all photos by Jay or event
The scene on the beach
What could be more enticing and even romantic than a walk on the beach Thursday evening, August 6th, while sipping a glass of good wine and snacking on a savory treat from a famous chef? Greet a host of friends who are also there for a very good cause. Yes, come August 6th, I will be at the Jonathan Club (850 Palisades Beach Rd.) in Santa Monica for the 6th Annual An Evening on the Beach benefitting St. Vincent MEALS ON WHEELS. Actually, this is a continuation of an event which began some 40 years ago in the parking lot of the original Spago on Sunset Blvd. I was there....and first met Sister Sam, the charming nun from St. Vincent who had conceived the idea of "Meals on Wheels" to provide two nutritious meals daily to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents without regard to race, religion or ability to pay. For many years it was a steadfast money-raiser for a terrific, important cause. Life went on and changes necessitated a different venue and sponsor, AUDI, for the past six years. . But the need never abated and Sister Sam is still working the crowd and thanking all the generous participants who support the event. She will greet everyone who comes to the Jonathan Club.
Celebrities, too. Here is Fran Drescher.
Important to note that the Incline from Ocean Avenue down to Pacific Coast Highway is closed for one year. You may reach the complimentary parking lots North and South of the Jonathan Club from the Pacific Coast Highway only. I understand Lyft is a new sponsor and will be offering discount coupons to attendees who are smart enough not to drive and drink. For Lyft updates visit www.eveningonthebeach.com.
Grilled meats are a 'must'
...as is rosting marshmallows at night
Tickets cost $175 a person, and the evening is worth every penny....for the cause and the fun. Some two dozen famous chefs from 20 restaurants will be here offering up savory treats, a similar number of vintners and spirits vendors will be serving wine and cocktails and, back by popular demand, the very popular 9-piece High Rize band on the sand.
Chef Gino Angelini serves up the world's best lasagna
As always, I will arrive early with my friends, take off my shoes and leave them in the car. I will head for the Justin Wine booth for a glass of my favorite Justification and then wander around greeting many chef friends. Event Director Joan Wrede told me that I will see Gino Angelini there, and I hope he will have a pan of his luscious green lasagna (always go for the corner, with its crust). My old friend Dahlia Narvaez of Osteria Mozza will have prepared a raft of sweet treats when I am ready for dessert. Joan mentioned that FreshPoint of Southern California will be donating and delivering chef produce orders for the third year. The very talented bartender Shawn Lickliter of Republique will preside over the Chopin Vodka and No. 209 Gin Martini Bar, complete with Petrossian caviar olives stuffed by hand.
Cheers, everybody.
Some of the chefs present will be: Alex Ageneau from aestus, Frankie and Vanessa from Gustus Vitae, Zac and Chris from Salt's Cure, Kai Kani of pop-up fame, Jessica Koslow from Squirl, Jared Levy from The Eveleigh, Clark Staub from Full of Life Flatbread, Marcos Tello, the El Silencio Mezcal ambassador, Jonathan Grahm from Compartés Chocolates, Alec Lestr from Patina Catering, Jason McClain and Quentin Collignon from the Jonathan Club, Mimmo Di Stefano of Di Stefano Mozzarella and Burrata Cheeses, Genevieve Gergis from Bestia, Micah Wexler (from that hot downtown Jewish deli at the Grand Central Market) as well as Terranea Chef Andrew Vaughan. Ray England from Craft Los Angeles will be accompanied by his pastry chef, Shannon Swindle. In addition, my buddy John Lechleidner from Wolfgang's WP 24 with the fabulous view, and a hot, hot new one with Jared Standing from the mighty new butcher shop/restaurant Belcampo Meats. The colorful, old-timer Frank Ostini from Buellton's Hitching Post Restaurant and Pinot Noirs will be hitching up is special grill and traveling down for the evening also.
I expect to meet many guests from Accenture, Audi, Badoit, Evian, FreshPoint, Clear Channel, Wine Spectator, and the various wineries...Bonny Doon, Jordan and Justin, Kalin, Malibu Vineyards and more.There will be a roaring fire to enjoy with s'mores, velvety Vittoria Coffee, from down under, and a glass of Premium Port. Sister Sam told me that every $7.87 raised will supply one meal for a hungry senior. As an always-hungry senior, I was impressed by that. As I said, a great evening for a great cause. So wriggle your toes in the sand and hope for a full moon. See you there.
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