6/14 - Evan Cattanach, Gregor Cattanach, Avery Ames, James Brown,

Evan Cattanach - Master Distiller   (Father)
Gregor Cattanach  - Global Brand Ambassador for Diageo Scotch Whiskies (Son)

 Evan Cattanach, Father and Master Distiller -  A Master Distiller for several decades, Evan has spent more than 40 years of his life managing single malt distilleries in Scotland and serving as a Whisky Ambassador around the globe. Working within four of Scotland’s six official whisky-producing regions throughout his career, Cattanach is one of the world’s greatest authorities on whisky. As a father of four, Father’s Day means a lot to Evan. And it’s been inextricably linked to his role as a distiller as three of his eldest children were born during his tenure at three different distilleries. It is no coincidence that Cattanach can match just about every single malt in Scotland to a landmark event in his life—the two are seamlessly intertwined.   **Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20th**
Gregor Cattanach, Son and Global Brand Ambassador for Diageo Scotch Whiskies - Following in his father’s footsteps, Gregor is the Global Brand Ambassador for Diageo Scotch Whiskies. He hails from the region of Speyside, Scotland. “Officially” in the whisky business since 2000, whisky has really been a life long love affair for Gregor. He grew up at distilleries such as Caol Ila on Islay, Coleburn, Cragganmore and Cardhu in Speyside where his father worked as Master Distiller of these quality single malts, while also teaching Gregor a few tricks of the trade along the way. Today, Gregor travels the world conducting whisky tastings. Having recently become a new father to his daughter Clara, Father’s Day now holds a new significance for Gregor.

Avery Ames - "The Long Quiche Goodbye"
Avery Aames is the pseudonym for Daryl Wood Gerber. As Avery, she signed her first three-book publishing contract with Berkley Prime Crime and is writing A Cheese Shop Mystery Series, the first of which, The Long Quiche Goodbye, will appear July 2010. The series is set in idyllic Holmes County, Ohio, and features Charlotte Bessette, a feisty cheese shop owner with a colorful extended family. Daryl has also had short stories published and she created the format for the successful TV series Out of this World that ran for four years in first-run syndication. Daryl podcasts some of her suspense/thriller work on her website. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, its internet group Guppies, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers Association.  Prior to writing, Daryl was an actress in Los Angeles. A fun tidbit for mystery buffs: she co-starred on the popular series, Murder, She Wrote and Matlock. Daryl graduated from Stanford University. She enjoys golfing, swimming, photography, gardening, gourmet cooking, and has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.  She has been happily married for over twenty-five years and has an adorable mutt named Max and a grown son who has flown the coop.

James Brown -  James Brown's Place - Rochester, NY

“If You Could Cook Like This At Home,  You Wouldn't Need To Eat Here” -  The menu at James Brown's Place includes standard and non-standard diner-fare, with Mr. Brown's legendary BBQ sauce and breakfast burritos taking marquee spots on the menu. Says Mr. Brown,"I try to provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the smell and sensation of very good food that is familiar to people." To this end, Mr. Brown has offered this incentive to his clientele: "If you give me a recipe that meets the standards of my menu, I will name it after you.  James Brown, local entrepreneur and renown cook, opened James Brown’s Place Friday, March 27, 1998,  at 1356 Culver Road near Merchants. Inspired by his friends who have been pushing him, to share his culinary  magic for years, Mr. Brown jumped at the opportunity to assume management of what was formerly Mike’s Family Restaurant. “If I was going to do something like this, I needed the right place,” said Mr. Brown. “I found what I was looking for. A large and well lit  establishment with a cooking station right out in front  of the counter that allows me to cook for my customers  and schmooze with them at the same time.”

6/11 - Sunny Anderson, Roger Berkowitz, Steve Evans, Todd Mesek, Steve Shimoler,

 Celebrity Chef  Sunny Anderson Celebrates Summer

Sunny is one of the newest additions to Food Network's popular "In the Kitchen" weekend block with her series, Cooking for Real. Combining her approach to classic comfort foods along with her passion for unique flavors inspired by her many travels, Sunny offers real food for real life. She also understands the need for uncomplicated dishes with affordable, easy to find ingredients.  Cooking for Real will not be the first time Food Network audiences have seen Sunny Anderson. She debuted on the Network back in 2005 as a special guest on Emeril Live, cooking side by side Chef Emeril Lagasse - an appearance Sunny deemed as her greatest "foodie" moment ever. In 2007, Sunny co-hosted Food Network's series of specials, Gotta Get It, uncovering the latest and greatest food gadgets and gizmos on the market.  Sunny also hosts the primetime series, How'd That Get On My Plate? which follows the fascinating journey of a single ingredient (such as eggs, garlic, honey or apples) as it moves from its raw state into finished, iconic products. From the farm, through the factory, to the market, watch Sunny as she travels the country showcasing the technology and innovation it takes to get our favorite foods to our plates.  In 2003, Sunny started her catering business "Sunny's Delicious Dishes" after years of cooking for her famous friends in the music industry and soon became one of the most sought after caterers in town. She served up her sole style of soul food at star-studded events such as Olympus Fashion Week 2006 at Bryant Park in New York City. And, continued to dish up her cooking talents for top platinum hip hop recording artists and studio music executives.  Sunny's passion for food paved the way for a passion with music. While growing up traveling the world as an Army brat, her parents always encouraged her to indulge in the local cuisine. When Sunny joined the Air Force, she continued her trek through the world for culinary finds and soon discovered she had a desire to explore music. Soon enough, she became an award-winning military radio host and news reporter.  Upon finishing her tour of duty with the Air Force, Sunny kept on her broadcast career playing radio host at stations in New Orleans, Montgomery, Detroit, and finally, in New York at hip hop radio powerhouse, HOT 97. Within a year, Vibe Magazine rated her show as one of the top 9 to listen to nationwide and crowned her, "Ruler of the Airwaves." Her radio success landed her guest hosting duties on MTV2, and voice over gigs on television and radio ads for Destiny's Child, LL Cool J, and John Legend.   Sunny also served as Food & Lifestyle editor at Hip Hop Weekly Magazine where she interviewed hip hop stars about food, cooking and the restaurants they love her column, "Belly of the Beats".   Sunny currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.


