12/15 - Gary Smith, Christine Forsyth, Roger Rice, Larry Lipson,

 Gary Smith - President - Jolly Time Popcorn

Popcorn. We know popcorn better than anyone else. Why? Because we are the original brand name of popcorn in America. We’ve been around since 1914 - longer than any of those other guys! American Pop Corn Company was founded in 1914 and processes and markets JOLLY TIME® Pop Corn in all 50 states and around the world!  JOLLY TIME® Pop Corn is a fourth generation, family owned company and employs about 185 popcorn connoisseurs. Our address? One Fun Place, Sioux City, Iowa.


Christine Forsyth  -  Ballard Inn  - Santa Barbara, CA 

Built in 1985 as a country inn, The Ballard Inn & Restaurant is set in the historic township of Ballard, centrally located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s noted wine country. Ballard is 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara, and just a few minutes drive from the larger towns of the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos.



Roger Rice - General Manager -  Carlyle Hotel  NYC

A long-time favorite among prominent eastside neighbors and socialites, The Carlyle Restaurant, designed in the English manor house style by the late Mark Hampton, marries luxury with intimacy. Patrons feel at home at once, ready to devote their full attention to Executive Chef James Sakatos’ seasonally motivated menu. Dishes feature the finest regional American ingredients with French influences.  The larger of the restaurant's two intimately lit rooms features plush chintz-covered banquettes, Aubusson rugs and mirrored alcoves, set off by a dramatic six-foot-tall floral arrangement. Just off the main room, a smaller dining room shimmers in Fortuny silk. Throughout, English hunting scenes by Fores, as well as engravings by Redoute and Liliacae, complete the country house ambience.  Sunday brunch at The Carlyle Restaurant present the perfect opportunity to people watch and take pleasure in the glamour of New York’s chic Upper East Side. Patrons enjoy an exquisite New York City hotel brunch while bumping elbows with socialites, politicians and fashion magnates alike. Chef’s exciting signature dishes, which include a Lobster Omelet, Eggs Benedict and Carpegna Prosciutto with Cantaloupe and Balsamic reduction, capture the interest and please the palate of both local patrons and hotel guests.


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 From Frommer's Travel Guide: " Wine: Although some European immigrants have been experimenting with wine grape cultivation in Costa Rica, no one has succeeded. The government did sponsor an experimental effort several years ago, but eventually most of the vines were ripped out. If you see Costa Rican wine for sale, it is almost surely from imported Chilean grape juice that is then processed in Costa Rica--the quality is terrible and it is--at least so far--not worth buying except as a total novelty."

12/14 - Kathleen Daelemans, Duggan McDonnell, Don Rubinstein,

Kathleen Daelemans - Food and Nationally Recognized Entertaining Expert

When the holiday season meets a stubborn economy it's time for a party at home. Whether you’re having a traditional family dinner, a gathering of friends and coworkers, or an open house for the whole neighborhood, our national food and entertaining expert Kathleen Daelemans will provide essential entertaining tips from simple and tasty foods and recipes, festive cocktails to quick and inexpensive decorating ideas that will help make your next holiday gathering a success.  Décor: Easy floral Décor for the table: Do one type of flowers so that there is no time consuming arranging might make you tear your out! Don’t forget hand towels, a candle and small bud vase filled with fragrant flowers in the bathroom. These three things will make a difference and guests will feel like they are at a high end restaurant. Potlucks: In this challenging economy, think about potlucks with your friends and family so that you can all see each other without huge expenses falling on one person. Perhaps designate a theme and ask people to bring along a dish of their choice that fits the theme.  The Menu: Don’t be overly ambitious with the menu. It’s better to offer simple and tasty dishes that will satisfy all appetites than try to replicate a complicated recipe.  Drink Up! Set up a proper bar, even if you are only serving wine and beer. Put wine in a wine cooler, line glasses up on trays; be sure to have extras like sliced citrus for water, a bottle opener and a small garbage can nearby for trash.  Mingle: Take your time to introduce your guest to each other, note what each may have in common or how you know them, and make sure that no one is left without a glass in his or her hand. Named one of the country's "top Ten Rising Star Chefs" by John Mariani, chef Kathleen Daelemans' recipes have been showcased in respected food and wine journals including Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator, Gourmet, Food & Wine, and Eating Well. Not only has Daelemans received praised from the culinary community, but her work is regularly featured in fashion and fitness magazines such as Elle, Shape, Self, Harper's Bazaar, L.A. Style, Fitness, Esquire and House Beautiful. Richard Sax, Roy Yamaguchi and others have showcased Daelemans' recipes in books featuring West Coast, Pacific Rim and American Regional cooking. Daelemans combines her comedic banter and culinary wizardry with a modern sensibility towards good health regularly on NBC's Today. She wrote and hosted a weekly Food Network show, Cooking Thin with Kathleen Daelemans for three seasons. In addition to regular appearances on NBC's Today, Daelemans has appeared on hundreds of local and national television and radio shows including Oprah, NBC's Dateline, and CNN Headline News. Daelemans' recently wrote and hosted the highest rated cooking Pledge Special for Public Television this spring and is currently in pre-production for her own series to be distributed by American Public Television. Daelemans is the author of the New York Times best selling cookbook, Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen: 200 Easy Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss, Getting Thin & Loving Food! 200 Easy Recipes to Take You Where You Want to Be, and Chef Kathleen's Cooking Thin Daybook: A 52 Week Plan to Lose Weight, Get Fit and Eat Right.


