06/10 Kay Plunkett-Hogge, Paul Prudhomme

Kay Plunkett-Hogge – LEON FAMILY & FRIENDS

Among Kay’s many inspired recipes, the book features ‘THINGS ON STICKS!” – Good, Fast, Simple Food. What’s a party without things on sticks?  Almost anything can go on a stick and things on sticks taste better. They’re perfect with cocktails, don’t require forks, allow for great hand-gestures, and can go pool-side.  They can be made in a jiffy, served hot or cold, and be made with friends.  And think of all the great, fun little sticks you can find.

Some favorite things on sticks are:
 Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and EVO.
Cold Roast beef, Blue Cheese & Grapes
Little Grilled Cheese squares
Fig or Pear and cheese
Porchette on a Stick
Samurai on Horseback – streaky bacon and water chestnuts


Chef Paul Prudhomme - K-PAUL'S RESTAURANT NEW ORLEANS 

Chef Paul Prudhomme has propelled the distinctive cuisine of his native Louisiana into the international spotlight and continues to push the limits by creating exciting and new American and international dishes.

Chef Paul learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients while cooking at his mother’s side and continues to use only earth’s finest harvests. As the youngest of 13 children, Chef Paul was always adventurous. His strong curiosity of life and cultural customs motivated him to leave Louisiana in his early 20’s and travel across the United States to experience every culinary environment possible. From an Indian reservation all the way to the finest, five-star restaurant, Chef Paul learned to love, appreciate and blend the flavors of his younger years with those of many other cultures.

In July 1979, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen® opened its doors in New Orleans. In only a few years, his French Quarter restaurant attracted world travelers and continues to excite diners today. Diners are especially pleased to learn that K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen now takes reservations. Renovations were completed at the restaurant at the end of 1996 doubling the seating capacity. Today, K-Paul’s Catering division satisfies palates in New Orleans and “anywhere on the planet!”

As a result of endless requests for his seasoning secrets, Prudhomme created his own line of all natural (Koshersupervised) herbs and spices. Today, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends® are distributed in all fifty states and in more than 25 other countries. His blends are popular with both home cooks and professional chefs. In addition, Chef Paul produces his own seasoned and smoked meat s (andouille and tasso). All are available through Magic Seasonings’ Mail-Order catalog, which also features cookbooks, giftpacks and cooking tips (online at
www.chefpaul.com ).

Chef Paul recently added Magic Salt Free Seasoning®, Salmon Magic®, Shrimp Magic® and Sweetie Magic™ to his dry seasoning line and developed a line of sauces-marinades for retail and institutional use. He expanded manufacturing capabilities to a 130,000 square-foot plant which now produces custom blends, bulk sizes and contract packing for otherfood companies at Chef Paul’s AIB approved New Orleans area plant. Chef Paul consults with restaurant chains and large food manufacturers around the world to develop complete menus or selective menu items and specialty dishes. He and his Product Development team and R&D Kitchen can also create specific flavor profiles or duplicate existing ones.

As one of America’s best-known chefs, Prudhomme has been featured often on the three major television networks’ prime time programs. He has made guest appearances on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, 20/20, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Late Night with David Letterman, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Larry King Live, Nightwatch with Charlie Rose, the QVC Shopping Channel, CBS Early Show and the Weekend Today Show. In the Summer of 2002, Chef Paul’s life story was featured on A & E Biography.

Chef Prudhomme has been the subject of numerous articles and has penned many himself as well, in such prominent national magazines as Omni, Life, Time, Newsweek, Bon Appetit, Metropolitan Home, Travel and Leisure, Playboy, Food Arts, and National Geographic Traveler.

Among his many accolades and awards, Chef Paul received the “Restaurateur of the Year” award in 1983 from the Louisiana State Restaurant Association . Chef Paul was the first American–born chef to receive the coveted Merite׳ Agricole of the French Republic and was honored in 1986 as “Culinarian of the Year” and also “Culinary Diplomat”- Chef and Child Foundation (1994) by the American Culinary Federation . Chef Paul also took part in America’s Promise , one of the nation’s leading youth development organizations. The National Restaurant Association has bestowed upon Chef Paul both the College of Diplomates Award (1993) and the Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award (2001). He was honored as Nation’s Restaurant News “Fine Dining Legend Award” winner and selected as Chairman of the National Food Safety Education Month in 2001. Some of the local awards Chef Paul has received are the 1994 Louisiana Public Broadcasting Legend Award, the WYES Public Television President’s Award (1999-2000), and the Ella Brennan Savior Faire Award from the ACF-New Orleans Chapter. In May of 2003, Nation’s Restaurant News inducted him into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame and he received Bon Appetit’s Humanitarian Award in 2006.

