PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE

A GOURMET SUCCESS

The inaugural Pebble Beach Food & Wine extravaganza pleased foodies and wine enthusiasts from their taste buds and beyond this weekend. Over 32 renowned chefs and more than 200 wineries offered heavenly treats and fantastic wine tastings from Friday into the weekend through exclusive seminars and the Lexus Grand Tasting tent.

Friday's private demonstrations were held by Jacques Pepin, Mark Miller, Thomas Keller and Ming Tsai. Pepin debuted his private label caviar and demonstrated the making of his recipe of Scallop Seviche and Guacamole in front of fans while the only 7-star Michelin Chef Thomas Keller showed a purebred lamb saddle four-part recipe that fascinated fans of the world famous chef. The night ended with A Night of Stars Dinner and the Lexus Rare Wine Auction & Dinner, where Alain Passard of L'Apege, Philippe Legendre of Le Cinq, David Kinch of Manresa, Gerard Boyer of Chauteau Les Crayeres, Thomas Keller and Claire Clark of French Laundry plated six courses for guests at The Beach & Tennis Club.

Saturday's Lexus Grand Tasting chefs included Ming Tsai, Todd English, Hubert Keller, Kendra L. Baker, and Elizabeth Faulkner. Jacques Pepin and daughter Claudine were on hand for book signings, and Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons of Top Chef did a live interview that was broadcast over the tent speakers. There was also a live artist on the reserved stage and white sheet covered gesturers that posed in challenging positions on various corners of the platform. The Grand Finale dinners at Spanish Bay and the Beach & Tennis Club offered more of the guest chefs serving courses alongside their fellow culinary artists.

The Lexus Grand Tasting on Sunday offered more luscious samplings. Queer Eye, Top Chef and Food Network regular Ted Allen demonstrated at Spanish Bay while Dom Perignon held a special tasting, and the Lexus Grand Tasting featured David Kinch of Manresa signing books and Departures Magazine's fashion show for luxury jet-setters. Event co-founder David Bernahl finished up the event with a short speech, inviting attendees to next year's event with surely all of them welcoming the idea of another chance to enjoy the very finest in cuisine and wine at the Second Annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine. Gourmands, see you next year!