06/26 IRON CHEF’S JEHANGIR MEHTA, THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION’S BETTER BURGER PROJECT, STEVE EVANS, THE MOVIE GUY

RESTAURATEUR AND IRON CHEF’S JEHANGIR MEHTA – THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION’S BETTER BURGER PROJECT

To celebrate America’s favorite food (tasty burgers!), the James Beard Foundation is taking the growing culinary trend of the mushroom blend and kicking-off the  Better Burger Project across the country.

In a nutshell, the Better Burger Project is an in-restaurant menu promotion challenging chefs to create a “better burger” by blending ground meat with finely chopped, fresh cultivated mushrooms, for a more delicious, healthy, and sustainable burger. Chefs can sign up to participate throughout the challenge at BetterBurgerProject.org and America can find participating restaurants to visit and order a Better Burger on the website as well.

ABOUT THE BETTER BURGER PROJECT:
Burgers are one of the most creative culinary platforms; chefs have been innovating and evolving the dish for years. Now, through this special menu promotion, you can create a “Better Burger” by blending ground meat with finely chopped mushrooms. Your burger will be better for your guests—with unmatched flavor and inherent nutrition benefits—and our environment at large.

Blending meat and mushrooms in a burger doesn’t just improve flavor, texture, and juiciness. It also:

• Reduces calories, fat, and sodium while adding important nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and B vitamins.
• Enhances your menu with sustainable, plant-based menu items.
• Allows your guests to enjoy the taste and flavor of the burgers they love—and feel good about eating a little better.

Better Burger Project participants can add diced mushrooms at any ratio to their blend. Even just a 25- to 50-percent addition has incredible nutritional impact.

ABOUT CHEF MEHTA:
Chef Jehangir Mehta opened Graffiti in the East Village of New York City in 2007 after being highly acclaimed at New York City restaurants including Aix, Compass, and Jean-Georges.

It all started when, much to the amusement of his family’s maids and cooks, Mumbai-born Jehangir took an interest in the goings-on of the kitchen. After he voiced a desire to pursue a career in the culinary arts, Jehangir’s family put their full support behind him and sent him to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Jehangir thrived at the CIA with the foundation he acquired at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering, Technology and Applied Nutrition in Mumbai.

After his first job at L’Absinthe in New York in 1996, he landed a position he truly longed for at Typhoon Brewery, where he worked as the pastry chef to the brilliant James Chew of Vong fame. From there it was a short yet logical jump to Jean-Georges in 1997. The following year, Jean-Georges Vongerichten selected him to open his new restaurant, Mercer Kitchen, quickly to become one of the hottest destinations in New York. Desiring a change of pace from the high volume of Mercer Kitchen, Jehangir accepted a position to work with Rocco di Spirito 1999 at Union Pacific, and in 2001 he joined Jean– Georges colleague Didier Virot who was opening his own restaurant. Following a short-lived but highly acclaimed run at Virot, Jehangir solidified his reputation for creating unorthodox, intellectually driven desserts as pastry chef of Compass. During this time, he extended his partnership with Didier Virot, and in 2002 opened the Upper West Side culinary destination Aix.

In 2003, Jehangir started his event management business through an online site partistry.com. The same year he started Candy Camp to encourage children aged between 4 and 14 to appreciate the complex ingredients in food, by preparing simple savory and sweet dishes. In 2007, Jehangir opened his restaurant Graffiti, quite simply an extension of the man and his mission, and released his first cookbook “Mantra the Rules of Indulgence” (Harper-Collins).

At his restaurant Graffiti, Jehangir gets to present food that is nothing short of inspiring. From his 50 square foot kitchen he produces some of New York’s most exciting dishes, which have been featured in not only traditional food magazines but also Vogue, and the New Yorker. Over the years, Jehangir has been seen on many national television programs including Martha! and on the Food Network.

In August 2009, Jehangir was a contestant on Iron Chef America where he competed against Iron Chef Morimoto in "Battle Coconut,"and beginning October 4th 2009 Jehangir will be a contestant on the Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef.

Jehangir’s cultural heritage fills him with endless inspiration, including Ayurveda, and his favorite ingredients, fruits and spices. Now it is only left to his imagination as to what he will conquer next.

WWW.JEHANGIRMEHTA.COM
WWW.JAMESBEARD.ORG


STEVE EVANS – THE MOVIE GUY

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

06/25 JAMIE JENSEN, ROAD TRIP USA, MATT DE FINA, DE FINA FAMILY CELLARS, CYSTIC FIBROSIS

AUTHOR AND ROAD TRIP EXPERT JAMIE JENSEN - ALL NEW AND UPDATED EDITION OF HIS BESTSELLING ROAD TRIP USA

It’s time to hit the road this summer and plan the Ultimate Road Trip!

