Last Thursday, July 29, 2010, Los Angelenos’ taste buds got the royal treatment at the American Wine & Food Festival’s first exclusive summer pre-party event – “An Evening On The Beach.” With unobstructed views of the ocean on the private beach of the Santa Monica Jonathan Club, LA food and wine aficionados were wined and dined at the sold-out event. Over 400 guests joined in the festivities while raising funds for Los Angeles Chapters of Meals on Wheels.
Guests warmed themselves by the crackling fires while some of Los Angeles’ most notable chefs prepared tempting, generous charcuterie and grilled dishes, full of savory flavors and rich aromas.
Crowds lined up to taste unique selections prepared beach side:
Joshua Smith of Church & State Bistro ~ Pork Belly, Veal Skirt & Beef Hangar Burger with Caramelized Onions, Smoked Tomato Aioli on a Bread Lounge Brioche Bun
David Meyers of Comme Ca ~ Peach, Myer Lemon, Serrano Chile Marinated Caledonian Blue Prawns, Smoked Paprika & Saffron Rouille
Katsuya Uechi of Katsuya Restaurants ~ Crispy Rice with Peppered Tuna Steak
La Brea Bakery ~ Fine Cheeses & Artisanal Breads
Christophe Eme of Ortolan Restaurant ~ Smoked Sardines. Marinated Sardines with Lemon Confit, Baby Basil, Olive Tapenade & Herb Caviar
Michael Cimarusti of Providence Restaurant ~ Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon. Heirloom Tomato Compote, Yuzu Kosho, Shiso Salad
John Sedler of Rivera Restaurant ~ Tortillas Florales
David McIntyre of WP 24 ~ Grilled Hunan Style Lamb Chops
John Lechleidner of Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, L.A. LIVE ~ Grilled Sweet Fennel Sausage Sandwich with Garlic Rapini & Extra Sharp Provolone
Sherry Yard of Spago Beverly Hills ~ S’mores Around the Fire
Sally Camacho Pastry Chef, WP 24 ~ Raspberry Red Pepper & Coconut Curacao Icy Pops. Passion Fruit Pistachio & Coffee Chocolate Push Up Pops
Guests enjoyed cocktails by VeeV Mixologists, beverages by T Salon, and select wines poured by:
* Baker Lane Vineyards
* Boheme Wines
* C. Donatiello Winery
* Evening Lands Vineyards
* Inception Wines
* Melville
* Miner Family
* Palmina
* Sacred Cellars
* Stoller Vineyards
* Torbreck Vintners
* Va Piano Vineyards
The spirit of the evening remained high, with a silent auction featuring four luxurious getaways at Four Seasons Resorts in Hawaii and Capella, Mexico, with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Chapters of Meals on Wheels. Audi was one of the many proud sponsors of the event.
About AWFF
Since its inception in 1982, the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation has supported the American Wine & Food Festival, raising more than $15 million for the Los Angeles Chapters of Meals on Wheels. This organization serves thousands of meals each day to Los Angeles’ homebound seniors and disabled citizens, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.
Visit www.awff.org for more information on the upcoming American Wine & Food Festival’s signature events on September 25 & 26.
Photos by Kevin Stapleton Photography.
great meeting everyone!