Kimmel takes New York by storm! A great time was had at the JAMES BEARD Dinner!

The STAR PAIRING of the evening... A seared Diver Scallop with fragrant Black Beans, Creamed Corn and Thai Lobster Curry sauce, served with our 2009 Chardonnay. Our mouths are still watering from this wow combination!

In what was a highlight of the holiday season, Debby and Jim Kimmel joined winemakers Bob & Claudia Klindt from Claudia Springs Winery for an unforgettable James Beard Foundation Dinner in NYC.

Iron Chef Beau MacMillan cooked his signature Asian inspired cuisine paired up with two small, family run California wine producers. The evening's menu included seared diver scallop in a Thai lobster curry, foie gras créme brulee with black truffle meringue, gilled venison loin with cherry braised cabbage — just to name a few of the courses.

Jim was brought up in front of a sold-out house of enthusiastic new Kimmel fans and honored with an award recognizing his Outstanding Contribution to the James Beard Foundation. The James Beard House is to the food and wine world what the Academy Awards are to the movie industry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION >

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JOIN US AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO FOR THE 31st ANNUAL FOOD & WINE CELEBRATION:

Date: September 24, 2011, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: San Diego Zoo
Benefits: Endangered animals and their habitats.

This celebration was started as Kicks for Critters in 1980 by Rolf Benirschke, San Diego Chargers place-kicker, to raise money to support the San Diego Zoo’s conservation research efforts. Now in its 31st year, attendees enjoy samples from more than 150 restaurants, beer, wine and spirits vendors, in addition to auction drawings, VIP early entrance and experiences, and Skyfari rides.

To purchase tickets and learn more at the event, visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/celebration/2011/faqs

JOIN US AT HAPPY HALLO-WINE:

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011, 3-6 p.m.
Location: San Diego Private residence
Benefits: Home Start, Inc.

Please join us for Home Start’s 4th Annual “Happy Hallo-Wine” in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event will be held in October 8, 2011 and will raise funds for Home Start’s programs which provide critical assistance to San Diego County’s most vulnerable children and families. Held at the most beautiful private estate in the Marston Hills neighborhood of Hillcrest. Tour the gardens with your friends as you experience fantastic boutique wines, spirits, hand crafted beers and enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres.

Adding to the event this year is "The Wine Cellar" — Each Wine Cellar tickets gives the buyer a chance to take home a delicious boutique wine valued from $7-$100. This is a blind choice; each ticket sold can be redeemed to choose one selection from our fantastic wine cellar. Tickets are just $20 each or 3 for $50 (only 100 tickets will be sold). Tickets will also available at the event until sold out. For more information about the event or to purchase the "Wine Cellar" tickets contact: Nicole Graichen 619-692-0727 ext 113 or ngraichen@home-start.org

$50 until 9/23/11 - then $70. To purchase tickets and learn more at the event, visit http://www.home-start.org