An international presence, Chef Paul has made personal appearances and given lectures and seminars all over Europe and the Orient. He is devoted to feeding the American troops in bases around the world. He served as a consultant to Team USA of the American Culinary Federation, and participates actively at conventions, seminars and food trade shows nationally and internationally as a guest lecturer and in support of his Magic Seasoning Blends® . He spends time at universities and culinary schools around the world, giving educational seminars for students in all walks of life.

Chef Paul has cooked for heads of state as well as members of the U.S. Congress. Charity work is dear to Chef Paul’s heart and he lends his support to many major fundraisers, which benefit charities such as Meals on Wheels, Easter Seals, the March of Dimes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters,and the National Alzheimer’s Association. Prudhomme was the first Chef to participate in the Robert Mondavi “Great Chef of America” series and was one of 12 chefs chosen from around the world to participate in the celebration of Jerusalem 3000th year anniversary where each chef created a Kosher dish to be served at the King David’s Feast in March 1996.

A best-selling author, Chef Paul has written nine diverse cookbooks and produced six cooking videos, two of which were at the top of the Billboard’s chart for fifty-three consecutive weeks. Five of Chef Paul’s cooking series are based on his cookbooks, Fork In The Road, Fiery Foods, Kitchen Expedition, Louisiana Kitchen and Always Cooking and are currently aired on Cable Television and/or The Public Broadcasting System. Chef Paul’s latest book, Always Cooking, was released in the spring of 2007.

06/07 BRUCE KRAIG, STEVE EVANS

BRUCE KRAIG -  FOOD HISTORIAN

Bruce Kraig is a well-known food historian in the United States who can pretty much provide background on a wide variety of foods from their conceptions, word origins, and variations throughout the US or regional importance.  Most importantly, he is frequently asked to speak at numerous events featuring the eponymous hot dog! Given the importance of the Hot Dog in US culture, its numerous variations and limitless toppings and regional variations, the hot dog (wiener, red hot, tube steak, etc) is a fun and exciting food stuff to talk about!  Everyone can partake as there are gluten-free dogs, turkey dogs, vegetarian dogs, and more!  What's more exciting is there is a lot of pride people take in their hot dogs.  Myself?  I love nothing more than a Nathans Frankfurter, with yellow mustard topped with sauerkraut.  I once asked for a hot dog with sauerkraut at Fenway Park in Boston, and got booed...they knew I was from NY! True story!  Patty Carroll is a well-known photographer of Americana and the book MAN BITES DOG features hot dog carts and hot doggeries across the nation.  A few from the NY area are Papaya King and Nathans (of course!).

Important days include:

Memorial Day -- a great time to start BBQing

Father's Day -- BBQs and Hotdogs!

Fourth of July -- just think of the Nathan's Hot dog eating contest!

July 22nd -- National Hot Dog Day

July -- National Hot Dog Month

August -- National Mustard Month

STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

06/05 BILL KURTIS, TALL GRASS BEEF, BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY, COMMISSIONER, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPT OF TOURISM

BILL KURTIS - TALL GRASS BEEF

Founded in 2005 by broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, Tallgrass Beef Company is the industry leader in the production of grass-fed, grass-finished beef in the United States. After purchasing his 10,000 acre ranch near the town of Sedan, Kansas, Kurtis was compelled to find a sustainable method of raising cattle that was not only good for the environment, but also the animals themselves and the American food consumer. This was the genesis of Tallgrass Beef Company.

Today Tallgrass Beef Company is comprised of a network of family farmers and ranchers across the United States that produce grass-fed, grass-finished cattle according to a strict set of protocols. These stringent standards ensure that food consumers are buying the safest, healthiest, most nutritious beef possible. Tallgrass Beef is a favorite among consumers seeking a healthy, humane source of beef.

In addition to being available for purchase by consumers online, Tallgrass Beef became the first grass-fed, grass-finished product served in many of Chicago's finest restaurants, with a roster of clients featuring James Beard Award Winning chefs Rick Bayless (owner of Chicago's Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO restaurants), Charlie Trotter, George Bumbaris and Sarah Stegner. Harry Carays, Praire Grass Café, Frontera Grill, and Topolobombo serve Tallgrass. The brand has expanded to the west coast where Tallgrass Beef is available in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Tallgrass Beef products are also available in select grocery stores, including Sunset Foods and Fox and Obel in Chicago; Fairway Markets in New York; and Sendik's Markets in Milwaukee.

Much like the cattlemen of the old west, Bill Kurtis started Tallgrass Beef with a vision of a healthy, sustainable, delicious beef source for the American consumer. With a steady annual growth rate and a loyal customer following, Tallgrass Beef Company provides customers with a sustainable alternative to traditionally raised and processed beef.



BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY - COMMISSIONER, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPT OF TOURISM

Beverly Nicholson-Doty serves as Commissioner of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands, a cabinet-level position.  She oversees the Department of Tourism’s advertising and marketing strategy, its national and international tourism-related efforts and product development.

Twenty six years ago, while attending the College of the Virgin Islands, Mrs. Nicholson-Doty began her career in the hospitality industry as a reservations clerk at what was then the Virgin Isle Hotel. Quickly rising in the ranks, she served as Front Desk Manager, Front Office Manager, Room’s Division Manager, Hotel Manager, Sales Manager, and Marketing & Sales Director. 

In March 1993, Nicholson-Doty joined the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel & Tourism Association as its Executive Director.  In this position, her responsibilities included spearheading the implementation and development of the Association’s strategic plan, focusing on four integral areas: Education and Training, Community Needs and Programs, Government Relations, and Marketing.  She also formed the Cooperative Marketing Initiative which encouraged tourism-related businesses to actively and collectively promote their products.  

During her tenure with the Association, Nicholson-Doty was responsible for developing the
Student Internship Program, a sustainable tourism initiative that encourages students to consider
available employment options within the tourism industry by combining hands-on experience with exposure to available hospitality careers.  She also oversaw the unification of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel & Tourism Association with the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association to create an integrated Association that strengthens the entire U.S. Virgin Islands hotel product while recognizing the unique offerings of each island.  In 2004, she was appointed President of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, a position never held previously by a paid staff member. 

Recognized by the travel industry for her creative vision and marketing insight, Commissioner
Nicholson- Doty was selected as Executive Director of the Year in 2000 by the Caribbean Hotel
Association.  She also served for three consecutive terms as Vice President of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE), elected by her counterparts in the Caribbean region, and was recently elected as Vice Chair for the U.S. Territories during the 2010 CTO Leadership Strategy Conference in Barbados.  

Commissioner Nicholson-Doty has served on many local community boards including the Small
Business Development Agency, Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives.  She is married to Randall Doty and has one son, Paris O. Nicholson IV.

06/04 NOEL BAKER, "BAKED GOODS", HONORE COMFORT, SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS

NOEL BAKER - "BAKED GOODS"

Actress Noel Baker is known for her recurring role in the CW network's teen drama "One Tree Hill" as well as the upcoming science ficition film "Station 4." But she is also becoming more known for her truffle and baked goods business she started last year (http://www.noelthebaker.com/), thanks to her grandmother's old family recipes.

As the granddaughter of former champion NASCAR race car driver Buddy Baker, Noel has been a big fan of racing as well, but her passion has remained acting and now, running her baking business. Thanks to her friends in the entertainment industry and others, Noel's business is taking off with her now famous truffles leading the way. With her Southern background, Noel creates truffles with some spicy goodness thrown in. The truffles are small, sweet and hot! "My business started with my spicy dark chocolate cayenne truffles. I grow my own chili peppers and make chili powder to infuse with my own homemade dark chocolate ganache. Very delicious, and just enough burn to make you happy!" she said. For those who aren't fans of chocolate or spicy goods, Noel's vanilla cream marshmallow melts are the perfect dessert with its homemade vanilla ganache and creamy marshmallow fluff in the center. Much of Noel's success comes from the size of her baked goods. They are all bite size, or mini versions of the original pies, truffles and cakes."One of the more unique things that I do would be my pie bites. They are very complex," she said. "It depends on your taste, but it's a split between black tie cheesecake bites, chili key lime pie bites and pumpkin pie bites, wrapped in a graham cracker, butter and brown sugar crust, dipped in vanilla or chocolate. Very yummy!"


HONORE COMFORT - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS

"Sonoma County is a world-class wine region," said Chris Hanna, SCV President, "and Honore Comfort's appointment better positions SCV to significantly increase our visibility in the media, drive more traffic to member wineries, and help augment the perceived value of the wines produced here in Sonoma County." Ms. Comfort, a Sonoma County resident, has worked for over 5 years as a senior strategist on leading domestic and imported wine brands including Penfolds and Rosemount Estate, Australian wines owned by Fosters Wine Estates. Before transitioning to the wine industry she was Director of Print Media for Macy's West in San Francisco. Prior to that position she worked for 4 years as a successful strategic planner and corporate fundraiser for the Art Institute of Chicago and other non-profit museums and institutions around the USA.

Sonoma County is not just a special place to grow world-class grapes and make great wines: It’s one of the most beautiful and resource-rich places on earth! 60 miles of pristine Pacific coastline and many other natural wonders are only the beginning of the story. We are blessed with amazing diversity of foods and produce, along with chefs who take full advantage of Sonoma’s bounty. Add to that our relaxed and friendly vibe and it all converges here. Want to learn more about Sonoma County’s rich wine history, Sonoma’s 13 appellations, and other wine facts? It’s all here waiting for you to discover.

