9:30PM
AT THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILL, LA CA

Come and share the excitement, enjoy unlimited tasting, the music, appetizer foods and a robust silent auction.  Learn about the wines of Argentina from the visiting producers, owners, and winemakers themselves at "Tasting Argentina".

ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN:
Master of Wine Student and innovative wine industry spokesperson, Ian Blackburn drinks wine for a living. Since it was established in 1995, Ian Blackburn has worked on building Learn About Wineinto the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California. LearnAboutWine was the first business of its kind: a wine education and event website dedicated to the education, service, and enjoyment of wine.

Today LearnAboutWine has developed into Southern California’s premier company for wine education and events. Ian continues to innovate and focus on demystifying wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector. LearnAboutWine events include the wildly successful, monthly “TASTE” Series, a large-scale wine social; “PALATE BUILDER” Sensory evaluation class, VINTAGE – High end collectables tastings and LAW SCHOOL – the four week credential program that concludes with the BAR exam (Beverage Aptitude Review). Over 30,000 students in Southern California have participated in LearnAboutWine’s core class “Wine Camp,” an introduction into wine, and it is considered one of the top introduction courses in the region.

With a database of over 18,000 subscribers, Ian’s following and notoriety has grown with the popularity of wine. He has taught classes at Cordon Bleu, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, The Learning Annex, and other prestigious universities. LearnAboutWine maintains an active calendar of classes and events offered to the public, but thrive as a source of private and corporate events. Ian’s clients range from small social clubs and church organizations, to Fortune Five Hundred companies like Amgen, Pfizer, Disney, Nestle, Deloitte, Latham Watkins, Ernest and Young, Bank of America/US Trust/Countrywide, Paul Hastings, Quinn Emanuel and KPMG.

Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States; he was trained as an educational Ambassador for the Napa Valley Vintners and the Region of Champagne, France. Ian’s expertise and entertaining ways can be heard regularly on Los Angeles radio airwaves likeKCRW, KLOS, KROQ, INDIE 103.1, 98.7 and Ian even appeared as an expert on ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Creating wine lifestyle events in order to get more people involved in the enjoyment and appreciation of wine is Ian’s forte. Commissioned by Wiley Publications to write The Pleasure of Wine in 2004, Ian is currently studying for his Masters of Wine and working on his second book at his home office in Downtown Los Angeles.

LEARN ABOUT WINE’S PHILOSOPHY
To demystify wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector. Whether it is an intimate sensory class, corporate team building exercise or a large-scale wine social, Learn About Wine is the one stop resource for education, service and enjoyment of wine.

WWW.LEARNABOUTWINE.COM

Friday, September 19, 2014

9/19 REMI BARRETT, LA SIRENA, BARRETT & BARRETT WINES, STEFANIE SALEM, NEWPORT BEACH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL, STEVE EVANS

REMI BARRETT – SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, LA SIRENA & BARRETT & BARRETT WINES

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL SPEAK LIKE A PIRATE DAY Heidi Barrett’s La Sirena 2011 PIRATE TREASURED! A luscious balanced blend of seven varietals “the seven treasures of the sea”; Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc & Petite Verdot in a fun bottle made for the pirate in all of us! $260.00 per 6 bottle treasure chest $43.33 per bottle.

WINERY HISTORY
With the incredible success of La Sirena one might think the idea for the brand was a well thought-out plan; a plan that was as deliberate and calculated as every other winemaking detail in Heidi Barrett’s portfolio.  Heidi would tell you otherwise.  “It was a fluke opportunity.  The first wine I made for La Sirena started as a custom crush wine for a client.  The client hired me to make Sangiovese for a new brand, but ran into a conflict of interest situation with their family, who had other winery ties.  The wine was already made and quite delicious, yet the client had to abandon the project.  They were going to put this beautiful wine on the bulk market and I thought, “Here’s my chance to start my own winery, maybe I could buy it!” So, I had the wine and I needed to come up with a winery name, design a label and get approval and permits, etc. all within a 30 day time period. The wine was ready to bottle so time was of the essence.”

“My husband Bo and I found the name while looking through the playing cards of the Mexican card game called Lotteria. All the cards are different nouns and one was La Sirena- the mermaid! We are both big scuba divers and ocean lovers and here was this great symbol of something magical, like wine, that was a way for me to combine two great passions.  So began La Sirena in 1994 with that serendipitous harvest of Sangiovese.  La Sirena, which means “the Mermaid” in both Italian and Spanish, was born.”

A couple years later in 1996, Heidi decided to focus the project on the varietals she is truly passionate for rather than wines that came along by happenstance.  Cabernet Sauvignon was the obvious choice since she is best known for her amazing track record with this “king of red wines”.  As the Sangiovese was fazed-out after the 1999 harvest due to a grape contract loss, La Sirena added Syrah as its second red varietal. Heidi had always had a passion for wines from the Rhone Valley and thought Syrah could be quite special grown here in California.  This interest led to making not only a delicious Napa Valley Syrah but also a tasty Santa Ynez version, showing off what Syrah can do in a cooler climate. Eventually a third Syrah was added, designated “Barrett Vineyards“,  from her own 2-acre vineyard at the foot of Mt. St. Helena.  “The wine was just too distinct to blend into the Napa Valley Syrah and such a stand out lot deserved to be its’ own blend” said Heidi.