Duggan McDonnell -  “America's Best Mixologist

Duggan McDonnell has been a fixture on the west coast beverage scene for the past ten years and is finally getting the recognition he deserves. In addition to being named a Rising Star Bar Chef by StarChefs.com this year, he was honored by Food & Wine Magazine as one of America ’s Best Mixologists, and also served as a Cocktail Designer for the Sundance Film Festival. McDonnell has an undeniable ease with guests and colleagues alike, an inventive spirit, and a knowledgeable, highly trained palate. Duggan has shaken up a number of San Francisco spots, including the Repastoria Satyricon, the bars at the Clift Hotel, and Mecca. Prior to his work in San Francisco, he tended bar at Wild Ginger in Seattle, the area’s foremost Pan–Asian restaurant. Among his currently preferred mixology techniques is the use of essential oils that result in very focused, intense flavors. The practice originated from a fascination with healing and aromatherapy, and he creatively applied the technique to the bar. McDonnell’s depth of knowledge and love for beverage extends beyond the mixed cocktail. He has toured wineries, distilleries, and breweries throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Australia, and has also received Level One Certification in the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to focusing on a career in mixology, he served as a wine advisor for WinePro Services in Napa and Seattle, where he was responsible for selecting approachable, consumer-friendly wines for wholesale food centers, markets, and special events.
 
Don Rubinstein - "Dr. Soda"

I founded Dr Soda in 1984 with $350. My first job in the soft drink business was way back in 10th grade selling ICE COLD COKE at the Memphis Blue's Baseball Games at the Fairgrounds in Memphis. I later followed my golf dreams to become a caddy on the PGA Tour, where I had many inredible adventures, & met everyone I ever dreamed about meeting. While on tour, I also wound up working with ABC Sports along side the greats in the industry. Chris Shenkel, Dave Marr, Byron Nelson, Chuck Howard, Jim Jennett, Bob Goodrich and even the immortal Henry Longhurst. After finding my way to California, I stayed in the golf business until I started Dr Soda in 1984. Everything that did come around, came around...so the saying is true. Life is very good to me only because those i have found myself surrounded by have been better to me than I feel I have been to them. Our Dr Soda family consists of 21 fun hard working team members. Yes, I am married to Kim (after just 1 date) for 25 years. We are always proud of our 2 girls, Elizabeth & Christina. I have learned several things in building Dr Soda. One is that size definately does not matter. It is about quality, at least in my mind. We Are Now A Company Of Over $4,000,000 In sales. The Growth Of Our Company Has Been Slow And Steady So As Not To Loose Focus Of What We Do & Who We Do It For. If it comes to the point of not being fun, I will stop doing this and shut the doors, but for now, I am having a blast!

12/13 - Donovan Duggins, Ben Folds, Gurpareet Bains

12-YEAR-OLD FROM WICHITA CROWNED CHAMPION OF NATIONAL KIDS’ COOK-OFF

Get ready, burger lovers, there’s a new kid gourmet burger chef champion! Wichita, Kansas resident, 12 year-old Donovan Duggins has been named the grand-prize winner in the fifth annual Red Robin Kids’ Cook-Off with The Mt. Vesuvius Burger. The winning gourmet burger – made with a beef patty, sesame seed bun, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, Lava Sauce (sweet BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika) and provolone cheese– will be sold in Red Robin® restaurants in summer 2011 to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC). The top 10 burgers that were judged to determine the grand-prize winner during a Championship competition on Thursday, Dec. 9, were selected based on their inventive combination of ingredients, tasty flavor profiles and creative and compelling statements from the kid chefs that described why their burger should win. The top 10 kid finalists were:
· Zack Caison, Amarillo, TX: “Jalapeno Blue Ranch Bacon Burger”
· Gavin Belliveau, Kingston, MA: “The Meatball Burger”
· Malia Grant, Fresno, CA: “Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Burger”
· Isabel Honzay, Chandler, AZ: “Southwest Cobb Burger”
· Megan Casteel, Mesa, AZ: “Gorgonzola Goodness Burger”
· Emily Whitaker, Tualatin, OR: “The Bacon Dill Delight Burger”
· Angela Feltz, Portland, OR: “The Bangin’ Spicy Chicken Artichoke Burger”
· Dominic Staiti, Citrus Heights, CA: “Jalapeno Cornbread Chili Burger”
· Jake Tucker, Chesterfield, MO: “Campfire Burger”
· Donovan Duggins, Wichita, KS: “The Mt. Vesuvius Burger”
The grand-prize-winning burger sales from the fourth annual Kids’ Cook-Off resulted in a donation of $50,000 to NCMEC to support child safety initiatives. Since 2005, Red Robin has donated nearly $400,000 to NCMEC through the Cook-Off and other Red Robin® restaurant programs.