Todd Mesek - VP Marketing & Communications - "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"
Steve Schimoler- Owner - Crop, Bistro - Cleveland -Cleveland Food Rocks founder

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announces “Chef Jam 2010: Cleveland Food Rocks” on Sunday, June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Cleveland’s top chefs will serve up specialties inspired by their favorite band or musician and dress like the rock stars they are featuring. A special performance by Cream of the Crop featuring special guest Todd Rundgren will top off the night. This event is presented by Maker’s Mark and sponsored by KIA Motors, Ohio Natural Gas, Localcrop.com, Samuel Adams, Sysco, Adcom Communications, Optiem, Premier Produce and Event Source.  Spend an evening sampling culinary delights prepared by the best of the best in Cleveland at more than 25 different food stations. The event will also include performances from bands made up solely of local restaurant employees: The Rare Birds from Greenhouse Tavern, Evil Eye from Happy Dog and Melange from Melange. Maker’s Mark will be conducting an infusion challenge inviting chefs to create a special dish that utilizes their bourbon. Judges for the event are Joe Crea, Michael Ruhlman and Laura Taxel. The winning chef will receive a trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Louisville.  Cleveland Food Rocks founder, chef-restaurateur Steve Schimoler, is delighted with the Rock Hall’s support. “The food and music scene in Cleveland rivals that in any city in the U.S.; and with our partnership with the Rock Hall, we have raised the bar in our ability to showcase our city’s talents and to put a creative face on how a community can work together.” Tickets are $50 and the price will include samples of all the dishes offered at each food station during the event, as well as beer, wine and tours of the Museum’s exhibits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Rock Hall’s education programs and Cleveland Food Rocks will be awarding a scholarship to an outstanding Culinary Arts student at Cuyahoga Community College.

Roger Berkowitz, President & CEO - Legal Seafoods

Roger started working in the family fish market in Inman Square, Cambridge at the age of 10 and held a variety of roles prior to becoming President and CEO in 1992. He now oversees the entire company - restaurant, retail and mail order divisions - and steers the course for 4,000 employees.  Roger graduated from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. He also attended executive education programs at Harvard Business School, University of London School of Business and Stanford Graduate School of Business. He holds an honorary master’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America and honorary doctorates from Johnson & Wales University, Newbury College and Salem State College.  Roger is a member and past President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and serves on the leadership council at the Harvard School of Public Health.   Roger is a member of the Board of Directors for Century Bank and Trust, a publicly-held company. He is an appointee on the New England Community Development Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and, since 2004, he has served on the Regional Selection Panel for the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. In addition, Roger serves on many non-profit Boards including: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston’s Children’s Hospital, UNICEF, the Boston Children’s Museum, Environmental League of Massachusetts and the Blue Frontier Campaign. He is a member of the Board of Overseers, Brandeis International Business School and is a Trustee of Salem State College.




Steve Evans - "The Movie Guy" 

 
Tips on the best & worst this weekend at the Box Office. Steve reviews and comments on all the latest from Hollywood and gets the story behind the film.A veteran of the industry, "The Movie Guy" says exactly how he feels about the movies that you will be watching this weekend. Mike Horn comments on the lineup of big screen offerings but does not always agree with what Steve has to say. This is the movie review program to listen to every week and get the "real deal".

6/10 - Rick Field, Spike Mendelsohn, Tichina Arnold,

 Rick Field  " Williams-Sonoma's The Art of Preserving"  Founder of Rick's Picks

RICK FIELD rekindled a family tradition of pickle-making in the kitchen of his Brooklyn apartment in the mid-90’s. Seven years later, he left a career in television to start Rick’s Picks, a pickled company that uses locally-sources, seasonal produce.  Rick has been featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Bon Appetit, Saveur magazine's Top 100, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart Show, The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch, Domino magazine, Crain’s, The Week, The New York Sun, Martha Stewart’s Blueprint, Jane magazine, New York magazine, Business Week, Harper’s Bazaar, Country Home, Food & Wine, O: The Oprah Magazine, as well as on the Food Network. 

"Top Chef Favorite", Spike Mendelsohn  "THE GOOD STUFF COOKBOOK" 

Spike Mendelsohn is one of the hottest up-and-coming chefs on the food scene. His restaurant in Washington, D.C., Good Stuff Eatery, has been a resounding success since its opening in 2008, and even claims First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan. Spike’s philosophy is simple: take classic American comfort foods made from local, farm-fresh ingredients, and give them the “good stuff twist”.  This philosophy is brought to bear in THE GOOD STUFF COOKBOOK, where Spike serves up over 120 fast, fun, and fresh recipes for classic fare like burgers, fries, shakes, salads, and desserts, not to mention the all-important sauces and condiments that give his dishes a gourmet twist. Also included are menu suggestions for all types of events, from big parties to casual family dinners. Just in time for summertime barbecues and cookouts, THE GOOD STUFF COOKBOOK is the perfect all-American cookbook for anyone who loves great casual comfort food, but wants to shake things up with a gourmet touch.