Always wanting to experiment and try something new going forward, Heidi decided it would be fun to make a dry style Muscat. Challenged by the idea that there were dry Rieslings and dry Gewurztraminers in the US, but no dry Muscat, she first pondered “Why doesn’t anyone make this?”, and secondly questioned, “Why couldn’t you?”, and finally stated, “I think I’ll do it!” Muscat is such a beautiful fragrant variety that makes a delicious, unique, and fun white wine encompassing all the perfumey, floral qualities of the grape, without the sugar. La Sirena introduced the first tiny, 122 case production of Moscato Azul to the market in 2003. We now make around 500 cases a year of this beautiful white wine in a cobalt blue bottle finished with a blue cork!

The winery today focuses on making three varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Muscat Canelli. All the wines are hand-made, small production lots made with great care with the highest quality in mind.  Heidi Barrett is the owner and winemaker who built her reputation for making some of the worlds’ best wines during a 30-year career.

WWW.LASIRENAWINE.COM


STEFANIE SALEM - PRESIDENT OF NEWBE PRODUCTIONS LLC - NEWPORT BEACH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL (SEPT 19-21)

Stefanie Salem, President of NewBe Productions LLC, and Founder of the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival, was born and raised in Southern California. She earned her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 1992. Her 20 years of business experience includes having lived and worked in foreign countries while collaborating with political leaders and corporate decision makers on projects involving the promotion of their economies. Her international and entrepreneurial business experiences and love of all types of cuisine have helped provide the knowledge to create a world-class epicurean adventure for Newport Beach.

Salem promoted foreign investment in emerging markets by working with Heads of State, Ministers and CEO’s of multinational and local corporations in the countries of Greece, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Nigeria. This was accomplished through editorial advertising in US News and World Report, Sunday Telegraph (UK) and USA Today. Subsequently, she was Founder and President of Hampton Court Publishing, London, which published “In God’s Time, the Building of a Democratic Nation”, focusing on the cultural, historical and political independence of Nigeria. She worked directly with President Obasanjo, Vice President Abubakar, all 36 Governors and Ministers to create the text, original artwork and photography for the volume.

After completing and distributing the book, Salem became the Vice President of International Sales at Advanced Specialty Lighting, a design and manufacturing company of precision optical products for the entertainment, industrial and scientific markets. She conducted new business development throughout the US, China, India, Europe and Mexico.

She’s now combining her entrepreneurial experience with her passion for food in order to create an unforgettable food and wine event that generates the opportunity to help fund charitable causes in the community of Newport Beach.

ABOUT THE EVENT:
The very First Annual Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival will showcase live cooking demos with celebrity chefs, local restaurants, elite sommelier panels, master mixology courses, wine tastings and live music from international jazz artists. Set amongst the stunningly contemporary grounds of the Newport Beach Civic Center and at various restaurants around town, the much-anticipated festival will guide you through a three-day journey filled with flavors and tastings from some of the finest local and world-renowned culinary masters. Prepare your taste-buds. We can’t wait to see you there!

WWW.NEWPORTWINEANDFOOD.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, September 18, 2014

9/18 SARAH PERREAULT, COMFORT FOOD ALMANAC, CHRISTIAN GRIEB, TREVERI CELLARS

SARAH PERREAULT - SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR, COMFORT FOOD ALMANAC

Every dish you love, every recipe you want! Comfort Food, the newest cookbook from award-winning cookbook author Ken Haedrich and the editors of the Almanac, is a collection of more than 200 recipes that you will love to make, love to serve, and love to keep. Here you’ll find everything from familiar favorites kicked up a notch for today’s tastes to classic dishes that heat up the kitchen, warm the heart, and spark old memories while inspiring new ones, including Chicken Parmesan Potpie, Super-Creamy Mac and Cheese, Best Ever Coconut Cream Pie, and more!

For a taste of home that satisfies the appetite and delights the senses, thumb the pages of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Comfort Food. Its saucy, cheesy, chewy, gooey, sweet, simple, “lick-the-bowl”-delicious dishes will be treasured by anyone who likes to cook—and everyone who likes to eat.

ABOUT SARAH:
Sarah, our Senior Associate Editor, joined The Old Farmer's Almanac in 2003. She has tons of quirky and little-known facts crammed into that brain of hers, which may be thought useless elsewhere—but not here at the Almanac. Sarah graduated from the University of New Hampshire. She previously worked as an editor at a biotechnology and pharmaceutical publishing company and as a project manager at a textbook publishing company before joining the Almanac team.

Sarah works on all of our products—fact checking, photo researching, writing, editing, and proofing all things Almanac. She is also one of our on-air voices, regularly chatting it up with radio stations across the country.

Sarah is an avid Red Sox fan and enjoys working in her gardens, kayaking, and skiing with her husband and son.

ALMANAC.COM



CHRISTIAN GRIEB - SR. VP OF SALES & ASST. WINEMAKER, TREVERI CELLARS

Treveri Cellars is a family-owned sparkling wine house that produces some of the finest handcrafted sparkling wines in the United States.

