Andrew
08-08-2005, 12:01 PM
Monterey Bay Aquarium release
Monterey Bay Aquarium -- Chef Dinner Series begins August 18
Aug 8, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
WINE & DINE & MORE IN STYLE AS AQUARIUM PRESENTS
EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES WITH ITS EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Monterey Bay Aquarium announces a monthly series of exclusive dinners in its ocean view Portola Restaurant. The “Chef Dinner Series,” which begins in mid-August, will feature gourmet meals prepared by aquarium Executive Chef Dory Ford, paired with fine wines and accompanied by Ford’s cooking suggestions. Each intimate evening promises to be a delicious and educational experience with lively culinary conversation – often with a special guest.
Ford’s lifelong passion for cooking is fueled by a love for fresh, seasonal food. At the aquarium, he has created new dishes for the full-service Portola Restaurant and self-serve Portola Cafe that are made with sustainable and/or organic ingredients – especially seafood. He has conducted many cooking classes in his 11-year career as an executive chef, and said he is looking forward to creating new dining experiences at the aquarium.
“These events offer more than just a new place to come and eat,” Ford said. “We’ll engage our guests so they’ll come away more aware, having learned something about cooking, food, wine, entertaining. The possibilities are endless.”
Ford’s career as an executive chef has taken him to Gai Klass Catering (repeatedly voted Best Caterer in Los Angeles by Zagat), The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. The public can attend any or all of the “Chef Dinner Series” events, which begin on Thursday, August 18 and also include dinners on Friday, September 16; Sunday, October 16; Sunday, November 6; and Thursday, January 19. Special guests, wineries, and/or topics include:
ˇ August 18 – Bernardus Winery and Vineyard, Carmel Valley.
ˇ September 16 – TBA
ˇ October 16 – Jordan Winery, Healdsburg.
ˇ November 6 – “NapaStyle” with Tra Vigne chef and Food Network and PBS star chef Michael Chiarello.
ˇ Thursday, January 19, 2006 – A winemaker’s dinner featuring local seafood, produce and organic meats paired with wines from Goldschmidt Vineyard.
Each event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and costs $50 per person for Monterey Bay Aquarium members and their guests, and $62 per person for the general public; aquarium admission is not included or available. Seating is limited, and reservations are suggested; call 831-648-4962. Reservations must be secured with a credit card.
The Bon Appétit Management Co. operates the aquarium’s Portola Restaurant and Portola Cafe. Known for their commitment to sustainable and local foods, the Palo Alto-based food service company operates restaurants, cafés and catering services at corporations, universities and specialty venues, including DreamWorks SKG, Google, Cisco Systems, the Getty Center, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For more information about the “Chef Dinner Series” visit www.montereybayaquarium.org.
The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.
Monterey Bay Aquarium -- Chef Dinner Series begins August 18
Aug 8, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
WINE & DINE & MORE IN STYLE AS AQUARIUM PRESENTS
EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES WITH ITS EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Monterey Bay Aquarium announces a monthly series of exclusive dinners in its ocean view Portola Restaurant. The “Chef Dinner Series,” which begins in mid-August, will feature gourmet meals prepared by aquarium Executive Chef Dory Ford, paired with fine wines and accompanied by Ford’s cooking suggestions. Each intimate evening promises to be a delicious and educational experience with lively culinary conversation – often with a special guest.
Ford’s lifelong passion for cooking is fueled by a love for fresh, seasonal food. At the aquarium, he has created new dishes for the full-service Portola Restaurant and self-serve Portola Cafe that are made with sustainable and/or organic ingredients – especially seafood. He has conducted many cooking classes in his 11-year career as an executive chef, and said he is looking forward to creating new dining experiences at the aquarium.
“These events offer more than just a new place to come and eat,” Ford said. “We’ll engage our guests so they’ll come away more aware, having learned something about cooking, food, wine, entertaining. The possibilities are endless.”
Ford’s career as an executive chef has taken him to Gai Klass Catering (repeatedly voted Best Caterer in Los Angeles by Zagat), The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. The public can attend any or all of the “Chef Dinner Series” events, which begin on Thursday, August 18 and also include dinners on Friday, September 16; Sunday, October 16; Sunday, November 6; and Thursday, January 19. Special guests, wineries, and/or topics include:
ˇ August 18 – Bernardus Winery and Vineyard, Carmel Valley.
ˇ September 16 – TBA
ˇ October 16 – Jordan Winery, Healdsburg.
ˇ November 6 – “NapaStyle” with Tra Vigne chef and Food Network and PBS star chef Michael Chiarello.
ˇ Thursday, January 19, 2006 – A winemaker’s dinner featuring local seafood, produce and organic meats paired with wines from Goldschmidt Vineyard.
Each event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and costs $50 per person for Monterey Bay Aquarium members and their guests, and $62 per person for the general public; aquarium admission is not included or available. Seating is limited, and reservations are suggested; call 831-648-4962. Reservations must be secured with a credit card.
The Bon Appétit Management Co. operates the aquarium’s Portola Restaurant and Portola Cafe. Known for their commitment to sustainable and local foods, the Palo Alto-based food service company operates restaurants, cafés and catering services at corporations, universities and specialty venues, including DreamWorks SKG, Google, Cisco Systems, the Getty Center, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For more information about the “Chef Dinner Series” visit www.montereybayaquarium.org.
The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.