Ben Folds - Judge  NBC's  "The Sing Off"

NBC'S A CAPPELLA SINGING EVENT 'THE SING-OFF' RETURNS FOR A SECOND SEASON WITH HOST NICK LACHEY, PREMIERING MONDAY, DECEMBER 6  Ten Groups from Across the Country will Compete for the Grand Prize of a Sony Music Recording Contract and $100,000  Five-Night Holiday Event Series to Feature Returning Celebrity Judges Ben Folds (Ben Folds Five), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men) and Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls) with a special performance by 2009 winner, Nota  Widely known for his prowess as a pianist, Ben Folds began his career in music as a drummer, and he is also adept at guitar and bass. Ben Folds first found mainstream success as the leader of the critically acclaimed, platinum-selling Ben Folds Five. He has gone on to have a very successful solo career, recording four studio albums in addition to a pair of records documenting his renowned live performances and a remix record. "Lonely Avenue," a collaboration with English novelist Nick Hornby, was recently released on Nonesuch Records. The album features music and vocals by Folds and lyrics by Hornby, with string arrangements by influential pop string arranger Paul Buckmaster (David Bowie, Elton John, Leonard Cohen). GQ UK says, "'Lonely Avenue' is a fantastic album... the melodies soar in time-honoured Folds style, the lyrics are subtle and lovely and deftly done."  In 2009, Folds served as a judge on NBC's a cappella competition "The Sing-Off," a role he will reprise this December on the show's second season. Folds previously collaborated with Hornby on a song for the Folds-produced William Shatner album "Has Been," which the Huffington Post called "one of the few records in recent memory that dared to tell the unvarnished truth about the human condition." Folds also has a special relationship with symphony musicians, having performed with some of the world's greatest orchestras including a record-breaking sold-out Australian symphonic tour in 2006; repeatedly sold-out nights both at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra and at the Boston Pops with conductor Keith Lockhart; along with several full-house residencies at the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Gurpareet Bains - Chef and Nutritional Therapist

Chef and nutritional therapist Gurpareet Bains made waves last year when he created “the world’s healthiest meal,” a delicious chicken curry with blueberries and goji berry pilau—the nutritional equivalent of 49 bowls of spinach.  Bains continues to mesh great taste and disease-fighting ingredients in his innovative dishes, including those in his delicious new book, *Indian Superfood: Superfood + Superspices = Indian Superfood* (Absolute Press). He will share his insights into how to incorporate antioxidant-rich Indian cuisine into one’s diet to help combat and prevent illness—with mouthwatering recipes like Salmon and Potato Biryani with Cherry Tomatoes and Ginger-Infused Yogurt with Honey and Pomegranate.

12/10 - Ralf Holdenried, Ron Smith, Steve Evans,

Ralf Holdenried - Winemaker  - William Hill Estate

William Hill Estate is renowned for crafting elegant Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines due to its exceptional location just off the Silverado Trail in Southern Napa on the Silverado Bench. The Estate was designed with the winemaker in mind – the vineyard is situated just outside the winery door giving winemaker Ralf Holdenried the freedom to be involved in every aspect of the winemaking process. Designed for optimal flexibility, the winery supports Ralf’s approach of selecting vineyard blocks and letting their flavors develop individually. "The number of tanks and barrels we have in relation to the grapes on the land means I can make decisions about blending once the individual lots have had a chance to show their true potential," explains Ralf.