Launch of the new edition of Road Trip USA and the brand new Moon Road Trip series with four new regional titles
The great American road trip is the highlight of many travel bucket lists—and with the release of the newest edition of the best-seller Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America’s Two-Lane Highways, travelers can make this the summer they cross that trip off the list.  In addition, Moon Travel Guides is proud to be expanding the Moon Road Trip series with four new regional titles: Moon Florida Road Trip, Moon California Road Trip, Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip, and Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip—plus five more titles scheduled in the coming year.

About the classic Road Trip USA:  
Now in its seventh edition, Jamie Jensen's best-selling Road Trip USA is better than ever. Inside, you’ll find cross-country routes and road-tested advice for adventurers who want to see the parts of America that the interstates have left behind. Jensen also includes mile-by-mile highlights celebrating major cities, obscure towns, popular attractions, roadside curiosities (if you’re looking for the world’s largest jackalope, you’re in luck), local lore, and oddball trivia. With full coverage of more than 35,000 miles of classic blacktop, Road Trip USA will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of America.

About Jamie:
Jamie Jensen was immersed in road trip culture from an early age. He grew up in Southern California, back when freeways were new, cheeseburgers cost a quarter, and every beach had a beachfront amusement park. After a three-year stint bumming around the country, making hay in Kansas, and ghostwriting a book for the Grateful Dead, Jamie set to work researching and writing Road Trip USA. Since then he’s traveled more than 400,000 miles in search of the perfect stretch of two-lane blacktop. When not crisscrossing the country by car, he rides his bike whenever possible. Jamie lives with his wife, Catherine, and twin boys, Tom and Alex, in New York City, at the east end of the Lincoln Highway. Jamie Jensen lives in New York, NY.


MATT DE FINA - WINEMAKER, DE FINA FAMILY CELLARS

Matt De Fina was born with Cystic Fibrosis- a fatal, genetic disease that predominantly effects the lungs. Cystic Fibrosis causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. This thick, sticky mucus obstructs the airways, causing decreased lung capacity and decreased lung function. The mucus also serves as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which lead to life-threatening lung infections, as well. Matt was diagnosed with this disease at 20 days old and his parents were initially told that he wouldn’t live to see his 4th birthday. Despite this grave prognosis, Matt’s parents were determined to see him beat this disease and live a normal, happy life. Thus, they were very disciplined and dedicated in their approach, making sure that Matt never missed a medication or treatment, received proper nutrition, and saw his Pulmonologists at Oakland Children’s Hospital on a regular basis. Despite their efforts, Matt was still hospitalized many times throughout his childhood due to exacerbations of his Cystic Fibrosis. However, Matt and his parents were able to beat that prognosis and by the time he was in Elementary School, his disease began to stabilize and he began to flourish in school, sports, and other activities. Throughout Elementary, Middle, and High School, Matt was very active and played numerous sports, including Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, and Track & Field. His Cystic Fibrosis was under control.

ADULT LIFE
After high school, Matt attended college at California State University, Fresno, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, was inducted into the Order of Omega National Honor Society, and was the President of his fraternity: Sigma Phi Epsilon. A few years later, Matt also earned an MBA degree from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. While at Fresno State, Matt met the woman of his dreams- Denise. They began dating and were married in 2003. For much of his adult life, Matt’s health remained stable and he was able to work full-time in the medical industry. In his career, he worked as an EMT, a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep, and a Medical Device Sales Rep. He and Denise also enjoyed traveling and eventually discovered Napa Valley. Matt and Denise fell in love with Napa Valley from the moment they first visited. They became fascinated with wine and dreamed of one day owning their own wine brand. For many years, Napa Valley was just an annual or bi-annual vacation, but in 2010, a new job for Matt allowed them to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area. They chose to settle in none other than Napa County. However, it was around this time that Matt’s health began to decline quickly. Matt began seeing the CF medical specialists at Stanford University Hospital for his care. Despite doing everything that he was supposed to –  taking his medications, doing his treatments, exercising, taking in proper nutrition – his Cystic Fibrosis was worsening. By April of 2012, Matt’s lungs had deteriorated to the point that he was on oxygen full-time, his lung function had declined to 22%, and he was forced to go on disability from work. His doctors at Stanford told him that he only had 2 years left to live unless he received a double-lung transplant.

TRANSPLANT AND LIFE AFTER
In April of 2012, Matt was added to the transplant list to await a double-lung transplant at Stanford. On May 15 of 2012, Matt received that miraculous phone call- that there was a donor for him. A new pair of lungs had become available and were a perfect match for Matt. He was rushed to Stanford and received his double-lung transplant. His surgery lasted roughly 6 hours and went incredibly well. He remained in the ICU for only 1 ½ days before being transferred to a step-down unit. The nurses and doctors at Stanford were amazing and did a wonderful job taking care of Matt from start to finish! Matt was discharged just 9 days after his surgery and began the long road of recovery. Since that miraculous event, Matt’s life has done a complete 180. From being barely able to breathe and relying on oxygen therapy 24/7 to now having 100% O2 saturation on room air and being able to breathe deeply with his new lungs, Matt knows better than anyone just how precious it is to be able to simply BREATHE. Receiving a new pair of lungs has enabled Matt to do things that were previously very difficult, if not impossible. Simple things- such as taking a shower, getting dressed, tying his shoes, and simply walking- had become next-to-impossible. Matt couldn’t even pick up and hold his own daughter, Gracie, without getting incredibly short-of-breath. However, with his new lungs Matt could suddenly do all of these things and more!