Treveri opened its doors on November 23, 2010 with a mission to put Washington sparkling wine on the map. Since its opening, Treveri wine has been served at White House State Department receptions and the James Beard Foundation in New York.

Producing a wide array of sparkling wines, including non-traditional varieties such as Riesling and Mueller-Thurgau, Treveri largely focuses on 100% varietal sparkling wines, and is also launching a reserve tier of sparkling wine.

ABOUT CHRISTIAN:
As a young man, Christian was exposed to the ins and outs of winemaking in Washington State by working with his father, Juergen. With one of the state’s best winemakers as his teacher, his interest in winemaking peaked immediately, and he’s been hooked ever since. With an aptitude for business, Christian earned his BA in Business Administration from Seattle University, and has since translated his business skills to Treveri Cellars, where he now works alongside his father.

Since beginning his career at Treveri, Christian has completed two harvests as the Assistant Winemaker, and has enrolled at UC Davis in the Winemaking Certificate program. With his father, Christian continues to craft some of the finest sparkling wines in the United States.

WWW.TREVERICELLARS.COM

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

9/17 LARRY LIPSON, LEAH INGRAM


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 Florida 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.
                                                 


LEAH INGRAM - LIFESTYLE AND FRUGAL-LIVING EXPERT - PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM OLD MAN WINTER AND SAVE ON COSTLY HOME REPAIRS

Personal Finance Expert Leah Ingram Shares Five Easy Fall Fix-Ups that will Save Money Now and Prevent Major Repairs Later  Plus, the Most and Least Expensive Cities to Complete these Projects!

Fall is the perfect time to start preparing your home to withstand winter’s frosty bite! Whether you plan to tackle the to-do list on your own, or bring in a professional, getting a jump on small maintenance jobs now can save you big cash later.

In interviews on Wednesday, September 17, personal finance expert Leah Ingram will talk about the five fall home projects to get started before temperatures drop.  She’ll talk about how to use the HomeAdvisor’s cost guide to determine when to hire a pro versus completing the project DIY.  She’ll also share the most and least expensive cities to get the job done in.

The five fall fix-ups include:
  1. Install weather-stripping: Installing weather stripping can save homeowners money on energy costs that result from leaks in the doors and windows.  
  2. Clean gutters and downspouts: Cleaning the gutters once a year removes any debris such as twigs and leaves that can fall in and clog the gutters.  
  3. Remove leaves: Removing the leaves before the first snow helps prevent the buildup of fungus and an increase in insects that can kill the grass. 
  4. Service a furnace: Servicing the furnace annually and completing small repairs can help prevent needing to replace the furnace.  
  5. Clean ducts and vents: Cleaning the ducts and vents annually helps prevent the buildup of dust, debris, and other particles such as mold in the vents.  

About Leah Ingram:
Leah is a freelance writer, lifestyle and frugal-living expert, and experienced speaker and spokesperson. Leah has appeared on programs such as “The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric,” “Good Morning America,” “Market Wrap,” and “Good Day New York.” In addition to her experience on television, Leah is a cultivated journalist and editor, who has worked for several publications including “Woman’s Day Special Interest Publications,” “Modern Bride,” “Parade” and “Street Scenes.”

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

9/16 NANCY RODRIGUEZ, FMSS, HOW THE AMERICAN PALATE IS EVOLVING, GINA NEELY

NANCY RODRIGUEZ - FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF FOOD MARKETING SUPPORT SERVICES (FMSS) - HOW THE AMERICAN PALATE IS EVOLVING

The American Palate is Evolving! The American palate is changing with flavor preferences today such as coffee, craft beer and other beverages with bitter notes; fermented flavors (tangy and sour); smoke and complex smokey flavors featuring aromatics like mixed woods, herbs and other natural ingredients; and sweet/savory/hot combinations.  FMSS uses consumer insights to shape new products and Nancy can talk about how Millennials' tastebuds are driving what we eat today and will eat in the future and share examples of how specific foods from cheese to chocolate are evolving.

About Nancy:
Nancy Rodriguez is founder and president of Food Marketing Support Services (FMSS), a Chicago company that has created hundreds of food and beverage products for Fortune 500 companies.  Nancy is a descriptive sensor expert and passionate advocate of linking consumer insights into developing new products.

About Food Marketing Support Services/FMSS:
Food Marketing Support Services (FMSS) specializes in food & beverage product development, sensory services, trend analysis and consumer research for a client roster than includes Coca-Cola, ConAgra, DiGiorno, Hickory Farms, Kellogg's, Kraft, Mars, Quaker and Tyson. What makes FMSS unique from other food labs is its laser focus on the consumer and what they want.  In addition to consumer insights, the product development process also includes trend analysis and sensory art and science , including sight, smell, sound, taste and touch, and professional "tasters" to create new products.  

www.fmssinc.com/services


GINA NEELY – MOM, AUTHOR, NATIONAL TELEVISION SHOW HOST AND CHEF - IMAGINE SIMPLE, EASY DINNERS FOR BUSY FAMILIES

As summer gives way to hectic back-to-school schedules, parents are confronted with those common dinner time challenges, including balancing family schedules, getting kids excited about eating nutritious meals and finding creative ways to reinvent boring go-to weeknight dinners like pasta and chicken. It’s clear that parents are looking for ways to simplify their weeknight dinner routines, with the majority of parents agreeing they would rather spend less time in the kitchen so they have more time to enjoy dinner with their kids, according to the 2014 Fresh Takes with Green Giant Frozen Survey.