06/03 ROGER MOOKING, “MAN, FIRE, FOOD,” CHEF CHARLIE PALMER

ROGER MOOKING - "MAN, FIRE, FOOD"

ROGER MOOKING RETURNS WITH EVEN MORE HEAT IN NEW SEASON OF MAN FIRE FOOD! The series Premieres on Monday, June 3rd at 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT. Chef Roger Mooking, returns to Cooking Channel for the second season of Man Fire  Food, premiering Monday, June 3rd at 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT.  Roger’s fascination with flames continues as he travels across the country in search of the most inventive ways to cook with fire, and this season the heat is hotter and the flavors are bolder. From traditional Hawaiian grub smoked in an underground lava pit to whole ducks on Brazilian skewers cooked on top of an outdoor oven, each stop delivers sizzling recipes and out-of-this-world heat. Over the course of the series, Roger discovers the most innovative smokers, fire pits, and rigs the country has to offer along with chefs and home cooks who are manning the machines and preparing delicious and flavorful dishes.  In one episode, Roger ventures to a farmer’s market in Oahu, Hawaii, where he and a local resident take the art of smoking to a whole new level. They smoke pork, meat and turkey tails with guava and kiawe wood in a smoker crafted from the most unlikely materials – an Air Force cargo container, an airplane food cart, and a computer fan.  Another journey takes Roger to St. Helena in Northern California where Chef Stephen Barber celebrates Argentinian Asado to the fullest at Farmstead Restaurant. Chef Stephen built a cook area complete with an eighty-five gallon cauldron, planchas, and metal crosses for the asado.  The end result is a slow-cooked spring lamb seasoned to perfection with Mediterranean flavors.   Plus, Roger looks back at some of his favorite Man Fire Foodmoments in an hour-long special Man Fire Food: Coolest Cookouts airing Sunday, June 2nd at 8pm ET/5pm PT.  From locations big and small, Roger highlights his most memorable visits and impressive recipes.

Roger Mooking is the host and co-creator of his own internationally broadcast television series Everyday Exoticand host of Man Fire Food on Cooking Channel.  He is the co-host of the hit show Heat Seekers on Food Network.  To add to his growing plate, Roger’s highly anticipated first cookbook Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook hit shelves in 2011. In addition Mooking is the recording artist and creator of Soul Food; a unique food and music project released by Warner Music. For Roger, music and the epicurean world are seamless.  One feeds the body, the other the soul; it is all food in all its various forms. Man Fire Food is produced by IW Productions LLC. COOKING CHANNEL (www.cookingchanneltv.com) is an entertainment brand dedicated to today’s passionate food lover.  For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to’s.  Cooking Channel is part of the media portfolio of Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also includes Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com) and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com).


CHEF CHARLIE PALMER

Charlie Palmer is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, hotel owner and author. Palmer is known for his progressive American style of cooking and entrepreneurship.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, Palmer became the head chef at the River Cafe in Brooklyn. In 1988, Palmer opened his first restaurant, Aureole, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This was soon followed by the openings of several new ventures, including Metrazur in Grand Central Terminal, a second Aureole in Las Vegas, and Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington, D.C. His culinary empire has continued to expand ever since, with further locations across the country, as well as Next Vintage, his chain of retail wine stores. In 2009, Palmer's flagship restaurant Aureole moved from a townhouse on East 61st Street to the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park.

Charlie Palmer has been honored by the James Beard Foundation twice, including being named New York’s Best Chef in 1997. Palmer is also the author of four cookbooks: Charlie Palmer's Casual Cooking (2000), The Art of Aureole (2004), Great American Food (2004), and The Guide to the New American Kitchen (2006). In 2011, Palmer was appointed the Chairman of the Board of the Culinary Institute of America. He currently lives in California with his wife Lisa, and his four sons Courtland, Randall, Eric and Reed.

05/31 Emma Swain, Judd Finkelstein, David Duncan, Ed Matovcik, Russ Weis, Jean-Charles Boisset

Emma Swain – CEO of St. Supery Vineyards & Winery

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


Judd Finkelstein – Owner of Judd’s Hill Winery

Judd was raised in Napa Valley. He graduated from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication at Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Television Production, but you might say winemaking was in his blood. Since he was a tot, his parents were making wine. From pruning to picking to punching to pressing, Judd has been involved in every facet of winemaking, and he also studied winemaking at UC Davis and Napa Valley College.