THE WINE BUSINESS
Once Matt received a new lease on life, he and Denise promptly began living with the philosophy that life is too short, and thus, we shouldn’t take any breath for granted. Therefore, we should enjoy every moment and live life to the fullest with every breath we take.  With renewed health and vitality, Matt and Denise De Fina figured now was the best time to realize their dream of launching their own wine brand. With all of the ‘breathing’ issues that Matt has faced in his lifetime, the De Fina’s wanted to use this as an opportunity to not only make delicious wine, but to spread awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, Organ Donation, and Transplantation. Without Matt’s double-lung transplant, he wouldn’t be here today. De Fina Family Cellars would not exist. Thus, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy our fabulous wine and everyone would lose out! So…if you aren’t already a registered organ donor, please become one today! Who knows—your organs could lead to more fabulous wine someday!

DEFINAFAMILYCELLARS.COM

06/24 LARRY LIPSON, CHEF BILLY PARISI, GRILLING TIPS FOR 4TH OF JULY

LARRY LIPSON – AFFORDABLE WINE REPORT     
 
For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Florida weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.


CHEF BILLY PARISI - SUMMER ENTERTAINING AND GRILLING TIPS FOR 4TH OF JULY

At 31 years of age, Billy Parisi has the education and experience of a seasoned chef. By the time he enrolled at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2002, Parisi had already graduated from Arizona’s Scottsdale Culinary Institute—and logged several years as line cook, sous chef, and executive in some of the Midwest’s finest restaurants.

Throughout his four years at Mizzou, Parisi continued to nurture his passion for food, bartending at local Columbia establishments and cooking alongside Executive Chef Daniel Pliska at the prestigious University Alumni Club. He and Pliska competed to win the title of “Iron Chef of Missouri” in 2004. A Bachelors of Science in Communications / Video Production set the stage for Parisi’s roles as the faces of fixmyrecipe.com, Lowes Foods, Heinen’s Grocery Stores and Sears Holdings Corporations. Parisi has been featured on several national TV, radio and print mediums, including the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, DIY network and Comcast On-Demand.

WWW.BILLYPARISI.COM
WWW.EASYHOMEMEALS.COM

06/23 MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN, SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS, AMY RIOLO, THE ULTIMATE MEDITERRANEAN DIET COOKBOOK

MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS - UPCOMING EVENTS AND SUMMER HAPPENINGS IN SB

Morgen McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association a nonprofit membership organization representing over one hundred wineries in Santa Barbara County, California.  Previously she was the president and CEO of Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association, a regional tourism marketing association in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and owned and managed a small vineyard and winery in Connecticut.  Morgen has undergraduate degrees in English and Secondary Education from Boston College and is completing her Wine Business Management Certificate from Sonoma State University.  In her free time Morgen enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, wine and spending time with her husband and three sons.

ABOUT SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS
The Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association) is a non-profit 501 (c) 6 organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class, authentic wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County (or sub-AVA) labeled,  winery
associate, vineyards, vineyard management companies, hospitality, and industry associate members.

The association produces festivals, educational seminars and tastings, and provides information to consumers, trade, and media.

• Vintners Spring Weekend and Festival in April to herald the upcoming vintage
• Celebration of Harvest Weekend and Festival in October during the excitement
• of the grape harvest
• Key to Wine Country Weeekend
• Santa Barbara Wine Country Touring Guide
• AVA maps
• Website, social media pages, mobile app, blog and e-newsletters

The organization's mission is to promote the wine and grape industry of Santa Barbara County and, in doing so, bring favorable media coverage to the area and help support the tourism industry which is vital to the region.

Individual wineries make many contributions to the local community, through donations of product, personnel and monetary support. In addition, the Santa Barbara Vintners' Foundation hosts special events where the proceeds of which go in part to local nonprofit organizations and the Santa Barbara Wine Auction benefiting Direct Relief.

WWW.SBCOUNTYWINES.COM



AMY RIOLO - AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, CHEF, TELEVISION PERSONALITY, CUISINE AND CULTURE EXPERT - THE ULTIMATE MEDITERRANEAN DIET COOKBOOK

More than a mix of rich history, gorgeous beaches, and warm blue waters, the countries along the Mediterranean Sea and their people have a history of living longer and healthier lives and you can too! By simply following a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, even drinking wine with meals, you can prevent diseases and prolong your life.

The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is the only book needed to unleash the power of one of the world's healthiest diets. It integrates the latest research and clinical findings with 100 delicious, authentic, easy recipes and Mediterranean lifestyle tips while dispelling any myths and misinformation.

Using the Mediterranean Pyramid as a guide, cuisine expert Amy Riolo gets to the core of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and explains what is eaten, when to eat it, and why. Each recipe in The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook contains a cultural tip from the Mediterranean region. Fun historical facts, legend, and lore, as well as nutritional information accompany each recipe.