But when rushing to get to the dinner table, it turns out vegetables don’t always have a place at that table.
In fact, more than a third of parents surveyed said they forget about, or even purposefully cut out, vegetables when crunched for time at the end of the day. Further, despite four-out-of-five (83%) parents agreeing no dinner is complete without a vegetable, they leave them out of the meal an average of twice a week when preparing dinner.
Mom, Author and National Television Show Host and Chef, Gina Neely offers parents useful tips on how to reinvent dinner time with simple, delicious and nutritious ideas by sampling adding Green Giant Steamers. She can walk viewers through simple steps to help parents conquer dinnertime, like preparing a grocery list, using veggies to make meal-time more exciting, simplifying ingredients and leveraging one-pot meal ideas.

ABOUT GINA NEELY:
Gina Neely burst onto the scene in 2008 by starring in the hit show “Down Home with the Neelys,”which became the highest-rated series debut in the history of Food Network’s “In the Kitchen” block. Following the tremendous success of her television show, Gina released her first cookbook, "Down Home with the Neelys" (Knopf), which quickly earned a place on the New York Times best-seller list. A hit show and a bestseller soon led to Gina’s prime time television debut as the host of Food Network’s “Road Tasted.” A second book soon followed, The Neely's Celebration Cookbook (Knopf). Gina recently released her third cookbook, Back Home with the Neelys (Knopf), which hit stores in April 2014.
Gina has performed live for thousands of fans all over the country, not only showcasing her skills and fun loving approach to cooking, but also sharing her perspectives on life, love,  and the issues facing women in their personal and professional lives.  A highlight of her speaking career, Gina was invited by the President and First Lady to take part in the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.

Gina has appeared on national TV and radio shows such as The Talk (as a guest and a co-host), Arsenio, The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Anderson Cooper Live!, The Monique Show, Good Morning America, The  Today Show, The View, The Chew, Katie, Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. In print, Gina has been featured in a variety of publications, including People Magazine, O Magazine, Ebony, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise, USA Today, Food Network Magazine and many others.

Monday, September 15, 2014

9/15 MATT SARTWELL, THE CHEF SAYS: QUOTES, QUIPS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM, TOM FULLER, 20TH ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH, ERNESTO QUINTERO, “A SACRED JOURNEY”

MATT SARTWELL – AUTHOR, THE CHEF SAYS: QUOTES, QUIPS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM & CO-OWNER, KITCHEN ARTS & LETTERS BOOKSTORE IN NEW YORK CITY

The Chef Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom - compiled and edited by Nach Waxman and Matt Sartwell

On sale: Sept. 2, 2014

There’s no room for manners in the professional kitchen, where the slightest stumble can send an entire restaurant into the weeds. So it follows that even in quieter moments, what chefs have to say is always opinionated and illuminating. Great chefs have a vision and they will direct others in making them concrete. The Chef Says (Princeton Architectural Press, $14.95, Sept. 2) is an invitation to the ultimate food lover’s dinner party, where cooks from ancient Greece rub shoulders with today’s rising stars. These unruly culinarians compliment, compete, and disagree with one another as they discuss childhood and training, taste preferences and trends, the quest for perfection, and the grueling but exhilarating business of opening a restaurant. You may not agree with Thomas Keller’s sunny assertion that “If I’m happy, then a great percentage of the customers will be happy, too,” but you might just nod your head at this from legendary New Orleans chef Leah Chase: “You have to be yourself when you are creating and cooking.You do what you need to do and you do it to the best of your ability.” The Chef Says will captivate anyone who has ever worked in a kitchen, been inspired by a flawlessly ripe tomato, or resolved a crisis by adding more butter.


TOM FULLER - 20TH ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH - SEPTEMBER 13 & 14, 2014 IN THE NAPA VALLEY RECAP

The 20th Anniversary Music Festival for Brain Health: A Weekend of Science and Sizzle!

Come revel in a weekend of learning, music, wine, cuisine, and camaraderie, hosted by IMHRO, ONE MIND for Research and the Tug McGraw Foundation. Proceeds fund research to better understand, diagnose, treat, prevent and cure severe brain diseases and injuries.

On Saturday, September 13, Staglin Family Vineyard will host a symposium featuring a keynote by Dr. Eric Lander, a wine reception in the caves featuring 70+ superstar wineries with hors d'oeuvres by Chefs Ken Frank and Richard Reddington, a "rising star" concert feature the blues-rock quartet Vintage Trouble, and dinner by Jan Birnbaum, Staffan Terje and Mark Dommen.

On Sunday, September 14, the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater will host a Food Truck Fest, an fStop Warrior Project Exhibit and Music Festival auction, and a Premier concert by American singer-songwriter Jewel.


