Tag Archives: Cocktails

Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Wineries

Nineth annual pebble beach food & wine, MAR 31 – APR 3, 2016, Pebble Beach, CA

March 10, 2016 DepLifestyleMag

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Enjoy 4 days of the decadent in food and wine with an epic epicurean
event, Pebble Beach Food and Wine. One of the country’s premier destinations, bringing together the world’s most revered culinary
talent for 3 nights and 4 days of epicurean excellence. Attendees are invited to explore the three world-class resorts including The Inn at Spanish Bay, Lodge at Pebble Beach, and Casa Palmero, where more than 100 renowned chefs and 250 distinguished wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world. Participants include
nationally and internationally acclaimed chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Gavin Kaysen, Stephanie Prida, Bryce Shuman, Philip Tessier, Dave Beran, Jérôme Bocuse, Mathew Peters and Joshua Skenes, will showcase the skills that place them among the world’s very best.

Highlights from the ninth annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine:

Lunches & Dinners:

Christopher Kostow & Nathaniel Dorn – The New Napa Experience: Chef Christopher Kostow‘s three Michelin stars at the Restaurant at Meadowood require a discipline of technique and talent. This year at Pebble Beach, Kostow and business partner Nathaniel Dorn will relax a bit as they début the family-style cuisine that epitomizes the “New Napa Experience.” Kostow and Dorn’s event will offer guests a sneak peek taste of their upcoming new restaurant in St. Helena, offering guests another “only at Pebble Beach” dining experience

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 6:30p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

South Australia – The Epicurean Way: Welcome to South Australia: our sunburnt land of wide blue skies and ochre desert sands, of vineyard-laden hills and clear ocean waters. Take a culinary adventure where the produce is real and the wines are robust and unique. Join Tasting Australia Creative Director Chef Simon Bryant and Barossa Chef Lachlan Colwill on an epicurean journey through some of Australia’s most iconic food and wine regions. Travel through South Australia via Kangaroo Island’s pristine beauty, stunning coastline, and world-renowned vineyards. U.S. chefs Michel Nischan and Bruce Kalman will join Simon and Lachlan to guide you through the flavors of South Australia.

Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Booze & Bites Lunch at Restaurant 1833: Pebble Beach Food & Wine is very proud to host San Francisco’s most amazing culinary couple for the annual lunch at Restaurant 1833. Chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinsky of State Bird Provisions and The Progress have re-invigorated the Bay Area dining scene with what many consider to be the two of San Francisco’s best restaurant additions in decades. They’ll join Restaurant 1833 Executive Chef Jason Franey to create an extraordinary lunch, available “only at Pebble Beach.”

Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wine Seminars:

Women and Wine: Master Class: In the words of acclaimed singer James Brown, “This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” Historically speaking, the wine industry has been heavily dominated by males, but at the end of the day, are women intuitively and biologically better tasters of wine? This unique seminar allows guests to explore the world of wine through a female’s perspective with moderator Christie Dufault, Culinary Institute of America’s Associate Professor and all female Master Sommeliers Gillian Balance, June Rodil and Emily Wines. Taste through a flight of wines together while discussing the intersection of physiology, psychology and gender.

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Big Bottles Bubbles Seminar: Ever wonder why certain wines are bottled in larger formats than the traditional 750 mL? Did you know that the average glassblower’s lung capacity was between 700 – 800 mL of air, such that the volume gradually standardized? Many winemakers and sommeliers nevertheless feel that the 1.5 L size bottle is preferable for ageing. Can you tell the difference in the glass? Join the fun exploration of comparative tasting while addressing the the age old question, “Does size matter?”

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Champagne Bollinger: A Living Heritage: Drunk by James Bond and beloved by connoisseurs the world around, Champagne Bollinger is synonymous with luxury. It is also the only Champagne house to receive the prestigious “Enterprise du Patrimoine Vivant” award, the French government’s highest award given to businesses. Bollinger is France, a living heritage, and Pebble Beach Food & Wine is thrilled to host an unparalleled retrospective tasting of their top cuvée, “Grande Année.”

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 10:00 a.m – 11:15 a.m.

Cooking Demonstrations:

Cat Cora’s “World Tour”: It’s no surprise that Cat Cora has become a world renowned chef. In 2005, she made television history on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” as the first and only female Iron Chef, and in November 2006 Bon Appétit Magazine bestowed her with their “Teacher of the Year Award,” an honor she calls, “the greatest recognition she could achieve as a chef.” That same month, she was also bestowed with another great culinary distinction when she was named Executive Chef of Bon Appétit. Since then, Cora has continued to evolve her craft, becoming an accomplished author, restaurateur, contributing editor, philanthropist, and television host.

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

The Culinary Olympics at Pebble Beach IX: The Ment’Or Cooking Demo & Dinner: Dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the Bocuse d’Or is the culinary arts’ most respected international cooking competition, one in which the world’s best converge on Lyon, France for a marathon five and a half hour chef extravaganza in front of thousands of cheering fans. At this year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the United States representatives from Chef Bocuse’s premier culinary event, including Daniel Boulud, Gavin Kaysen, Stephanie Prida, Bryce Shuman, Philip Tessier, Dave Beran, Jérôme Bocuse, Mathew Peters and Joshua Skenes, will showcase the skills that place them among the world’s very best.

Opening Night Reception

The 9th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine kicks off on Thursday MAR 31 at 6 PM at the famous Inn at Spanish Bay for a night of unbridled indulgence. The Opening Night Reception features delicious bites from from 23 top chefs and tasting of over 200 domestic and international wines
Get your ticket now!

Wine Seminars

With 22 dedicated wine seminars over the course of the weekend, Pebble Beach Food and Wine is the perfect place for the true wine connoisseur. Whether you prefer to compare a broad spectrum of wines within a certain varietal, discover the diverse range of wines that one winery can produce, or taste how different the same wine from the same vineyard can be depending on the vintage, Pebble Beach Food and Wine offers the experience you’re looking for. Whatever tasting you visit, you’re assured to be trying the finest wines the world has to offer. A few events with tickets are still available: Get your ticket here!

At Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the partying continues for our select group of celebrity chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and industry influencers who dance quite literally until dawn.

Tickets

Three total weekend packages are available. Tickets can be purchased at: Pebble Beach Food and Wine website.

I’m so looking forward to support this great cause epicurean event, as well as meeting these chefs, and industry influencers. There’s so much to learn, to explore, and to be inspired.