The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook features recipes from all countries in the region to include perennial favorites, little known treasures, and recent discoveries.

Get ready to enjoy a healthy lifestyle that includes enticing, satisfying, recipes- great for family dinners and entertaining, for any and all occasions, to be appreciated by any palate.

BIOGRAPHY:
As an award - winning author, chef, television personality, cuisine and culture expert, and educator, Amy Riolo is known for sharing history, culture, and nutrition through global cuisine. She makes frequent appearances on numerous television and radio programs both in the United States and abroad, including Fox TV, CBS, Montgomery and Fairfax County TV, Nile TV, The Travel Channel, Martha Stewart Living Radio, WHYY, and Abu Dhabi Television.  Amy also created and appeared weekly in ninety second cooking videos entitled “Culture of Cuisine” which air on nationally syndicated news shows on 28 different channels across the United States, totaling a reach of over 300 million  people.  One of her videos recently reached a record of four million hits.

Amy’s most recent book, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook was released in April 2015 and has already earned 5 star reviews on Amazon as well as many positive reviews. Her seventh book, The Italian Diabetes Cookbook will be released in January 2016. Her third book, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook, (American Diabetes Association) was released in March 2010, received a starred PW review, won the 2011 Nautilus Book Award and was named “Best. Diabetes. Cookbook. Ever. “ by DiabetesMine.com. Her second book Nile Style; Egyptian Cuisine and Culture (Hippocrene Books) won the World Gourmand Award for "Best Arab Cuisine Book" in the United States and was just released in a second edition. Her first book, Arabian Delights; Recipes & Princely Entertaining Ideas from the Arabian Peninsula was chosen as one of the “16 Volumes Worth Staining” by the Washington Post (Capital Books, 2007). Amy also contributed to The Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia and co-wrote The Al Tiramisu Restaurant Cookbook: An Elevated Approach to Authentic Italian Cuisine with award-winning chef/restaurateur Luigi Diotaiuti.

Amy, and American of Calabrian descent, was recently awarded the Wise Women 2015 award from The National Organization of Italian American Women. She is a Culinary Advisor for The Mediterranean Food Alliance. Her work has appeared in numerous print media including USA Today, Cooking Light magazine, The Washington Post, CNN.com, The Wall Street Journal, Gulf News, Popular Anthropology Magazine, The UAE National, and international newspapers and hundreds of blogs. She is also the author of a noted culinary/cultural blog called Amyriolo.blogspot.com.

Amy is frequently asked to lecture and give demonstrations on diabetes-friendly eating, and cuisine and culture at medical conferences, book fairs, universities, culinary symposiums, museums, embassies, fundraisers, libraries, and farmer’s markets on over three different continents, and five states in the USA. Last year her live audiences alone totaled 18,350 people. With the addition of podcasts, her popularity and viewership has grown immensely.

As a successful restaurant consultant and graduate of Cornell University, Amy enjoys developing concepts, action plans, recipes, training seminars and guides, and themes for corporations, restaurants, and hotels. Amy has created menus for many world leaders, earning her the title “Cook to the Kings” from a Cairo newspaper in 2008. She has consulted international business owners on bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and culinary stores where she taught vocational baking classes for thousands of pastry chefs. Amy has taught recreational classes at Living Social, Sur la Table, and Open Kitchen in Washington, DC.

Internationally, Amy had led professional and recreational cooking classes in Italy, Egypt, and the  UAE, and leads culinary tours.

Amy also uses her culinary expertise to write scripts for culinary movies and television programs. She just completed filming a demo for the Two to Travel television series with Chef Luigi Diotaiuti.  The duo also created a video documentary entitled The Beauty of Basilicata at the James beard Foundation. They also led a culinary cruise from Istanbul to Athens on Oceania Cruises in October 2014. She is a member of The International Association of Culinary Professionals, Cornell Club DC, Les Dames d’Escoffier (Global Culinary Initiative Chair), Slow Food DC, The James Beard Foundation, The National Organization of Italian American Women, and the Culinary Historians of Washington.

In addition to her professional work, Amy spends a great deal of her time supporting philanthropic efforts.  Amy can often be found mentoring culinary students, teaching children’s cooking classes, and participating on panels for charity events. One of the highlights of her volunteering career was chairing the Baltimore Luxor Alexandria Sister City Committee which enabled her to obtain a grant to provide clean drinking water for a village outside of Luxor, Egypt. Amy is based in the Washington, DC area and travels extensively through the Mediterranean region.