Ron Smith - President Town Council Santa Claus, Indiana 

Visit Santa Claus, Indiana: America’s Christmas Hometown, for three weekends of family fun during the 2010 Santa Claus Christmas Celebration! Experience a traditional Christmas with the lighting of America’s Hometown Christmas Tree, Christmas themed attractions, visits with Santa and other family events.  Drive through Lake Rudolph’s 1.2-mile Santa Claus Land of Lights, the Family Christmas Light Adventure, and learn the “Shining story of Rudolph.” Watch Santa’s Great Big LED Tree of Lights come to life hourly at Kringle Place. Take part in Rudolph’s Holiday Hustle; our 5K Run/Walk. Click here for information and the registration form. Visit with Santa and browse through the huge Santa Claus Christmas Store. Shop at the Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show and other themed shops. Roast chestnuts on an open fire at Santa’s Candy Castle. Learn the history of the town at the Santa Claus Museum.  Special discount packages are available at Santa’s Lodge and other Santa Claus area lodging. The Santa Claus Christmas Celebration will create family memories to cherish for a lifetime!

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".

12/9-Berta Scott, Mike Whitehead, Chandler Bell,

Berta Scott - Founder - Southern Supreme -  Gourmet FruitCakes

From its humble roots in the Scott’s garage in Bear Creek, North Carolina, Southern Supreme has grown to its present size as an internationally known mail-order gourmet food company. However, despite its growth, Southern Supreme continues to be a family-oriented business that carries on the tradition of quality and service that is tasted in our products and reflected in praise from our satisfied customers. So if you're ever in Bear Creek, North Carolina, near the Harper's Crossroads community, please come by and visit our retail showroom and share a slice of fruitcake and coffee with us!


Mike Whitehead & Chandler Bell - Boathouse Radio

The Boathouse Show on both TV and Radio is hosted by Captain Mike Whitehead who "Brings You the World  of Boating" through television, radio and as a syndicated columnist.  Capt. Mike is recognized with boaters, boating organizations, government agencies, and the media as one of the most knowledgeable, reliable boating expert, and spokesperson.

Capt Mike shares his wealth of knowledge from being a professional Captain, weekly columnist, and book author.  The shows are for the boating and marine communities, and each show brings to you exciting topics such as cruising information, boating news, personal interviews, fishing, how-to's, question and answers, and much much more.

Boathouse TV has been on Television since 1991, airing on selected broadcast companies from Southern California to Florida especially on Fox Sports, Comcast, and Cox.  The show's notoriety is International with show's segments seen across the pond, and email questions from around the seven seas.  The TV show is set to sail again soon - so stayed tuned.

Boathouse Radio is the Nation's favorite boating talk radio show airing Coast to Coast.  The weekly radio show is the choice of boaters for up to date boating news, race results, legislative issues, cruising tips, events, guest hosts, listeners' call-in, and more. Home studios are located just north of Hollywood with CRN Digital Radio Networks.  Capt. Mike is joined on the air with Show Manager, Capt. Chandler Bell, and special guests.

12/8-Chef Jeffrey Saad, Jan Ross, Chef Rocco DiSpirito, Jim Koch

Celebrity Chef Jeffrey Saad-United Tastes of America

Chef Jeffrey Saad has been traveling the country this year filming his new Cooking Channel show “United Tastes of America.” From town to town, one thing remains the same: Americans are hungry for the familiar, a return to simple basics. While the holiday season is a bustling time of year, it’s also the perfect time to get back to basics in the kitchen.  Chef Jeffrey Saad will lend a hand to help families celebrate the simplicity of cooking traditional favorites together and creating new memories in the kitchen.  As a father of two, Jeffrey is no stranger to the importance of baking and cooking as a family, and spending quality time with loved ones. 
Jeffrey Saad began his food career working in a Chicago diner at the age of 13. Since then, he’s been formally trained as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, as well as the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Saad was a top contender on the popular show, “Next Food Network Star” and is host of the Cooking Channel’s “United Tastes of America” where he travels the nation exploring the history behind iconic foods that are traditional favorites enjoyed across America.  The show airs on the Cooking Channel on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST.  


Jan Ross-Wine Cruise

Amongst the hottest segment of the travel industry, river cruising, one will find a number of specialty cruises offering all sorts of interesting activities.  One new program from AmaWaterways, the Wine River Cruise, en route to Trier, Germany and Jan Ross, the blogger and social media director for the Travel Authority chain of travel agencies, will be on board with AmaWaterways co-owner and President, Rudi Schreiner.

Jan Ross' blog posting of October 25 gives a quick look at her feelings and itinerary: "One week from Friday, my husband and I will embark on what I keep referring to as "the trip of a lifetime." A few days in Montreal, which was originally intended as simply a stop to make our Europe flights shorter but has turned into an important part of the trip, then a few days in Amsterdam before we embark on a wine-tasting river cruise with AmaWaterways which will culminate in three days in Paris. We have never been to Montreal, Amsterdam, Germany (where most of the wine-tasting part of the trip will happen) or France. Everything is new to us. We have only flown internationally once before."

