Showing posts with label benefit wine event san diego. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefit wine event san diego. Show all posts

Friday, November 19, 2010

Chef Brian Malarkey of Searsucker Does His Own Interview

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Anyone for Wine and Gourmet Cupcake Pairing? Meet San Diego's "Cupcake Boss"

by Mike Bragg
Times are Tough! This Holiday season, why pay those high prices at bakeries and supermarkets for holiday candy, Yuletime cookies, Thanksgiving cakes, and classy, Christmastime cupcakes? Why not save money and have fun, while learning to make your own delightful desserts and other gourmet goodies from "Ro" Zinniger, founder of Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio.

Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio offers gourmet cupcake baking (and decorating). The center of the candy-making, cupcake and cake decoration universe is located right on Rancho Santa Fe Road, south of Highway 78. The confectioner's and decorating supply store is over 1600 sq. ft, with a separate instructional studio (with kitchen) that is 800 sq.ft.!

Photo: It's Not a Real San Diego Holiday Wine and Cheese Party Without Custom Decorated Cookies, Cakes and Cupcakes, ala Ro Z's Do it Yourself Decorating Classes!

It all began in one small suite and has expanded into a full retail store and school. Ro Z's is home to Palomar College Venture Certification classes, City of Encinitas Teen Program, partnered with the Girl Scouts of San Diego County, and supporter of many of San Diego's Military families!

Ro Z's is staffed with professional instructors that teach baking, cooking, art, cake decorating, sugar art, and flower sugar art. The Sweet Art Studio shop (next door)  is stocked with the finest cake decorating and baking supplies. Led by "Ro" Zinniger, the educational/instructional part of the company offers a variety of classes / workshops, it is a great place to have a party, and is conveniently located in North San Diego County.

The classroom's educational setting and is a great place to have a party or special event (including a wine, cheese and cupcake pairing parties). Specialty workshops and events are offered, including bi-yearly cake shows displaying local talent, workshops taught by Celebrity Cake Artists, and host to the Creative Confection Club. Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio retail supply store is stocked with supplies for cake decorating, candy making, cookie decorating, and more! The retail shop is being stocked weekly with new product!

Ro Z's Sweet Art Studio, (760) 744-0447 www.rozsweetartstudio.com

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Callaway Winery Harvesting Gold

by Frank Mangio.
Last year, I attended the 40th Anniversary celebration of Callaway Winery in Temecula Wine Country. There was a mood of progress in the barrel room as pioneers of this appellation toasted its success to date, and recalled the late businessman Ely Callaway and his contributions.

Then, a relatively unknown winemaker who had just joined Callaway from the Northwest and as a sommelier at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, took the podium. He declared a new day at Callaway. Craig Larson then revealed his passion for grape varietals from the Rhone Valley in France and other Mediterranean styles including Italian. “I was tasting these lovely wines when I was 16 years old traveling through Europe,” he later told me. “I’ve been a winemaker for 14 years now and I am more excited about Callaway and its new direction than I ever have been. This area has great potential for these wines.”

The most recent results from the Riverside International Wine Competition confirm Larson’s prediction. In it, the Callaway 2009 Sangiovese Rose won Sweepstakes Gold. This drier style Rose from Italy’s most popular Tuscan grape, has a rich strawberry/cherry taste. It is served cold and can be a summer party favorite for $18. at the winery.

The other wine worth a taste is the Gold Medal winner from the same competition: the 2009 Special Select Muscat Canelli, also $18. Its’ far more tropical with hints of pineapple, melon, jasmine and cherry blossom. 42 judges from around the country were brought in to judge and all wines were judged “blind.”

Callaway has big plans for architectural improvements and is in the midst of a handsome landscaped courtyard overlooking the vineyards. The winery and Meritage Restaurant will continue to be open to the public.

Saturday, June 19 from 6:30 to 10:30pm, Callaway will host an Evening of Salute to America’s Heroes to help benefit emergency assistance to returning troops. Appetizers, sparkling wine and music will start it off, then a full dinner with Callaway Wines is planned. Cost is $85.50 each for club members, $95. for non-members. Call 951-676-4001 for details, or source the website at www.callawaywinery.com.

New E-Wine Service Pioneered at Delicias
Delicias Restaurant, in the middle of the Village in Rancho Santa Fe, recently introduced its Apple iPad E-Wine Selector, and its new 5,000 bottle wine cellar.

Delicias owner Owen Perry shows the new iPad Wine Menu and General Manager “Gino” Campbell displays two premium wines.

Delicias is the first restaurant to use the iPad for a wine list, and with the completion of the wine cellar, it will have the widest selection of wines of any free-standing restaurant in Southern California. Customers can browse electronically for their favorite wines at the touch of their fingertips.

