January and February 2009
2-22-09
ACF Dinner at Montrio Bistro
When Paul Lee, President, and Marc Jones (Stagnaro Bros. Seafood Restaurant in Santa Cruz), Events Director of the ACF Monterey Chapter, contacted Executive Chef Tony Baker to host this month’s ACF Meeting at Montrio Bistro, the Chef agreed and the three personalities applied themselves to invite the members and specialty vendors such as Ocean Mist Farms, Vande Rose Farms, Robbie’s Ocean Fresh Seafood Inc., San Saba’s Bocage Wines, and of course Sonoma - Artisan Foie Gras! The result of their efforts? A memorable dinner, great company and a wonderful networking opportunity.
2-21-09
Le Grand Dîner
The location this year? Mustard Festival Chef Host, Ken Frank’s beautifully appointed, new restaurant, La Toque at the Westin Verasa downtown Napa.
The 2009 Le Grand Dîner chef’s line up?
* Host Chef Ken Frank of La Toque
* Executive Chef/Owner Greg Cole of Cole’s Chop House
* Executive Chef/Partner Scott Warner of Bistro Don Giovanni
* Executive Chef/Owner Charles Weber of Elements
* Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli of Angèle
* Executive Chef Angela Tamura of Zuzu
* Steven Durfee, Pastry Instructor, The Culinary Institute of America
The participating wineries?
Beaulieu Vineyard
HALL Wines
The Hess Collection
Honig Vineyard & Winery
Luna Vineyards
Mumm Napa
Robert Mondavi Winery
Saddleback Cellars
http://www.mustardfestival.org/the_grand_dinner.html
1-09
Castello di Amorosa - A Charming Event Venue
When Margie Tosch invited Sonoma - Artisan Foie Gras to participate in a Food & Beverage and Service & Hospitality Industry Networking Event at Castello di Amorosa, members of our group who had never been, were in for a big surprise! It was timed perfectly - a 4 pm tour of the castle, sunset cocktail hour featuring Castello’s Anderson Valley Pinot Grigio in the Courtyard was followed by the grand entrance when magnificent wooden doors opened into the Great Hall.
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/
Napa Valley Mustard Festival
Mustard Magic: The Grand Opening Event
January 31st, 2009
Magical it was!
In a whimsical combination of art nouveau costumed models, gracefully dressed attendees in headresses, wineries and restaurants presenting epicurean delights, and a beautifully displayed auction featuring precious wines and art pieces, the evening’s magic flowed. The night culminated with the tunes of great music, rhythmic dancing and the grand finale? A Latin touch - dancing to “La Bamba” and “Tequila!”
http://www.mustardfestival.org/mustard_magic.html