” target=”_self”>Teresa at the Quinta Sol Hotel

I’ve been staying at the Quinta Sol hotel in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Because this is my 4th time to Playa, I wanted to try out a quieter area of town. The other places that I have stayed are steps from the beach – and loud nightclubs. Which is great when you want to dance all night, then stumble home. This hotel is located on the bustling 5th Ave (just like New York’s) and 28th Street. It is the upper east side in Playa – and much like New York, it becomes more of a high-end neighborhood when the numbers get bigger. We are 2 blocks away from Mamita’s Beach Club, which is the number one beach in Playa. The beach is covered in beautiful Europeans wearing itty bitty bikinis, many of the women are topless. Okay, back to the hotel….

The hotel is charming. Sol means sun in Spanish, and the stairways are lined with darling sun tiles and yellow lights. In the middle of this small hotel is a sacred Mayan tree. I think it is a Ceba tree, but no one here is sure. The hotel is built around the tree, so it gives it an essence of living in a tree house. We are staying in the top cabana with high palapa ceilings and a private balcony. There is a cute hot (luke warm) tub on the second floor, which is great to jump into after a hot day on the beach.

If you want a nice hotel that is reasonable priced ($120-$250 per night) then I highly recommend this hotel. They don’t have room service and the hot water is sketchy and some of the rooms are pretty dark – so ask for a bright room if you want one.

During the hurricane, the crew at the hotel was great. The staff here was amazing and very generous. They moved us into one of the cavernous rooms with only a window on the courtyard and supplied us with lots of food and water. I decided to stay at the International House because I wanted to be with my friends.

They have 24-hour security and the hotel is steps from a dozen wonderful restaurants… the downside, there is major construction going on, so plan on waking at 8 am, before the hammers start. Playa is growing quickly, so there is a ton of construction going on everywhere. But if you spend the day at the beach, you won’t notice the noise.

” target=”_self”>Check out my video at International House in Playa del Carmen

Hola! Estoy en Playa del Carmen, Mexico. La pasada semana el huracán Dean vino a través de la ciudad. Pero ahora, esta todo bien.

Okay, that is my attempt to write in Spanish after a mere 4 weeks (give or take, due to my trip to NYC for the Weekend edition of the Today Show and Hurricane Dean). Learning another language is a pain in the ass and it takes so much brain power it is loco.

What I have found, is that you really need a good group to support your learning, and some nice people who can correct you kindly when you mess up. As many of you know, there is nothing worse than being corrected by an arrogant chica when you are trying your hardest to communicate in a totally different way with a completely different set of unknown words.

After doing months of extensive research, I chose to spend 4 weeks at International House, Maya Riviera. They were the first to respond to my request (remember, this is Mexico, not New York, so most schools took days to get back to me, International House responded to me the next day). Their website can be pretty hard to navigate, but once you get a live person communicating with you, everything becomes a bit easier.  My experience has been a wonderful one (yes, there were a few chicas who gave me poco problemos, but they were other students, not staff).

During the hurricane, the director Teresa, was amazing. It was a freaking horrible experence, but she made it manageable. She had us all move into the school’s residence. I did not stay at the residence because the pictures of the rooms on the website suck. I was not about to spend weeks in a room with a bed against a wall. But the rooms are totally different than pictures on the website (the need to get a better photographer!). The residence is a very impressive building with free wireless Internet, 24 hour security, and a lovely shared kitchen and common area. The rooms all have refrigeratosr, hot water, and air conditioning. The rooms are amazing for the price ($25-$60 a night), if I had any idea how nice is was, I would have stayed there instead of spending over a $100 a night on a hotel room. Live and learn, right?

More about learning. If you want to start learning Spanish, try “Ahora Habla!” It is a very simple guided written by M.H. Graham. Basically the book takes daily situations and breaks them down into simple Spanish phrases. Then, it shows you how to pronounce the words. That is the best part of the book, learning how to say crazy stuff that your tongue has never wrapped around before. The book also includes some handy tips on cultural nuances. For example, I was openly yawning in class, and the teacher looked at me funny. I later read in the book that Spanish speakers always cover their mouth when yawning (note to self). For a beginner, it is a great tool. If you know how to conjugate your verbs, then this book will be too advanced for you.

The next step to learning is to get out and practice, practice, practice. Theory is great if you want to translate Don Quixote, but for real life, you need to go out and hablas espanol. Be ready to get corrected, which is great that people correct you, but expect to get frustrated. And if you are in a school were they don’t practice talking – then leave, it is not worth your time to sit and learn about past perfect.