ERNESTO QUINTERO, LOS ANGELES FILMMAKER AND CAREGIVER - “A SACRED JOURNEY”

Los Angeles Caregivers Take The Night Off For Exclusive Heartwarming Documentary Screening Benefiting the Beauty Bus Foundation Local Filmmaker’s “A Sacred Journey” Hits Close to Home for All Caregivers

WHAT:                        
In Los Angeles, approximately 1 in 5 are caregivers, finding themselves in the ranks of a "silent workforce" that includes 66 million Americans who serve as unpaid caregivers to an adult family member, a child with special needs or a friend. Ironically, these caregivers feel alone in their struggles.

In conjunction with Family Caregivers Alliance and Caregiver Action Network, Clorox CareConcepts is bringing Los Angeles caregivers together for a free, special evening that will show how many are in it together. The night will kick off with inspiring activities and then go into a heartwarming screening of “A Sacred Journey,” a documentary by local Los Angeles filmmaker Ernesto Quintero showcasing a personal story of the care of his brother who is battling ALS.  The evening will conclude with a panel discussion among experts and caregivers on When Care Comes Home, exploring the challenges and inspirational moments it brings. The event will benefit the Beauty Bus Foundation, which delivers dignity, hope and respite to caregivers through beauty and grooming services and pampering products. Guests interested in reserving a spot can email RSVP@pdcpr.net or call 708.305.5075.

WHEN/WHERE:      
Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 P.M.
Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre
611 N. Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

ABOUT “A SACRED JOURNEY” AND LOS ANGELES FILMMAKER ERNESTO QUINTERO:      
Quintero strongly believes in projects of social relevance and utilizes his skill in video and film to advocate positive change. He has been documenting “A Sacred Journey,” a story of his brother’s fight with ALS since his diagnosis in 2005. He decided to edit this heartfelt journey producing the film.  In addition to pointing the camera on his brother, Quintero most recently traveled the world working with Jennifer Lopez on “Dance Again,” a documentary featuring her first ever world tour. Quintero is bringing light to exceptional stories that otherwise are going unnoticed and his work is unmistakably poignant and recognized by many. His awards include the Imagen Award for Outstanding Stage Production, a Cine Golden Eagle Award and a NAMIC award.

Friday, September 12, 2014

9/12 ROYA SOLEIMANI, GOOGLE'S TOP SEARCH TRENDS, STACIE JACOBS, SUNSET SAVOR THE CENTRAL COAST, STEVE EVANS

ROYA SOLEIMANI - TRENDS MANAGER, GOOGLE - WEEKLY TOP SEARCH TRENDS

Google’s Top Search Trends program provides a revealing — and sometimes surprising — look at the people, places and topics that send the country searching for answers each week.

Topics That Fascinated the U.S. Selected from Millions of INTERNET Searches!

Hear the hottest content on the web each week directly from the source! Become part of Google’s weekly Top Search Trends program to find out what news makers and trends are capturing the imagination of the country each week.

The Top Search Trends program provides a revealing — and sometimes surprising — look at the people, places and topics that send the country searching for answers each week. Encompassing searches from across pop culture, sports, music, politics, news, and more a Google Trends Manager, is available every Friday to discuss five of the hottest trending queries on the web. GOOGLE.COM/TRENDS



STACIE JACOB – CEO, VISIT SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - SUNSET SAVOR THE CENTRAL COAST

Celebrate at Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, September 27-28 !

Did you know that September is California Wine Month?  Join us as we celebrate at Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, September 27-28 at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.  Named one of the Top 5 California Festivals by Huffington Post and Best Epicurean Event by the FAME Awards, Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast invites you to take time to play and enjoy a sampling of the rich bounty of food, wine, and adventure that California's Central Coast offers.  Celebrity chef's Fabio Viviani and Tanya Holland will be showcasing their talents, and Sunset Magazine editors will demonstrate their tips and techniques for kitchen, garden, and lifestyle enhancement.

Join Paso Wine Country as we highlight some of the top "stars" of Paso wine in our Winemaker Central seminar on Sunday at 1:30 - Grow Wild with Paso Robles Wine.  The seminar is only $25 with the purchase of your Main Event ticket.

WWW.VISITSANLUISOBISPOCOUNTY.COM
WWW.SAVORCENTRALCOAST.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, September 11, 2014

9/11 DOMENICA MARCHETTI, THE GLORIOUS VEGETABLES OF ITALY, RAY KRAUSE, WESTBROOK WINE FARM VINEYARD AND WINERY, CALIFORNIA WINE MONTH RECEPTION & WINE TASTING

DOMENICA MARCHETTI – AUTHOR, THE GLORIOUS VEGETABLES OF ITALY

Domenica Marchetti specializes in contemporary Italian home cooking. Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cooking Light, Fine Cooking, and other publications.

She's a fantastic interview and wonderful expert, author of  five titles including: The Glorious Pasta of Italy, Big Night In and The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy. Please check out the release for her new book below and her website for more into: www.domenicacooks.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Domenica Marchetti’s childhood memories of Italian summers, where nearly every day began with a trip to the farmers’ market, are the inspiration behind these more than 100 recipes showcasing Italy’s glorious vegetables. Sniffing, poking, and prodding (and then haggling over) such fresh offerings as elegant, long-necked fennel; dark, crimped leaves of Tuscan kale; the scarlet beauty of radicchio; and delicate baby zucchini with blossoms still attached was a family affair and the beginning of her life-long love of vegetables.