AmaWaterways Wine Cruise, officially known as "Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel" will take place on the luxurious MS AmaLegro and involve a number of interesting wine experts. The special 7-night itinerary includes visits to world-famous wineries, off-site dinners hosted by renowned winemakers, onboard lectures and more. Hosted by AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner, the 7-night cruise will travel from Amsterdam to Trier, Germany, followed by three nights in Paris. Accompanying the cruise will be winemaker Jim Clendenen, owner of the internationally-acclaimed Au Bon Climat winery in Santa Maria, California and Archie McLaren, founder and chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic. A portion of the cruise proceeds will be donated to charities supported by the Central Coast Wine Classic, one of the country's preeminent wine auctions.

Cruise Highlights Include Dinners & Wine TastingsHighlights of the "Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel" itinerary include a dinner and wine tasting with a representative from the renown Georg Breuer winery at the Ruedesheimer Schloss in Rudesheim, Germany. The scenic Rhine Gorge town of Rudesheim is famous for its quaint wine taverns and surrounding vineyards, including the family-owned Breuer estate.  In Koblenz, guests will discover a 2,000-year old wine town at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers. 


Chef Rocco DiSpirito-Celebrity Chef & TV Personality

Want to add a little Italian flair to your holiday table this season?  Celebrity Chef and TV personality Rocco DiSpirito will divulge his secrets for hosting a true Italian meal that will bring the flavors and traditions of Italy home this holiday!  According to Rocco, la cucina is the heart of any Italian home – it’s where the passion for food and family is rooted.  During this interview, Rocco will take you into his family’s kitchen at the holidays and share some of his favorite stories and advice for creating a perfect holiday meal – with half the work grandma put in!  Rocco DiSpirito's road to fame began when he was 11 years old while helping his mother, Nicolina, in her own kitchen -- an experience that sparked his intense interest in food and cooking. Now one of today's most exciting chefs, followed by millions, the Jamaica, Queens, native entered the Culinary Institute of America when he was 16. He graduated in 1986 and studied at Jardin de Cygne in France before earning a B.S. in Business from Boston University in 1990. After working at restaurants in New York and Boston, he joined Lepinasse's opening team, then opened Union Pacific in New York's Gramercy Park as chef and owner. Food & Wine named him its Best New Chef in 1999, and the following year, Gourmet magazine called him “America's Most Exciting Young Chef.” DiSpirito opened Rocco's 22nd Street in the summer of 2003, while cameras for NBC's The Restaurant watched and took notes. Later that summer more than 8 million viewers a week tuned in to see the ups and downs of DiSpirito's family-inspired eatery. In 2004, DiSpirito began his radio career at WOR AM710 and hosted Food Talk in over 300 East Coast markets. Having increased listeners and ratings, he took his show across the country through syndication. DiSpirito is the other of several cookbooks including 5 Minute Flavor, Rocco’s Real Life Recipes, Rocco Gets Real: Cook at Home, Every Day and Rocco's Italian American which was co-written with his "Mama" Nicolina DiSpirito. 


Jim Koch-Founder and Brewer of Samuel Adams

Today, we're a team of about 750 people, and we all share a common passion for bringing great Samuel Adams® beers to beer lovers everywhere. We've worked hard and are incredibly proud of the many successes we've enjoyed over the years. The Boston Beer Company has been cited as one of the best companies to work for by Boston Magazine, one of the Best Entry-Level Jobs by The Princeton Review, and our beers have won more awards than any other in history. Jim has been named an "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Inc. Magazine. Our brewers keep amazing us with innovative new brews, including Samuel Adams Utopias® and our Samuel Adams® Barrel Room Collection. Jim has believed from the beginning that the more you know and understand about beer, the more you'll appreciate a beer like Samuel Adams Boston Lager®. To begin that mission, all new employees go through intensive training on everything from ingredients, brewing, and beer styles, to taking care of the beer once it leaves the brewery. We're all beer lovers and protectors of the beer so we're trained how to identify off flavors and how to troubleshoot the causes. The passion for beer continues with an annual homebrew competition that we all take part in.  One of our wholesalers once asked Jim why he invested so much in training his people, when ultimately they might leave. Jim smiled and replied without hesitation: "What if I didn't train them, and they stayed?"  Each year, usually in January, everyone gathers together. One of the highlights of the meeting is the beer trivia contest. With a culture so steeped in beer education and knowledge, winning is a pretty big deal. Recently, one of the hotel bartenders who was watching as the various teams arrived in costume with music and much enthusiasm and fanfare, said, "I've always known Samuel Adams made the best beer in America, but now I see this is the greatest company in America." When you look around you see that The Boston Beer Company is a team of enthusiastic people who are passionate about beer and who really love coming to work every day to provide American drinkers with the best beer possible. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. is a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, SAM. For financial and related information, please visit our website at http://www.bostonbeer.com/ .

