FOOD FASHIONISTA - OFFICIAL SITE

The Whole Beast's Chinook Salmon Celebration Dinner at Qualia Wines

As many of you know, I attend a lot of food gatherings. Some good, some well not-so good, and then there are those that really stand out. They are the ones where you think about and crave what you ate hours, days, and even weeks after you first indulged in it. One such supper, was a recent California Chinook Salmon feast prepared by Chef John Fink of The Whole Beast. The occasion was a celebration of the recently thriving California salmon season. The special meal and lesson in prepping and cooking a king salmon, was held at the unexpected, urban tasting room of Dog Patch Wine Works, home of Qualia Wines - who was serving for this unique and intimate affair.

We started off the evening with several wonderful appetizers including Grilled Chase Cellars Zinfandel pork sausages, Llano Seco Ranch pork love confit, and brined, vibrant-colored Salmon roe on rye toast with sour cream, red onions and dill. The starters were paired with a 2011 Qualia Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma Valley, and a 2010 Qualia Carignan from Alexander Valley.

It was an unusually hot day in San Francisco, and the ideal evening for an outdoor barbeque. Amid stainless steel, brick and concrete, stood Chef Fink, grilling up a whole, generously sized, 14-pound California Chinook Salmon provided by local, sustainable seafood marketplace  I Love Blue Sea.

Cooked over an almond and oak wood fire and wrapped in a fish basket of organic green bay laurel leaves and stems, the Chinook salmon was a sight to be seen. With a dusting of porcini and fennel powder, served over a leek, chanterelle and fish fume nage with Qualia Sauvignon Blanc plus a drizzle of Qualia Carignan Sauce, this was one of the best salmon dishes I've ever tasted. The texture was that of black cod. Silky, buttery, like smooth warm sashimi. I know this experience has raised my expectations for tasting cooked salmon. Since the dinner, I've actually eaten salmon at a couple of San Francisco's most revered restaurants, and they just didn't measure up. Not even close. Chef John Fink's preparation and cooking of the whole salmon was on an entirely different level. I'm yearning for some as I type this.

Chef Fink also prepared a pile-high salad of Bitter Greens and a plate of roasted, fingerling potatoes. The flavors and textures went perfectly with the Chinook. I was the first to get up for seconds. I would've went for thirds if there was anything left, but my dining companions also couldn't get enough. It was fantastic. Absolutely divine.

As if our appetites weren't satisfied enough, the meal concluded with Chef John Fink's version of a Cheese platter with a well-selected treasure trove of nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses from Rogue Creamery.

If you ever get a chance to experience Chef John Fink in action, I highly recommend it. Your taste buds will thank you.  

 

See more photos from The Whole Beast's Chinook Salmon Dinner in our PHOTO ALBUM.

Find out more about Chef John Fink, HERE

Find out more about Qualia Wines, HERE

 

 

 

 

Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2012 - Food Fashionista

 

The fifth-annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival successfully wrapped up this weekend, with mostly sell-out events to the luxe four-day epicurean celebration. From a Tribute to a Legend Dinner honoring Chef Thomas Keller, to the familiar tented daytime Grand Tastings, wine and dining afficionados and fans came out to indulge.

I drove up for the day with Laiko from Epicuring, and the ride up was therapeutic and mesmerizing. We chose an ideal day, since it had just finished raining the night before. As much as I love the energy of the city, it's always a welcome escape to get out and smell the fresh seawater, drive by artichoke farms and sand dunes, and gaze at the alpacas and grazing cows hanging out under a massive willow tree. 

In addition to the pre-scheduled events of PBFW, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas threw a well-attended oceanfront happy hour at the Inn at Spanish Bay that brought the chefs, sommeliers and locals out to socialize, unwind and party. DJ beats, champagne, fresh-shucked oysters and heavily scented cigars were all in attendance. Spotted in the crowd were Chefs Charles Phan, Francois Payard, Paul Bartolotta, Rory Hermann, Luigi Fineo, Ricardo Zarate, Roy Choi, Sang Yoon and 40th birthday boy Chris Consentino in addition to many others.

Everyone I ran into at PBFW commented on how much they have been enjoying the tranquil, natural backdrop of the festival. Basically, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is more than just a stellar wine and food festival, it's the chance to be surrounded by dreamy scenery that folks like Clint Eastwood and George Lopez soak in on a regular basis. Combined with a multitude of the most premier wine, liquor and cuisine names and brands, this was for many, a weekend they will soon not forget. Or perhaps with all the wine consumption, they already have. Not to worry, there's always Los Angeles Food and Wine coming up in August and less than 365 days til' the next Pebble Beach.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

For more photos, visit our Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival 2012 album on our Food Fashionista Facebook page 

Friends of James Beard Foundation 25th Anniversary Dinner

Introduction of Chefs at the Friends of James Beard Foundation 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner held at The Venetian/Palazzo, Las Vegas.