Don’t forget to harshtag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook #PBFW @PBFW @DiningOutVegas @DepLifestyleMag and @1MandaBear.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine Hotels

Many of the motels and hotels at Pebble Beach are within walking distance or just 10, 15 minutes drive to the Pebble Beach Food & Wine events. Nearby options, search in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove and Monterey also provide easy access to the event with shuttles daily by half an hour or an hour, please check www.PBFW.com website for details. To check for hotels availability here Travelocity.com/Hotels

Pebble Beach Food & Wine:

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by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

Chef, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Travel

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel, Las Vegas

August 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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What not to love about Award-winning chef José Andrés combines traditional Spanish flavors with cutting edge culinary techniques in Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS hotel recently opens in 2014 in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is the James Beard Award-winning chef’s wild and delightful celebration of the carnivorous, in all its forms. Enjoy nuanced, playful cuisine and cocktails for which The
Bazaar by José Andrés has become known on both coasts, in a strikingly seductive setting by Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Gensler and SLS Hotels.

Voted one of the “44 Best Restaurants in America” by Business Insider; Chef José Andrés goes beyond the traditional steakhouse, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, it’s social, shared plates dining experience. It’s such a fun place for family and friends to get together.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres also features a creative cocktail selection with the well-known Bar Manager Hien Truong (formerly opening Hakkasan Vegas & Rose. Rabbit. Lie). With drinks like the Smoke on the Water, made with blackberries, atomized Scotch, Islay mist and flame and many cocktails are served table-side to show you a spectacular show of craftsmanship, only for those who truly appreciate it. And Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is also a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”, an equally impressive wine list to match with the incredible cocktails list.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is designed by the famous architecture/designer Philippe Starck (Mondrian, Paramount, Hudson hotels in NYC, LA, Chicago, and Delano Miami South Beach) and features two private dining rooms, make me think of company dinner during CES. The restaurant is spacious. It’s probably one of the biggest restaurants that I’ve seen in Las Vegas, beautifully designed, warm, inviting, and quite intimate with an open kitchen, open flame grill when you first walk it.

Love the beautiful wooden communal table can hold up to 30 people. It’s a perfect table for Birthday, bachelorette, or a post work conference dinners.

While chef José Andrés bears the name, Chef De Cuisine David Thomas is the man in charge the kitchen and GM Yassine Lyoubi offers an impeccable service from the moment we arrived till we left.

The extensive menu offers everything about meats and a whole lot more from Mediterranean mussels to sea urchin, seared quail, farm chicken and oxtail. For dessert, enjoy delights like dark chocolate lollipops, bonbons, ice creams and sorbets.

The food:

– José’s Asian Taco – Jamón ibérico de bellota, toasted nori, flying fish roe – who would have thought, they go so well together?

– Cotton Candy Foie Gras Crispy amaranth – a MUST TRY

– Sea Urchin – Soy, Wasabi, pickled ginger, lemon

– Bagels & Lox Cone – Dill cream cheese, salmon roe

– Jamón Ibérico de Bellota* (Fermín, Salamanca, Spain) Hand-cut from the famous black-footed Spanish pig, Acorn-fed, free-range

– Wagyu Beef Cheeks Mojo Rojo, oranges

– Grilled Baby Corn Mayonnaise, chile piquin, popcorn powder

– Grilled Pulpo a la Gallega Galician style octopus, potato, pimentón

– Wagyu steak by 3 OZ minimum order, prepared to perfection

– The sausage was delicious for days….

Everything was prepared to perfection, out of this world with an impressive creation that I’ve never seen before. So if you come here, please leave your ‘narrow-minded’ and ‘traditional steakhouse mind’ at home. It’s Vegas, so go wild baby! You are surely in for a real treat!

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is just ten minutes cab drive off the strip. It’s worth the drive! This is one of the most exciting restaurants recently opening in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel in Las Vegas
Restaurant Address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 761-7000
Website: http://slslasvegas.com/dining/bazaar-meat
Instagram: @BazaarByJose
Twitter: @BazaarMeat
Facebook: Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at SLS LasVegas

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by Manda Bear

Chef, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Travel

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas

August 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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I saw his name flashing on the billboard display at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, each time I pass The Strip. Voted 1 of the best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas. I finally got to take my family here.

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, a young chef that I had met a long time ago when he worked at the infamous Michelin Starred and James Beard Awarded Bradley Ogden restaurant at Caesars Palace. He also worked for chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon at the Venetian, and Alex at the Wynn back in the day. This chef was once dreamt of becoming a professional skateboarder or joining a punk-rock band. He told the story that when he first moved to Las Vegas with no money with only $70 in his pocket and to start a culinary school then.

On the first day of culinary school, Chef Michael LaPlaca was told to write a long-term goal on the first page of my notebook so that every day when he got to class, he would remember that dream. He dreamt of someday; his name will flashing on the billboard of Las Vegas Strip. He wrote down, “Executive chef on the Las Vegas Strip.” Dreams do come true!

Now this over 6 FT tall, muscular, handsome, and young chef runs one of the best Italian restaurants on the Strip.

We were greeted nicely by the beautiful hostesses. A long bar with beautiful chandeliers, and mirror opposite of the bar reflecting the brightness of the place, somewhat intimidating when I first walked in. The main dining room was warm, cozy and inviting. We got the booth table in the corner, comfortable for all.

They offer the incredible value for your money. The Summer Tastings menu is only $30 for three courses, and wine pairing for $25, unheard of at a fine dining on the Strip!

A good selection for vegetarian and gluten-free to choose, a pre-show menu and a regular a la carte one.

– MEATBALLS – fried squash blossom, goat cheese, and San Marzano tomatoes – a must try!

– Grilled Octopus – Calabrian peperonata, fingerling crisps, salsa verde

– Calamari – housemade Mariana, pepperoncini, Parmesan, and the Mariana sauce was so addicting, tasty, full of flavor. We had to ask for more sauce for bread dipping.

– PASTA TASTING – is a must if you’re pasta lover or if you come with a few friends.
1. Ravioli with poached egg and truffle
2. Gnocchi with sweetbreads, fava beans
3. Ripateli with housemade lamb sausage, peppers, grilled lamb, San Manzano tomatoes
4. Chicken Pappardelle, Foie Gras alfredo
5. Agnolotti with lobster, chanterelle mushrooms, corn butter

– Veal Osso Buco – Saffron risotto, bone marrow, gremolata – arr, meat lover, this is for you.

– Steak – was perfectly cooked to our liking.

– Branzino – asparagus, potato leek gratin, hen of the wood mushroom, delicious

DESSERTS:
– Nutella Creme Brulee – if you love Nutella, a must order dish.