Yeah, learning can be hard, but when you meet people like the ones I have met here, including Maria from Playa, Bruno from Italy, Rodney from England, Ricke from Germany, Sergio and Omar from Mexico City, Tommy from Florida, Chris from England, and Moses – the best dancer in Playa del Carmen, you can’t help but want to learn, share, and laugh with others who all are trying their hardest to learn. I feel like I am back in college, and I love it!

I have to learn my verbos en preterito and verbos que sufren cambios ortograficos now.

Adios, hasta manana!

Teresita

OK — so it may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but it sure is one of the most beautiful, and my mom and sister have never been there, and for food & wine lovers like us, participating in the 22nd ANNUAL LAKE TAHOE AUTUMN FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, SEPT. 13-16, 2007 is about as exciting as …well, Dubai!

There are still tickets available if you want to come join us for mommy’s birthday gala. (The more to yell “ Surprise,” the merrier.)

We’re going to stay right where all the action is at a deluxe North Star condo. Plus we’re going to try and fit in as many of the special events as we can (or have stomach space for.)

Here are just a few of the many choices that sound intriguing:

• Take a tour of the Sunset Idea House. Sunset Magazine and Tahoe Mountain Resorts created an Idea House that celebrates Lake Tahoe’s historic lodges, barns, and mountain vistas and pick up the latest decorating ideas.

• Weigh in on the All-American debate that seems to be heating up backyards across the country –– barbequing or grilling? (While grilling is fast cooking over high heat, usually involving tender cuts of meat, such as burgers, steaks and sausage, barbequing is typically done over charcoal or wood, best for tougher, fattier cuts of meat, such as brisket, ribs, whole hogs and whole turkeys- just one of the many tips you’ll pick up from Lars Kronmark, of the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, Napa.)

• The festival will attempt to answer another burning question: “How many Chefs does it take to prepare an outstanding selection of memorable recipes and dishes September 13-16?” This year the answer will be not as many as you think when you have talented chefs like Joseph Keller, Napa Valley’s Bouchon (Thomas’s brother-need I say more?); Ron Siegel, Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco; Lars Kronmark, and Lara Ritchie, supported by a fleet of Tahoe’s finest chefs and restaurateurs.

• The Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off will feature two local chefs going toe to toe and pan to pan for the one-hour competition will entail both chefs taking one main, secret ingredient and creating as many delicious dishes as possible in the allotted time. Celebrity chef Joseph Keller will emcee the spicy competition.

I’m also considering:

• The Gar Woods Grape Stomp (“foot-on” participation is highly encouraged) and Luncheon.

• Joining the Ritz-Carlton Club Moonlight Martini Reception,and the Charbay Vodka Annual Release Party, and we don’t want to miss the “Champagnes & Sparklers from Around the World” tasting?

• You can even make it a family affair by signing up your budding chef-lets for the Kids’ Hands-On Cooking Camp (ages 9-90)

• I definitely want to join the grand hooplah of the

Culinary Competition, Grand Tasting and Auction

, which includes Food and wine pairings, live music and dancing, gourmet marketplace, live wine auction, art show and raffles.

The grand finale to Autumn Food & Wine Week, the Grand Tasting features the food of over 30 of the finest restaurants, caterers and chefs from the Lake Tahoe region, paired with wines from premium world-class wineries.

Event tickets can be purchased, along with lodging, by calling 1-888-229-2193 or checking out the festival’s Website to the complete list of events and activities.

We were somewhat on the fence about visiting Ascona, in the Ticino Region of Switzerland. For starters, we weren’t thrilled with the long schlep to get there– a train then a bus ride to yet another train to a taxi, sounded exhausting. Plus, I had never heard a peep before about this area. However, once we arrived in Switzerland, all the locals were giving rave reviews of this so-called “Swiss Rivera.” It appeared that Ascona was rather an inside secret among the European cognoscenti, so rail pass in hand; we headed for Switzerland’s only Italian speaking region.

Live and Learn:
The train ride, named the Palm Express, was a spectacular experience! We passed hundreds of pristine waterfalls, curved our way in and out of tunnels, over numerous bridges, with breathtaking Heidi-esque Alpine green landscape giving way to sub-tropical lakeside vistas.