Tichina Arnold - "Everybody Hates Chris"

Tichina Arnold stars on the critically acclaimed comedy "Everybody Hates Chris" as Chris’ mother, Rochelle, for which she won her second NAACP Image Award. She received her first Image Award for her role as Pam Jones on the hit TV series Martin. In addition to appearing on television, in film, and on stage, Arnold has dedicated many hours to supporting charitable organizations that help youth prosper and thrive. She is a member of the National PTA Advisory Board.  Forty years ago this month, the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT) and the National Congress of Mothers united to form the National PTA, adapting the same mission they had operated under separately – to improve the education and well being of every child. Today, while many strides have been made there are still obstacles that need to be conquered, both inside and outside of the classroom and across ethnic backgrounds.  At this year’s national convention, parents from across the country will have much to tackle. The nation’s K-12 public education system is in crisis. Our students lag behind compared to children in other countries in math and science which doesn’t bode well for their future in a global economy and job market. Our schools also face widespread funding shortages, a childhood obesity epidemic and disproportionate academic standards across the country.  In this satellite interview from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, National PTA President Chuck Saylors will be joined by actress, mother and National PTA Advisory Board member Tichina Arnold, to discuss the challenges of educating the 21st century child in the 21st century classroom and what needs to be done to close the achievement gap in education. They’ll also discuss what parents can do to take on a more active and hands on approach to their children’s education.

6/9 - Henry Winkler, Larry Lipson, Theresa Dimasi, Joel Erlich, Kelly Mitchell,

 Henry Winkler - (USA's "ROYAL PAINS")

FYI - Royal Pains premiered last week on USA to amazing ratings.  Television Royalty Henry Winkler Joins Cast - Second Season  premiered the second season of ROYAL PAINS, the best performing freshman year of a cable series ever, last Thursday at 10/9c. Paired with BURN NOTICE at 9/8c, the two shows make up one of television's coolest and most powerful block of summer programming on cable or broadcast. Henry Winkler guest stars as Eddie R. Lawson. ROYAL PAINS was the best performing freshman year of a cable series ever when it premiered last summer. With a career in Hollywood that has spanned nearly three decades, Winkler has enjoyed success on screens both large and small -  Henry Franklin Winkler, D.H.L. (born October 30, 1945) is an American actor, director, producer, and author. Winkler is best known for his role as Fonzie on the 1970s American sitcom Happy Days. "The Fonz," a leather-clad greaser and auto mechanic, started out as a minor character at the show's beginning but had
achieved top billing by the time the show ended. Henry Winkler was born in Manhattan, New York, the son of Ilse Anna Mariato the United States in 1939, before the beginning of World War II Winkler attended the McBurney  (née Hadra) and Harry Irving Winkler, a lumber company executive . Winkler's Jewish parents emmigrated from Germany   School and received his bachelor's degree from Emerson College in 1967 and his MFA from the Yale School of Drama in 1970. In 1978, Emerson gave Winkler an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Winkler has also received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Austin College. Winkler has been married to Stacey Weitzman since May 5, 1978, and they have two children, Zoe and Max, and a stepson Jed from Stacey's previous marriage with Howard Weitzman. He is the godfather of Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Happy Days co-star Ron Howard. Charitable works which he is involved with include Annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon, the Epilepsy Foundation, the annual Toys for Tots campaign, the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, and the Special Olympics. An avid Yankees fan, Winkler announced the starting lineup on FOX for Game 5 of the World Series against the Phillies in 2009.


Larry Lipson - Live from Costa Rica

 
Former LA Daily News Food Columnist (50 Years) Larry Lipson is live and direct from his research Institute in Costa Rica. He will talk about wine food and the good life and will have comments and comparisons between his new adventure.
 
 
 
Theresa DiMasi  - "EAT! MOVE! PLAY! : A Parent’s Guide for Raising Healthy, Happy Kids"

Weightwatchers.com Editor-in-Chief Offers strategies for developing a healthier home.  The prevalence of obesity in the United States has more than doubled in children and more than tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. As an increasing number of children are diagnosed with obesity related health problems, it is imperative that parents and caregivers have access to all the tools necessary to help break the cycle.  The just released book, EAT! MOVE! PLAY! A Parent’s Guide for Raising Healthy, Happy Kids, provides information and tips to guide parents with a simple, fresh approach to developing and maintaining healthy habits – for the entire family. Based on science-based proven principles of weight management, tips address many of the real-life concerns and challenges parents and caregivers deal with every day.   By implementing Five Simple Rules to help children learn and understand the importance of smart food choices and a love of physical activity, families can move the needle in the fight against obesity now and into the future.  Theresa will show parents how to get their kids in the kitchen and demo some fun recipes that the whole family enjoys, as well as review the following 5 Simple Rules.
 
 Joel Erlich & Kelly Mitchell (GM) -  Bistro Jeanty - Yountville, CA

 
Bistro Jeanty has been featured in several newspapers, magazines, and radio shows. Bistro Jeanty has been nominated "Best New Restaurant for 1999" by the James Beard Foundation. Our restaurant was voted best new restaurant by Michael Bauer, San Francisco Chronicle for 1998. Awarded Michelin star past three years.

6/8 - Joel Fisher, Didiayer Snyder, Burr Morse,

 “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s” Do-It-Herselfer Didiayer Snyder!