 Italian home cooks prepare these vegetables with careful thought, mixing them into frittatas and savory tarts, letting them shine atop pizza, and giving them equal time with meat and seafood at the center of the meal.

Domenica does the same here, with such varied recipes as Cherry Tomato and Red Onion Foccacia, Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad with Roasted Fennel Seeds, Spring Risotto with Green and White Asparagus, and Smashed Green Beans and Potatoes with Pancetta.

Preserves and condiments are also represented with such delights as Tomato Marmalade and Pickled Snacking Peppers, while essential basics such as Fresh Egg Pasta Dough, Simple Tomato Sauce, and Sauteed Rapini embrace the ease with which vegetables are incorporated into Italian-style meals.

These treasured recipes comprise a mix of tradition and innovation—some handed down from previous generations, others collected during the author’s travels throughout Italy, and more created in her home kitchen. She hopes they will inspire you to bring vegetables into the heart of your own kitchen as well.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Domenica Marchetti is a writer and cooking teacher who specializes in contemporary Italian home cooking. Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Cooking Light, Fine Cooking, and other publications. She is the author of The Glorious Pasta of Italy, Big Night In and The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy (all from Chronicle Books). She lives with her family in Virginia and can be reached through her website, www.domenicacooks.com.

Sang An is New York – based, Korean born photographer specializing in food, interior, and still life. He is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in advertising photography. His work has appeared in many magazines including Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple.



RAY KRAUSE – PROPRIETOR, WESTBROOK WINE FARM VINEYARD AND WINERY - CALIFORNIA WINE MONTH RECEPTION & WINE TASTING 9/12

Westbrook Wine Farm is a vineyard and winery in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of eastern Madera County, California, near Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park. Our mountain vineyards are planted to  field blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Gros Verdot and Carmenere. We practice sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking. We make our wine in the traditional Claret style by co-fermenting grapes, rather than by making separate varietal wines and blending them. Our Fait Accompli includes six and our Museum, three of the eight red varieties permitted for use in Bordeaux or Meritage style wines.

ABOUT RAY:
Ray Krause started hauling hoses in the cellars of Fresno's Roma Winery as "Fermentation Control Specialist" in 1964. It was the year after his enrollment in the Oenology degree program at Fresno State College(now CSUF) which was facilitated by a scholarship from the original San Joaquin Valley Wine Growers Association. After completing his studies and a three year tour with the U.S. Army Air Defense Command, Ray relocated to the Santa Clara Valley where he performed the duties of Hospitality Director and, eventually, National Sales Manager for the Mirassou family winery. Striking out on his own in 1975, he formed several product specific wine production and marketing entities which culminated in his ownership of the Farview Farm Vineyard Winery in Templeton, California and a wine specialty store, Grape and Grain in Fresno.

Ray's passion for "growing" wine was realized with his 1994 purchase of the forty- acre "Paint Horse Ranch" along Fine Gold Creek in the historic Sierra gold mining hamlet of O'Neals. The dream became a reality (Fait Accompli) in 1999 when the first grapes from the carefully orchestrated three year old red Bordeaux varietal vineyard were harvested. The following year Tammy became co-winemaker and the year after that, Mrs. Krause. Tammy shares in all vineyard and winery responsibilities except the operation of their recalcitrant fifty-five year old Ford 8N tractor. With her organoleptic prowess, she is particularly valuable in wine blending and bottling decisions at Westbrook Wine Farm. She frequently judges at the prestigious Orange County Fair Wine Competition. Ray and Tammy have but two goals; to achieve a life in balance and to make wine which is at least as good as the best in the world.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA WINE MONTH RECEPTION & WINE TASTING:
The Madera Vintners Association will host "California Wine Month Reception & Wine Tasting," celebrating California Wine Month in September on its 10th anniversary. California Wine Month was proclaimed by Governor Jerry Brown to acknowledge the state's rich wine history and the contributions of its vintners and growers to the lifestyle and economy of the Golden State. Local wineries, restaurants and food exhibitors will join together on the evening of September 12th to pour wines complemented by delicious and culturally diverse food.

A rare evening that gathers so many of the area's wineries in one location, come and talk with local winemakers, viticulturists, and winemaking families who will be sharing information at the media reception about a variety of industry topics including sustainable farming, water conservation and techniques, growing the local wine industry through start-up winery services, barrel fermentation techniques, and more about the diverse award-winning wines that contribute to the bounty of Madera's "buy local" community.

The event proceeds benefit the Madera Vintners Association's Scholarship Program, which awards students every year in Viticulture and Enology programs at California State University, Fresno, encouraging those continuing in our wine heritage.

Guests will enjoy the wine and food exhibitors at San Joaquin Wine Company's new tasting room and outdoor park in Madera, while listening to live music by "Encanto", a latin jazz band. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the People's Choice Award by voting for their favorite wine as they taste each on this special evening.

