Indulge, and say all things cheese at next week's Artisan Cheese Festival taking place at the Sheraton in Sonoma County. There will be cheese makers, brewers, wineries, and chefs. See the entire participant list HERE.
For full details and ticket information, visit the Artisan Cheese Festival Website.
Leading Restaurants * Local Winemakers * Epicurean Artisans * Extraordinary Chefs * Mixologists * Live Music * and More
Saturday, October 13, 2012 | Noon – 4pm
San Francisco magazine presents FallFest 2012, a celebration of the Bay Area’s best in food and wine. Leading restaurateurs, winemakers, mixologists, and epicurean artisans join together for an inspiring day of premier wine and food tasting, chef demonstrations, cocktail competitions, and panel discussions.
It all takes place outdoors at Justin Herman Plaza, which is transformed for the day into a European-style marketplace, taking full advantage of the season’s gorgeous weather and the waterfront’s beautiful views. Come feast, drink and celebrate!
Some photos from this past weekend's Eat Real Festival in Oakland's Jack London Square:
Mason jars of Anchor Steam Beer ($6). Very useful ERF souvenir.
Rolling in the Alter Eco Food Tuk
Vegan BBQ "Chicken" Sandwich at Whole Foods
Chef John Fink (The Whole Beast) & his lamb gyro
It was a hot weekend in Los Angeles. I mean, literally scorching hot. The temps rose to triple digits and there were more ovens burning in LA than usual. Chefs, Sommeliers and epicures from all over converged on to downtown's LA Live for the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival with partners Lexus, AEG and Food & Wine Magazine.
This wasn't just any food event. This gathering was a continued celebration of Chef Wolfgang Puck's 30 year tradition of raising awareness and funds for St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels. To date, he has donated millions with his American Food & Wine Festival and another $400,000 raised from LAFW's inaugural year.
Chefs Dean Fearing and Michelle Bernstein
Lexus Southern Brunch- Fearing's Chicken Fried Texas Quail with Bourbon/Jalapeno Creamed Corn & Bernstein's Creamy Fontina Grits w/corn & charred kale
Ricardo Zarate's Grilled Miso Paiche on Butter Lettuce
From an Opening night Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis to the Lexus Grand Tasting tents, there was something to fit everyone's particular taste and palate. With Chefs like Michael Chiarello, Joachim Splichal, Nobu Matsuhisa, Charles Phan and Scott Conant headlining events, it was difficult task to not want to attend all of the above. Most events were sold out and with ticket prices ranging from $50 for a celebrity chef cooking demo, to $2,000 for an invite-only Founder's Dinner, guests definitely got their money's worth.
Chef Gino Angelini
A Bubbly Good Time
Only at LAFW, could you get Hawaiian Ahi Poke from Chef Sam Choy, Chicken Fried Texas Quail via Chef Dean Fearing a Morro Bay Oyster from Post Ranch Inn's Chef John Cox, and a spiked Pina Colada popsicle from the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas..all in one day.
Chef Alexandre Vacher's "Snickers Bar"
Patina's Joachim Splichal & Charles Olalia
Church and State's Heirloom Tomatoes with Vinaigrette
Despite all the incredible events throughout the weekend, the one many seemed extra excited for was the Lexus Live on the Plaza with Wolfgang Puck and Friends. Perhaps, it was because "friends" of WP, included folks like Gale Gand (Tru), Rory Herrmann (Bouchon BH), Levi Mezick (Restaurant 1833), Paul Prudhomme, Kerry Heffernan, Francois Payard, and a Third Eye Blind concert. Yup, at LAFW, you can have your plate of Spago, glass of Opus One, front-row view at a rock concert and eat your cake too.
Wolfgang Puck at LAFW
Thanks, Wolfgang Puck, Coastal Luxury Management, Lexus and all the sponsors for making this past weekend happen.