Tom Darden is Executive Director of Brad Pitt’s Make It Right. Actor Brad Pitt founded Make It Right in order to help rebuild New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward and to be a catalyst for building energy-efficient, affordable green homes throughout the nation. On August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed more than 1,000 people and destroyed 4,000 homes in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward.  Two years later when Brad Pitt toured the city, the neighborhood remained deserted and devastated; and Brad promised the families that he met there that he would help make it right. Brad then founded Make It Right to build at least 150 affordable, environmentally-sustainable (green), well-designed, storm-resistant homes for working families who lived in the Lower 9th. Ward and lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. The U.S. Green Building Council has named the Make It Right community the “largest, greenest neighborhood of single family homes in America.”  One of the most famous stars of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", Didiayer Snyder is probably the only fashion model who could build her own catwalk. Born and raised in Australia, Didiayer worked as a model since her teens; and as a Royal ranger for seven years, Didiayer learned to live off the land and became highly-skilled in “bushman’s law” and eco-travel~having learned to build shelters, find drinking water, and cooking camp bread which became the foundation on which she first developed her love for the planet. As Didiayer herself stated, “As I educated myself more about the thing we humans do to harm the planet, I knew I had to step up.” And step up Didiayer has.  A longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Didiayer has contributed her carpentry skills and knowledge on sustainable living to communities throughout the nation~becoming their national ambassador in 2008 and working alongside construction companies to build 280 energy efficient homes in a week. Didiayer uses her professional organizations skills and educated homeowners on how to live an environmentally conscious, clutter-free lifestyle~lessening all of our carbon footprint on the earth.  The former host of “The Travel Channel’s” hit shows “Amazing Vacation Homes”, “The World Best Beaches”, and “Off the Beaten Path”, Didiayer eventually joined the hugely popular television series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” where she is proud to be the show’s green voice and the ultimate do-it-herselfer.



Joel Fisher - "The Wine Guru"  - LA Winefest 2010 

The LA Winefest is history and was one of the most successful to date. Our wine guru "Joel Fisher" is on hand to report on the activities, what happened, who was involved and, of course, the wine. LA WineFest 2010  Raleigh Studios
5300 Melrose Avenue  Hollywood, CA 90038






Burr Morse - Owner -  Morse Farm Maple Sugar works   - Maple Sugar

The Morse ancestors who helped settle Central Vermont were taught how to tap maple trees by Native Americans. Hot Rocks were used to evaporate the sweet sap until only sugar or "sinzibukwud" remained. Pioneers could boil a year's supply of sugar thus making Americans self-sufficient in sugar production. Ben Franklin promoted massive sugar production in the Northeast to make the country less dependant on "foreign" sugar.  It's Sugarin' Time -Once America won its independence, and improved transportation helped bring cheaper sugar from the south, sugarmakers started boiling their product less, allowing it to stay in the more popular syrup stage, but the name never changed from the original "sugarin."  Old timers say that we get a run of sap for every day of January thaw. Most years we get a January thaw and its duration can be measured in one, two, or three days. The sugar season, which occurs mid March thru mid April, always consists of one, two, or three runs. On the average, it takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of pure maple syrup. We drill 1 tap hole in each of our maple trees, which gives 10 gallons of sap in an average year. So, 4 maple trees, 40 to 200 years old, are needed to make one gallon of pure maple syrup.

6/4 - Bruce Cakebread, Paula Kornell, Jeff McBride, Janet Viader, David Duncan, Larry Stone, Rebecca Stone,

LIVE FROM AUCTION NAPA VALLEY 2010

Bruce Cakebread -  Cakebread Cellars -  Board President

Over 30 years ago, Jack Cakebread came to photograph the Napa Valley for a book and while here, he casually mentioned his interest in one day owning a vineyard to some family friends who had a ranch in Rutherford. When he returned home that afternoon, the phone rang and it was the family friends offering to sell their property. He headed back up to the valley that same afternoon to make his best offer, and Cakebread Cellars was born.  As the Cakebread family reflects upon the many profound changes in the wine industry over the last 33 years, such as innovative farming techniques and new methods of reaching out to consumers, they note that their key values have remained the same. Dedication to making the highest quality wines and a commitment to family has followed a continuum as their first small vineyard has grown into a thriving internationally distributed wine company.   Their first vintage--157 cases of 1973 Chardonnay--was sold to Phil Faight of Groezinger's Wine Shop in Yountville. He in turn sold to a small audience of premium wine drinkers who primarily drove up from the Bay Area on weekends to visit the country. "Two or three cars an hour would be on the road and we would all stop and look to see who was coming," said Jack as he thought of his original neighbors who became some of the "legends of the wine industry - Mondavi, Martini, Heitz, BV's Tchelistcheff and Christian Brothers "Brother Tim." Today, traffic is about 30 cars-a-minute as the world comes to visit the Napa Valley wine country.

Paula Kornell - Oakville Ranch Vineyards - Past NVV Hospitality Chair

In 1989, when Bob and Mary Miner purchased the 350-acre ranch, 55 acres of vineyards were planted to Chardonnay and Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Located on a sloping plateau that rises to 1,400 feet above the Silverado Trail on the East side of the Napa Valley, Oakville Ranch was one of the appellation’s pioneering vineyards. Since then, several other highly regarded and prestigious wineries have become neighbors, drawn to this hillside for its powerful, signature-red volcanic soils. Through the years, the vineyards have been meticulously tended. Additional small vineyard enclaves have been developed as certain sites have revealed their promise. The shallow and miserly rocky soils slowly release their Spartan nutrients, naturally limiting the grape crop to an intense few bunches per vine. With each vintage, the wines of Oakville Ranch speak clearly of their origin – a richly layered expression of its location, soil, structure, and heritage.


Jeff  McBride - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars - Hospitality Parties

A Napa Valley  First Growth - Founded by Warren Winiarski and his family in 1970.  Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is best known for our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons—CASK 23, S.L.V., and FAY. Over the years, these wines have become some of the most highly regarded and collected wines worldwide. They are fashioned to express classic elegance, structure, and ageability, and to reflect the place in which they are grown.