12/7 - Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Sandy Levine, Jeremy Shockey,

HRH Prince Robert of Luxembourg - Chairman Domaine Clarence Dillon

The Prince is hosting a prestigious dinner at the historic Vibiana on Wednesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the acquisition of Château Haut-Brion. It is also the only American-owned wine company in the Bordeaux region and only Bordeaux company comprising four estate wines that enjoy First Growth reputation and status around the world. In honor of this milestone, the family-owned company is hosting eight dinners in key cities around the world. The first dinner was hosted in June in Paris followed by London, New York City, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo, with LA being the seventh.  Prince Robert will regale Angelenos’ wine lovers and connoisseurs, industry tastemakers and celebrities with a sumptuous dinner prepared by the talented chef Thomas Keller, chef and owner of Bouchon in L.A. and French Laundry in San Francisco. Keller was named “America’s best chef” by TIME Magazine in 2001 and is the only American-born chef to hold multiple three stars ratings by the Michelin Guide.
The dinner will include a reception followed by a traditional French-style sit-down dinner where seven of the finest Domaine Clarence Dillon wines will be served and paired with each course of the unique menu from Chef Keller.  Founded in 1935, the family-owned company Domaine Clarence Dillon enjoys the unique privilege of possessing four growths with unparalleled reputations: the two great red wines and the two great white wines of Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion. All of Domaine Clarence Dillon’s singular expertise, backed by five centuries of tradition, finds expression in its full collection of wines. Always a pioneer, Domaine Clarence Dillon launched Clarendelle in 2005, the first super premium branded Bordeaux wine. In 2010, Domaine Clarence Dillon celebrates the 75th anniversary of Clarence Dillon’s acquisition of Château Haut-Brion. For more information, please visit: http://www.hautbrion.com/ .

Sandy Levine - GM Carnegie Deli  NYC

Christmas time in New York and the lights of the city, the tree at Rockefeller Center and, of course, a deli sandwich at the world famous Carnegie Deli. Founded in 1937, the world famous Carnegie Deli is a true New York City landmark situated in Midtown on 7th Avenue at 55th Street. We also have locations in the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, Six Flags in New Jersey and at The Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA.  All of our meats are smoked and cured in our own plant. We are family owned and operated and also bake our world famous cheesecake and desserts here. Our walls of fame are filled with pictures of celebrities, dignitaries, athletes, out-of-towners and our most important customer, you!  We are known for our pastrami, corned beef, brisket and many other sandwiches, including our famous "Broadway Danny Rose." All of our gargantuan sandwiches are overstuffed with at least one pound of meat. We also specialize in old world favorites such as: knishes, matzoh ball soup, stuffed cabbage, and of course our pickles.)

Jeremy Charles Shockey  - NFL Player New Orleans Saints

Jeremy Charles Shockey (born August 18, 1980) is a tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants 14th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami. The winner of the first-ever Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 2002, Shockey has earned four Pro Bowl selections in his career and received a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII and with the Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Shockey was born August 18, in Ada, Oklahoma. A 1999 graduate of Ada High School in Ada, Oklahoma, Shockey lettered all four seasons, playing mostly at wide receiver and outside linebacker. As a senior he caught 50 passes for 1,108 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned four punts for touchdowns and was named to Oklahoma's All-District and All-State teams. Playing in the State Semi-final game of his senior year, he caught eight passes for 206 yards, but his team lost in an upset to Chickasha High School. He also played basketball and was an honor roll student. Shockey attended the University of Miami, where he was part of the school's long tradition of star tight ends along with teammate Douglas Scappa. As a Hurricane, Shockey first rose to national attention as a sophomore in Miami's 2000 game versus rival Florida State, catching what proved to be the game-winning touchdown pass with :46 remaining in the fourth quarter as # 7 Miami defeated the then-top ranked Seminoles, 27–24. Shockey was selected 14th in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He quickly thrived in the NFL, receiving the inaugural Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award, and being named to the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons (2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006). He was one of the focal points in the Giants offensive passing attack. On July 21, 2008, the Giants agreed to trade Shockey to the New Orleans Saints. Jeremy Shockey, National Football League tight end for the defending Super Bowl Champions - the New Orleans Saints - will compete in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit, a legendary, outdoor adventure race across the wild terrain of the Scottish highlands. Shockey, the winner of the first-ever NFL Rookie of the Year award in 2002 and two-time Super Bowl Champion, is no stranger to rugged and aggressive competition – and looks forward to bringing his skills on the football field to the field of competition in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit. Seeking to compile an elite team of fierce athletes and modern-day rebels, Shockey will lead a group through the terrain in the footsteps of the legendary Scottish Prince, Bonnie Prince Charlie (also known as Prince Charles Edward Stuart). For a chance to join Jeremy’s team, fans can sign up here: http://us.drambuie.com/site.aspx#/pursuit