– Cassata Cheesecake, strawberries, “Italian Wedding Cake” croutons – this was beautifully presented, looks like a gift box.

– Cooke Souffle Trio – Chocolate chips, Oreo, Vanilla Anglaise – sweet tooth heaven!

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, offers foodies a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience with its exclusive “Diamond and Gold” Lasagna. We didn’t get to order this dish on this visit, but chef LaPlaca told us that he might bring it back December 2015. I can’t wait.

According to the chef, the “Diamond and Gold” Lasagna will tantalize taste buds with layers of pasta stuffed with porcini mushrooms, Iberico Ham and Prosciutto di Parma. A generous serving of 24-month-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, buffalo mozzarella, and Kobe Bolognese is spread between each layer, making the dish melt in your mouth. This luxurious creation is covered with Alfredo sauce infused with Foie Gras, leaving it dripping with flavor. White Diamond winter truffles shaved tableside adorn the dish, along with glittering 23-karat gold flakes for a finishing touch. Designed by Executive Chef Michael LaPlaca, this decadent lasagna dish boasts the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine.

Service was efficient and fast, perfect timing between course. The wines by the glass were reasonable, and the wines pairing was done reasonable for the strip. The GM was very nice and checked up on us to make sure we had a good time. Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca is surely a great spot for you to visit if you want authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, doesn’t break your bank and such a charming restaurant.

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca at the Mirage Hotel
Restaurant Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (866) 339-4566 minimum age requirement is 5 years old
Website: http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/portofino-by-chef-michael-laplaca.aspx
Instagram: @TheMirageLV
Twitter: @LaPlacaMichael
Facebook: Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca

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by Manda Bear

Chef, Culinary Events, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, magazine, Restaurant, Restaurant Review

Lago Italian Restaurant, Chef Julian Serrano, at The Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

July 14, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

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Lago means ‘lake” in Italian, is the latest project of Michelin Starred Chef Julian Serrano, he’s been one of the original celebrity chefs to see the vision of Las Vegas; believe in it enough to move from San Francisco to Las Vegas to open Picasso at Bellagio; nearly 20 years later, just opened up LAGO in April 2015.

In 1998, Serrano brought his memorable Mediterranean-French cooking to Bellagio in Las Vegas as executive chef of Picasso. The Michelin two-star restaurant has been a 14-time recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award from 2002 to 2014 and has received the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine for its extensive wine list.

Chef Serrano then turned his unerring eye to the cuisine of his native Spain as executive chef of his eponymous restaurant, Julian Serrano, at ARIA Resort & Casino, which opened in 2009. Featured on the restaurant’s multiple à la carte menus is an ensemble of Serrano’s signature creations including traditional and innovative renditions of tapas, paellas, seafood and more. In 2010, Esquire magazine named Julian Serrano one of the Best New Restaurants of the year. The restaurant also received the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine in 2011.

In April 2015, Chef Serrano opened LAGO at Bellagio in 2015. Lago
by Julian Serrano will be the chef’s first Italian restaurant and explored a new take on social dining. The restaurant’s small plate menu will celebrate Chef Serrano’s creativity and signature flavors. Lago serves contemporary, Milan-inspired Italian small plates. I got to try plenty of dishes the last few months here, and all were on point.

Lago boasted spectacular views of the resort’s iconic fountains on the Las Vegas Strip. If you can RSVP an outdoor table in the evening, you would enjoy it tremendously.

Chef Julian Serrano at Vegas Uncork’d talked about Lago: “In Las Vegas, people got many places to go to, lots of choices, Lago is a casual fine dining. It took months for us to open this space (former Circo Restaurant location). I love the open space, the patio, the bar, bright lighting, and design, and I can see the beautiful Bellagio water fountain.”

Chef Serrano visioned Lago to be a place for people sharing small plates, conversations, food and be yourself, having a good time. Lago has elevated the game in Las Vegas. If the two Michelin Star Picasso was the first five stars restaurant in Las Vegas, Lago is setting a new trend, an evolution for foodie, Las Vegas lover, and tourists alike

Service is excellent here as always. If you don’t have time for dinner, Lago is a perfect spot for cocktails before dinner or show. Sit at the beautiful long bar and the lounge, offer a relaxed atmosphere and ideal place for people-watching.

We enjoy bartenders Emer and Christopher; they are both fantastic. They gear up their cocktails game here. They use the freshest ingredients, hand-crafted, housemade, and creative. You should try at least one or two before your dinner or show.

Some of the delicious dishes that we got to try:

– POLPA DI GRANCHIO E FARRO, fresh crabmeat, organic farro grain, confetti

– FEGATINI DI POLLO, chicken liver, capers, pepperoncino

– FUSILLIORO, corkscrew pasta: Abruzzo, lamb ragù, spuma di ricotta, love it.

– BRODETTO DI VONGOLE, clams, spicy white wine, love it.

– AGNELLO SCOTTADITO, grilled lamb chops, garlic, rosemary, perfection.

– POLPETTE DI CARNE, tomato braised beef meatballs, so good.

– OSSO BUCO, red wine-braised veal shank, polenta al Formaggio, delicious, super tender.

Chef Serrano told us that his favorite dining table at Lago is sitting at the bar. We couldn’t agree more with him, once you get to visit Lago.

Lago at the Bellagio Hotel
Restaurant Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Phone: (866) 259-7111
Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/lago.aspx
Instagram: @Bellagio
Twitter: @chefjserrano
Facebook: Lago at the Bellagio Hotel

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by Manda Bear

Chef, Chefs, Lifestyle, magazine, Restaurant Review, San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country Bay Area

SpoonBar, BravoTV Top Chef Louis Maldonado, Healdsburg, Sonoma County Wine Country

June 30, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

BravoTV Top Chef Season 11, Chef Louis Maldonado launched his culinary career in San Francisco as co-executive chef at Cortez, where under his direction Cortez was awarded one Michelin star in 2006. Chef Maldonado has worked at top restaurants including The French Laundry in Napa Valley and Aziza in San Francisco. Now the executive chef of Spoonbar at h2hotel in downtown Healdsburg, where he was able to create a menu of contemporary, clean, and creative yet approachable American fare. The menu was impressive with many options for vegetarian and vegan.

The chicken cracklings, duck liver mousse, celery, elderflower was crispy, tasty and delicious. The lamb loin grilled over charcoal, braised morels, spring onion, charred white bean with crystallized lettuce was beautifully presented, perfectly cooked, and it just melt in your mouth. The Thai inspired beet boudin wrapped in a crispy pastry, lime, cilantro, coconut, peanuts, shallots, was so much flavor at one bite, amazing. The tuna sashimi,
fermented chili, shiso, serrano chili, and wild onion salsa was delightful.