Why Ticino has not been tops on the American travel radar is a mystery to me. With its balmy climate, (an average of 2300 hours of sunlight annually), lush Mediterranean vegetation (who knew palm and citrus trees grew in Switzerland?), along with an abundance of tropical flowers and close proximity to both Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, this region is truly a mini-Eden. The people adopt a lifestyle modeled on a Swiss variation of laid-back Italian luxe.

In Ascona, we stayed at the popular Albergo Giardino, a perfect vantage point for exploration the area. We rode our pink girls’ bikes, thoughtfully supplied by the hotel, by perfectly manicured villas, past vineyards, immaculate community beaches and docks, ending up in the pedestrian-only part of town.

As we strolled the tree-lined promenade outlining sparkling Lake Maggiore, we passed what appeared to be extremely contented folks of all ages, sitting on the quaint benches, chatting in a variety of European tongues,(although Italian was by far the most prevelant) sharing a gelato, or picking out their favorites from the selection of fantastic yachts dotting the harbor.

We got off the main drag that was filled with touristy waterfront cafes, pizzerias, and bars to wander the towns’ cobblestone streets, popping in and out of numerous art galleries, jewelry shops, hip clothing boutiques and charming enotecas.

Getting hungry I recalled the emphatic directive I had been given to try a meal at one of the Ticinese Grotto’s, (hidden trattorias that are family run alfresco kitchens tucked into obscure bits of real estate.) We stumbled upon a bustling courtyard grotto by following the loud laughter through a back- alley. The convivial crowd was seated on a hodge podge of picnic tables and chairs. Each table sported a large carafe of wine surrounded by oversized platters of fragrant wine- braised meat, polenta, salad, large rounds of fresh peasant bread and local cheese.

Down for the count, we asked to be seated, only to be informed by the “Front of the House,” (a little girl, maybe 9 years old, who apparently was the only personwho could speak English) that dinner service for the night was finito! My eyes filled with tears, and my stomach growled as I pleaded with her, but this pint-sized employee remained firm in her resolution that dinner was over!

So much for Ascona nightlife- we went to bed on empty!

The next morning we awoke, famished, to chirping birdies outside our window at Albergo Giardino. A stay at this five-star Relais and Chateau is like visiting a favorite (and extremely well-heeled) relative’s country estate. Because of the friendly staff and many gracious touches, it was easy to feel that we, too, were manor born. We scurried into the main dining area, Aphrodite, drooling as we eye-balled the opulent breakfast buffet, taking a seat overlooking the serene lily pond, fountains, and many guests. Small well-behaved children, quietly dined with their parents, while munching big slabs of peasant bread with a schmear of Nutella.

Tempting as it looked, I chose to fill my plate with an assortment of country breads, panneforte, pastries and croissants to enjoy with the delish variety of homemade jams, honey’s and cheeses. Fresh shrimp, liver pate, eggs, fruits, fresh juices and chilled champagne also received my attention.

Sated, we sat back to decide next order of business– would it be sun bathing and a morning swim in the beautifully landscaped outdoor pool, or perhaps a treatment in the downstairs Spa, an oasis of wellness, serenity and beauty. Here, Daniela Frutiger, married to General Manager Phillipe Frutiger, has created a luxurious and exclusive enclave, complete with her own award-winning line of natural products, “dipiu by Daniela.”

This stunning and smart hotelier couple, Daniela and Phillipe have been working hard the last few months to reposition the Giardino utilizing exciting innovations in the spa, restaurant and landscaping, with many more changes to come.

Our room at the hotel was very comfortable, but on the small side with a rather kitschy decorating scheme that felt somewhat at odds with the tastefulness of the rest of the hotel.

That night, we returned to Ristorante Aphrodite where we supped under the stars. Never a fan of half board, where the price you pay includes your room, breakfast and dinner, this meal had me changing my tune. Awarded 16 points by Gault Millau, perhaps that’s why Chef Urs Gschwend offers diners the choice of 16 a la carte dishes which change nightly. Amazingly, one can opt for any or ALL of the 16 dishes- with smaller tasting portions available. The high caliber of the creative French-Mediterranean cuisine, enhanced by the use of local, fresh ingredients, along with the artistic and visually arresting presentations delighted us.

No, I would not share my order of succulent King Prawns, and yes, the full sized serving of chorizo stuffed leg of lapin (rabbit!) suited “Madame” just fine… followed by a small tasting portion of Number 6 on the menu, ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and fresh chanterelle, and then, please come back and we’ll order our main courses!