  

First Course - Bouchon Chef Jacob Wetherington's Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad Sunchokes, Petite Mache, Black Truflle Vinaigrette paired with a Riesling: Hugel Alsace; 2010

Second Course - B&B/ Carnevino Chef Jason Neve's Hand-Made Orecchiette with local Spring vegetables, Arugulat Pesto & Mangalista Pancetta paired with a Bastianich Vespa Blanco; 2009

Third Course - Table 10/ Delmonico Executive Chef Sean Roe's Roasted Sturgeon with Wild Mushrooms, Fava Beans and Red Wine Sauce paired with a Pinot Noir; Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley; Emeritus; 2009

Fourth Course - Valentino Chef Luciano Pellegrini's Spring Lamb Medallions over a fava bean puree with a Spring Garlic-flavored demiglace, served with white asparagus tips, butter fried potato tourne, wild mushrooms and fava beans paired with a a Catiglion Del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino; 2004

Chef Olivier Dubreuil's Criollo Chocolate dessert - Chocololate Mascarpone cream, Nougatine Tuile, Sweet Amarena Cherries with Balsamic Reduction

For more photos, visit our James Beard Foundation Dinner Photo Album 

James Beard Foundation Awards Brunch - The Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the official press conference announcing the finalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. An invitation-only brunch paired with the highly-anticipated news was held at the The Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas strip. The Venetian houses more James Beard Award winners than any other property worldwide, so it was fitting that both the finalist broadcast and a 25th Anniversary Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit Dinner later that evening were held on premise.

James Beard's Susan Ungaro, Mitchell Davis, Woody Campbell, John Washko

   Spring Pea Agnolotti w/ Crème fraîche & wild morels

Not surprisingly, the brunch menu was plentiful and consisted of liquid wake-me-ups, small plates, live stations and a tempting dessert selection. From a made-to-order House-Smoked Steelhead Buckwheat Crepe with a Fresh Duck Egg, to a basket of European Pastries (I ate three), this brunch was one of those decadent celebrations that Vegas is so good at throwing. Spotted in the crowd were a number of celebrated Las Vegas food and beverage professionals and media including Chef Julian Serrano, Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Ivo Angelov of Le Cirque and Robin Leach who I will always remember as the host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  

The full list of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Award finalists can be found HERE. The James Beard Foundation Awards, often called the "Oscars of the Food World" is a prestigious program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries. This year's Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and will be hosted by multiple James Beard Award–winning celebrity chef, television personality, and author Alton Brown.

To purchase tickets for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards, visit HERE

For more info on dining at The Venetian and The Palazzo, visit HERE

For more photos, visit our James Beard at The Venetian/Palazzo Photo Album.

A Slice of Italy (and James Beard) at Palazzo/Venetian Las Vegas

Stay tuned for the James Beard finalist announcements live today at 11am from the Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas! There will also be a Friends of James Beard 25th Anniversary Benefit dinner featuring some of Vegas' most acclaimed chefs and restaurants tonight on property. A few tickets for this highly anticipated event are still available via the Palazzo/Venetian website (click on image above).

I'll be posting pics via Instagram, Twitter and our Food Fashionista Facebook page along with a full recap of the festivities here on the blog as soon as I return back to Cali.

Ciao for now...

Food Fashionista on Instagram

Apologies for being a bit MIA here on the Food Fashionista site lately, but with SO many exciting (n)online things going on, haven't had that much-needed extra time to catch up on writing, editing, and all that sweet stuff, but do promise to be back in full force very soon.

There are several new and note-worthy restaurants, dishes, and events that I'm thrilled to share with you!

In the meantime, if you have an iPhone, visit Food Fashionista on Instagram aka my new favorite obsession. If you don't have an iPhone (or Instagram), we'll be sure to share some of our fave Instagram shots with you here on the Food Fashionista blog. 

Check out a few from this past week:

"Don't Worry Be Happy" at Trader Joes w/ Project Happiness Wine

                 Feeling the LOVE at Sunset Blvd, Starbucks

 
           Casabalanca at Good Neighbor Restaurant, Studio City

        The VOGUE Stage - Favorite part of Superbowl 2012!

        Japanese Beer & Shishito Peppers - Malt  & Spice  

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the very top photo is a Chiffon Cake with orange curd and meringue from Short Order LA at the Original Farmers' Market. Feast your eyes on that beauty!