WWW.AMYRIOLO.COM

06/21 DR. JANET ANGEL, Nature’s Sources. LLC., EMILY KAUFMANN, CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL: SANTA BARBARA

DR. JANET ANGEL - SIMPLE RULES TO DITCH YOUR "GULP-AND-GO" LIFESTYLE

For many of us, life has become so hectic that we scarcely have time to think about what we’re stuffing into our mouth each day. But our “gulp-and-go” lifestyle is taking a toll on our health. “Americans no longer ‘eat to thrive’; we now ‘eat to survive’, says nutritional biochemist and wellness expert Dr. Janet Angel. Dr. Angel says now is the time for us to get a quick crash course in “Eating 101”, where she’ll review Seven Simple Rules for Healthy Eating,which she says will make us feel great while significantly decreasing our chances of falling victim to aches, pains, and degenerative diseases both now and as we advance in years.

SEVEN SIMPLE RULES FOR HEALTHY EATING:
• Eat only when you’re hungry.
• Don’t mix food types / Eat foods in the proper order
• Don’t Eat When You’re Feeling Stressed, ill, or injured
• Chew 22 times – including protein drinks
• Don’t eat overly-cooked & overly- processed foods
• Give your food a background check.
• Use spices and natural digestive aids to help break down what you eat.

ABOUT DR. JANET ANGEL, PhD.
Janet Angel, PhD, is a nutritional biochemist and wellness expert with more than twenty years of professional experience in the natural health care industry. A popular lecturer and frequently invited guest on radio and TV programs around the country, Dr. Janet currently serves as product formulator, executive Vice Present, and media spokesperson for dietary supplement maker Nature’s Sources. LLC.

WWW.NATURESSOURCES.COM 

EMILY KAUFMANN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL: SANTA BARBARA JULY 16-18 

Don’t miss our 12th Annual California Wine Festival, in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state! This beautiful city is the original home of the CWF, a spectacular gathering of wine, food, music and fun at the beach! A true world-class resort city, Santa Barbara attracts sophisticated visitors from around the world many of whom spend a few days by the beach tasting great California wines. A hip crowd of thousands of wine lovers flock to our three-day Festival, making this one of the most desirable consumer wine events of the year!

EVENT SCHEDULE
Old Spanish Nights Tasting – $49 advance price
Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:30-9pm
15 E De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sunset Reserve & Rare Wine Tasting – $110 advance price
Friday, July 17, 2015 6:30-9pm

Chase Palm Park Plaza at the Carousel
223 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, CA

Beachside Wine Festival – $69 advance price
Saturday, July 18, 2015 – 1-4pm (VIPs 12pm)
236 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Event Overview
The California Wine Festival is a showcase of California’s premier wine and culinary professionals.  At each location, the Festival showcases nearly 250 wines from over 70 wineries, 30 of the areas fine dining restaurants, gourmet food companies, and lifestyle exhibitors.

Mission Statement
The mission of the California Wine Festivals is to promote and celebrate fine wine, foods and lifestyle of California. The California Wine Festival focuses national attention on California’s premier wine producers and culinary professionals.

Vision or Purpose Statement
Charity: to raise funds for the Surfrider Foundation – South Orange County Chapter, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and 1% for the Planet

Education: for the general consumer, to promote California wine and culinary education through direct one-on-one access to world class culinary professionals and wine experts

Recognition: to bring national and regional attention to the wine and culinary offerings of California
2015 Top Culinary Festivals and Wine Events around the US and the World – Gayot
Top Food & Wine Festivals for 2014 – Trip Advisor




WWW.CALIFORNIAWINEFESTIVAL.COM

06/19 JOY CUSHING, CHURCH AND STATE, EMMA SWAIN, ST. SUPERY VINEYARDS & WINERY, FATHER’S DAY GRAPES & GRILLS TASTING, STEVE EVANS

JOY CUSHING – WINE DIRECTOR, CHURCH AND STATE 

Church & State is a French bistro, located on the ground floor of the original NABISCO bakery and offices, built in 1925, occupying what was once the loading dock of the National Biscuit Company.  When the doors first swung open to welcome diners in September of 2008, it was one of the first restaurants to open in the, now bustling, Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.

The cuisine is traditional French Bistro fare, created using only seasonal produce of the highest quality, and products from 100% humanely raised, treated, and naturally fed animals: 100% grass-fed, pasture raised beef and lamb, cage-free poultry, sustainable seafood.

Classics include Steak Frites, Escargot, Roasted Marrow Bone, House-made Charcutterie, Moules Frites, Steak Tartar, Tarte Flambeé, and a selection of French and artisanal American cheeses.
The restaurant has a full bar, serving seasonal, hand-crafted cocktails, and an all-French wine list, containing many organic, and biodynamic selections.

CHURCHANDSTATEBISTRO.COM


EMMA SWAIN – CEO, ST. SUPERY VINEYARDS & WINERY – FATHER’S DAY GRAPES & GRILLS TASTING THIS SUNDAY

Father s Day Grapes & Grills Tasting

Sunday June 21, 2015 at 10:00AM - 3:00PM

Join us on the patio as we fire up the grill to celebrate Dad! Especially for Father's Day we've come up with a tasting that includes three grilled bites, one from the garden and our take on a beef and a lamb slider, perfectly paired with our latest releases of 2013 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2010 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Petit Verdot and 2012 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

$40.00 per guest, $20.00 for Wine Club Members.