The family winemakers of Madera County are proud to be a part of the California wine industry. Come join us and be part of the celebration!

WWW.WESTBROOKWINEFARM.COM

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

9/10 CHEF LETICIA SCHWARTZ, DIABETES FRIENDLY TIPS/RECIPES, HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, LARRY LIPSON

CELEBRITY CHEF LETICIA SCHWARTZ - DIABETES FRIENDLY TIPS/RECIPES FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Did you know that Hispanics are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes?  U.S. Hispanics are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites, and diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death within the Hispanic community.

To help raise awareness among the Hispanic community about type 2 diabetes, celebrity chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz is working with Merck on Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas, a program urging Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to know their A1C—average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months—and to work with their doctor to develop a plan to set and attain their personal A1C goal.

September marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to highlight Hispanic culture, including family, food, music, art and traditions. This month-long celebration also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of important health topics affecting the Hispanic community.

Chef Leticia has a personal connection to type 2 diabetes, having lost her grandfather to complications of the disease. That’s why she is passionate about encouraging Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to take charge of their health.
One of the more difficult aspects of diabetes management can be adjusting your diet, especially when food is an important aspect of the culture, as it is in the Hispanic community. As part of the program, Chef Leticia is sharing simple ways people with type 2 diabetes can prepare healthy, traditional Hispanic dishes without sacrificing the flavor.

Visit www.DesafiandoLaDiabetes.com for more information on Chef Leticia and Desafiando La Diabetes: Logras Tus Metas.


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 Florida 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, September 9, 2014

9/09 MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN, SB VINTNERS, CELEBRATION OF HARVEST FESTIVAL 2014, DANNY LIPFORD, SMART HOME IMPROVEMENT

MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SB VINTNERS CELEBRATION OF HARVEST FESTIVAL 2014 (OCT10-13)

The Santa Barbara Vintners is pleased to announce the dates and schedule of events for the 24th Annual Celebration of Harvest Weekend October 10-13, 2014 in Santa Barbara Wine Country. The popular fall weekend celebrates the grape harvest when the nearly one hundred and fifty members of the association come together to share harvest tales and pour wine at the Festival Grand Tasting, participate in collaborative events like the new Friday night kick-off La Paulée dinner, and host individual tasting room open houses and vineyard walks. Tickets for the Festival and related events are on sale now at www.celebrationofharvest.com.

The highlight of the Celebration of Harvest Weekend is the Festival... a Grand Tasting and Silent Auction on Saturday, October 11 at Old Mission Santa Inés. Taste wine from all 100+ winery members, enjoy food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, and food purveyors, and listen to live music.

WWW.SBCOUNTYWINES.COM 
WWW.CELEBRATIONOFHARVEST.COM



HOME IMPROVEMENT EXPERT DANNY LIPFORD - SMART HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST 

We all know the costs when buying a home doesn’t end at signing the deed. There is upkeep, repairs and general items every homeowner needs to have. Even so, many of us still are unprepared when issues arise and find ourselves calling in help when it is almost too late!

A smart homeowner thinks ahead. Be it testing and servicing your air units, sealing the envelop of your home or stocking up on the season’s essentials, Home Improvement Expert Danny Lipford is here to share his homeowner checklist to make you the most prepared, savvy and brightest on the block!

Danny Lipford is a veteran remodeling contractor and television personality known to audiences as Host of the Emmy-Nominated and nationally-syndicated home improvement TV and radio shows: Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade, and has made more than 160 national television appearances. Danny has been a longtime contributor to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine and BHG.com, and is a source for hundreds of other popular magazines and websites each year.

WWW.TODAYSHOMEOWNER.COM

Monday, September 8, 2014

9/08 PAUL LITTLE, THE PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TASTE OF PASADENA, SIP-TEMBER FINALE, MARK SCHLERETH, ESPN NFL FOOTBALL, TAILGATING SEASON

PAUL LITTLE  - PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – TALKING ABOUT THE SECOND TASTE OF PASADENA AND SIP-TEMBER FINALE 

Join us for THE SECOND TASTE OF PASADENA AND SIP-TEMBER FINALE AT THE ROSE BOWL ON SEPTEMBER 25TH FROM 6PM TO 9PM.

24 Pasadena restaurants and caterers offer food and drink samples. Admission includes tastes of the four finalist cocktail in the SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge. Old Oak Cellars winery will be tasting at the event, as well.
Restaurants offering food include: The Raymond Restaurant, Green Street Restaurant, Trattoria Neapolis, Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi, Celestino's Ristorante and Bar, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, California Pizza Kitchen, Maria's Italian Kitchen, Panda Catering, The Luggage Room at La Grande Orange, Kings Row Gastropub, The Westin Pasadena, Slater's 50/50, Brookside Golf Club, Bar 1886 at the Raymond, Kal's Mediterranean Bistro, POP Champagne and Dessert Bar, Pita Jungle, Japon Bistro and Eden Garden Bar and Grill.

Those attending the SIP-tember Finale and Taste of Pasadena receive tastings of the four finalists cocktails, food and drink samples from 24 of Pasadena's best restaurants. Those attending the SIP-tember FInale and Taste of Pasadena have the opportunity to vote for their favorite cocktail from among the four finalists. Pasadena's Favorite Cocktail 2014 will be named at 8:45PM.