Owen Perry, the owner of Delicias, came up with this revolutionary idea in customer service. “We intend to also provide our guests information on Delicias Restaurant top wine picks, provide comments on menu specials from the chef, as well as reviews and ratings on the top wines,” he said. “Gino” Campbell was brought in for his unmatched wine expertise, with credits from New York and Las Vegas.

At Delicias, lunch is served Monday through Friday, with dinner reservations taken Monday Through Saturday. Contact the restaurant at 858-756-8000 or on the website at www.deliciasrestaurant.com.

Wine Bytes
The San Diego Spirits Festival is Wed. June 2 through Sat. June 5 at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront. Seminars, trade shows and a Sat. Grand Tasting is in store. Details at 858-551-1605 or www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.

Café Merlot in the Bernardo Winery begins its First Friday Art Walk and Dinners Friday June 4 from 5 to 8pm. Call for reservations at 858-592-7785 or see www.cafe,merlot.com.

The Encinitas Rotary Benefit 7th annual Wine Festival is at San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas Sat. June 5 from 5 to 8pm. Dishes and desserts from local restaurants are in abundance. Also a silent auction and live music. Tickets starting at $100. with a portion to your selection of listed charities. See www.encinitaswinefestival.com or call 760-436-3581.

WineSellar and Brasserie in San Diego has a Saxon Brown Wine Dinner Fri. June 4 starting at 6:30pm. Known for top quality Zinfandel, Saxon Brown owner and winemaker Jeff Gaffner will present 8 wines. Cost is $49.99 pp. RSVP at 858-450-9557.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Wine Girl (Janene Roberts) Presents Wine/Wellness Weekend




By Janene Roberts


I'm really excited to present the first Wine and Wellness Weekend to be held Saturday and Sunday April 24 and April 25 in Julian, California.

This fun, jam packed weekend brings you what you need to improve your body, mind and soul while enjoying local wine. Saturday morning starts with a guided hike through the local mountains, and continues with Tai Chi and Yoga. Then you'll enjoy boxed lunch, and wine tasting at Jenkins Winery. Saturday afternoon begins with Summer McStravick offering her Flowdreaming techniques. Summer is the author of the book Flowdreaming, the Art of Creative Manifesting, and has been recognized by teachers like Wayne Dyer and Cheryl Richardson. After that, John Alonge, the 2009 "Best Wine Coach" winner from San Diego Magazine's Best of San Diego issue and author of the Wine Heretic will demonstrate wine blending techniques and will answer your wine tasting questions. You'll have a little time to rest before Saturday evening's dinner paired with local wines. You'll stay at an upscale lodge and enjoy breakfast on Sunday morning as well as a guided meditation to send you off. $399 per person based on double occupancy. Rooms have queen beds so couples and/or good friends would be appropriate.

To secure your spot, the number of participants is limited in order to create a close environment, please email me at janene@popcornpressandmedia.com, with the names and number in your party and either pay online (go to
http://www.popcornpressmedia.com/bookorder.html
and click on the Buy Now button) or mail a check to Popcorn Press & Media at PO Box 3375, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.

Looking forward to seeing you there.



A sampling of some of the wineries in the Paso Robles District made an appearance in San Diego earlier this month. Paso Robles is centrally located between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the Central Coast. Some of the local wine bars, like Wine Steals, featured their wines and I attended a trade tasting at the McMillin Event Center in Point Loma last month. Since I like to experiment with new varieties the wines I enjoyed and recommend are:

•Adelaida Cellars, 2008 Version White, Grenache/Roussanne blend $28. Their 2006 vintage earned 91 points by Robert Parker in the Wine Advocate's June '08 issue. He wrote, "The superb 2006 Grenache Blanc/Roussanne from Glenrose Vineyard possesses classic notes of honeysuckle, rose petals, flowers, and tropical fruit. Impressively deep, rich, and dry with a gorgeous texture. This beauty can be drunk now and over the following two years." I liked the '08's dry notes and peachy crisp taste. Look for their wines in San Diego at Wine Steals, and Harvest Ranch markets. www.adelaida.com

•Ancient Peaks Winery, 2007 Petit Verdot $35. Available in limited quantities. Traditionally Petit Verdot has been a wine that is blended with other varieties. By itself, it's known to have aromas of violet, black currant, and spice. Ancient Peak's Verdot is well balanced and has a note of tannin on the finish. Your best bet is to order direct. 805-365-7045, www.ancientpeaks.com

How would you like to pretend to be a part of the wine trade? Well, this Sunday, March 14, Family Winemakers of California is presenting 200 small, family-owned California wineries in wine trade-like fashion at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The wineries will be pouring over 750 wines. The event opens to the public at 3 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door.
Order online at www.familywinemakers.org. What wines will you recommend?

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Goldschmidt Premiers Wines at Bentley’s

by Frank Mangio
I love a quality steakhouse. Once through the front door, the décor, the courteous service, the white table cloths on the rich walnut tables, the worldly red wines and steaks on the menu all promise a memorable dining experience.