Telling myself that one only goes round once, I chose with wild abandon from the variety of international cheeses, while managing to delicately select just a few of the decadent chocolates and mini cookies that our server presented on an elegant silver tray. Never one to overindulge (!) the only thing I passed up were the dessert choices, a trio that involved a frappe, a compote and a custard- though my sister said the blackberry frappe was ethereal.

Our second night at Giardino, we peeked into the other restaurant, the avant-garde Ecco. Twenty-six year-old rising star, Chef Rolf Fliegauf, mans the stoves and offers an innovative, challenging menu based on his bold interpretation of molecular gastronomy. “Glazed goatfish, calf’s sweetbreads, yogurt and mocha” and a “chocolate tart topped with strawberry-pepper-smoked ice cream” were just some of the eclectic offerings. My sister was crazy about the restaurant decor. Slick and sleek, yet still intimate, withtotally cool lighting fixtures, the forward looking interior design was as exciting as the menu.

Unfortunately, Ecco was booked solid for the evening so we happily went back to the Aphrodite where we enjoyed a dinner that, yes, was even better than our meal the night before!

The wine cellar is well-stocked with interesting selection of local Ticino merlots and delicious Pino Grigios, which are not available in the states. A gracious Frutiger touch is the complimentary pre-dinner wine hour, where guests may sample of a red, white and dessert wine paired with a delectable appetizer. Another welcome feature is the fabulous entertainment in the hotel’s lounge. One night we listened to a raspy voiced jazz singer/composer imported from New Orleans.

Little makes me happier than discovering an exciting, new travel destination. After a few short days in Ascona, all I can say is….keep the light on for me. I’ll definitely be back.

For more information on the area:
www.maggiore.ch
and
www.myswitzerland.com.

Seated on the banquette next to a stylish woman of a certain age, I asked: “How long have you been coming to the “Kulm?”

“Oh, my dear,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye, “Why, we’ve been visiting here for the past 45 years.”

Mingling with other (mostly veteran) guests at the champagne cocktail party graciously hosted by hotelier and General Manager Dominique Godat and his attractive wife, I learned that the Kulm has served as a home away for home to a well-heeled and gentile crowd since the end of the 19th century.

In winter, the high season, fit grannies and gramps come with their extended families to ski, while the stylish set, looking to vacation in a setting that affords them the opportunity to show-off a new fur wrap each evening, swarm the spa, designer boutiques and restaurants of uber-chic St. Moritz. For five-star lodging, gourmet meals, professional yet friendly service and gorgeous grounds, those in the
know, opt for the sophisticated warmth of the Kulm.

A Bit of History:
The hotel’s original fame was as a chic summer resort catering to “up market Brits”, however it was virtually ignored during the winter months. So in 1864, the Kulm’s founding father, Johannes Badrutt, made a daring marketing challenge.

He bet that vacationing guests would find the sunny winter weather in St. Moritz so far preferable to rainy, cold England that anyone who stayed and disagreed would not be charged a cent for their lodging. The guests came; he won the wager, and so began St. Moritz and the Kulm’s foray into the wide world of winter sports.

Pick your Favorite Season:
The amazing Swiss Alps offer the active winter traveler a plethora of activities: skiing, sledding, skating and bobsledding are just a few.

Warm weather gives over to rock climbing, rappelling, hydro speed racing, cross bow shooting while hiking, biking, and invigorating park walks are a blast year round. Truly, there is something for everyone -even if you are of the mindset to do little more than appreciate the breathtaking views
of Lake St Moritz topped by lush green mountains sporting their white snowy caps while debating the merits of a sunrise versus sunset photo-op.

Indoor Pleasures:
The Hotel Kulm’s Panorama Spa is just one big pleasure palace of pampering. There’s nothing like pumping-iron looking out over the Alpine mountains, while my sister leisurely swam laps in the sparkling glass enclosed pool. Classes, top exercise equipment, Jacuzzi’s, saltwater grotto, caldarium with essential oils, steam rooms and sauna are all available at no charge to hotel guests. Services at additional cost include a Thalasso treatment, body wrap, sport or hydro massage- sure to be most welcome after a tough day on the slopes. I even read about an amoeba shaped ‘alpha-relaxation” pod that is supposed to “release energy while stimulating creativity” which sounded tempting.