Reservations are required. Book online or call our Reservations Concierge, 707.963.4507.

Online reservations

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

WWW.STSUPERY.COM

STEVE EVANS – THE MOVIE GUY

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

06/18 PATRICK HICKEY, RAO'S HOLLYWOOD, SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, GIO BALISTRERI, RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS, PASSPORT TO PINOT

PATRICK HICKEY - GENERAL MANAGER, RAO'S HOLLYWOOD – SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

OUR STORY
TRADITION AND RITUAL ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF ITALIAN CUISINE. SINCE 1896 THE RAO'S FAMILY HAS BELIEVED IN SHARING THOSE TRADITIONS. WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE PART IN SHARING- WITH US AND WITH EACH OTHER—THE RAO'S FAMILY WAY OF FEASTING. IF YOU FOLLOW ALONG WITH OUR MENU, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE RITUALS VINCENT RAO AND ANNE PELLEGRINO HAVE PASSED TO OUR GENERATION. WITH THE HELP OF YOUR SERVER, ENJOY THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE: FOOD, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY. WE PROMISE THAT YOU WILL NOT ONLY LEAVE FULL BUT FULFILLED.

THE HISTORY
RAO'S NEW YORK IS A CULINARY NATIONAL TREASURE. WIDELY ACCLAIMED FOR ITS AUTHENTIC, SOUTHERN NEAPOLITAN ITALIAN COOKING AND ITS HOME-STYLE FAMILY AMBIANCE, RAO'S WAS HONORED WITH A PINNACLE THREE STARS FROM NEW YORK TIMES RESTAURANT CRITIC MIMI SHERATON DESCRIBING THE CUISINE AS "EXQUISITELY SIMPLE ITALIAN COOKING."

OPENED IN 1896, THE RESTAURANT IS CELEBRATED AS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES' OLDEST FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED RESTAURANTS RUNNING IN ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION. HANDING DOWN CHERISHED PELLEGRINO AND RAO TRADITIONS AS ITS MAIN INGREDIENTS, THE RAO'S MENU PAIRS GENERATIONS OF AUTHENTICITY AND LOVE WITH FRESHNESS AND FLAVOR.

ALL LOCATIONS, NEW YORK, LAS VEGAS AND LOS ANGELES, SERVE AND SATIATE SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL APPETITES IN THE WORLD. AT THE NEW YORK LOCATION, THE LIST OF REGULARS READS LIKE THE "WHO'S WHO" OF NEW YORK COGNOSCENTI, INCLUDING WOODY ALLEN, BILLY CRYSTAL, ROB REINER, NICHOLAS PILEGGI AND DANNY AIELLO. LEGIONS OF POLITICIANS, SPORTS FIGURES AND MATINEE IDOLS HAVE JOCKEYED FOR A RESERVATION. THERE, DINING AT RAO'S IS A LEGENDARY EXPERIENCE SO BELOVED THAT GETTING A SEAT IS ONLY POSSIBLE IF YOU ARE A REGULAR AND HAVE, "TABLE RIGHTS," OR IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE INVITED AS A GUEST BY SOMEONE WHO DOES. IN LAS VEGAS, YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE OUR GUEST. FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, WE INVITE YOU TO SIT BACK AND RELAX WHILE FILLING YOURSELF WITH MORE THAN FOOD. CHEERS!

RAOSRESTAURANTS.COM


GIO BALISTRERI - GENERAL MANAGER / WINEMAKER – RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS - TALKING ABOUT THE UPCOMING PASSPORT TO PINOT

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PASSPORT – JUNE 27-28, 2015

From 11 am -4 pm, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, visit more than 30 acclaimed wineries and enjoy world-class wines, including limited and early releases, barrel samples, special offers and unmatched hospitality. This tasting experience will have you discovering the rugged beauty of our valley and our region’s most celebrated wineries, unique artists and hidden gems.  The Russian River Valley Passport weekend offers ticket holders exclusive experiences throughout the weekend at participating wineries, many that aren’t open to the public. A Saturday night VIP barbecue at Gail Ann’s Vineyard in the heart of Russian River Valley will allow a limited number of ticket holders to mingle with the winemakers and growers over smoky summer fare. Catering provided by Suchernova Farm, Cork’s Restaurant, Twist Eatery and Kozlowski Farms.