One of Judd's other passions is playing his ukulele, both solo and with his band, The Maikai Gents Featuring The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa. "We perform old-time Hawaiian crooning in the Hapa-Haole style. We started because I wanted some Hawaiian music for a birthday luau I was having for myself and couldn't get the entertainer I wanted. We learned a few Hawaiian tunes and performed them at the party. My friends and family loved it, of course, but the funny thing was that the resort asked us back for a festival they were having later that spring! So we learned some more songs and have been gigging ever since." Why the ukulele?" Someone needed to play it! We thought a ukulele would round out our sound....and I haven't put it down in three years!" Judd has also started a ukulele club in the Napa Valley, The Wine Country Flea Jumpers. You can learn more - and hear what it all sounds like---at www.mkgents.com. Judd and Holly enjoy simple dinner parties for friends; one of their specialties is concocting tropical taste treats for the luau set!


David Duncan – CEO of Silver Oak Cellars

David Duncan (born 1965) is an American vintner and entrepreneur. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Duncan Oil, he is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Oak Cellars and Managing Partner of Twomey Cellars, successful wineries in northern California, operating in the Napa, Alexander and Russian River Valleys. He is the son of Ray Duncan, an oil and wine entrepreneur who co-founded Silver Oak in 1972 with Justin Meyer. Silver Oak is a family-run and owned business, and his brother Tim Duncan is Executive Vice President of the company. ColoradoBiz says that David Duncan is "as much a hands-on winery president as he can be", as president of a winery that has "have reached cult status" for its Cabernet Sauvignon production.


Ed Matovcik – President of Intervine, Inc.

Intervine is a fully-licensed importer, wholesaler and retailer of wine specializing in the travel industry. For more than 20 years it has served all major domestic and international airlines and cruise lines including American, Delta/Northwest, United, Continental, US Airways, Virgin America, Singapore, Lufthansa, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Jet Blue, All Nippon Airways, KLM, Asiana, Qantas, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Seabourn, Windjammer, Norwegian and Princess Cruise Lines. Offering a full international portfolio, it currently represents wineries through its worldwide distribution network.


Russ Weis – GM of Silverado Vineyards

Russ was born into a family of grape growers in Madera, California. As a boy, he spent many days and nights working side by side in the vineyards with his father and grandfather. This rural California experience proved to be the foundation of a career in fine wine that would take Russ to every corner of the globe.

Russ first moved to the Napa Valley in 1981 to pursue degrees in Literature and French at Pacific Union College. While an undergraduate Russ spent a year in Haut-Savoie in France. Rumors still circulate that he did more skiing than studying. Upon graduation in 1985, he taught English language and literature at a small liberal arts college in Japan.

In 1987, Russ returned to Napa and joined the Christian Brothers Winery in St. Helena, California as a tour guide, eventually working his way up to a position in Public Relations. He worked closely with Christian Brothers’ legendary winemaker, Brother Timothy. His familiarity with foreign countries and languages was well known to Christian Brothers’ ownership, International Distillers & Vintners Ltd. who made Russ their Global Brand Manager for California Wines in 1990.
In 1993, Russ joined the Robert Mondavi Winery where he led the Asia/Pacific export business. He held several posts with Mondavi, including Director of Public Relations for Opus One. In 2000, Russ was named Mondavi Winery’s Senior Vice President for International Business Development, a position he held until joining Silverado Vineyards in 2004.

When he’s not busy touting the virtues of Silverado Vineyards wines, Russ enjoys playing piano and admits to “a bad game of golf.” He’s also involved in a personal wine project with partners in Spain’s Priorat region.

He’s a member of the Board of Directors of the Stags Leap District Association, the International Programs Committee of the Napa Valley Vintners and serves on the board of the Napa Valley Symphony.

Russ lives near Yountville with his wife, Laurie, and their daughter, Josephine. The Weis family still lives on and farms the vineyards in Madera where Russ grew up.


Jean-Charles Boisset – Boisset Family Estates

Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot, Burgundy, France. His lifelong passion for wine began as a child, growing up above the cellars and within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos Vougeot, the epicenter and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His parents, Jean-Claude and Claudine, founded the family winery in 1961 with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in one of the most traditional winegrowing regions in the world. Today, the family collection includes wineries that share more than 18 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and tradition in some of the world's most prestigious terroirs, from Burgundy to the South of France to California's Napa Valley and Russian River Valley.

