Charities/Benefits

March of Dimes Chef Auction at the Montage Beverly Hills on September 26, 2011

ACCLAIMED CHEF TONY ESNAULT OF PATINA RESTAURANT TO HEADLINE

2011 MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION, MONDAY, SEPT. 26


What a great event and turnout it was for the March of Dimes Charity.  The food, wine and atmosphere were fabulous for this spectacular evening to raise money for this benefit including the live auction at the dessert reception.

 

More Than Two Dozen Top Local Chefs and Wineries Join Forces For

Ultimate Foodie Fête and Fundraiser for Stronger, Healthier Babies

  6 Michelin Star Restaurants Join Stellar Lineup

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (August 30, 2011) – Award-winning executive chef Tony Esnault of the Michelin star-rated Patina Restaurant will lead an exquisite evening of culinary adventure at the 2011 March of Dimes Signature Chefs  Auction taking place Monday, September 26 at the Beverly Hills Montage Hotel from 5:30-9:00pm.  The annual event pays tribute to the area’s culinary scene with an evening of featured chef demonstrations, signature dish and wine tastings, and live auction entertainment.    Los Angeles radio personality Lisa Stanley of KEARTH 101 will host this exciting epicurean experience.

Chef Esnault will be joined by a stellar lineup of chefs from more than a dozen of the area’s most prominent restaurants, including six Michelin star restaurants (Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Melisse, Osteria Mozza, Patina, The Royce at the Langham, and, Valentino).  Their signature dishes will be complemented by a wide variety of wines from several area vintners.  A seated dessert and live auction of exclusive “bucket list” items including travel, fine jewelry, and specialty experiences will round out the evening’s festivities.

“Food, family, love, and good health help us all to lead happy lives,” said 2011 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Lead Chef Tony Esnault of Patina.  “It is an honor to join the March of Dimes in helping to give every newborn a chance to live a healthy and happy life.”  Chef Esnault hails from France’s Loire Valley region and worked with Alain Ducasse for much of the last decade.  Esnault opened Adour for Ducasse in 2007 and was executive chef at the Essex House in New York City.  He joined Patina Restaurant in late 2009.   Chef Esnault is available for media opportunities.

Event proceeds benefit March of Dimes education, research and advocacy programs designed to ensure all babies have a healthy start in life.  “The Signature Chefs Auction is a unique opportunity to experience the breadth of culinary talent in Los Angeles while celebrating and supporting a great cause,” said Event Chair Stephen J. Henning, Founding Partner, Wood, Smith Henning & Berman LLP.  “The event is not only one of the top charity events of the year but a top epicurean event, as well.” 

“We’re thrilled and honored to have the renowned talent of Chef Esnault leading a group of chefs who represent the culinary culture of Los Angeles for this important and prestigious charity event,” said host committee member Stephanie Testa, senior vice president of partnerships at Universal Pictures.  “Experiencing all that this culinary dream team – including 6 Michelin star restaurants – will cook-up will be a night to remember!”

To purchase event tickets or for more information, visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/lachefs or call Asher Garfinkel at (818) 539-2192.  For the latest updates on additional chefs and celebrities as they are added to the event, “like” 2011 March of Dimes Signature Chefs on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/lachefsfb

About the March of Dimes

March of Dimes is the leading non-profit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. 

Participating restaurants and wineries at press time: 

2011 Restaurants: 
Capital Grille • Church & State • CUT • Delphine • Drago • Lawry’s The Prime Rib • Melisse • Michael’s Santa Monica • Mozza • Patina • The Royce at the Langham • Scarpetta • Valentino • WP24 by Wolfgang Puck

2011 Featured Wineries:

Brewer-Clifton Winery • Core Wine Company • David Family Vineyards • Darioush • Dierberg Vineyards • Duckhorn Wine Company • Grgich Hills Estates • Hess Collection • JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery • Lamborn Family Vineyard • Melka Wines • Pali Wine Company • Parry Cellars • PEJU •  Silver Oak Cellars

2011 Signature Chefs Auction sponsors at press time:

Live Auction Sponsor: Farmers

Gourmet Sponsors: Bank of the West; Convidien; Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills;  and, Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, LLP

Epicurean Sponsors: California United Bank; Equinox; Ferring Pharmaceuticals; Harry Winston; Inspirato; Lexus;

The Margolin Group; and, NBC Universal

You can find more information and make donations at Normal 0 www.marchofdimes.com