Bentley’s Steak and Chop House in Encinitas adds one more savory essential for the success story that it is: unbeatable VALUE!
I first learned of this dining oasis when I attended a premium winemaker event to present Nick Goldschmidt and his Goldschmidt, Boulder Bank and Forefathers line of fine wines. Goldschmidt is a globe-trotting, non-stop wine impresario. He led wine production and marketing for world class producers in 8 countries over 20 years including New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile and now in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma in California. He has a PHD in Horticulture and sources his own grapes.

Nick Goldschmidt,left, world-class winemaker and wine new product developer shares a table at Bentley’s in Encinitas with Charlie Plummer of Hess Collection Wines.

Under his name brand, Goldschmidt offers a wide range of labels and varietals including: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and several blend offerings. All wines are single vineyard, single appellation and single vintage. What stood out for me was his 2006 Vborny Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet. The vineyard sits on a knoll just East of Geyserville. This provides excellent exposure for the grapes and allows a long hang time. The cab possesses rich, concentrated flavors, a signature for the skills of Nick Goldschmidt and his most important accomplishment.

Bentley’s has been offering this kind of quality both in their wines and menu items. It’s a product of some 40 years of experience that the owners have in the steak restaurant business. Dave Reese, the General Manager since the day Bentley’s opened in June of 2008, grew up on a 2,000 acre cattle ranch and gets to the heart of Bentleys when he says “we all share the same vision that everything must be of the highest value. We hand cut our USDA prime center cut Filet Mignon. Our presentations must be a perfect fit for the diner and over-deliver on quality. When I select wines for the menu, I refuse to know the price. If I feel it’s a worthy wine then it must come under our price estimates, so we can pass it on to the customer.”
Passing value on to the customer has kept Bentley’s increasing its popularity, even as the restaurant business is hanging on nationwide decreasing numbers and even tougher spending numbers in restaurants and bars, down over 3% last year.

At Bentley’s you can enjoy a “Super Sunday” full dinner of your choice of center cut Filet Mignon, Salmon or Prime Rib including hot bread and a side dish for $15. “Surf and Turf” Mondays are equally generous with a choice of Whiskey Peppercorn Flatiron Steak, Filet Mignon or Prime Top Sirloin for $15. Add $10. more for a “Surf” choice of Lobster, Shrimp Scampi or King Crab Legs. Reservations are suggested for this super popular value combination by calling 760-632-9333.

This same team that owns Bentley’s has operated Carver’s Steak and Chops in Rancho Bernardo. Check for almost-daily wine specials in the bar and dining room, like ½ price wines and free corkage for your bottle. When I last checked, Bentley’s was running a premium bottle of wine with dinner for just $15.

Bentley’s is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Sunday at 5pm. Cocktail hour is Monday through Friday 2 to 6:30pm. For the full menu and wine list go to www.bentleyssteak.com. For more on Nick Goldschmidt, access www.goldschmidtvineyards.com.


Wine Bytes

The Crossings Golf Course Country Club in Carlsbad is hosting a Monte Carlo Night Fri. March 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm to benefit Friends of Aviara Schools. Enjoy wine and other libation tastings, appetizers, Vegas style gaming, and raffle drawings. Cost is $85. pp. RSVP at 760-602-9727.

Become a Certified Specialist of Wine with classes by Charrie Foglio, Wine Instructor for the San Diego Culinary Institute. First classes start Mon. March 8, 6:30 to 9:30pm at San Diego Wine Storage. For details contact 619-244-4224 or email sommelierguild@cs.com.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Wed. March 10, 5:30 to 7:30pm, welcomes Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates with great Portuguese wines including ports. Cost is $20. in advance. Call 760-745-1200.

La Costa Wine Company offers “The Truth About Wine & Cheese,” Sat. March 13 from 3 to 5pm. Learn about textures, aroma and flavors. Four artisan cheeses and 5 wines will be tasted. Public cost is $40. WC members $36. Couples $68. Call 760-431-8455.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine, a Music Food and Wine Festival in Escondido’s North County Fair Mall off I-15, will be held Sat. April 17 starting at 6pm, to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego County. Over 60 award-winning wineries and 35 top chefs from gourmet restaurants will be on hand, including 3 live concerts, all for the general admission price of $75. in advance, $100. at the door. A VIP package is available for $125. in advance, $150. at the door. Silent auction. Applications are still being accepted for wineries, breweries, spirits and restaurants. Space is free with a donation to the event’s silent auction. Ticket information at 858-578-9463, or go to www.rhythmandvine.org.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wine for a Worthy Cause!


Splash will be hosting another great benefit this Sunday, February 28th from 4pm - 9pm. 10% of proceeds from the night will go to Mama's Kitchen. Specials all night and drawings for great prizes every hour with all proceeds going directly to Mama's Kitchen! Come help a great cause!