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Inaugural SFChefsFoodWine a Big Success
On August 6, 2009 the GGRA launched SF.Chefs.Food.Wine, a four day celebration on Union Square showcasing the talent of our local chefs, wine makers, and artisans, and featuring the bounty of local products in Northern California. Events included exquisite tastings of food and wine, cooking demonstrations, celebrity book signings, and special events highlighting some of the best in the industry. More than 5000 people attended the four-day event and enjoyed the fruits of the labor of over 150 chefs and artisans, over 200 wineries, distillers, and brewers. Fifteen media sponsors and over 100 journalists attended the celebration, providing significant media coverage for GGRA Member restaurants.
Thursday, August 6
The celebration started with a formal ribbon cutting by Mayor Newsom, Linda Lim (Visa Signature, our presenting sponsor), Tyler Florence (evening host) and Kevin Westlye (GGRA). Guests were treated to the sounds of Los Campos while they tasted and drank their way through the Grand Tasting Tent. The tent was designed as urban chic meets Union Square.
Local chefs Charles Phan, Martin Yan and Arnold Eric Wong collaborated on a once in a life-time reception and dinner featuring the flavors of Asia. The evening was aptly hosted by E & O Trading Company and benefited the San Francisco Food Bank.
Friday, August 7
Master Chefs and Master Sommeliers led morning classes focused on the enjoyment and understanding of food and wine. At noon the Grand Tasting opened under the big top on Union Square. The Square was magically transformed into an urban garden party, where guests met chefs and wine makers and sampled food and wine. The afternoon classes featured tastings and attendee participation, including learning to roll sushi.
Five local chefs and culinarians were awarded the prestigious America's Culinary Pioneers designation for their contribution to our country's culinary evolution by Patrick O'Connell. Awardees were: Joyce Goldstein, Emily Luchetti, Judy Rodgers, Patricia Unterman, and Chuck Williams. All enjoyed a delicious dinner atop the Westin St. Francis prepared by Loretta Keller, Ron Siegel, Gary Danko, Traci Des Jardins, and Terri Wu. This unforgettable dinner benefited Meals on Wheels.
Adventurous guests ventured to Orson in SOMA for an only in San Francisco evening where they were greeted by Harry Denton, enjoyed fancy "grazing" provided by 12 local chefs, and the incomparable DJ Juanita More at the turntables. Cocktails were provided by San Francisco's own SKYY Spirits. The reception benefited Project Open Hand.
Saturday, August 8
Morning sessions highlighted by lessons cooking pizza, dumplings or dishes featuring aphrodisiac ingredients. At noon on the main stage cooking demo's ran continuously through the afternoon. Locally crafted beer for the seven members of the San Francisco Brewer's Guild proved popular on the warm day. Afternoon classes highlighted by tasting of darker red wines: old vine zinfandel and aged cabernet sauvignon.
A room full of sommeliers and wine lovers warmly greeted awardees Larry Stone, Shelley Lindgren, Debbie Zachareas, Rajat Parr, Emily Wines and Sara Floyd. Lunch highlighted with wines paired to Michael Mina cuisine. Hosted by Gourmet Magazine
Saturday night brought creativity into focus through art, food and music. Local artists painted large canvases as guests ate the chefs' special visions of BBQ. Guests jammed the dance floor to music provided by Joey Altman and the Back Burner Blues Band, and later by celebrity DJ Hubert Keller. Who knew?
Chocolate Enchantment
Guests enjoyed a stunning buffet of chocolate set on the top floor of the Westin St. Francis. Chocolate, cocktails and music were a great way to finish the evening.
Sunday, August 9
Sunday was offered to GGRA restaurant members as a trade day with a Visa Signature sponsored ticket subsidy. Almost 100 restaurant industry people attended under the program. Sunday afternoon offered three very high profile classes, featuring celebrated chefs Patrick O'Connell, Thomas Keller, Paula Wolfert, Charlie Trotter, Mourad Lahlou, Charles Phan and Douglass Keane. The attendees were treated to great perspectives from these experts as a fitting way to close the weekend.
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