For more info on Los Angeles Food & Wine, visit HERE
See Food Fashionista's LAFW 2012 Photo Album HERE later today
Thank God for illy coffee this past weekend. The crowds came out in full effect to Union Square for the fourth annual SF Chefs - San Francisco's most anticipated culinary festival. It was non-stop action and the caffeine definitely came in handy. It's hard to believe that it was already four years ago since then Mayor Gavin Newsom and Bay Area-local Tyler Florence were cutting the ribbon on opening night. Back in 2009, we didn't know what would become of SF Chefs, but fast forward to 2012 and I'm happy to report that it has gotten better, even more delicious than ever.
illy's Master Barista Giorgio Milos
SF Chefs is no longer just a celebration of local chefs, but a gathering of food and beverage industry talent from near and far. In fact, one of the first events to sell out this year was the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony hosted by Scandinavian-raised, New York-based Chef Marcus Samuelsson with Italian illy Master Barista Giorgio Milos. You can't get more international, culture club than that. Samuelsson noted that Ethiopian coffee has recognizable citrus and floral notes, and it's a must that you cook coffee beans at the correct temperature. If not, they will burn. Drinking coffee in Ethiopia is taken seriously, and it's not just a quick 5-10 minute occurence which you often see here in the United States. In Ethiopia, Samuelsson says that it's often an hour or more beginning with the process of washing raw, unwashed coffee beans and then roasting them on a fire.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony at Espressamente illy Cafe
At SF Chefs, Samuelsson also hosted an illy's Explorigin event with San Francisco star chef Chris Consentino. They, along with a chef from the CIA prepared courses incorporating illy's MonoArabica coffee with local ingredients and the result was absolutely divine. The morning crowd was wide awake and hootin' and hollerin' "Yes, Chef" and oohing and aahing while tasting the prepared dishes - which included Consentino's Prather Ranch Veal tartare with coffee, mushrooms and dried blueberries, and Samuelsson's coffee-cured duck breast with Matsumoto peaches.
Consentino's veal tartare with illy coffee, blueberries, mushrooms
Samuelsson's illy MonoArabica -cured duck breast
Throughout the weekend, the gracious, fashionable Samuelsson -the new illy MonoArabica Brand Ambassador was decked out in signature illy red either in button-up leather vests or high-top chucks (Converse). He credits his fashion-industry wife for assisting him with his outfits and it's no surprise, he was named one of Vanity Fair Magazine's Best Dressed. Despite the bright and colorful crimson clothing and accessories, Samuelsson's generous spirit and infectious energy is what makes him a constant standout. In addition to being a James Beard Award-winning chef, and author of several cookbooks, with a recent memoir, Yes, Chef, he is also a philanthropist who finds it a priority to give back to the community.
Decked out in YSL & Gap in San Francisco's Union Square
The collaboration with illy seemed a natural fit, since both Marcus and the origins of coffee were born in Ethiopia. While interviewing Marcus, he noted that "Illy is committed to finding the best coffee beans in the world and their MonoArabica line is the best of Brazilian coffee, Guatemalan coffee, and Ethiopian coffee." He was happy to see Ethiopian coffee finally "getting the recognition it deserves with a brand such as illy" and although he moved away from Ethiopia after he was adopted as a young child, he mentioned that he and his wife still go back every year with the various charities they work on.
Food Fashionista Interviewing Samuelsson - the new illy ambassador
During SF Chefs, the illy Lounge was the hot place to be. At any given moment, you'd find the industry's most-notable talent getting their conversation and coffee fix on in the stylish illy Lounge. Spotted in the chic, contemporary gathering spot were industry folks such as Charles Phan, Consentino, Thomas McNaughton, Drew Nieporent, Dominique Crenn, Martin Yan, Tyler Florence, and the legendary Cecelia Chang.