12/6-Winner of National Red Robin Burger Cook-Off, Karen Morgan, Milt Larsen

Winner of National Red Robin Burger Cook-Off

Get ready, burger lovers, America will soon have its newest kid gourmet burger chef champion!  The winning chef’s gourmet burger – chosen from thousands of recipes from kids ages six to 12 nationwide – will be sold in Red Robin® restaurants in summer 2011 to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and also featured in a cookbook available for free online at http://www.redrobin.com/ .  The top 10 burgers to be judged during a Championship competition on Thursday, Dec. 9, were selected based on their inventive combination of ingredients, tasty flavor profiles and creative and compelling statements from the kid chefs that described why their burger should win. 

The top 10 kid finalists are: 

•         Zack Caison, Amarillo, TX: “Jalapeño Blue Ranch Bacon Burger”
•         Gavin Belliveau, Kingston, MA: “The Meatball Burger”
•         Malia Grant, Fresno, CA: “Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Burger”
•         Isabel Honzay, Chandler, AZ: “Southwest Cobb Burger”
•         Megan Casteel, Mesa, AZ: “Gorgonzola Goodness Burger”
•         Emily Whitaker, Tualatin, OR: “The Bacon Dill Delight Burger”
•         Angela Feltz, Portland, OR: "Bangin’ Spicy Chicken Artichoke Burger”
•         Dominic Staiti, Citrus Heights, CA: “Jalapeño Cornbread Chili Burger”
•         Jake Tucker, Chesterfield, MO: “Campfire Burger”
•         Donovan Duggins, Wichita, KS: “The Mt. Vesuvius Burger”



The grand-prize-winning burger sales from the fourth annual Kids’ Cook-Off resulted in a donation of $50,000 to NCMEC to support child safety initiatives.  Since 2005, Red Robin has donated nearly $400,000 to NCMEC through the Cook-Off and other Red Robin® restaurant programs.


Karen Morgan-Blackbird Bakery

Born in 1978 into an Italian American family, Karen was always in the kitchen. Although she never received any formal training, her innate knack for all things culinary was clear from a young age. Her first memories include sitting on the kitchen counter, helping her mother and grandmother pour measured ingredients to create fresh pasta and desserts. Her grandmother taught her the importance of touch, and she always maintained a presence in the kitchen, be it as waitress at local restaurants or just cooking for the weekly family gathering. In her early twenties, Karen met and married her now ex-husband, Tim Morgan, who was classicly trained at La Varenne, the legendary cooking school founded by Anne Willan in Paris, France. With Tim’s guidance, Karen gleaned the bulk of her classic cooking knowledge.

In 2002, Karen was suddenly diagnosed with Celiac disease and struggled to find desserts that could satisfy her baking desires. Finding nothing, she began devising her own recipes.

After cooking in France for four months in 2006, her destiny as a gluten-free baker became actualized.

In January 2007, she started her food blog, The Art of Gluten-Free Cooking.

Two thousand eight marked the beginning of her company Blackbird Bakery, a custom gluten-free bake shop that caters special events, creates custom recipes for local restaurants and supplies gourmet gluten-free baked goods to local businesses. Her celebrity clients include Courteney Cox Arquette, David Arquette, Laura Dern, Ben Harper, Jennifer Esposito, and Kelly Slater.   http://www.blueprintaustin.com/ .

Milt Larsen-Founder of the Magic Castle

Being Honored in Las Vegas

Hollywood’s MILT LARSEN IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS ROLE IN THE WORLD OF MAGIC. In September 2006 he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his annual stage show It’s Magic! The event was commemorated with an all-star show at Hollywood’s famed Kodak Theater. At that time Milt and his late brother Bill were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. In 2007 It’s Magic! played none performing arts centers from San Diego, California to Olympia, Washington, including the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.  In 1963 he founded the world famous private club for magicians, the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He is the President of Magic Castles, Inc. In the year 2000 Magic Magazine polled their international readership and voted Milt Larsen as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the history of magic. He is a true renaissance man in that his career encompasses writing, producing and performing.  As a writer he is best known in the field of audience participation having written Truth or Consequences starring Bob Barker for an incredible run of eighteen years! In his early days he authored five joke books and three books involving Magic Castle. He writes a weekly column for members of the club as well as editing their monthly newsletter.  In the songwriting field the team of Sherman and Larsen have a cult comedy following for their outrageous songs (for their time) that can be heard currently on CD’s “Bon Voyage Titanic – Smash Flops” and “Banned Barbershop Ballads. He has written many stage revues and musicals. A new musical, “Pazzazz” Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Milt Larsen, will have its world premiere at Santa Barbara’s new multi-million dolar performing arts center “The Granada.” June 20-23, 2008.