Janet Viader - Viader Vineyards & Winery - Beverage Center

Janet Viader grew up in the Napa Valley on the vineyards of VIADER which was founded in 1986 by her mother, Delia Viader. Janet has been involved in the family business from a very early age and has witnessed firsthand the growth of the business and brand. Throughout high school, Janet spent summers working in the winery office and hosting winery tours. While in college, she represented VIADER at special events in Europe and across the United States. 

David Duncan - Silver Oak - Friday Chair

Great wine is meant to be savored with family and friends. This belief is at the heart of Silver Oak Cellars, where we have crafted extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon for over 35 years. Designed to be deliciously drinkable from the day it is released, Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon grows more supple and luxurious over time. Our passionate commitment to winemaking excellence is reaffirmed at every step in the process. We carefully evaluate the grapes we select and the methods and equipment we use in our winery to create the ideal environment for our Cabernet Sauvignon. No detail is too small to escape our scrutiny – from the quality of our barrels and corks to the wineglasses we offer visitors in our tasting rooms.  The result is Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with intense, opulent flavors, velvety texture and the balance and depth to ensure superb longevity.


Larry Stone -Rubicon Estate - Host of Friday Event

Mr. Stone may be the most highly honored sommelier in America. He became the first American to win the title of International Best Sommelier in French Wines and Spirits in Paris and remains the only American to have earned the title of French Maitre Sommelier from the Union de la Sommelerie Francaise. He is also an English-certified Master Sommelier, one of a handful who have passed the examination on the first attempt.  Larry has been the only two-time recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service, once for Charlie Trotter's and once for Rubicon, and was Santé magazine's Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year 2000. Under his guidance, Rubicon has earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award annually since 1998.  One of the hallmarks of his influence at Rubicon is the legacy of mentoring, which has made the restaurant a learning institution for the sommelier profession. Many of the employees who are working here as waiters and bartenders, and even as cooks, are also pursuing their dream of passing the examinations of the Court of Master Sommeliers. "Graduates" of Rubicon include many of the top wine retailers and sommeliers in the city.  Master Stone has also been named to the Board of Directors of the Coppola Companies, and has worked with Niebaum-Coppola Estate as an advisor. He is currently also on the Board of the Kronos Quartet, a highly acclaimed group whose better known works include Pieces of Africa and the recent Sun Rings. In 2004, Larry was elected to the Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers as well. In March of 2005, Larry became a Trustee of the James Beard Foundation and is working to revitalize it with the new board.  Larry Stone has expanded his fascination with the grape by becoming actively involved in winemaking. He creates Napa Valley Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot under the Sirita label, named for his daughter.


Rebecca Fine - Trinchero Napa Valley - Steering Committee

The winery is Bordeaux focused, and the combination of great grapes, great vintages, and great winemaker allowed me to enjoy one perfect wine after another. Tying the wines together was the winemaker’s choice to let the grapes be the star; showing finesse and grace, with fine tannins, perfect balance, all were smooth, round, and easy to enjoy, while positively full of flavor; but complex and layered, displaying subtlety rather that the explosive fruit bomb all too common elsewhere. Terrifically integrated. These are grown up wines. In addition to daily tastings from 10am – 5pm at $15 and $20, the tasting room offers special seminars by appointment.  On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, guests can experience “A Taste of Terroir,” a horizontal tasting and evaluation of four Trinchero Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons; Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder, Rutherford, and St. Helena. $40 per person.  On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, guest can take part in “The Sensory Challenge,” featuring a test of your nose as you try to correctly identify aromas present in wines using the Le Nez du Vin aroma kits. Also included is a sit down tasting of currently released wines. $35 per person.

6/7 - Tyler Florence, Allen Ruck

Chef  Tyler Florence - Summer Cooking

As the summer season quickly approaches, cooks across the country crave lighter, healthier meal options. Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence will show, tell and demonstrate his latest tips for summer fresh meals – from choosing seasonal ingredients to assembling the meal and adding the perfect finishing touch.  Tyler Florence is a celebrity chef and star of Tyler's Ultimate on the Food Network. He has also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show and The View. Florence serves on the board of the national nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, an organization that works to promote and to support quality after school programs. In 2008 Florence was named the Dean of Culinary Education at COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.

Alan Ruck - "Persons Unknown"

Premieres Monday, June 7th (10-11 p.m. ET) on NBC  -  From Academy Award-winning writer Christopher McQuarrie (“The Usual Suspects”), who is executive-producing with Heather McQuarrie, and executive producer Rémi Aubuchon, comes “Persons Unknown,” a one-hour mystery drama in which a group of seven strangers must come together to solve the puzzle of their lives. All of the seven strangers have been taken from their everyday lives and have arrived in a deserted town with no recollection of how they got there.  The eclectic group of strangers are Charlie Morse (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”), Janet Cooper (Daisy Betts, “Shutter”), Joe Tucker (Jason Wiles, “Third Watch”), Bill Blackham (Sean O’Bryan, “Six Feet Under”), Moira Doherty (Tina Holmes, “Six Feet Under”), Sergeant Graham McNair (Chadwick Boseman, “Lincoln Heights”), Tori Fairchild (Kate Lang Johnson, “Days of our Lives”), Erika Taylor (Kandyse McClure, “Battlestar Galactica”), Mark Renbe (Gerald Kyd, “Casualty”) and Kat Damatto (Lola Glaudini, “Invincible”).

Steve Andrews - Villagio Inn & Spa

The Inn features 112 spacious guestrooms arranged in two story building clusters, swimming pool and jacuzzi, welcome bottle of wine, daily champagne breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, coffee and cookies, concierge and room service. Outdoor Temptations  Breakfast poolside. Stone columns and frescoes, Vineyard viewscapes. Golf, biking and tennis. Walking and jogging. Specialty shops, galleries,  wine tasting, country picnics, Hot air balloon adventures. A personal retreat.