Cleo Restaurant at The Redbury Hotel - Hollywood & Vine

Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately, but as expected for a retailer, it's one of the busiest, no sleep kind of months. I did gleefully get to finally escape for a bit last night to Cleo Restaurant at SBE's Redbury Hotel. The chic (but unpretentious) spot in Hollywood is host to one of my favorite made-to-order pita breads which I just can't get enough of. Pair with Babaganoush and Lebaneh and you are good to go. Well, at least for the starter. Everything on the food menu is ideal to share, and it's reminiscent of experiencing a comforting Mediterranean feast in the midst of hip Hollywood. I like it.

     Lebaneh and Feta with Cleo's Flatbread - an obsession.

These Brussels Sprouts aren't the ones from your childhood

A few other must haves are the Brussels Sprouts with capers, almonds and red wine vinaigrette and the Mushrooms with hazelnuts, dates, and puffed wild rice - absolutely to die for! We also enjoyed the Chicken Tagine, along with the Mushroom Flatbread (pictured above) and a couple orders of the refreshing Greek Salad. Pair with a glass of vino or one of their signature cocktails, and you'll be a satisfied believer that appetizing and affordable cuisine with a Hollywood vibe actually can and does exist.

   because sometimes you just want to stare at the ceiling...

 

Cleo is the smart L.A. choice for that night on the town -unique, stylish, and most of all...flavorfully delicious.

 

Cleo at The Redbury

1717 VINE STREET 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90028 

TEL 323.962.1711

Celebrate Bouchon Beverly Hills' 2 Year Anniversary with $2 Dollar Champagne!

Bouchon Beverly Hills

235 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills

(310) 271-9910

Morimoto Lunch at WP24 - Los Angeles Food and Wine

Kin Medai Snapper w/Geoduck, Papya, Peanuts & Coconut Foam paired with a Grieve Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2009

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto hosted an exquisite wine-paired luncheon as part of the Lexus-sponsored Los Angeles Food and Wine festival. The event was held at Wolfgang Puck's WP24 located high above the L.A. skyline at the Ritz Carlton. Although there was no sighting of Wolfgang, WP24 Executive Chef Sara Johannes along with pastry chef Cassie Ballard worked seamlessly with Morimoto to create a lunch one will soon not forget.  

Peking Style Duck Breast, Warm Chantrelle Salad, Ten Spiced Confit Figs, Smoked Duck Cracklin' paired with a Recuerdo Malbec Mendoza, Argentina 2010

Washugyu Flat Iron with Veal Cheek Tempura, Compressed Apple and Chili Soy paired with Blackbird Vineyards, "Arise", Napa Valley 2009

Caramel Roasted Apple, Butterscotch Miso, Sesame Crisp, Edamame Ice Cream paired with Ice House, "Vidal", Niagara Peninsula 2006

 

For more photos from the 2011 Los Angeles Food and Wine Lexus Grand Tasting, visit HERE.

Ram's Gate Winery - Sonoma, California

 

Last Saturday, I attended the opening celebration of a dear friend's winery in Sonoma. The festive, no-expense spared occasion introduced the newest must-visit destination in Northern California's Wine Country. Designed by famed Architect Howard Backen and Interior Designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Ram's Gate is a winery complemented by a strong culinary program led by former Executive Chef Jason Rose and Hospitality Manager, Marc Hartenfels who was formerly the GM of Benu. As for its inception, Ram's Gate is the evolution of four esteemed partners including Jeff O'Neill, Peter Mullin, Michael John and Jeff Gaffner.

 

Ram’s Gate's wines are led by Co-Founder Jeff O’Neill and Winemaker Jeff Gaffner. "The wine offerings will be comprised of small bottlings (average 300 cases or less) of mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling wine (Brut, Blanc de Noirs, and Rose). The wines showcase Sonoma County sites including Durell Vineyard, Hudson Vineyards, Ulises Valdez Vineyard and the winery’s own 30-acre estate vineyard, which is the southernmost planting region in Carneros," says Ram's Gate.

 

 

                Ram's Gate Executive Chef Jason Rose (left)

 

The design is both gorgeous and spacious, blending both contemporary and rustic elements. So, next time you are in the area, "drop in for an impromptu tasting, enjoy a beautiful picnic overlooking the lake, reserve the private wine parlor for a wine and food pairing or celebrate an occasion over a wine dinner with friends," echoes the folks at Ram's Gate. After spending several hours tasting wines, roaming the property, and sampling the cuisine, I'd say cheers to that.

 

For more photos, visit our Ram's Gate Winery album on Facebook.

 

Ram's Gate Winery

28700 Arnold Dr

Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 721 8700