Cecelia Chang - a woman who definitely lives happ(illy)
Tyler Florence chatting with Samuelsson in the illy Lounge
With illy-coffee desserts prepared by local patisseries and illy single-origin coffee being brewed all day long, how could you resist. I mean, when someone is offering you a Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy-coffee frosting and a whimsically-decorated latte, are you going to say no. I don't think so.
Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy Coffee Frosting
Even if you didn't make it to SF Chefs this year, you can still discover the excitement of illy's new MonoArabica coffee which consists of three single origin beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. They are each unique and come alive with distinct characteristics born of region-specific soil, altitude, rainfall, sun and cultivation profiles. The notable Aroma, taste and body vary from origin-to-origin, country-to-country, to create a wonderfully satisfying effect in the cup. As an appreciator of beautiful aesthetics and great taste, illy has been a brand that I've chosen to experience around the world and even in my own home. Their collaboration with contemporary artists have resulted in some gorgeous masterpiece coffee cups. With illy, it's not just about drinking a cup of coffee, it's the entire experience - from smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.
If you are in San Francisco, you can sample the new MonoArabica coffee at:
123 Battery Street
San Francisco (CA)
Learn more about the exciting world of illy HERE
SF Chefs 2012 has officially come to a close, but the memories, calories, Illy-caffeine high and hangovers (for some) will last a whole lot longer. This was the fourth year, and it was incredibly successful. The entire team including Andrew Freeman Co. and Golden Gate Restaurant Association really pulled off a strong, well-attended, energy-filled event in a town so rich in culinary, wine and mixology talent.
Thanks to all of you who have been commenting, sharing, and following Food Fashionista on Instagram and twitter. You've been staying in-the-know with my SF Chefs updates, and I promise, I'll be posting many more photos here on the site and on Food Fashionista's Facebook page.
In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite SF Chefs 2012 Instagram pics:
Plumed Horse's Pork Belly Roll with shrimp & miso dressing
Duggan McDonnell + Pisco = Happy SF Chefs attendees
Chef Dominique Crenn discussing Northern California cuisine
This berry stylish chef had 1681 berries adorning his outfit
Chefs Chris Consentino & Mourad Lahlou at SF Chefs
Kara's serving up edible SF Chefs cupcakes
This is just a sneak peek of Food Fashionista's SF Chefs 2012 pics. We will be posting a ton more photos soon, but I am one of those above people mentioned that is still recovering from the indulgent weekend, so need a little bit of pre writing/photo-editing r&r.
The second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, Los Angeles ’premier culinary extravaganza, is taking place next week August 9-12 in Downtown, Hollywood , Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Headquartered at L.A. LIVE, the event, which benefits St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, features culinary experiences, demonstrations, and exclusive dining experiences.
The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival also revives the Celebrity Chef Power Lunch Series, featuring notable chefs Wolfgang Puck and Charles Phan at WP24; Joachim Splichal and Hubert Keller at Patina Restaurant and Ari Rosenson and Lydia Shire at CUT. Santa Monica plays host to Summer At The Shore Hosted By Graham Elliot and, in Beverly Hills , I Heart Champagne & Caviar will take place at The Montage Beverly Hills.
Rounding out the weekend are the marquee events hosted at L.A. LIVE; Giada's Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, Asian Night Market hosted By Andrew Zimmern, Lexus LIVE On The Plaza With Wolfgang Puck & Friends featuring a musical performance by Third Eye Blind and Saturday and Sunday’s Lexus Grand Tastings. Presented by Coastal Luxury Management (CLM), Los Angeles Food & Wine spans the length of the city and offers guests the chance to sample the cuisines and products from some of the world’s most prominent epicurean influencers, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the entertainment industry’s brightest film and musical talents.