Arlene Wszalek  Partner  SW14 Group

Saturday, June 12, 2010 -  Vintage Hollywood 2010 is shaping up to be a spectacular evening! Our event will take place at the Pacific Palisades home of Mr. Ray Leonard and Mrs. Bernadette Leonard (boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard). Our emcee for the evening will be KNX 1070 Newsradio on-air personality Jim Thornton, and our celebrity auctioneer will be actor/comedian Greg Proops. Winemakers and proprietors from two dozen prestigious producers will be pouring their wines, and a dozen of California's top restaurants will provide the food. Our live and silent auctions will offer dozens of amazing wine, food, travel and VIP items. We allow a maximum of 350 guests into Vintage Hollywood, so buy your tickets now before they sell out!  Proceeds from Vintage Hollywood 2010 will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Vintage Hollywood sponsorships start at $1,000 and offer unique extras including (depending on sponsorship level) a private Dinner with the Winemakers on Friday, June 11, signed bottles of wine, limousine transportation to and from the event, and more. Call Annie Aft at (310) 559-6325. To purchase individual tickets to Vintage Hollywood ($200 each).

6/3 - Henry Winkler, Bob Tushman, Joel Fisher, Carrie Ann Inaba,

 Henry Winkler - (USA's "ROYAL PAINS")

Television Royalty Henry Winkler Joins Cast - Second Season will premiere with Limited Commercial Interruptions  - USA will premiere the second season of ROYAL PAINS, the best performing freshman year of a cable series ever, on Thursday, June 3 at 10/9c. Paired with BURN NOTICE at 9/8c, the two shows make up one of television's coolest and most powerful block of summer programming on cable or broadcast.  Henry Winkler guest stars as Eddie R. Lawson in the hit USA Network original series ROYAL PAINS, which premieres its second season on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 10/9c. Paired with BURN NOTICE at 9/10c, the two shows make up one of television's coolest and most powerful block of summer programming - on cable OR broadcast! ROYAL PAINS was the best performing freshman year of a cable series ever when it premiered last summer.  With a career in Hollywood that has spanned nearly three decades, Winkler has enjoyed success on screens both large and small -   Henry Franklin Winkler, D.H.L. (born October 30, 1945) is an American actor, director, producer, and author. Winkler is best known for his role as Fonzie on the 1970s American sitcom Happy Days. "The Fonz," a leather-clad greaser and auto mechanic, started out as a minor character at the show's beginning but had achieved top billing by the time the show ended. Henry Winkler was born in Manhattan, New York, the son of Ilse Anna Maria (née Hadra) and Harry Irving Winkler, a lumber company executive . Winkler's Jewish parents emmigrated from Germany to the United States in 1939, before the beginning of World War II  Winkler attended the McBurney School and received his bachelor's degree from Emerson College in 1967 and his MFA from the Yale School of Drama in 1970. In 1978, Emerson gave Winkler an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Winkler has also received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Austin College.  Winkler has been married to Stacey Weitzman since May 5, 1978, and they have two children, Zoe and Max, and a stepson Jed from Stacey's previous marriage with Howard Weitzman. He is the godfather of Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Happy Days co-star Ron Howard.  Charitable works which he is involved with include Annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon, the Epilepsy Foundation, the annual Toys for Tots campaign, the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, and the Special Olympics.  An avid Yankees fan, Winkler announced the starting lineup on FOX for Game 5 of the World Series against the Phillies in 2009.

Bob Tuschman - Senior VP Programming & Production "The Food Network"

Food Network’s Senior Vice President of Programming and Production and The Next Food Network Star Judge, judge on The Next Food Network Star - Food Network’s number one series, The Next Food Network Star, returns this June with the most exciting and intense season to date. Shot in Los Angeles on a brand-new studio set, season six follows 12 hopefuls competing for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. With this coveted prize on the line, the finalists strut their star power and culinary chops for host Bobby Flay and the selection committee to see if they stack up against the competition. Under the mentorship of Giada De Laurentiis, the series kicks off with a two-hour premiere Sunday, June 6th at 9pm ET/PT as finalists get a taste of Hollywood with a trip to Paramount Studios and a six-course lunch for L.A.’s biggest celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck.  The 12 finalists include: Dzintra Dzenis (Austin, Texas), Doreen Fang (Los Angeles, Calif.), Alexis Hernandez (Clarksville, Ind.), Brianna Jenkins (Atlanta, Ga.), Aria Kagan (Hollywood, Fla.), Herb Mesa (Atlanta, Ga.), Serena Palumbo (New York, N.Y.), Tom Pizzica (San Francisco, Calif.), Aarti Sequeira (Los Angeles, Calif.), Darrell “DAS” Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.), Brad Sorenson (Austin, Texas) and Paul Young (Chicago, Ill.).  This season, the finalists travel to Los Angeles where they are put through the ringer to prove their culinary talent and impress the industry's biggest stars. Challenges include a crash-course in red-carpet glamour while catering a star-studded MGD 64 after-party with Grammy-winner Colbie Caillat, serving up savory dishes inspired by classic carnival sweets at the Santa Monica Pier, creating and operating lunch trucks on Venice Beach, and using Kellogg's ® breakfast cereals to cook dinner with breakfast. The contestants must also impress special guest stars Eva Longoria Parker and Todd English by illustrating an “emotion” through a dish at their restaurant, Beso. All season long, the finalists receive extra insight and encouragement from a host of guest stars including Wolfgang Puck, Paula Deen, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown, Duff Goldman, Ted Allen, Melissa d’Arabian, Grammy-winner Colbie Caillat, acclaimed chef Todd English and mega-star Eva Longoria Parker. The selection committee comprised of Bobby Flay and Food Network executives, Bob Tuschman (Senior Vice President, Programming and Production) and Susie Fogelson (Senior Vice President, Marketing, Creative Services & Brand Strategy), narrow the field down until the finale. The winner, revealed during the series finale on Sunday, August 15th at 9pm ET/PT, receives a six-episode show that premieres in August 2010. THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR HITS HOLLYWOOD  Season Six of Food Network’s Most-Watched Series Hosted by Bobby Flay - Premieres Sunday, June 6th at 9pm ET/PT  Special Guest Appearances by Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Wolfgang Puck, Eva Longoria Parker, Colbie Caillat and Many More!