Tickets for the SIP-tember Finale and Taste of Pasadena are $40 at the door. Advanced tickets are $30 for the general public.

www.pasadena-chamber.org


MARK SCHLERETH - ESPN NFL FOOTBALL ANALYST & 3-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SHARES HIS PLAY BY PLAY FOR THE TAILGATING SEASON  

Mark Schlereth, ESPN NFL Football Analyst & 3-Time Super Bowl Champion Shares his Play by Play for the Tailgating Season!    As summer comes to a close and the football season slowly kicks in to gear, viewers have one thing on their minds – Tailgate Time!   Mark Schlereth gives his play by play for the tailgate season. He will specifically reveal party preparation, managing the Menu and EARLY SEASON Predictions

Mark Schlereth currently serves as an NFL analyst on ESPN. Since joining ESPN in 2001, Mark has frequently appeared as an analyst on NFL Live, First Take, SportsCenter and ESPNews. He also appears regularly on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning (simulcast on ESPN2) and additional ESPN programming.

Friday, September 5, 2014

9/05 JIM FOX, LA KINGS, 4th ANNUAL SUNSET SIP WINE EVENT, STEVE EVANS, EMMA SWAIN, ST. SUPERY

JIM FOX - LA KINGS BROADCASTER TO HOST 4th ANNUAL SUNSET SIP WINE EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 12

THE GUIDANCE CENTER AND 2014 STANLEY CUP CHAMPION LA KINGS BROADCASTER JIM FOX TO HOST FOURTH ANNUAL SUNSET SIP WINE EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 12 - TICKETS STILL REMAIN, BUT EVENT EXPECTED TO SELL OUT

The Guidance Center and Los Angeles Kings TV Commentator and alumnus Jim Fox will be hosting the fourth annual Sunset Sip: Hope for Children’s Mental Health wine tasting reception at the Pacific Gallery at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) on Friday, September 12, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.  Proceeds from the reception will once again benefit The Guidance Center.

Tickets are NOW officially on sale.  Individual tickets are $100 each and couples (two tickets) cost $175.  Sponsorships are also available, starting at $500.  The evening will feature a wine tasting contest, light hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.  There are only 250 total tickets available for this event, which is expected to once again completely sell out.

JIM FOX: Jim Fox is in his 25th season as the Kings Television Color Commentator, joining Bob Miller in the booth for club broadcasts on FOX Sports West.

LAKINGS.COM


EMMA SWAIN – CEO, ST. SUPERY 

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family owned, sustainably farmed winery. We are located in the renowned Rutherford growing region in the heart of Napa Valley. Our vineyards and winery are certified Napa Green. We are proud to be recognized for our exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and estate red and white blends. All of our wines are estate grown, produced and bottled.

Emma Swain is the CEO of St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis and is a Certified Public Accountant. Emma has worked in the wine industry for more than 20 years. She began her career with Niebaum-Coppola Winery and served as the Chief Operating Officer at Sebastiani Vineyards prior to joining St. Supéry Estate. Emma currently serves as a board member for the Napa Valley Vintners, as well as serving on multiple sub-committees. Emma also volunteers locally with a number of environmental, educational and health-based charities. She is an avid runner and has several half marathons under her belt of accomplishments.

WWW.STSUPERY.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, September 4, 2014

9/04 FRANCINE BRYSON, BLUE RIBBON BAKING FROM A REDNECK KITCHEN

FRANCINE BRYSON – AUTHOR, BLUE RIBBON BAKING FROM A REDNECK KITCHEN 

National pie champion, mom, homemaker, and self-proclaimed redneck, Francine Bryson and her award-winning desserts won the hearts of bakers everywhere when she appeared on CBS’sThe American Baking Competition and went on to become a finalist on the show. In Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen (Clarkson Potter; September 9, 2014; $22.00; Trade Paperback) Franny shares her recipes and baking tips with everyone while staying true to her Southern roots, which means pairing chocolate and peanut butter with bacon, turning an apple pie upside down, using cherry pop in a cake, and always making use of seasonal fresh fruit—and plenty of cream cheese.

As Jeff Foxworthy, The American Baking Competition’s host, writes in the foreword, “For Francine, cooking is a love language. When I asked Francine what she wanted the most [from the show], she whispered, 'The cookbook.' See, she has an album full of family recipes that go back to before the turn of the last century, most in their original handwriting. This was a treasure to her, and to share it was her heart’s desire."

Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen is filled with Franny’s down-home Southern charm and sass and she finally shares her sought-after recipes and the tips she learned from generations of women in her Southern family and then refined during her twenty-plus years of competing on the baking circuit.

FRANCINE BRYSON has won more than 200 local and national baking competitions and was the runner-up and crowd favorite on CBS’s The American Baking Competition. Her childhood home in Greenville, South Carolina, was located between those of her Nana and Granny, both keen bakers who started teaching their secrets to Francine  when she was barely tall enough to reach the countertop. A member of the American Pie Council, she lives with her husband in Pickens, South Carolina. Francine’s first television show is currently in development.