Dining Choices:
The first night we opted for a casual supper in the cozy trattoria. The wood burning oven turned out a pizza that was as good as any we’ve had in Italy. The oven also produced a deliciously smoky rendition of branzino, the local fish. A regional white wine, suggested by amiable Maitre’ D. Massimo was fittingly crisp and clean-the bottle went down too easily, but hey, just an elevator away was our elegant, yet exceedingly comfy, maroon and gold striped room-with romantic views of Lake St. Moritz.

The following night we opted to join the “jacket and tie” crowd at the opulent Le Grand Restaurant, for a beautifully presented six-course meal, that is included in the half-board. We nodded to a member of the bridge group we had watched professionally shuffling in the hotel’s card room earlier. An expensively bejeweled older, woman who (wink-wink) still had a youthful face, was dining with her blond bombshell much younger ward, a sixty-ish couple who appeared to be still madly in love sat across the room, romantically toasting one another with each glass of wine, and an artsy-looking man and woman styled out in a multitude of black layering, both wearing dark glasses, rounded out the mix. In lesser hands, the service in such elegant surroundings could have been stuffy, however the maitre’d had us laughing as he comically corrected my sister’s horrible attempt at ordering her meal “en francaise. “

Movers and Shakers:
The next morning, fortified by our scrumptious buffet breakfast, (we loved Kulm’s mini-croissants sized so one can devour two of the babies, plain or whole grain sans guilt, )we decided it was time for a little exploring. First an hour train ride to Pontresina, a typical bright and sunny Engadine village. We boarded the ten minute aerial cable car which whisked us up, up, up to the cold, grey Corsvatsch Glacier, where many adventurers, took their walking poles and set off in every direction.

Too chilly for us, we decided to pop off the train mid-way and walk back to St. Moritz. We passed a number of tiny villages nestled alongside flower filled fields, all the while breathing in that good, clean air.

On the road fellow outdoor enthusiasts nodded in greeting; we passed bikers, dog walkers, horse-drawn carriages, couples, families with kids, all quietly conversing, with nary a head set or cell phone to be seen. Evidently, physical activity is a way of life for the Swiss, where everyone seemed to enjoy both being surrounded by nature and their families.

Forty -five minutes more and we had walked round Lake St. Moritz and reached the posh downtown area. Dispersed among the many florist’s with ornate window displays were the King pins of fashion–Escada, Armani, Gucci, Prada and the rest of the along with several small banking centers.
Drat– I forgot my private Swiss bank account ATM card!

Back Home:
Climbing the semi-steep hill back to the Kulm, we arrived ready for a quick change of clothes and a cocktail. I can only imagine how tickled founder Johannes Badrutt would be by the cutting edge video art installations on display in the lobby. Clearly the Bill Gates of his time, Badrutt had been the first to install electric lamps in Switzerland, in 1878 as well as telephones, water closets, hydraulic lifts and hot-air heating!

The Kulm’s legacy as a stately lodging for family and friends remains intact. Monsieur Badrutt would likely be gratified to know that his hotel is still holding its place: seamlessly blending today’s modernity with yesterday’s grace – a solid, worthy, and confident candidate for a sixth star!

Five Small Pleasures:
1. The Hotel Kulm’s black limousine that meets guests at the train station.
2. The gorgeous orchids in every guest room.
3. The staff who instantly makes you feel like a hotel “regular.”
4. The hotel’s private (9 holes) golf course.
5. The hotel’s grassy knoll perched high over St Mortiz-the perfect spot to relax, read, or just daydream about a return visit.

For more details:
Visit www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch or
www.stmoritz.ch/st-moritz-events-002-020400-en.htm.

I just returned from the Family Winemakers of California Wine Tasting event.. so I have a good excuse for any typos/mispellings that follow. the Family Winemakers of California may be an “organization that reflects the ‘little guy’s’ point of view” but with over 400 wineries represented (and at least 1000 different wines), it offers one of the largest tastings around.

You could taste your way from Albarino to Zinfandel, compiling your list of favorites, and i had one long list. However, there were two quirky little contenders that really stood out for me which I want to report on…
1. Heidrun Sparkling Meads
Mead, an ancient honey based wine is often referred to as the “Nectar of the Gods” and after tasting Heidrun Sparkling Meads, the nickname is well-founded. Ex- beer brewer, Gordon Hull ’s signature style of sparkling meadmaking— is to reveal the natural essence of honey, be it sage, orange or thistle blossom. All very uniquely flavored and not overly sweet. But my fav was the more primitive,slightly cloudy Humbolt Wildflower varietal, capturing the raw essence of earthy herbs. Can order from the Heidrun’s informative website.