However, the roasted zucchini, pickled squash blossoms, beef bouillon, crispy buckwheat noodles was the winner of it all. It was refreshing with unexpected flavor, a perfect dish for a warm evening the wine country.

It was refreshing with unexpected flavor, a perfect dish for a warm evening in the wine country.

Sit at the big long Acacia Tree communal center table where you can mingle with others. If you are all “wined out” from the wine tasting all day, Spoonbar is also a perfect place for a crafted cocktail, their menu is so scientifically delicious. And with a critically acclaimed cocktail program led by rising star bar manager Alec Vlastnik, the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. From plate to place, everything about Spoonbar is a rich alchemy of art and craft.

Spoonbar at h2Hotel
219 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448

HOURS: Dinner, Friday – Saturday, 5-9:30 p.m.
Monday – Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.433.7222

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Manda Bear, a former restaurant owner, has had a strong passion for food and wine from a very young age and has traveled the world dining at over one hundred Michelin Star/James Beard award winning restaurants. Currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, Manda Bear works as publisher and contributor Drink Me Magazine, @DepLifestyleMag, @DiningOutVegas. Previously, she was a contributor for Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, and DiningOut Magazine. Additionally, Manda Bear is a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley, a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and the wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. To follow her food and wine adventures, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Chef, Chefs, Culinary Events, Lifestyle, magazine, Restaurant, San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, Southern California, Travel

5th ANNUAL LOS ANGELES FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 27-30, 2015

June 29, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Michelin starred honorees, James Beard Award winners, Food & Wine Best New Chefs, and 200 wineries, will once again converge on the City of Angels during the annual epicurean jubilee produced by Coastal Luxury Management.

The fifth annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, presented with founding partners FOOD & WINE and Lexus, is set to feature three nights and four days of unrivalled tastings, dinners, lunches, seminars, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and special events, showcasing the finest in food.

Enjoy 4 days of the decadent in food and wine with an epic epicurean event, Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival. One of the country’s premier destinations, bringing together the world’s most revered culinary talent for 3 nights and 4 days of epicurean excellence. Headquartered in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, with main events directly in front of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall (with closures along Grand Avenue, between 1st and 3rd street), attendees are invited to explore world-class Beverly Hills, happening West Hollywood, beach town of Santa Monica, and upcoming downtown LA, more than 100 celebrity chefs and 200 wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, live concerts, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world.

In past years, the star-studded lineup has included celebrated chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Curtis Stone, Dominique Crenn, David Kinch, Giada De Laurentiis, Rick Bayless, Wolfgang Puck, Nancy Silverton, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Thomas Keller, Roy Choi, Michael Chiarello, Michael Voltaggio, Robert Irvine, Guy Fieri, Fabio Viviani, and Graham Elliot, as well as local favorites including Tim Hollingsworth, Michael Cimarusti, Suzanne Goin, Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, Jessica Koslow, Ari Taymor, Ori Menashe, Josef Centeno, Sang Yoon, Ben Ford, and Ray Garcia, to name a few.

Marquee events slated to return include Live on Grand, Asian Night Market, the Power Lunch series, exclusive chef collaboration meals, and live musical performances from award-winning artists.

Lexus Grand Tastings
The Lexus Grand Tasting Tent at Los Angeles Food & Wine is the weekend’s most spectacular opportunity for maximum culinary indulgence. With over 200 wines from top-notch producers from around the world to a “who’s who” list of 30 top celebrity chefs, this is your chance to mingle, mix and sip with the very best in the field. As always, there will be opportunities for book signings and photo moments with many of the weekend’s biggest and brightest names, so buy your tickets early as this extravaganza sells out each year.

The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival has supported Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and other L.A. based charitable endeavors.

Get your tickets here: www.LAFW.com

Save the date: Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30, 2015

To follow Los Angeles Food & Wine events: www.lafw.com

Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest #lafoodwine

Photo credits: Gina Sinotte, Stefanie Parkinson, Tomo, Muscionico, and Jake Ahles

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by Manda Bear

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Chefs, Chicago, Culinary Events, Giving Back, Lifestyle, magazine, Napa Valley, Restaurant, San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley, Sonoma County, Southern California, Staying Healthy, Travel, Wineries

BITE Silicon Valley Grand Tasting Recap

June 16, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

This inauguration Bite Silicon Valley 2015 wasn’t only for foodies + techies get together, but also for a great cause, supporting two outstanding organizations in the Bay Area.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties (SHFB) is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger in Silicon Valley. And the 49ers Foundation mission is to ‘Keep Kids Safe, on Track and in School.’

The two days Grand Tasting fill with food, wines, cocktails at the state of the art Levi’s Stadium, the home of the 49ers. There was more than 60 chefs, 30 wineries, liquor, beer, sake, and more; all come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional bites, cooking demos, and chef collaborations. Bite SV featured the industry’s leading technology experts and celebrity chefs such as including José Andrés, Michael Chiarello, Roy Choi, Dominique Crenn, Michael Mina, and Michael Voltaggio. And it’s in the heart of Silicon Valley at the newest and beautiful stadium, the host of Super Bowl 50, and the first professional football stadium to have achieved LEED Gold certification. Levi’s® Stadium is predicted to be the first Californian pro sports venue to achieve net zero energy performance. There’s no place better to host Bite SV than here.

The two days Grand Tasting with over 700 guests for the first year. The two afternoons that you can get up close and personal with celebrity chefs for the first hour or so, it’s best if you get the VIP ticket so that you can attend the wine seminars. You got to meet your favorites, TV celebrities, Master Top Chefs, you name it, they were there to greet and hand you food. There was no line on both days. There were plenty of food and drinks, floating all day, except a few stations the dishes were gone after 2.5 hours. There is no place else can do a grander epicurean event for foodies + tech together like Bite Silicon Valley.

The best part of the Grand Tasting was that no food gone to waste. The excellent company Feeding Forward made sure all food leftover was to deliver to feed the less fortunate. A social venture using technology to connect those with excess food to feed those in need through their mobile app. According to @FeedingForward, by saving just 5% of food from being wasted, we can feed 4 million people. Did you know that 365 million pounds of edible food are thrown away every day? Feed Forward goal is to eradicate hunger & food waste in America. Their platform enables businesses with excess edible food to fed communities in need, instantly. Please join the movement. Follow them @FeedingForward www.FeedingForward.com.

Thank you www.BiteSV.com and Octagon Culinary for an unforgettable weekend.