For more info and to Purchase Tickets, visit www.lafw.com
See Food Fashionista's photos from last year's LAFW LEXUS Grand Tasting HERE
Following its festive inaugural Mission Beer Garden celebration on the rooftop of Wix Lounge, Nombe has mapped out future dates including one happening this Friday 7/20. For only $15/person ($18 at the door) each guest will receive 3 pints of beer from featured breweries Kirin, Pacific Brewing Labs and Speakeasy. There will also be a variety of Japanese street food on hand including edamame, chicken wings, pork belly, hand-rolled sushi, chicken katsu sandwiches and more. So, if you are trying to figure out how to start off the weekend, now you know. Kick back and kanpai with your friends with a beer in hand and spread the word. And since it only goes on until 8pm, you still have time to grab dinner at Nombe or one of your other favorite Mission eateries before you head to your next destination.
Nombe believes in community, so a portion of proceeds will go toward La Cocina, a non-profit incubator program that supports low-income edible enterprises.
Here are some of my pics from the last event:
Sushi Hand Rolls from Nombe
All Smiles at Sapporo Beer
Raw Oysters sprinkled with Shichimi pepper
Japanese Beer Taste Testing
Edamame Hummus with Taro Chips
No shortage of good eats coming out of the kitchen
Pork Belly - not a low calorie food
NOMBE's MJBG (Mission Japanese Beer Garden) details:
Date: Friday, July 20th, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Wix Lounge – Mission & 22nd (entrance on Mission Street)
TICKETS: Buy in advance HERE for $15. It will be $18 at door.
**Additional food & beer tickets can be purchased the night of the event ($5 per ticket).
For more info on NOMBE, visit HERE
I will be sharing more pics on Food Fashionista's Facebook Page later today.
If you're looking to satisfy your culinary desires, but don't think you have the budget to attend a fancy food festival, think again. SF Chefs 2012 is holding demos and classes to fulfill the gastronome cravings in all of us and tickets are only $28-$35. From lamb and beer pairings to incorporating seasonal finds at the Farmers' Market into desserts, you'll find it at SF Chefs Demos.
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Lamb and Beer Pairings
Date: Saturday, July 14th at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Food Network Chef Tom Pizzica will be cooking up outrageous lamb dishes that pair perfectly with Almanac beers. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/14/lamb-beer-pairings/
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Sweet Inspiration
Date: Saturday, July 21 at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). There may be nothing better than finishing a meal with a perfectly ripe peach or plum—but including these gems in a composed dessert takes stone fruits to a higher level. Pastry Chefs Francis Ang (5th floor), and Luis Villazelazquez (La Victoria Bakery) will share how to incorporate these seasonal delights into sweet finales. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/21/sweet-inspiration/
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series:Fickle Pickle
Date: Saturday, July 28 at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Join Wise Sons chefs Evan Bloom and Leo Beckerman and Namu Gaji’s Dennis Lee for an exploration of this affordable technique for preserving and adding pizazz to your Farmers Market finds. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/28/fickle-pickle/
At last night's SF Chefs launch party under the dome at Westfield, San Francisco Centre, there were delectable offerings from Straits Cafe, La Boulange, Lark Creek Steak, La Cupola and more. And although they're not opening their doors until September 2012, the crowd went culinary crazy for the noodle-making skills of the upcoming restaurant, M.Y. China by Martin Yan. The olympic-worthy performance, was just a glimpse of what's to come at M.Y. China with its future open kitchen which will allow "diners to watch the chefs at work, from the intricate folding of dumplings and won tons to the hand-pulling and twisting of noodles." The restaurant will also "feature a floor to ceiling array of small monitors along one wall with continuous loops of Martin Yan cooking shows, creating a digital mosaic of the showman in action."
And we know that Yan Can Cook, but you don't have to wait until September to try his cuisine. Chef Martin Yan, along with many of Bay Area's finest and most talented chefs will be showcasing their cooking talents at the upcoming SF Chefs food, wine and spirits festival being held on July 30th - August 5th in San Francisco.
For information on events, personalities, and the wonderful charities SF Chefs supports, visit their website HERE
If you'd like to see previous FOOD FASHIONISTA coverage on SF Chefs, visit HERE
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