Carrie Ann Inaba -  "Dancing with the Stars" /  " Housecat Housecall" on Animal Planet

As a well-known choreographer and one of the star judges of the top-rated show on television, Dancing with the Stars, Carrie Ann Inaba is used to giving advice and stating her opinion. Now the tables are turned, as Carrie Ann asked for help from the experts on Cat Chow’s Housecat Housecall on Animal Planet, a cat-themed reality show similar to Supernanny and The Dog Whisperer – but for cats. She and her boyfriend have five cats – which can sometimes create havoc in the home and she can tell some funny stories about her pets. She will also  talks about this season of Dancing with the Stars,  , provide some great insights and stories from backstage at the top show on TV and discuss what it was liked to be “judged” on Housecat Housecall rather then be the judge. The cats are back! Housecat Housecall, one of the first reality-based cat television programs, is returning to Animal Planet for a third season of providing cat-owning families with resolutions for addressing their various cat behavioral concerns. This season, which begins June 5th, features an exciting and diverse group of cat lovers including a legendary Broadway performer, a Major League Baseball manager and producer, choreographer and celebrity television judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, from the hit show Dancing with the Stars. The television series, which airs on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. E/P, with encores on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. E/P on Animal Planet, is hosted by popular TV personality and Australian veterinarian Dr. Katrina Warren. Each week, Dr. Katrina visits cat-owning homes, observes the cats in their natural environments and recommends actionable solutions to the owners to help them ultimately live more connected lives with their cats. From dealing with everyday issues like “kitchen counter cruising” to more serious matters like achieving household harmony before a family member leaves for a tour of duty in the military, Housecat Housecall features real cats, real people and a real veterinarian working through a wide range of cat care situations.  "The third season of Housecat Housecall continues our mission of providing cat owners with actionable tips and tools to help them create a well-balanced home life for the whole family, including the cat,” said Dr. Katrina Warren. “It is extremely rewarding to watch a family finally realize the true joy of having a cat after we’ve been able to help them work through all their cat’s behavioral challenges.”

Joel Fisher - LA Winefest - Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, CA June 5, 6 

Joel M. Fisher presents LA WineFest 2010 Raleigh Studios Hollywood, CA  - Saturday June 5 & Sunday, June 6 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm With more than 130 wineries, spirits and thirst-quenching craft beers, great food, and over 30 lifestyle vendors, this is a weekend you will not want to miss! Sample over 500 different wines from at least 14 different countries. Meet and greet with LA’s top Master Sommeliers, wine educators, winery owners and vendors, and enjoy food from LA’s top restaurants. No one under 21 is allowed at the LA WineFest, this includes babies and young children. Please do not bring animals they will not be admitted.


Claire Robinson -  "5 Ingredient Fix"  / "Food Network Challenge"

Claire will help to inspire listeners to create healthy, nutritious and convenient meals using a variety of traditional ingredients. And since the American Heart Associations recommends eating seafood twice a week, Claire will also share some fun and creative ways to get more seafood into your diet beyond the traditional tuna sandwich. Various delicious “simple turned to super” meals will be discussed. Claire will also talk about a new contest designed to challenge listeners to whip up their favorite simple, yet super meal and be crowned “SuperCook” and win $10,000 cash among other prizes.

6/2 - Jennifer Wayland-Smith, Graham Kerr, Linda Jordan,

 Jennifer Wayland-Smith - Spa Director -  Golden Door Spa -   Boulders Resort - Scottsdale, AZ

Delight in the full organic food experience of The Boulders Resort. Our resort strives to serve only the freshest produce grown in the area and on the property. Inspiring dishes created by our own Chefs draw inspiration from the availability of abundant produce from the onsite garden. The Boulders Organic Garden includes design elements of eight elevated planter box areas separated by a flowing water feature down the middle. Each open-area plot will grow organic vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, celery, heirloom tomatoes, along with a variety of herbs and edible flowers. Five walls on the perimeter of the garden will be dedicated to a fragrant orchard of citrus trees that include grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime trees. Allow our resort to provide you with the very best in healthy cuisine with refreshing ingredients thoughtfully 

Rick Hoieninghausen - Director of Marketing Yellowstone National Resorts -  "Old' Faithful"
Old Faithful is a cone geyser located in Wyoming, in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Old Faithful was named in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and was the first geyser in the park to receive a name.

The geyser, as well as the nearby Old Faithful Inn, is part of the Old Faithful Historic District. Eruptions can shoot 3,700 to 8,400 U.S. gallons (14–32.000 litre) of boiling water to a height of 106–185 feet (30–56 m) lasting from 1.5 to 5 minutes. The average height of an eruption is 145 feet (44 m). The highest recorded eruption was 185 feet (56 m) high. Intervals between eruptions can range from 45 to 125 minutes, averaging 66.5 minutes in 1939, slowly increasing to an average of 90 minutes apart today. More than 137,000 eruptions have been recorded. Harry Woodward first described a mathematical relationship between the duration and intervals of the eruptions (1938). Old Faithful is not the tallest or largest geyser in the park; that title belongs to the less predictable Steamboat Geyser. Over the years, the length of the interval has increased, which may be the result of earthquakes affecting subterranean water levels. These disruptions have made the earlier mathematical relationship inaccurate, but have in fact made Old Faithful more predictable. With a margin of error of 10 minutes, Old Faithful will erupt 65 minutes after an eruption lasting less than 2.5 minutes or 91 minutes after an eruption lasting more than 2.5 minutes. The reliability of Old Faithful can be attributed to the fact that it is not connected to any other thermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin.