05/30 JOAN LUNDEN, EDDIE LIN, REEVE CARNEY, HENRY WINKLER

JOAN LUNDEN - MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Joan Lunden is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, and one of America’s most recognized and trusted television personalities. As host of Good Morning America for nearly two decades, Lunden reported from 26 countries, covered four presidents and five Olympics and kept Americans up to date on how to care for their homes, their families and themselves. A part of the sandwich generation, Lunden’s demographic spans from working mother of seven including two young sets of twins, ages 7 and 9; to caregiver to her 94 year-old mother, so she truly understands the stresses women face today.There are more than 31.5 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D, Medicare’s prescription drug benefit program. A recent survey, commissioned by Walgreens, examined the behaviors and understanding of seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Part D. In addition to the complexities of health care reform, an aging population and a higher incidence of chronic disease, there’s a growing need to help those with Part D plans understand their benefits while managing health care expenditures. More than one-third of beneficiaries surveyed have daily concerns about their prescription drug costs and one in five say they’ve had to make sacrifices, such as delaying filling a prescription or skipping doses, to help manage medication costs.

Despite most beneficiaries (77 percent) surveyed saying they have a clear understanding of their plan benefits, only half knew that co-pays vary by pharmacy and that they can switch pharmacies at any time. In interviews on Thursday, May 30th, Joan Lunden, award-winning journalist, will discuss three easy steps that can help seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D save as much as 75 percent on prescription drug costs or potentially hundreds of dollars each year. Joan can also speak to her experience with elder care, and the topics that are the most challenging for seniors and their caregivers.


EDDIE LIN - DEEP END DINING - SANTA MONICA FESTIVAL

22nd Annual Santa Monica Festival happening on June 1. Eddie will be our MC for the Culinary Stage and is a knowledgable food writer who covers the LA dining scene. This event is free, and open to all ages and interests.

Two major themes for the day are budget and sustainability with local chefs and culinary experts sharing their secrets to sourcing and preparing meals that are delicious, budget-friendly, and sustainable. The Santa Monica Farmers' Market is providing seasonal produce for the culinary competition--creating a “$15 Meal for Four.” Chef Clemence Gosset of the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories will start the day with a decadent dessert demonstration, followed by Ricky Flores of Co-Opportunity, who will demonstrate how to prepare his signature Co-op kale salad. This year’s Chef Challenge features Chef Josie Le Balch of Josie Restaurant and returning champion Chef Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire Restaurant. Their task is to create a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that feeds four for $15 or less. Lastly, kids can join in the fun with Kid’s Kitchen with Kelly Dumke where they can participate in several nutrition-related presentations. Kids can also test their culinary skills during a kitchen tool quiz and simple recipe preparations.


REEVE CARNEY - SPIDER MAN - TURN OFF THE DARK

REEVE CARNEY (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) has been starring as the title character in the smash hit Broadway production SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark since it began performances more than two years ago. At the age of 8, he recorded an album with Peter, Paul and Mary and a few years later he was contacted by Michael Jackson to sing on one of the tracks of HIStory. In 1997, when his mother could no longer afford guitar lessons, she brought him to an old Los Angeles blues club where he started to play weekly with artists more than twice his age. Now with over a decade of live shows behind him, the experience is evident in his incredible stage presence and skillful handling of the guitar and piano. Reeve is the lead singer and lead guitarist of CARNEY, the up and coming rock band. In CARNEY, Reeve is accompanied by his brother Zane who shares lead guitar in the band, Aiden Moore on bass, and Jon Epcar on the drums. CARNEY’S first full length album, entitled Mr. Green, was release in May 2010 on Interscope Records. For more information on CARNEY, please visit www.CarneyTheBand.com. As an actor, Reeve’s credits include the young prince Ferdinand in Julie Taymor’s film adaptation of The Tempest and the film version of the acclaimed novel Snow Falling on Cedars. He can also be seen starring opposite Taylor Swift in her music video “I Knew You Were Trouble.”


HENRY WINKLER - STROKE AWARENESS

ACTOR HENRY WINKLER IS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS MANY POPULAR ROLES ON TV.  THESE DAYS, YOU CAN FIND HIM IN BRAND NEW SEASONS OF SEVERAL TV SHOWS - ROYAL PAINS, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, AND ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.

BUT HIS MOST PERSONAL ROLE – WAS SERVING AS HIS MOTHER’S CARETAKER AFTER SHE EXPERIENCED A STROKE AND SUFFERED FROM UPPER LIMB SPASTICITY.  HENRY WINKLER JOINS US NOW DURING NATIONAL STROKE AWARENESS MONTH TO TALK ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF HIS LIFE.

05/29 American Idol, Lee DeWyze, Alexis Henry, The Surfrider Foundation, Myron Mixon

American Idol Lee DeWyze & Alexis Henry Communications Manager for the Surfrider Foundation

Hitting the beach in the summer is an American ritual. Who doesn’t love the feeling of warm sand between their toes or taking a dip in the cool ocean? Unfortunately, these experiences are often clouded by litter and trash improperly discarded on our beaches. In fact, 98% of beachgoers said they see litter when visiting the beach and more than 30% said water pollution and debris keeps them out of the water. To help keep our beaches clean, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, have partnered together again for the seventh year of the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project. Since 2007, the Project has traveled from coast-to-coast hosting more than 100 cleanup events and removing 12 tons of litter and debris in an effort to keep America’s beaches “barefoot friendly”. This year, Musician Lee DeWyze, who released his newest single Silver Lining, will kick off the Project to join volunteers on the beach in Chicago and will perform live at a special celebration afterwards.