FOR $10 OFF WEEKEND PASSPORT TICKETS OR VIP BBQ TICKETS (INCLUDES PASSPORT) USE PROMO CODE CRNRADIO - OFFER EXPIRES 6/24

BIO:
Giovanni Balistreri is a lifelong Sonoma County resident, growing up in Sebastopol, where farming was in his blood. After graduating from high school in 1999 he planted first vineyard of Pinot Noir in Freestone on the land in which he grew up on.  His first experience working in the wine industry was at Louis M Martini tasting room in Saint Helena in 2001 working in the tasting room. After graduating from Fresno State University 2004 with a BS degree in Agricultural Business, Gio & his father began to build a winery at their Freestone Vineyard location. In the fall of 2008, Gio partnered with Chris O'Neil and Anthony Austin and took over the property formally known as Topolos. They reopened Russian River

Vineyards and Corks restaurant was born. Executive chef Paul Scandura joined the team 2015 and they began producing world class wines and food for all of Sonoma County to enjoy. Since 2008 Russian River Vineyards has produced more than 100 medals, 30 of these medals are gold.  January of 2012 Gio became Head Winemaker for Russian River Vineyards, with Anthony as consulting Winemaker.  In 2014 Gio and Anthony were awarded:  “Best Winemaker Award” from the North of the Gate Wine Competition. Currently Gio serves as immediate past President of the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, Serves on the Board of Directors for the Russian River Valley Growers as the Second VP, Chairs the Apple Blossom Festival Steering Committee where he has brought record growth and success as well as volunteers for many other community organizations.  Gio still finds time to manage his family's vineyard, the wineries Estate Vineyards, and a good game of golf.

WWW.RUSSIANRIVERVINEYARDS.COM
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06/17 MARIO ARMSTRONG, TECH IDEAS, LARRY LIPSON, AFFORDABLE WINE REPORT

DIGITAL LIFESTYLE EXPERT  MARIO ARMSTRONG - 5 SMART TECH IDEAS THAT WILL HELP US CONNECT WITH OUR HOME

Our home is becoming more connected than ever before with smart devices that are changing the way people experience information, safety, entertainment and everyday life. We can now gain even more control of our home with new technology that will help simplify everyday tasks. Award-winning Tech Expert Mario Armstrong takes a look at some of the smart technology making its way into our homes in 2015!

ABOUT MARIO ARMSTRONG:
As an Emmy Award winning host, Mario appears regularly on TV and radio. Mario is the Digital and Technology Commentator for NBC’S Today Show, HLN, Fuse and CNN. In addition, Mario has appeared on the following shows: Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey, Rachael Ray, Nate Berkus, Katie Couric, and Inside Edition. On radio, Mario is a technology contributor for NPR’s Morning Edition and Tell Me More programs.

Armstrong’s mission in life is to better people’s lives by educating them on how to use technology to enhance their personal and professional lives.


LARRY LIPSON – AFFORDABLE WINE REPORT

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Florida weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.

06/16 CHRIS STONE, WASHINGTON STATE WINES, U.S. OPEN, SALLY JAMES, SLO LIVING RADIO

CHRIS STONE - VP OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, WASHINGTON STATE WINE - WASHINGTON STATE’S WORLD-CLASS WINES TO BE SHOWCASED AT U.S. OPEN

Washington State’s World-class Wines to be Showcased at U.S. Open
Hospitality tent near 18th tee will feature 120 wines throughout tournament

Washington State Wine will bring a wine-themed hospitality experience to the U.S. Open Golf Championship at the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash., on June 15-21. The organization, which represents all wineries and grape growers in Washington, will sponsor a corporate tent near the 18th tee throughout the tournament as a way to showcase the state’s world-class wines. More than 350 wine buyers, sommeliers and key media are expected to be hosted in the tent.

This is the first time in history that the U.S. Open will be held in the Pacific Northwest.

A team of Seattle’s top sommeliers selected 120 Washington State wines to be shown at the U.S. Open. Approximately 20 wines will be poured in the tent each day, including during practice rounds.

In addition, Washington State Wine will host a book signing of “America’s St. Andrews” in the hospitality tent on Wednesday, June 17. Author Blaine Newnham and golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who designed Chambers Bay, will be present.

The tent is co-sponsored by Visit Seattle and Delta Air Lines. To learn more about the U.S. Open, visit www.chambersbaygolf.com/us-open/.

About Washington State Wine:                                                                                                  Washington State Wine represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSW provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness of the Washington State wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSW is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.

WWW.WASHINGTONWINE.ORG


SALLY JAMES - AUTHOR, FOOD & WINE CONSULTANT, AUSTRALIAN FOOD & WINE AMBASSADOR & CO-HOST OF OUR VERY OWN SLO LIVING RADIO TELLS US ALL ABOUT HER RECENT TRIP TO AUSTRALIA 

Sally James is an award-winning Australian author, educator, chef, television presenter and radio host whose books and recipes have won international acclaim for food & wine pairing, health and creativity. Sally is the author of eighteen cookbooks and publications, including her best-selling Simply Healthy—winner of the prestigious World Cookbook Awards, Versailles, France, 1999 for Best Health Cookbook; Fresh and Healthy–Winner of the 2001 IACP International Cookbook Award in the Health category; Simply Sensational, a finalist for the IACP Award in 2003; Escape to Yountville – Recipes for Health and Relaxation from the Napa Valley, and the Australian Heart Foundation Cookbook.

Since relocating to the U.S. in 2001, James has been a guest presenter on the Food Network and UPN Networks, a recurring guest on ABC TV’s View from the Bay, and has been featured in magazines including Cooking Light, Wine Spectator, Fitness, Family Circle, New York Times' Savor Wine Country, Plate, In the Mix and Healthy Cooking.