2. Deviation is a seductive after-dinner wine that definitely deviates from the norm. Bascially it’s a modified version of Quady Winery’s popular Essensia, an orange blossom muscat, which is sexed up by infusing it with lemon rose scented Geranium and minty/herby Damiana. Have to try it yourself because describing it sounds like a mouthwash blended with your great grannies cologne.

By Vagablond’s Token Redhead.

I just returned from LA where I went to cover the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo. There, I was lucky enough to snag a seat at the event below. Talk about a sizzling cook-off!

That Mike Midgley (middle photo) is one funny dude, and the chemistry between Oh-So-Sexy Sam Talbot (top left) and bombshell Marisa Churchill (below) was thick enough to cut with the proverbial Chef’s Knife.

Top Chef: Top Trio
Enjoy an exclusive culinary demo featuring chefs from Bravo’s hit series “Top Chef.” Meet New York’s “sexiest chef,” Executive Chef, Sam Talbot, the adorable and always entertaining Mike Midgley and San Francisco’s own “hotty,” Executive Pastry Chef, Marisa Churchill. Learn their culinary secrets, taste their cutting edge dishes and hear what it’s really like to battle for “Top Chef.”

Avalon Hotel
The best part was my overnight the night before at the hip and happenin’ Avalon Hotel, where all the cool kids hang out. The location is perfect… it’s hidden behind some palm trees in a quiet residential corner in Beverly Hills, but just minutes away from the best galleries and restaurants in town — and only a 10-minute walk to Rodeo Drive. (My fav shop here was the spectacular Prada boutique with clear glass dressing rooms that magically turn opaque when in use!)

The hotel is styled out in a retro-fifties manner, with lots of geometrics in lucite, plastics and leather. It’s easy to imagine Marilyn Monroe (a former resident) lounging poolside; as a matter of fact, I wonder if she was the inspiration for the hourglass-shaped pool? However, the supremely comfy beds, Molton Brown toiletries, and high-speed hook-ups were definitely from this era.

There’s always a good people-watching crowd poolside, day or night, hoping to score one of the cabana’s where they for dinner al fresco, although the plush couches inside the restaurant offer choice intimate dinner surroundings. We were amazed that such a “see and be seen” hotel that could just sit on its cool rep.

Would go all out by hiring Executive Chef Gabriel Gabreski, for their restaurant /bar, Blue on Blue. He brings some serious street creds to the kitchen and although many of the guests were happy just to chow down on one of his amazing burgers with a mix and Match Mojito, we decided to put him to the test.

Two hours later, after sharing superb housemade summer corn ravioli with lobster and summer truffles; an interesting salad toss of apricots, blue cheese, with a haunting wildflower honey/hazelnut vinaigrette (too bad apricot season was a little past its prime); an earthy version of Beef Tartare using wagyu beef, onion marmalade, and violet mustard; a lamb dish with goat cheese gnocchi; and a creative cheese platter-perfect with our dessert wine; we concluded that burger crowd had no clue what they have been missing.

Avalon Hotel
9400 West Olympic, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
T 310 277 5221
F 310 277 4928
W: www.avalonbeverlyhills.com

OK, so it’s nowheres near as good as Dr. Seuss’s title, but there’s still time to do your part to SAVE OUR SEAFOOD while feasting on a sumptuous six-course sustainable seafood dinner involving both top fishery scientists and top San Francisco chefs, at 6:30 p.m. at Scott Howard restaurant, Thursday, September 6th, 2007.

I don’t know if Bravo will be scoping this out for next Top Chef series, but I do know that between chefs Ron Siegel (Ritz-Carlton), Mike Selvera (Bar Crudo), Jason Fox (Bar Tartine), Mark Denham (brand new hot-spot, Laïola) and Scott Howard (you guessed it… Scott Howard’s), you’ll be royally wined and dined, while simultaneously feeding your mind.

You’ll hear from experts in the field about the current status of the world’s fisheries and aquatic habitats, while learning ways to help conserve our fishery resources locally as well as what needs to be accomplished to conserve aquatic ecosystems on a global scale.

Proceeds from this important benefit will help sustain our fisheries by providing support for the missions of the:
• American Fisheries Society
• Fisheries Conservation Society

Tickets are $300 and maybe purchased from:
Betsy Fritz
2007 AFS Fund Raising Coordinator
T: 301-231-8254
E: bethandgene@comcast.net
W: Sustainable Seafood Benefit Dinner