Leon James "Lee" DeWyze, Jr. (born April 2, 1986) is an American singer-songwriter from Mount Prospect, Illinois, and the winner of the ninth season of American Idol. Prior to Idol, DeWyze had a solo career and formed the Lee DeWyze Band. He had also released two independent albums called So I'm Told in 2007 and Slumberland in 2010, both on WuLi Records. His post-Idol albumLive It Up was released on November 16, 2010, through 19 Entertainment and RCA Records. WuLi Records, citing demand from DeWyze's fan base, released a third album of pre-Idol recordings, What Once Was, on February 14, 2012 DeWyze auditioned in Chicago at the United Center for the ninth season of American Idol on June 22, 2009, after encouragement from his friend Vincent Ferrara who was also trying out for the contest in Chicago. He auditioned with the song "Ain't No Sunshine". He was one of only 13 people from Chicago, the lowest number out of all 7 audition cities, to make it through to Hollywood week. During Hollywood week his group included Aaron Kelly and Crystal Bowersox, all of whom made the Top 5. Crystal Bowersox and DeWyze made it to that top two, in which he won. His closest friend among the competitors is Andrew Garcia. Garcia was his roommate throughout the season until he was eliminated in the Top 9. Lee stated that he was generally close to all the Top 10 Idols, but he is also especially close to Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly, and Alex Lambert and Lacey Brown from Top 16. Before every performance, DeWyze would call his family. DeWyze was one of two contestants in Season 9 to never land in the bottom three, the other being Crystal Bowersox. The judges praised him for shedding his shy persona throughout the season and showing, with confidence, that he was "in it to win it." On May 14, 2010, DeWyze performed at the Arlington Park Race Track in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with more than 41,000 people attending as part of his American IdolHomecoming day. Along with performing at the race track he had a parade in Mount Prospect, performed at a local AT&T store, and threw out the opening pitch at a Chicago Cubsbaseball game. On May 26, DeWyze was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 9. As a result of winning the season, DeWyze also won a recording contract.


Myron Mixon - World Champion Barbecuer

Learn the Tricks and Secrets to Grilling a Scrumptious Meal  from World Champion Barbecuer Myron Mixon. He is Widely Recognized as the Most Successful and Charismatic Man in Barbecue. You'll See Why When You Catch the New Season of His Mouth Watering Hit Show… "BBQ Pitmasters" And Learn How to Grill Like a Master with Nearly 150 Recipes from His Latest Cookbook "Everyday Barbecue!" From the Best Meat to buy to the Type of Grill that Works Best… Mixon will Share Cooking Tips that Will Make YOU the Grilling Master of YOUR Family. The hit series is back with the deeply competitive spirit of the American BBQ subculture all summer long! Destination America has doubled the number of competitors to shine the spotlight on the best BBQ festivals across the country -- from Austin, TX to New York City. Returning judges include the “winningest” man in BBQ, Myron Mixon, alongside Tuffy Stone, and each week will feature a new twist with a surprise guest judge. At the end of the season, only one will be crowned the ultimate BBQ Pitmaster.

05/28 SUSAN ZIRINSKY, CBS, DOUG MARRONE, RIDE FOR AUTISM

SUSAN ZIRINSKY - CBS SENIOR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

CBS NEWS TO LAUNCH “BROOKLYN DA” – A NEW SERIES FROM THE AWARD WINNING TEAM BEHIND “48 HOURS” - A NEW SIX-PART SERIES THAT TAKES A TOUGH, CANDID LOOK AT THE MEN AND WOMEN IN  ONE OF THE LARGEST  DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICES IN THE COUNTRY – BROOKLYN, N.Y.

CBS NEWS "BROOKLYN D.A.” premieres TONIGHT (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT)

CBS News looks at the men and women in one of the largest district attorney’s offices in the country with BROOKLYN DA, a six-part news series set in New York City’s most talked-about borough that will premiere May 28, 2013 (10:00 PM) on the CBS Television Network, it was announced today by CBS News Chairman and 60 MINUTES Executive Producer Jeff Fager and David Rhodes, President, CBS News.

Created by veteran CBS News producer Patti Aronofsky, BROOKLYN DA follows the men and women of the Kings County District Attorney’s Office as they juggle more than 1,000 cases a week. These hard-charging prosecutors have larger-than-life personalities both inside the courtroom and out. They’re eccentric and living right on the edge. They’re the people living the lives that Hollywood loves to write about. Their stories are raw and emotional. The office’s 500 lawyers investigate the toughest, high-profile cases in the country. Every day they’re taking on cases of young girls trafficked as sex slaves, murder, judges on the take, political corruption and mobsters.

