Events | Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2012
When I first experienced the epicurean delights that abound at Pebble Beach Food & Wine, all I could think of as I sipped and sampled my way through the day was, I wish my husband could taste this! Oh, I had a wonderful time with…
When I first experienced the epicurean delights that abound at Pebble Beach Food & Wine, all I could think of as I sipped and sampled my way through the day was, I wish my husband could taste this! Oh, I had a wonderful time with friends, but I wished that he could experience the deliciousness too.
I got my wish.
Last year, I dipped a toe into the spectacular that is Pebble Beach, and this year, I feel very blessed to have been able to jump into the experience with my husband by my side. It was the ultimate date night (Nights! Three of them!) for us, and one that we will never forget. Yes, there were memorable tastes. And there was a dazzling array of chefs and fine wines. But there was something else that was quite different this year. After three days of indulgence, there were also new friendships, encounters with old friends, and meaningful conversations with the generous chefs, winemakers, sommeliers, and event organizers who make Pebble Beach Food & Wine so unique and very special.
We tasted bites that will be forever seared into our tongues’ memories – those life altering moments that change the way you think about food. I will never forget Chef Morimoto’s Bacon Marmalade Mochi with Toasted Hazelnuts, the tender pillows, warm in my hand and melting in my mouth, the sweet dough punctuated by the salty filling within. Michael Symon’s Dates with Pancetta – so unusual but made incredible sense. Johnny Iuzzini’s genius with flavors and his kind smile. Perfectly balanced macarons from Francois Payard. The freshness Michelle Bernstein brought to the protein-rich Opening Reception. Meeting the talent behind our favorite wines and discovering liquid gold. The Iron Chef Dinner and Geoffrey Zakarian finally gave me a soft-shell crab I could adore, through and through. An Italian Love Affair dinner brought us Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina’s vibrant Burrata with Beets, slippery, sassy, and oh so beautiful. And perhaps the shining dish for us both – Michael White’s superb Agnolotti Cacciagione Ripeno – a dish that brought tears to my eyes when I came to my last bite – sadness that it was gone but happiness that I had the chance to taste such divine richness.
I have for you today a very photo-heavy post. I could talk and talk and talk about each one, but I hope that the captions will transport you to our culinary adventure. And you get to “meet” my husband for the first time. I try to keep the focus on the food, but thought you might enjoy seeing us, too. And I know you will be wondering so I’ll just say it now – yes, that’s a shiner. Leave it to my husband to work out on Friday morning and come home from the gym with a black eye. Yet another reason to never forget this weekend! I still thought he looked quite handsome though.
Enjoy!
Opening Night Reception
Opening Night Reception
The Inn at Spanish Bay, Opening Night Reception
The Iron Chef Dinner
Chefs Masaharu Morimoto, Geoffrey Zakarian, Michael Symon
The gorgeous view from the Lodge at Pebble Beach
Champagne Henriot, "Blanc de Blancs" to start the Iron Chef Dinner cocktail hour.
Masaharu Morimoto at The Iron Chef Dinner cocktail hour.
I had to tell Chef Morimoto how much I enjoyed his Bacon Marmalade Mochi from the prior evening's Opening Night Reception. He was so genuine and kind. (Blame hubby for the camera blur!)
The Iron Chef Dinner Menu
At the Iron Chef Dinner, The Pebble Beach Room
Saturday Lexus Grand Tasting
Grand Tasting Tent
Volunteers check tickets to enter the Grand Tasting Tent
Epicure
One of the many tastes at the Saturday Lexus Grand Tasting
Chefs hard at work during the Saturday Grand Tasting
Vietnamese Style Pork Belly by David Lefevre of Manhattan Beach Post
Strawberry Gorgonzola Flatbread from Driscoll's Berries
Chef Josiah Citrin
By Chef Citrin
Cookies on a Stick by Sherry Yard
Sherry Yard
Desserts by the Yard by Sherry Yard
Pork Belly Bruschetta from US Foodservice
Chef Jourdan DeSanctis of US Foodservice San Francisco
Johnny Iuzzini Cookbook
The very talented Johnny Iuzzini
Chicken Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce by Chef Tomas Bagood
Running into our friends from Ridge Vineyards: Christopher Watkins & Eric Baugher
Bouchon by Thomas Keller
Bouchon's decadent seafood bar
Wagyu Beef
A photo with Chef Anne Burrell
Farro Risotto with Rock Shrimp by Chef Anne Burrell
Chris Cosentino
Radishes & Sea Urchin Butter by Chris Cosentino
Radishes & Sea Urchin Butter by Chris Cosentino
It's not just about the food & wine. A remarkable reproduction, in chalk.
An Italian Love Affair
Chefs Paul Bartolotta, Michael White, Nancy Silverton, Matt Molina, Fabio Viviani, Dahlia Narvaez
Ready for dinner.
Adami Prosecco, "Bosco di Gica"
Burrata with Beets, Spicy Horseradish Vinaigrette by Nancy Silverton & Matt Molina
Enjoying the view from The Lodge
Flower
Balsamic Lamb Meatball by Fabio Viviani
Sign
Multiple courses call for quite the table setting.
