I'm Savoring the Season

Since I had such a great time last year and met some really cool artisans and chefs, I'm participating in Savor the Season again this year!

Called "one of the top ten food and wine events in Southern California" by Biz Bash, Savor the Season 2008 is one of LA's premier food and wine galas featuring top Los Angeles chefs, live and silent auctions, music, wine, beer and spirits, all to benefit Break the Cycle, the leading organization that raises awareness and provides support for teen victims of domestic violence.

WHO:
Honorary Chef Andre Guerrero (MAX, The Oinkster) hosts a stellar line-up of Los Angeles' culinary talents:

• Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro
• Michael McDonald & Renee Ward, Brix@1601
• Lisa Field & Corinna Conti,Catering by Field
• Gerardo Ochoa, El Cholo
• Mike Garrett & Tommy Stoilkovich, Falcon
• Bijan Shokatfard, Geoffrey's
• Chad Minton, Jer-Ne at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
• Scott Floyd, Salt Creek Grille
• Nano Crespo, Tasca Wine Bar

I'll be doing my beer chick thing in the Season's exclusive "Tasting Garden" that will be available to VIP guests to indulge their senses in an intimate tasting experience featuring fine foodstuffs from the following:

Beverly Hills Caviar, Brian Scheiner:
Scheiner will showcase a tasting of decadent black, red, and golden caviars from his artisan shop, which has provided clients with exclusive products for over thirty years. www.beverlyhillscaviar.com

The Beer Chick, Christina Perozzi: (me, yay!)
One of the West Coast's premier beer experts, Perozzi will share her expertise with a sampling of gourmet ales. www.christinaperozzi.com

Saltistry:
Joni Fay Hill & Denise Daclan - Saltistry will feature an extravagant sea salt tasting buffet of their artisan infusions. www.saltistry.com

Faerie's Finest:
Faerie Thompson - Faerie will showcase her fine flavored sugars, spice blends and cocktail rimmers. www.faeriesfinest.com

Madame Chocolat, Hasty Torres:
Decadent hand made bon bons and rich Belgian chocolates will headline Hasty's sweet tasting. www.madame-chocolat.com

Mo de Tea Cafe, Yosuke Sato:
Flavor-infused teas, such as fine jasmine and tart apples, will be among the many teas to taste. www.modeteacafe.com

Tutti Gelati, Ke Lin Kay & Carlos Molina:
This father/daughter team will serve an assortment of specialty gelatos and sorbets that reflect both traditional Italian flavors and fine ingredients. www.tuttiegelati.com

The Cheese Impresario, Barrie Lynn:
Barrie Lynn will share her gourmet expertise with guests as they choose from a variety of boutique cheeses. www.thecheeseimpresario.com

Girl Meets Grape, Bonnie Graves:
Sommelier and writer Bonnie Graves will share a unique champagne tasting experience. www.bonniegraves.com

SAVOR THE SEASON

WHEN:
Sunday, September 21, 2008
6 to 9 p.m.

WHERE:
Vibiana
210 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

A former cathedral, the luxurious and elegant Vibiana elevates events with sophisticated ambiance. For more information and photos, visit www.vibianala.com.

TICKETS & INFO:

• Tickets can be purchased online through www.savortheseason.org, or by calling Break the Cycle at 310.286.3383.
• General Admission, $100
• VIP Admission, $250 - VIP Lounge with exclusive access to The Tasting Garden
• Complimentary valet parking
• VIP Gift bags and Savor the Season Cookbook featuring recipes from participating chefs

About Break the Cycle:
Break the Cycle is a national nonprofit organization that engages, educates and empowers youth to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence, and provides youth with preventive education, safe spaces to get information and help, and activism opportunities. Founded in Los Angeles in 1996, Break the Cycle's events have raised over $2.5 million to support vital domestic violence services, making a difference in the lives of more than 200,000 young people. Please visit www.breakthecycle.org for more information.

Hope to see you there so we can drink good beer for a good cause.