Some of the high-tech dishes that fans loved:

Chef José Andrés used Clean Cook Stoves solar to make that tasty tacos @CookStoves. Many attendees were wow by it, only in Silicon Valley.
Revolutionary Plant-Based Dairy @KiteHillCheese, healthy, nutritious, and sustainable. The truffle Dill & Chive cheese and cream cheese options make out of almond milk is perfect for lactose intolerance.
3DS Culinary, 3D Printing candies booth was a popular attraction for techies here.
Cracker bite by @Nomiku was a big heat with a lot of home cooks and chefs.

A few of our favorite vegetarian dishes:

Chef Richie Farina, Executive chef at Moto Restaurant in Chicago, Top Chef Texas contestant, with his stunningly beautiful edible garden.
100% plant base meat, burger, and taco @BeyondMeat was a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan alike.
Vegetarian bite by chef Charlie Parker at happening spot in Oakland @HavenOakland, Furikake Cracker, Smoke Goat Cheese, Sweet and Sour Eggplant, Mint.

Some of the tastiest dishes of all:

The Glazed Pork Belly bite by Michelin Starred Chef Peter Armellino @PlumedHorse, it was our favorite dish on Day 2 Grand Tasting.
Txampis “Bar Soriano” by Chef Jeffrey Weiss @JeninniKWB Seared Mushroom and garlic, it was our favorite dish on Day 3 Grand Tasting. It was so good that brought many foodies back to the line for second or third bite at Sunday’s Grand Tasting.
Since Foie Gras is legalized again in California, it was popular at BITE SV. Foie Gras Mousse bite elegantly displayed on a nice wood log by Michelin Starred Chef Dominique Crenn @AtelierCrenn, it was gone an hour before the Grand Tasting over.
Delicious & the most aromatic Minced Lamb Sandwich dish @DosaSF.
Simply Tasty Chilled Carrot Broth, Fermented Curry, Shallot, Peanut Granola, and Basils by Top Chef finalist Louis Maldonado @SpoonBar in downtown Healdsburg.

Fresh oyster prepared by Chef Yu Min Lin’s signature dressing and Chef Dan Huynh of @TheSEAbyASH of Alexander’s Steakhouse Group was a perfect dish for 95-degree hot afternoon.

Local Salmon Crudo, Pressed Caviar, Yuzu Kosho, Crème Fraiche was the most photogenic dish by chef Chris Curtis @Chefcurtiss of @BourbonSteakPub a @ChefMichaelMina restaurant.

Duck and Crab Fritter bites packed with flavor by Chef Dinari Brown @CenterPlate @LevisStadium
Smoked Sea Scallop with Drop Biscuit, Bacon Aioli and tomato jam by Chef Parke Ulrich @Waterbar
Have you ever tried Foie Gras Macaron? Michelin Starred Chef Dmitry Elperin @TheVillagePubCA undoubtedly delivered this savory bite.

For sweet tooth foodies, there’re plenty desserts and pastries:

For sweet tooth Chef Charles Phan @charlesphansf @TheSlantedDoor served Vietnamese Coconut Rice Pudding dish. We have seen chef Charles Phan countless time at many food festivals, recently at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, but he hadn’t prepared any desserts before. This dessert spoon bite was a real treat.
Perfect chocolate Jasmine, Hibiscus, Strawberry by Chef Matt Siciliano @MattSiciliano of the Michelin Starred @MichaelMinaSF
Delicious chocolate mousse dessert from chef Veronica Aroyo @BourbonSteakPub
Chocolates and plenty desserts by International Culinary Institute @ICCeduWebsite: BiteSV.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/bitesv

Chefs, Culinary Events, magazine, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley

BITE SILICON VALLEY, DAY 2 & Day 3 with Cooking Demonstrations & Seminars

June 15, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Bite Silicon Valley, Day 2 & 3, Grand Tasting, Cooking
Demonstrations, Seminars, Plant Based Food, Clean Energy, and Wine Industry, at Levi’s® Stadium.

Bite Silicon Valley Saturday’s Grand Tasting featured the food of celebrity chefs locally and around the country as well as the tasty wins kept on flowing. Guests got to see 3D food printing, which
this would often be seen at CES in Las Vegas. Sous vide cooking by Nomiku @Nomiku with Co-Founder/CEO Lisa Fetterman, Solar cooking by chef José Andrés, ThinkFoodGroup, @chefjoseandres.

Moderator Jordan Mackay explained why wine is an agricultural product unlike any other. How can technology improve both viticulture and vinification, particularly in drought years in California?

We got to see Tim Geistlinger, Ph.D. Vice President of R&D; Beyond Meat talked about the 100% plan- based meat, with moderator Santosh Jayaram @SantoJay @Table8. Yellow pea is the protein based for Beyond Meat popular Beast Burger, which served at the grand tasting. @BeyondMeat on plant-based protein & a sustainable diet for the future. Tim Geistlinger also discussed on impacting the World with diet creating the future of protein with @BeyondMeat mission.

Later was chef José Andrés, ThinkFoodGroup, @chefjoseandres talked about believing in the power of food as an agent of change at Bite Silicon Valley. Investing in solution, finding the less fortunate jobs, feed them with food, affordable food for all, and Chef Andrés’s goal is to help people. Before you help others, you have to learn how to help them right! Investing in the people, in your community, making a difference in our community, seems to be the message of chef José Andrés this entire conference.

Chef José Andrés demonstrated with AlSol Solar Cookstove outdoor to serve the crowd the popular tacos. He talked about poverty in the U.S. and around the world, as well as how we can be smarter on spending our money, return on our investment. We need to make sure we do not put people in misery. With technology from Silicon Valley, we can change that. Stop talking about what you do, start doing it, solve the problems with clean energy.

In conclusion, “There’s no easy solution to this problem. But we raise awareness on this issue of clean energy.” Kerry Diamond, Editor in Chief of @YahooFood @kerrydiamond.
Cooking demonstrations with Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine, Top Chef Michael Voltaggio, Ink Restaurant in LA.

Wine Seminar was another popular event, talked about Apps, Snaps, Maps: Technology Takes on the Wine Industry. With San Francisco-based moderator, Alder Yarrow of Vinography.com and Cibo, for a lively investigation of how technology impacts the way we drink, learn, buy and share wine. With guest speaker Kim Beto and others, guests got to drink some delicious wines line up while engaging with speakers

On day 3, Wine growing in an era of Digital & Drought with @mydailywine @ClarkRSmith @jorgrama @Gonzalez_Rave @PinotMaven

@Gonzalez_Rave said to stay honest with her fruit to create the best wine.