She has been a guest chef and lecturer for the American Heart Association, the Culinary Institute of America, Disney’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, COPIA, Aspen Food and Wine Classic, the National Restaurant Association Show, Draegar's and Publix Markets, the American Institute of Food & Wine, and Johnson & Wales Universities across the United States.

SHE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT 2 REGIONS OF AUSTRAILIA:
Noosa, a town on the coast in Queensland with a wonderful beach, world class restaurants, wine bars, boutiques and hotels, and shortly inland, charming country towns and lush rainforest.  She stayed at SeaHaven Noosa and Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat.

Canberra, the Capitol. Few people realize the capitol of  Aussieland is not Sydney, but it is Canberra, 3 hours South west.  An amazing city to visit, with modernist architecture, incredible museums, its own wine region, truffle farms and restaurants to rival both Sydney and Melbourne.

WWW.SLOWLIVINGRADIO.COM

06/15 VOJTECH KACEROVSKY, CZECHTOURISM LOS ANGELES, AILEEN EVERY, FATHER'S DAY GIFT GIVING

VOJTECH KACEROVSKY – DIRECTOR, CZECHTOURISM LOS ANGELES

ABOUT CZECH TOURISM:
The Czech Republic is a modern and dynamic destination with a rich history and unique natural beauty.  The CzechTourism agency, along with its offices abroad ,ensures its successful presentation on the domestic and foreign markets. The Czech Tourism Authority - CzechTourism is a contributory organization of the Ministry for Regional Development and was established in 1993. Its significant partner agencies include domestic tourist regions, cities, municipalities and businesses.

Dance Prague 2015 - May 25, 2015Jun 25, 2015 - Dance is the hidden language of the soul – enjoy the performances of domestic and foreign dance artists!

Starobrno – Ignis Brunensis Brno - May 22, 2015Jun 21, 2015 - A fireworks show will light up the night over Brno!

Bohemia Jazz Fest - Jul 8, 2015Jul 18, 2015 - Summertime in the Czech Republic reverberates with one of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe!

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AILEEN AVERY - TV PERSONALITY & AUTHOR OF AN AMAZING BOOK THAT CELEBRATES THE HISTORY & ART OF GIFT GIVING - FATHER’S DAY GIFT INSPIRATION

WHAT DOES DAD REALLY WANT? - FATHER’S DAY GIFT INSPIRATION

This year, dad’s big day is coincides with the first day of summer, so there’s double the reason to make this Father’s Day a special celebration!  What activities and gifts would make Dad most happy?  TV personality and author Aileen Avery is excited to bring audiences around the country some fun, sporty, leisurely ideas and even historic ideas.  This holiday historian will share the history of Father’s Day, as well as some timely ways to make this holiday special!

FEATURED FUN FOR FATHER’S DAY:
• GOURMET FROZEN FOODS – Ship the highest quality steaks, seafood, appetizers and desserts straight to your door…even wine, chocolate and gift baskets!
• SUMMER STYLE –Update Dad’s summer wardrobe with bright colors and big style
• PERSONALIZATION PARADISE – Timely quality gifts you can personalize with a name, date, initials, or simply “DAD”
• COUPON CRAZINESS –How you can access 500,000+ Coupons for 50,000 Stores
Aileen is a lifestyle and gift expert, experienced TV host, and mother of two boys.  She has been a guest on  numerous  shows  on  HGTV, Discovery Channel,  Animal Planet,  and The Travel
Channel, Aileen Aileen is also the author of Gift Rap: The History and Art of Gift Giving.
 
ABOUT AILEEN AVERY
Aileen Avery is a lifestyle and gift expert, tv host, and mom of two boys.  She's hosted several national television shows on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, and HGTV's "I Want That!".  She's also the author of "Gift Rap: The History and Art of Gift Giving."  Aileen enjoys finding the truly fun and unique experiences in life and sharing them with friends and family.

ABOUT GIFT RAP
Why do we give gifts at Christmas? Or for birthdays and weddings? The answer has more to do with history and ritual than mere thoughtful and romantic ideas. Explore the traditions behind gift giving holidays in "Gift Rap: The History and Art of Gift Giving." Think outside the box and take the stress out of finding the perfect present!

FATHER’S DAY HISTORY
There are two separate accounts of how Father's Day came to be. The first one occurred on July 5, 1908 in a church in West Virginia. Grace Golden Clayton suggested a memorial be held for all of the 361 men who died in an explosion the previous year, many of them fathers.

The second account was inspired by Mother's Day. Sonora Smart Dodd wanted a similar holiday to honor fathers. Her own father, William Jackson Smart, raised their family as a single parent after the death of their mother. Because William's birthday was in June, Sonora thought it fitting to have the holiday during that month.

So the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father's Day become a national holiday in 1924, but it wasn't until 1972 that President Richard Nixon made it official.

*Little known fact: Roses are the official flower of Father's Day. Red roses for those who are alive and white roses for those dads who've passed away.

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