An Italian Love Affair Dinner Menu
Video
Sometimes my words and photos can’t express things well enough. During Saturday’s Grand Tasting, while I was chatting with some of the winemakers, my husband was interviewed by KSBW’s May Chow. We chuckled about it later, but I do think he sums it pretty well, and their coverage does a great job conveying the celebration that is Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
Comments
COOKBOOK
There is definately a lot to find out about this issue.
I really like all the points you made.
Had to get over here and see all the amazingness I missed. Now I’m bummed, but you and hubs are one hottie couple. I may have to drag Hot Dog Dude there for a date weekend next year. I’ve enjoyed living through your trip though. Hope all is well.
-Gina-
Wow, what an amazing event full of amazing chefs in an absolutely beautiful setting. The food looks divine too, especially the beet and buratta, something I would adore. You and your husband make such a cute couple too :D
Aw, thank you so much, Jennifer. My husband and I definitely had a great time together. And yes, the beet and burrata – so incredible!
Wow! Gorgeous setting, fabulous food and wine and a triple threat date night. What more could you want?
Nothing more! It was a fairy tale (and I wish it didn’t end) :)
i’m so jealous in many different levels, Liren! All the star chefs – oh my!!! your food and wine events in the US is waaaay more exciting and star-studded than here in Toronto!! Yes, Chef Morimoto…i ‘rav’ him!!! And Chef Josiah Citrin? He was in the Robb Report in 2009/2010 for serving the most expensive mac and cheese with truffle!!! Thanks for sharing!
You will have to take a trip out here, Jen! It’s one to add to your list of travels for sure :) And yes, Chef Citrin’s dish was clean and impeccable – but now I’m craving mac and cheese with truffles :)
What a great event! You look gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Erin!
Beautiful images, Liren–of you and your hubs, the scenery and of course the food! Thanks for taking us to PBFW with us on this post. Gorgeous, all of it!
Thanks Jean!! I was thinking of you as I was sampling my way around!
First of all your dresses are beautiful and you look fabulous!
Second this looks like an amazing event. Great venue and great chefs. I’m beyond jealous. :)
Aw, thank you so much, Holly! I am so very flattered!
WOW!!!! What a great post and looks like you and hubby had a wonderful time. You look stunning! {Love the glittery shoes}. The recap of photos was AMAZING! Might just have to drag my hubby there next year! ;-) I bet the dinners were out of this world – next time we get together I would love to hear all about them. :-)
Yes! Bring the hubs next year – we would love to meet up and enjoy it together!
Wow, forget the food, YOU look amazing. Love both dresses and the shoes. Really beautiful! Great re-cap. Seems like you had a fabulous weekend.
Oh, you are making me blush, Trish :) Thank you!!!!
Speechless – an epicurean delight for all the senses! Pebble Beach is beyond beautiful – how wonderful that you were able to experience these three delicious days with your hubby! Thank you for sharing your stunning photos with us :)
Yes, Pebble Beach is beyond beautiful! I hope to return every year (crossing fingers).
Wonderful photos Liren! Looks like you had so much fun and the tastings all look delicious;-)
Thanks Patty! It was a memorable time, indeed.
You guys are such a good looking couple!! And I love that you blamed your husband for the blurry shot :)
The food looks spectacular and so does the photo of an ochid.
Aw, thanks so much Olga! And ha ha, gotta blame someone for that shot :)
So fun to see your pictures of this fabulous event. I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and Pebble Beach is one of my favorite spots. You look stunning, by the way!
Laura, you grew up in paradise! How wonderful!
And thank you, so much :) It was nice to get dressed up for a change!
Looked like such a great time, Liren! I’m glad you had the chance to bring the hubby – I totally would want mine along with me at an event like this!
By the way – I’m in LOVE with the blue dress you wore at the Iron Chef Dinner! Would you mind letting us know who made it? :)
That dress is so fun, isn’t it? Found it at Nordies, I believe it is by JS Boutique. Hope you are able to find it!
Wow…what beautiful photos…it is just amazing how good everthing looked …and the presentation had the wow factor!! putting on my bucket list.
Thank you, Monica! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos!
Even though I sadly had to sit it out this year, I thank you for transporting me to one of my favorite events! I also dream of taking my husband one of these years. The last couple times I was a working girl, so it would be so nice to actually relax, mingle and savor the event. You look absolutely stunning, too!
I can only imagine how fun (and challenging) it must have been to work the event, Elizabeth. Hopefully next year, you can get a much needed date day/night with your husband and enjoy it together! And thank you, so so much, it was fun to get dressed up – always a treat :)
You look gorgeous!!!
Thank you so much, Lea!
What a great food event — I’ve always wanted to meet Iron Chef Morimoto :)
I hope you get a chance to meet him one day, Kiran :) I am always so impressed with how kind and genuine he is! Such a nice man! And amazing chef :)