Cooking With The Stars!

On Sunday, January 30th, I had the exciting opportunity of attending a “celebrity” luncheon at Zovs Bistro in Tustin, California. The luncheon benefited the James Beard Foundation’s Scholarship Program which helps aspiring culinary students. We were thrilled to donate the wine for such an amazing event.

The afternoon started with a cooking demonstration on the quaint patio of Zovs Bistro. The small group of 65 guests anxiously awaited the first celebrity Chef, Ann Burell, host of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef & Worst Cooks in America. As the President of the foundation, Susan Ungaro announced Chef Ann, she popped up to the stage and was just as lively and bubbly as she is on the show, if not more so! Chef Ann walked the guests through the preparation of Chicken Milanese with Escarole Salad and Pickled Onions. Delicious! As she demonstrated, she sipped on a mimosa and ranted on the inappropriate use of salt and pepper, ribbed the crowd and encouraged questions. She had everyone laughing and it was such a treat to watch her in person.

Next up was Chef Michael Symon, host of Next Iron Chef. He walked us through a tasty Crispy Gnocchi with Morels and Spring Peas recipe. Michael was down to earth and spoke of his family and especially his grandfather who is in his ninety’s and still in great health. He chalked it up to eating fresh rather than processed foods. His infectious laugh had us all in stitches as he told fantastic stories of his family and restaurant life.

After the demonstrations we were treated to a luncheon prepared by Zov Karamardian complete with poached salmon and dill sauce, stuffed grape leaves, lamb chops, delicious Mediterranean salads, hummus, and of course Chef Ann and Chef Michaels’ delicious dishes. The guests also enjoyed our 2007 Blanc Du Rhone, 2008 Viognier, 2007 Le Thief and our 2007 Syrah Sélectionnée. The wines paired perfectly with all of the light salads and complemented the lamb, kabobs, and eggplant dishes beautifully.

It was such a pleasure to meet so many new Edward Sellers wine lovers. Many who had never been introduced to our wines and were anxious to talk to me about the winery and Paso Robles.

Great company, fantastic food and beautiful wines, what more could a girl ask for?

Cheers!
Dani Sellers