12/3-Jeff Schectman, Kate Mac Murray, Steve Andrews, Steve Evans

Jeff Schectman-KVON Radio

Jeff Schechtman talks with newsmakers and opinion shapers, and sheds light on the issues of the day, from local top stories to national and international headlines.  I grew up during the Kennedy Presidency. It was a time when the best and the brightest sat center stage in the nation's psyche. I remember the story, that at an arts gala at the White House, Kennedy looked around the room and proclaimed it "the greatest gathering of talent since Thomas Jefferson dined alone." I always wondered what it would be like to have free access to that kind of talent, to have the best and the brightest at your beck and call. Without the benefit of the White House, I've had the opportunity, for the past six years, to have a seat at an international banquet of ideas and history. This program has provided me a unique opportunity to "travel" around the world and speak to thousands of the most imaginative thinkers and leaders in the arenas of politics, religion, journalism, business, popular culture, academics, science, economics, history, and medicine. During these years, I have taken many of you with me on this journey. It has been a momentous time. The trauma of politics, the onslaught of technology, the insights of science, and the changes the human condition make this a period almost unequaled in history. I'm honored that we have been and will continue to share it together.

Kate MacMurray-MacMurray Ranch Wines

For Kate MacMurray, the hillside vineyards and tree-lined meadows of the historic MacMurray Ranch are home. "This a timeless place," says Kate. "You can feel the rich history here, and you can taste it in our wines."  Kate was just six weeks old when her parents, famed Hollywood actors Fred MacMurray and June Haver, brought her to the incredible ranch that had been in the MacMurray family since 1941. She grew up here, riding horses and playing amid the oak trees. Following a Hollywood career in acting, screenwriting and film production, Kate returned to the Russian River Valley, where she now lives in a cabin built by her father. As an integral part of MacMurray Ranch wines, Kate has a deep appreciation for viticulture and winemaking. She is actively engaged in Sonoma's thriving wine community, carrying on her family's legacy and the heritage of MacMurray Ranch.


Steve Andrews-Villagio

As family owned and operated independent boutique properties since opening in October 1998 for Villagio Inn & Spa and June 1985 for Vintage Inn, our AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotels present affordable luxury at its finest in the heart of the walking town of Yountville, Napa Valley’s culinary mecca.  Our ownership family and management teams are deeply passionate about guest service, and it is this passion that drives our standards for distinguished hospitality.  We strive to create for you an experience rich in unique personality, wine country elegance, and exceptional value, with the singular goal of delivering a most memorable stay that exceeds your expectations.  So whether it’s the warm greeting with a welcome cocktail upon your arrival, our signature champagne breakfast buffet and afternoon tea offered with our compliments each day, or the smile that every staff member offers upon encounter that makes your visit here decidedly different, we look forward to your stay with us, and especially... to welcoming you back.

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".  

12/2-Gurpareet Bains, Gail Simmons

Gurpareet Bains-Chef and Nutritional Therapist

Chef and nutritional therapist Gurpareet Bains made waves last year when he created “the world’s healthiest meal,” a delicious chicken curry with blueberries and goji berry pilau—the nutritional equivalent of 49 bowls of spinach. 
Bains continues to mesh great taste and disease-fighting ingredients in his innovative dishes, including those in his delicious new book, *Indian Superfood: Superfood + Superspices = Indian Superfood* (Absolute Press). He will share his insights into how to incorporate antioxidant-rich Indian cuisine into one’s diet to help combat and prevent illness—with mouthwatering recipes like Salmon and Potato Biryani with Cherry Tomatoes and Ginger-Infused Yogurt with Honey and Pomegranate. 


Gail Simmons- Judge on BRAVO’s Top Chef

Throwing a holiday party is the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family! But who needs the stress, right? Don’t give up just yet. Food & Wine’s Gail Simmons will be on set to share her amazing tips and exclusive recipes. Whether it’s a small family dinner or a big holiday open house, Gail has the best ideas to dazzle every guest.



Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer and dynamic television personality. Since 2006, she has served as a permanent judge on BRAVO’s Top Chef.  Most recently, Gail has been named host of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Bravo’s pastry- focused spin-off of the Top Chef franchise. 


Gail joined FOOD & WINE in 2004 and handles special projects for the magazine. During her tenure, she has been responsible for overseeing the annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, America’s premier culinary event. Prior to joining FOOD & WINE, Gail was the special events manager for Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant empire.


 Gail makes frequent television appearances on The Today Show, The CBS Early Show and Fox & Friends, among others. She has been featured in New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure, GQ, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, and The New York Post.