Graham Kerr -  "The Galloping Gourmet"  (New Electronic Book Coming)

Committed to Good Health, Good Taste, & Contributing to the Common Good.  We’ve traveled around the world 28 times over the past forty-eight years of broadcasting, writing and speaking about food. I (Graham) have cooked for Treena over 40,000 meals, 23,000 of them were what we call NECK-UP (all about taste), 18,000 have been whole body foods (good health and good taste.) What we’ve done and still want to do . . . is what this site all about. We will never give up looking for better ways to eat and to live our lives and share with you.


Linda Jordan - GM  Ruths Chris Steak House  - Pasadena, CA

The chain was founded by the late Ruth Fertel, a single mother of two, in 1965, after she bought the existing Chris Steak House in New Orleans. In buying the restaurant, Fertel had to agree that the restaurant keep the "Chris" name for a specified period of time. After the original location sustained a kitchen fire, she relocated the restaurant about one-half mile (0.9 km) to the west on Broad Street and renamed the rebuilt establishment "Ruth's Chris." Under the purchase agreement, the name "Chris Steak House" could not be used at any other location, and she did not want to lose customers already familiar with the Chris name. Fertel started to franchise the restaurant in the 1970s to locations throughout the United States and the world.  Advertising efforts are primarily focused in the talk radio market and its male demographic. The chain has cultivated paid endorsements from several radio celebrities, including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, with the latter proclaiming Ruth's to be his favorite restaurant.Ruth's won the 2006–2007 Golden Icon Award for "Best Steak House Chain"; the Golden Icon Awards are presented annually by Travolta Family Entertainment.

6/1 - Melissa Rycroft, Doug Marrone, Jillian Michaels, Offer Gat,

JILLIAN MICHAELS - " LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN"

JILLIAN MICHAELS, AMERICA’S FAVORITE HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERT, TRAVELS THROUGHOUT THE U.S. TACKLING THE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM OF UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLES ONE FAMILY AT A TIME - In the season premiere, Michaels travels to Wilmington, Mass., where she meets the Mastropietro family. She discovers the father already had an unsuccessful gastric bypass surgery and the mother has the same surgery scheduled, as they both hope to walk their daughter down the aisle later this year. As Michaels pushes the family outside of their physical and emotional comfort zones, she uncovers a deep-rooted and upsetting issue from their past that has been the main obstacle to their living a happier and healthier life. Dr. Katja Van Herle also stars.   LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN  Premieres Tuesday, June 1 (10-11 p.m. ET) on NBC  Airs in its regular time period Tuesday, June 7 (8-9 p.m. ET)  Each week, Michaels, one of the leading health and wellness experts in the country, will use her characteristic brand of tough love and move in with one family for a week, giving them the necessary tools to reboot their lives and bring them back to a healthier lifestyle emotionally and physically. Michaels will get to the root of the issues each family member faces that affect their health and happiness. Over the course of one week, the family will be pushed outside of their comfort zones and introduced to new exercise and eating habits as they are tested through difficult challenges and dramatic confrontations. At the end of the week Michaels will give a customized plan and a set of goals leaving the family on their own to put to practice what they have learned.



Melissa Rycroft -  "The Bachelor"  & "Dancing with the Stars"

Melissa Katherine Rycroft (born March 11, 1983), from Dallas, Texas, is a reality television contestant and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. She was a drill team officer at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas where she graduated in 2001. She participated as a contestant on the thirteenth season of ABC's The Bachelor, and CMT reality TV series Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. She was a contestant on the eighth season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars.  Rycroft was named to People magazine's list of World's Most Beautiful People 2009 and was also named as #99 on Maxim's list of "Hot 100 of 2009". She was on The Bachelor & DWTS, now Melissa Rycroft wants to help couples plan the perfect wedding without going in to crazy debt. Melissa has some great ideas for that special day….and you won’t have to break the bank or your wallet to say “I Do”




Doug Marrone - "Ride for  Autism" 

Ride for Autism is a 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 Los Angeles area.  Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life.


Offer Gat  -  CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines in North and Central America

Former EL AL President Haim Romano appointed Offer Gat as the new CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines in North and Central America, as of July 2007. Mr. Gat is responsible for overseeing the airline’s day-to-day operations and managing the development of EL AL’s growing North and Central American markets. He is based in New York City, the EL AL headquarters in the United States. For 17 years, Mr. Gat held top management positions at the largest travel companies in Israel. He has a proven reputation for bringing organizational efficiency, initiating cutting edge computer technology and developing sales and marketing activities to unprecedented levels.  Mr. Gat was previously President and CEO of Clal Holdings Travel and Tours (The Diesenhaus Group), which controls a network of 17 travel related companies, a position he held for six years. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Gat successively served as President and CEO of Third Millenium Tourism and Recreation Holdings; and was Managing Director of Zabar Tours, Recreation and Events, the leading Israeli company in domestic tourism. Mr. Gat also served as President and CEO of ISSTA Lines (Israel Students Travel Company) from 1987-1995.  Mr. Gat is a Lt Colonel in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Reserves. He received both an MBA and his undergraduate degree in political science from Tel Aviv University. Mr. Gat is married with 2 daughters.