“99+% or 25,000 winemakers out there in the U.S. make less than 200 cases of wines, support them, because they don’t have the voice. They don’t’ have the resources to get their wines on the groceries store shelves.” @ClarkRSmith

Chef Michael Voltaggio @MVoltaggio shares his experiences in 13 countries: “Technology connects. Food unites people.”

It was a wrap at Bite Silicon Valley with Food Tech Sous Vide trail blazer Lisa Q. Fetterman from @Nomiku hosted by @kerrydiamond. We got try that tasty cracker at Nomiku station.

With over 60 chefs, 30 wineries, 20 speakers, and all for a great cause, Bite SV benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties and the 49ers Foundation. Unlike other Food & Wine Festivals in Las Vegas, South Beach or Aspen, where celebrity sightings, fancy dinners, after-parties, and happy hours sponsored by many luxurious high end brands; Bite was a successful food + wine + tech + innovation festival, like no other, where ideas, issues, awareness, and solutions were raised and together we will make this world a better place. We’re so looking forward to BITE Silicon Valley 2016.

AUTHOR:
To follow her food and wine adventure, you can follow her on:

Instagram: @1mandabear
Twitter: @1mandabear and @DepLifestyleMag

Chefs, Culinary Events, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review

Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit April 2015 Recap

May 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

It was surely an incredible weekend of food, wine, drink, and social in Las Vegas April 23-26, serving up exciting culinary events at ARIA, Bellagio, Caesars Palace and MGM Grand. This year’s extravaganza features intimate dinners and interactive experiences hosted by acclaimed chefs, sommeliers and mixologists such as first-time participant Emeril Lagasse, along with talents like Gordon Ramsay, Michael Mina, Guy Savoy, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain and Ho Chee Boon, as well as Emeril Laggase, Francois Payard, Wolfgang Puck, and Alain Ducasse.

Las Vegas where more than 30 celebrity chefs and 100 wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world. And it’s all surrounded by some of the most beautiful hotels in Las Vegas

The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace is the grandest event of all, with over 2,500 guests. This is the evening that you can get up close and personal with celebrity chefs for the first hour or so, it’s best if you get the VIP $300 ticket, to avoid the crowd, you got to meet your favorites, TV celebrities, Master Top Chefs, you name it, they were there to greet and hand you food. There is no place else can do a grander epicurean extravaganza event for foodies than Las Vegas.

Thank you www.vegasuncorked.com and Bon Appétit Magazine for an unforgettable weekend, no surprise that Vegas Uncork’d was voted the top 10 Best Readers’ Choice: Best Food Festival Winners on USA Today 2015.

Until 2016, let’s eat, drink, be merry and celebrate life in Las Vegas style.

Thursday APRIL 23, 2015

The ninth annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit, presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred®, began with a splash as some of the biggest names in the culinary world united in Las Vegas. Joined by more than 20 other iconic chefs, including Emeril Lagasse, Michael Mina and Guy Savoy, chef Julian Serrano did the honors of traditionally sabering a bottle of Mionetto Prosecco on the patio of his newest restaurant, LAGO at Bellagio, as the resort’s famed Fountains of Bellagio danced in the background.

A-list celebrity chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina and Shawn McClain came together for an all-star feast at The Buffet at ARIA to
put their gourmet spin on self-service style dining. Diners sipped champagne while sampling dozens of award-winning specialties including Julian Serrano’s Spanish tortillas, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s smoked kurabota pork rack with ancho chili glaze and escargot from Michael Mina.

Over at the new Boarder Grill inside Caesars Palace, Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger spiced things up with a fabulous fiesta, fueled by tequila and tacos during their Master Series Dinner. Foodies embraced savory Mexican fare including oysters on the half shell, a variety of ceviche, grilled fish tacos and seafood cocktails while sipping free flowing and award-winning margaritas from the interactive drink station.

Acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten created an exclusive
dinner at the lakeside patio of Prime Steakhouse, offering guests a spectacular view of the famed Fountains of Bellagio. Guests were treated to an elegant four-course dinner showcasing various cuts of beef which included A5 Japanese wagyu beef Carpaccio and prime dry aged rib-eye, served by Jean-Georges Vongerichten himself and perfectly paired with premier wines.

Friday APRIL 24, 2015

The culinary masters of Wolfgang Puck’s Las Vegas restaurants came together for a special lunch, hosted by Spago Executive Chef Eric Klein, to showcase the many flavors of Wolfgang Puck’s empire at Spago in Caesars Palace. Foodies enjoyed five courses prepared by top chefs Eric Klein, Dustin Lewandowski, Mike Tiva, Jorge Martinez and Matt Hurley, and guests were treated to a surprise appearance by Wolfgang Puck.

Dessert connoisseurs became pastry savvy during the sweetest Master Series at Vegas Uncork’d in Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace. Pastry Chef François Payard shared his techniques as attendees enjoyed the freshest, most delicious French pastries, including rice crispies with milk chocolate and crispy
chocolate filo, white chocolate and raspberry napoleons and floating islands with spiced chocolate sauce.

The luxurious Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace hosted the ultimate culinary event, The Grand Tasting. Guests experienced the best of the best with free-flowing wines and spirits while mingling with more than 75 award-winning chefs including Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, Jean-George Vongerichten, Guy Savoy, François Payard, Michael Mina, Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger and more.

Guests got up close and personal with Border Grill chef-owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger during the fun-filled boozy brunch and cooking class at Caesars Palace. Foodies gathered during this exclusive demonstration to watch the innovative Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros, homemade chorizo chilaquiles and Jalisco burro as well as intricate libations including sparkling pineapple mimosas, vere maria and blood orange jalapeno margaritas come to life before indulging on the five-course brunch.

Saturday APRIL 25, 2015

Over at Bellagio, award-winning chef Julian Serrano curated a special brunch to debut his new restaurant, Lago. The exclusive afternoon of creative Italian small plates and innovative cocktails included build-your-own Bloody Mary and champagne cocktails along with frittata della nonna, spiedino di salsiccia and biancomangiare.

Cocktail connoisseurs learned to pour like a pro with ARIA Mixologist Craig Schoettler at Alibi Cocktail Lounge. Attendees broke into teams to show off their best bartending skills and competed against fellow participants to see who could shake up the best original cocktail. The winning team’s cocktail will be featured in Alibi’s Cocktail Lounge menu.