“This will be a high-quality program because it is being produced by the team at 48 HOURS,” said Fager. “They are the best at original reporting of crime and justice, and they are the best of storytellers.”

“The stories from one of the largest district attorney’s offices in the nation are told by the prosecutors themselves.  This is a great reporting opportunity and Brooklyn itself will be a major character in BROOKLYN DA,” said Rhodes.

“No matter where you go everyone has heard about Brooklyn,” said Senior Executive Producer Susan Zirinsky. “What makes this series so unique is getting into the lives and personalities of the individual DAs, led by Charles “Joe” Hynes, who reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Brooklyn. We are allowed to watch their successes and their failures – it’s immediate, compelling and often heartbreaking.” The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is headquartered in Brooklyn, an ethnically diverse borough of 2.5 million people that has become a world-renowned hot spot for celebrities and sports stars as well as a magnet for leaders in the cultural and arts communities. Patti Aronofsky is the senior supervising producer of BROOKLYN DA. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. Susan Zirinsky is the senior executive producer. 


DOUG MARRONE - CO-FOUNDER OF "RIDE FOR AUTISM" 

8th Annual Autism Wine Bunch being held on Sunday, June  2nd, from 11:30 -3:30 at the Chart House Restaurant overlooking the ocean in Redondo Beach. 

For anybody seeking a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, check out the  8th Annual Autism Wine Bunch being held on Sunday, June 2nd, from 11:30 - 3:30 at the Chart House Restaurant overlooking the ocean in Redondo Beach. For just $85 per person, this wine maker benefit for autism includes a four-course meal, each paired with a complimentary wine, live music by the band Retrofit, and a gift bag filled with fabulous products. The Wine Maker Event to benefit autism is generously supported 100% by our sponsors, including The Chart House, Bronco & Silver Horse Wines, and Matrix Haircare among others, so every dollar raised through ticket sales and the silent auction helps support individuals and their families who are affected by autism. 

For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit  our website at www.rideforautism.org or call 310.926.3350.

05/27 AUCTION NAPA VALLEY, JUDD FINKELSTEIN, EMMA SWAIN, STEVE EVANS

GET READY FOR THE AUCTION NAPA VALLEY ON JUNE 1, 2013

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY IS THE AMERICAN WINE CLASSIC WHERE WINE LOVERS AND WINEMAKERS MEET AT THE SOURCE OF AMERICA'S LEGENDARY WINES TO PARTAKE IN AND CELEBRATE THE BEST NAPA VALLEY HAS TO OFFER.



Insider's access to the cool cellars and warm hospitality of renowned Napa Valley vintners. Your choice of dozens of parties, ranging from blue-jeans casual to wear-your-finest formal, each hosted by the people behind some of the world's most recognized wines. More than 250 auction lots, yours for the bidding - from a single case of wine to trips offering experiences not available anywhere else. Return home with memories to last a lifetime and perhaps bragging rights to some amazing wines. Proceeds from this weekend support community health and children's education. To date, Auction Napa Valley has given more than $111 million to dozens of these organizations.





JUDD FINKELSTEIN – JUDD’S HILL WINERY - AUCTION NAPA VALLEY

Judd was raised in Napa Valley. He graduated from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication at Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Television Production, but you might say winemaking was in his blood. Since he was a tot, his parents were making wine. From pruning to picking to punching to pressing, Judd has been involved in every facet of winemaking, and he also studied winemaking at UC Davis and Napa Valley College.

One of Judd's other passions is playing his ukulele, both solo and with his band, The Maikai Gents Featuring The Mysterious Miss Mauna Loa. "We perform old-time Hawaiian crooning in the Hapa-Haole style. We started because I wanted some Hawaiian music for a birthday luau I was having for myself and couldn't get the entertainer I wanted. We learned a few Hawaiian tunes and performed them at the party. My friends and family loved it, of course, but the funny thing was that the resort asked us back for a festival they were having later that spring! So we learned some more songs and have been gigging ever since." Why the ukulele?" Someone needed to play it! We thought a ukulele would round out our sound....and I haven't put it down in three years!" Judd has also started a ukulele club in the Napa Valley, The Wine Country Flea Jumpers. You can learn more - and hear what it all sounds like---at www.mkgents.com. Judd and Holly enjoy simple dinner parties for friends; one of their specialties is concocting tropical taste treats for the luau set!


EMMA SWAIN - ST. SUPERY - AUCTION NAPA VALLEY

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

STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.