Loading ...The ‘Wine School’ at The French Gourmet returns on February 21st
Photo from Fast Forward Event Productions via Flickr.
For those of you looking for a fun and truly unique experience, the extremely popular ‘Wine School’ at The French Gourmet is back in session with the installment titled “The World of Wine” on Sunday, February 21st.
Wine lovers of all levels will enjoy a fun and educational wine experience when one of the top sommeliers in Southern California, Gino Campbell, will present an overview of the world’s wine regions, wine theories, taste and textures, viticulture and viniculture in the creation of great wine, food and wine pairing, blind tasting techniques and more in the latest installment of “The School.”
For so many of us, whether it be at a restaurant or a grocery store, wine selecting can be a bit perplexing. Wine can be a mysterious science we wish we knew more about, as we try to enjoy such an esoteric treasure that is often difficult to truly understand. Read more
December 6th French Gourmet Wine School to focus on Champagne
Photo from Beatrice Murch via Wikimedia
Join Sommelier Gino Campbell on December 6 for the next installment of The French Gourmet Wine School. I personally had the privilege of attending the last event hosted by Gino, focusing on the wines of the Italian Piemonte region and it was not only fun, but very educational as well.
Gino’s style is very comfortable at these events, the perfect blend of humility and expertise. He doesn’t talk down to his ‘students’, but provides a lot of pithy information that truly demonstrates the love of his craft.
Currently an Encinitas resident, Campbell has a very rich pedigree, having earned honors as a Master Sommelier from the French Sommelier program at the University of Bordeaux, then receiving the title of Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Culinary Institute of America in Napa California.
This installment of ‘The School’ will include the history, the fizz, the districts, regions and villages, the styles, specific grapes, and unique stories. Prior attendance in other events is not necessary to attend any of these classes, but those who have attended definitely tend to come back.
Again, the event is Sunday, December 6, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.; the cost is $25 per person.
For more information or to RSVP for the Wine School, please contact Gino Campbell at (858) 488-1725 x326.
French Gourmet to Host Wine School Event
For those of you who don’t know, The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach is one of the top French restaurants in all of San Diego. If you’ve never checked it out, we highly recommend you do so.
Photo from Beatrice Murch via Wikimedia
One of their real ‘claims-to-fame’ is a profound and very reasonably priced wine selection. Earlier this year they added a very cool set of special events called The French Gourmet Wine School. This was made possible because several months ago they brought sommelier Gino Campbell on board. We’ll be featuring Gino in an upcoming segment in the Entertainer, in addition to a provocative series on wine, but needless to say, he is one of the more accomplished experts on wine in San Diego.
You can join Gino on Sunday, November 22nd for the next installment of the ‘wine school.’ This event will feature the wines of Italy, specifically the Piemonte region. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the region, its climate and geography, plus of course enjoy tasting wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi, Gattinara, Acqui & Roero.
Our sources tell me there are only a few seats left; so for more information or to RSVP for the Wine School, please contact Gino Campbell at (858) 488-1725 x326
Project Wildlife’s We Like It Wild! Island Style is this Sunday
View from Island Prime
Project Wildlife and Executive Chef Deborah Scott are hosting a “wild” afternoon of gourmet food, fun, amazing views and entertainment – Island Style! We Like It Wild! will take place Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm at the beautiful waterfront restaurant, Island Prime/C Level on Harbor Island.
The afternoon will be filled with gourmet food that showcases some of Deborah Scott’s culinary talents and will be paired with wine and spirits. In keeping with the “Island” theme, live music will be provided by recording artist Mario Olivares who incorporates his brand of Spanish guitar with a touch of Latin Jazz and a blend of Flamenco and Pop melodies. Additionally there will be authentic Polynesian dancers to entertain guests.
Those attending the event will also have an opportunity to interact with Project Wildlife Ambassador Joan Embery, a known advocate for wildlife preservation and the environment. Additional Animal Ambassadors of Project Wildlife will also be on hand.
Executive Chef Deborah Scott
“We Like It Wild! will be a wonderful evening where guests get to see first-hand how Project Wildlife positively impacts southern California wildlife – while enjoying a great, memorable evening at Island Prime,” said Deborah Scott, Executive Chef/Partner of Island Prime/C Level, Member Project Wildlife Board of Directors and Co-Chair of WE LIKE IT WILD! “The Project Wildlife mission is truly a passion of mine, because if we don’t help these animals, who will? By supporting this cause, San Diegans are making a meaningful difference.”
Proceeds form the event will go to support the efforts of Project Wildlife here in San Diego. Project Wildlife is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports care centers located all throughout the county to provide emergency first aid, long-term treatment, and veterinary care. Experienced volunteers offer rehabilitative therapy and proper rearing of wildlife orphans. Each year Project Wildlife gives a second chance to over 11,000 wild creatures, such as wild land and sea birds and wild land mammals.
Help support a worthwhile cause by purchasing your ticket for this “wild” event. Tickets are available at the door.
Project Wildlife’s We Like It Wild! Island Style
Sunday November 8, 2-5pm
Island Prime/C Level
located at 880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Deborah Scott is a San Diego Restaurateur and Executive Chef whose culinary talents and Southern hospitality can be found at these fine restaurants:
Island Prime/C Level, 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island – 619-298-6802
Indigo Grill, 1536 India Street, Little Italy – 619-234-6802
Kemo Sabe, 3958 5th Avenue, Hillcrest – 619-220-6802
Celebrate World Pasta Day with free spaghetti at Buca di Beppo
World Pasta Day 2009, presented by the National Pasta Association (NPA), the International Pasta Organization (IPO) and Oldways Preservation Trust is an annual international conference that is attended by the world’s leading pasta manufacturers. Every year, pasta makers from around the world present the latest nutritional and scientific research that has been conducted with regard to pasta.
Almost everyone enjoys pasta, but who knew there was a whole conference dedicated to the wonderful food? This year’s conference will be held on Monday, October 26th in New York City and the event will offer demonstrations from leading chefs on preparing appetizing and healthy pasta recipes. World Pasta Day 2009’s focus will be “Pasta Meals on Every Family Table.”
In honor of World Pasta Day, the Entertainer has pulled together a few facts you may not know about pasta. Enjoy!
- There is much debate, but apparently the Chinese, not the Italians, were the first to eat pasta. Records date back as early as 5,000 B.C.
- There are approximately 600 different shapes of pasta.
- Italian pasta names ending in “ini” are the smaller versions of the larger “oni” sizes. (With the exception of macaroni, I think – apparently every language has exceptions to the rule!)
- Italian pasta names ending in “i” and generally “e” are plural.
What can you do to honor the day dedicated to pasta? We’re glad you asked. In honor of World Pasta Day 2009, Buca di Beppo will be conducting its own celebration here in San Diego all day on Monday, October 26th. The Italian eatery will be giving away free spaghetti with the purchase of any Buca Small or Buca Large pasta or entrée. Buca will also send you home with a package of Rummo Italian pasta.
Buca di Beppo is known for their family-style serving of classic Italian dishes and has 3 locations here in San Diego. Make your reservation and celebrate World Pasta Day 2009 with family and friends at Buca di Beppo.
Downtown San Diego
705 6th Avenue
619-233-7272
Mira Mesa
10749 Westview Pkwy
858-536-2822
Carlsbad
1921 Calle Barcelona
760-479-2533