Chef Guy Savoy and luxury Champagne house, Krug Champagne, brought a one-of-a-kind experience to diners at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. Ticket holders sat at the only Krug Chef’s Table in the U.S., sipping on luxurious Krug champagne while Chef Guy Savoy prepared a tantalizing menu of artichoke and black truffle soup and colors of caviar, perfectly paired with Krug Vintage 2000, Krug Vintage 2003 and Krug Rose.

Culinary enthusiasts united poolside for a New Orleans Style Fish House experience at MGM Grand Producer’s Pool. Guests were treated to craft beer on tap with freshly shucked raw and grilled oysters, cooked to order whole grilled market fish and New Orleans style boiled seafood delicacies.
During the event, students Elsa Sabellano Jenstad and Krista Burdick of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas teamed up with Vegas Uncork’d chefs Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina to battle it out for a $20,000 scholarship during the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Grill Challenge. Ultimately, the grand prize went to Elsa Jenstad of Team Emeril.

Jasmine Restaurant at Bellagio hosted an educational tasting and welcomed representatives from four member wineries from In Pursuit of Balance, Rajat Parr of Domaine de la Côte, Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards, Matt Licklider of Lioco and Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson. During California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: A Tasting of Balance, an array of wine was served including LIOCO Chardonnay “Hanzell Vineyard,” Domaine de la Cote Pinot Noir “Estate,” Matthiasson Merlot “Red Hen Vineyard” and Hirsh Vineyards Pinot Noir “San Andreas Fault Estate.” sipping on the selected Pinot Noir and California Chardonnay’s from Bellagio’s Director of Wine and Master Sommelier Jason Smith, alongside Bon Appétit Wine editor David Lynch.

Internationally acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay gave foodies the chance to compete in a friendly cook-off to experience the heat of Hell’s Kitchen at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace. Following the cook-off, participants celebrated with a corresponding dinner alongside Ramsay and Hell’s Kitchen winning chefs Christina Wilson and Scott Commings for a three course meal which included a spring garden journey, Kurobuta pork tenderloin and strawberry rhubarb mosaic.

Guests enjoyed an interactive journey through the art of modern Cantonese cooking with Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon at Hakkasan Restaurant & Nightclub at MGM Grand. Diners embraced the special six-course dinner that featured the restaurant’s globally acclaimed cuisine paired with exquisite wines selected by Christine Parkinson, the world-renowned curator of Hakkasan’s award-winning wine program.

Guests at ARIA’s Sage Restaurant enjoyed a sophisticated five-course dinner celebration by tasting some of the most highly-coveted vintage wines, hand selected by Flower’s Vineyard Estate Director, Greg Miller, and ARIA Director of Wine, Kim Wood and paired with farm-to-table fare from James Beard and award-winning chef Shawn McClain, including Maine lobster pave, Hawaiian kampachi, aged ricotta ravioli, glazed veal cheek and blackberry panna cotta.

Bravo’s newest TV competition series came to life during the star-studded Saturday soiree, presented by Buick, at the Bravo’s Best New Restaurant Pop-Up at Caesars Palace. Guests enjoyed a four-course seated dinner prepared by America’s “Best New Restaurant,” DOLCE Italian, with signature dishes such as ricotta cavatelli, grilled octopus and seared branzino.

Sunday APRIL 26, 2015

Inside ARIA at BARDOT Brasserie, internationally celebrated chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Jean Philippe Maury, Shawn McClain and Julian Serrano created a one-of-a-kind daytime soiree. Guests enjoyed the bountiful brunch that featured classic French dishes including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s char grilled wagyu strip steak, Michael Mina’s hunters waffle, Shawn McClain’s Maine lobster ravioli, Julian Serrano’s huevos Serrano and “The Sweet French Affair” prepared by Jean Philippe Maury with opera, warm chocolate cake and lemon sensation. World-class French wines, which included a 2006 Domaine La Tour Vieille Rimage Banyuls and a 2010 Jean Follard Cuvee Corcelette Morgan flowed throughout brunch to pair perfectly with the French cuisine and sultry sounds of the live French jazz band.

Attendees’ senses took a trip to Southern Italy during an afternoon affair at Rao’s at Caesars Palace. Frank Pellegrino, Jr. entertained guests in true Italian fashion by serving multi-course family-style plates that featured family favorites such as the beef and pork braciola, Rao’s meatballs, and sweet and hot Italian sausage braised together in a rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce known as “Sunday Gravy.” Perfectly paired with the authentic specialties, guests also enjoyed seasonally inspired libations including Quercerto Chianti and Nuschese Pinot Grigio alongside non-stop entertainment that comes with a traditional Italian Sunday meal.

Over at Bellagio, in the private room of Sensi, Vegas Uncork’d guests took center stage for one final over-the-top social dining extravaganza. Foodies feasted on whole roasted beasts of land and sea, including a whole roasted lamb, ketchup dusted pork rinds, deviled duck eggs and a whole roasted fish served spit-roasted, crispy-skinned, slow-smoked and salt-baked, while giant bottles of hand selected artisanal and craft label beers from Brooklyn Brewery and Samuel Adams flowed throughout the evening.

Author: Manda Bear
https://instagram.com/1mandabear
https://twitter.com/1mandabear
Manda Bear has a passion for food and wine as a very young age. She’s currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, as a co-publisher and contributor @DepLifestyleMag @DiningOutVegas @FabMediaSF. She has contributed for Viet Press, Viet Tribune, Studio 14 Magazine, DiningOut Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is currently contributing for Drink Me Magazine www.DrinkMeMag.com and Dep Lifestyle Magazine.

She’s a certified level II Sommelier @VintageWineSR at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley and you can find her on YouTube for her “Wine Not” Rượu Cho Người Việt by Dep Lifestyle Magazine.

She’s a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high tech companies in Silicon Valley. She’s also a former restaurant owner and has traveled to dine at over hundred of Michelin Star/James Beard Award winning restaurants around the world.

Chef, Chefs, Culinary Events, San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area

THE 8TH ANNUAL PEBBLE BEACH FOOD AND WINE, April 9 – 12, 2015, Pebble Beach, CA

April 1, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Enjoy 4 days of the decadent in food and wine with an epic epicurean event, Pebble Beach Food and Wine. One of the country’s premier destinations, bringing together the world’s most revered culinary
talent for 3 nights and 4 days of epicurean excellence. Attendees are invited to explore the three world-class resorts including The Inn at Spanish Bay, Lodge at Pebble Beach, and Casa Palmero, where more than 100 celebrity chefs and 250 wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and expirience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world. And it’s all surrounded by 1 of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

At Pebble Beach Food & Wine, ment’or will present Team USA for a very special evening of intimate dinners and culinary demonstrations as inspired by the prestigious biennial competition. Team USA’s Chef Philip Tessier of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group and his Commis Skylar Stover of The French Laundry in Yountville, CA will design a menu inspired by the “Culinary Olympics” at The Imperial Dinner, the pinnacle of the four-day festival, curating a menu that will highlight what helped the Team win the silver prize at the Bocuse d’Or competition.

Other Pebble Beach Food & Wine event highlights include “An Evening at Maude” as celebrated chef and culinary personality Curtis Stone transports the flavors, aromas, and essence of his first-ever Los Angeles restaurant to Pebble Beach; join Master Sommeliers and winemakers for unprecedented wine tastings with Chateau Margaux, Domaine Faiveley, Kosta Browne, and Penfolds Grange. Meat purists will enjoy a whole-animal “Meatopia” marquee event co-produced by Esquire Magazine’s Josh Ozersky while others will get ready for cooking demonstrations with the likes of Iron Chef Jose Garces, Dana Cowin, or Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto as he pays homage to the quintessential comfort food–Ramen 101. Additionally, the Lexus Grand Tasting, an annual favorite, will host one of the greatest lineups of wine and culinary talent since its inception in 2008.

Opening Night Reception

The 8th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine kicks off on Thursday APR 9 at 6 PM at the famous Inn at Spanish Bay for a night of unbridled indulgence. The Opening Night Reception features delicious bites from from 23 top chefs and tasting of over 200 domestic and international wines

Please Note: The bulk of this event is reserved for our Weekend Package Ticket Holders; individual tickets are extremely limited.
Get your ticket now!

Wine Seminars

The Best of Beringer Treasures from the Library – showcase the wines of perennial powerhouse Beringer Vineyards, who’ll be pulling from their Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon library to showcase some of the most memorable vintages of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. Known for Cabernets that balance power with finesse, Beringer Vineyards extensive winemaking experience and exceptional vineyard sources result in some of California’s very best bottles.

Champagne Billecart The Epitome of Effervescent Excellence – True Champagne connoisseurs know that the mark of a great house is excellence across its entire portfolio of bubbles, not just in its most luxurious tête de cuvée blends. Here at the Eighth Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine, showcases the wines of Champagne Billecart, which for many, is the benchmark for effervescent integrity. Led by Geoffrey Loisel, we’ll taste across the spectrum of sparkling wines made by this Mareuil-sur-Ay house, one of the last that remains family-owned among the Champenoise. Join us for a truly exceptional afternoon of sparkling magic!

Penfolds and the Pinnacle of Australian Wine – Penfolds celebrates a strong winemaking heritage built over 170 years and has become one of Australia’s oldest and most esteemed houses. While it produces a dizzying array of award-winning wines from a variety of grapes, its reputation is firmly based on powerhouse reds like Grange and St. Henri, where the shiraz grape arguably reaches its New World zenith. Special featured Penfolds’ Winemaking Ambassador, and long-time friend to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Mr. DLynn Proctor, as he guides us through an unparalleled tour of Penfolds’ finest.

Rock Stars of Pinot Kosta Browne – For anyone who’s ever dreamed big, the story of Dan Kosta and Michael Browne’s unlikely ascent from waiters to winemakers is particularly inspiring. Based in Sebastopol, this duo’s phenomenal success with pinot noir has made Kosta Browne an iconic brand in just over a decade’s time. Highly collectible and hotly coveted, the wines of Kosta Browne will be presented by Dan Kosta in this ‘only at Pebble Beach’ event.

Cooking Demonstrations

Pebble Beach Food and Wine is your opportunity to learn cooking techniques and skills directly from renowned chefs like Curtis Stone, Masaharu Morimoto, Jose Garces and Kevin Gillespie. Each chef will give a demonstration that shows off his or her unique skills, providing you with insights you can use in your own kitchen.

Lunches

Experience extravagant cuisine in exquisite restaurants with exceptional views of the Pacific coastline and the famed golf courses of Pebble Beach. Celebrity chefs unite to create delectable lunches, each one united around a specific theme. Your wine (or, in the case of the Best of Belgium lunch, beer) will, of course, be perfectly matched to your meal.

Dinners

Dinners at Pebble Beach Food and Wine provide the best in fine dining. Whether your meal showcases “A Taste of The Big Apple” or “Beauties & Their Beasts” you are sure to have the ultimate gastronomic experience.

Lexus Grand Tastings

The Lexus Grand Tasting Tent at Pebble Beach Food & Wine is the weekend’s most spectacular opportunity for maximum culinary indulgence. With over 300 wines from top-notch producers from around the world to a “who’s who” list of 30 top celebrity chefs, this is your chance to mingle, mix and sip with the very best in the field. As always, there will be opportunities for book signings and photo moments with many of the weekend’s biggest and brightest names, so buy your tickets early as this extravaganza sells out each year. Package Guests get VIP access 30 minutes early.

Happy Hours

After Hours v.1-01 At Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the partying continues for our select group of celebrity chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and industry influencers who dance quite literally until dawn.

Please Note: This is a private, invitation-only event.

Tickets

Major partners for this year’s event will include FOOD & WINE, Lexus, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, as well as more to be announced. Tickets or gift certificates are now available and may be
purchased a la carte or as a weekend package, with prices ranging from $100 to $4,750 for a VIP, all inclusive four-day pass including
Lexus transportation and access to exclusive celebrity chef and winemaker after-hours parties.

Three total weekend packages are available. Tickets can be purchased at: Pebble Beach Food and Wine website.

As some of our proud Northern California famous chefs will be creating special dishes on the Opening Night, dinners, lunches, and the Lexus Grand Tastings, for you with the best sommeliers team; featured chefs Jared Gallagher (Chez TJ), Dmitry Elperin (The Village Pub), Peter Rudolph (Madera Restaurant), Peter Armellino (The Plumed Horse), Matthew Accarrino (SPQR), Justin Cogley (Aubergine at L’Auberge), Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn), Bill Corbett (The Absinthe Group), Lissa Doumani (Terra/Urchin Bistro/Ame), Kelly McCown (Selland Family Restaurants), Charles Phan (Slanted Door Group), Richard Reddington (REDD), Skylar Stover & Philip Tessier (The French Laundry), William Werner (Craftsman and Wolves), and more. I’m so looking forward to support this great cause epicurean event, as well as meeting these chefs, and industry influencers. There’s so much to learn, to explore, and to be inspired. Don’t forget to harshtag us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook #PBFW @PBFW @DrinkMeMag @DepLifestyleMag and @1MandaBear.