Make Plans Now for the 2014 Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival

With a national advertising campaign resulting in over 100 million media impressions, the Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival provides an unprecedented opportunity for local businesses to increase the amount of publicity and recognition that their brand receives. Local eateries and tourist attractions have had greatly increased traffic during past festival events, and this year is on track to break previous attendance records.

The festival offers businesses a great partnership and even greater visibility due to this massive national campaign. With premiere media partnerships such as the LA TIMES, Travelzoo, and other notable national publications, the Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival brings added attention, revenue and good will to the community, all while benefiting a worthy cause.

This two week long event features a slate of tasting affairs that highlight numerous local eateries and restaurants, bringing media attention and new customers to local businesses that might not otherwise gain this level of exposure.

Local hotels and motels in Calabasas and Malibu have historically experienced a surge in occupancy rates, and are typically sold out during the two weeks of the Calabasas Malibu Wine & Food Festival.

Area restaurants and bars are packed during the two week festivities, and enjoy a proven increase in residual business that multiplies each year with the coming of the next festival. The impact of participating in previous festivals is now being felt by a variety of local businesses such as providers of scenic tours and excursions, specialty boutiques, auto mobile dealerships and a variety of shopping destinations.

Businesses in Malibu and Calabasas alike are seeing an increase in their profitability because of the traffic and visibility that a partnership with the festival brings. Local wineries report that they are filled with out of town guests looking to get their hands on the Malibu gold, some of the best wines that California has to offer.

More and more, this event is making a prominent impact not only on area businesses, but is giving back to the community as well. Last year, proceeds from the event were used to purchase all new equipment for the local high school.

Both businesses and the community benefit from the increased tourism and national recognition that this unprecedented media exposure will provide.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Simply Wine Festival Coming to Ventura County in March

One might be surprised by some of the elite names, such as premium electric car manufacturer, Tesla Motors and cellar-masters, Premier Cru Collection, which are associated with the Simply Wine Festival event to benefit Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village this coming March.

Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in a mission to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

While the purpose of the event is to raise funding for the revered Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties, the occasion also affords wine lovers a welcomed opportunity to taste brands such as high-scoring Achaval-Ferrer, LeSaffre Wines, Gauchezco and the much-loved, If You See Kay. Additionally ultra-premium spirits brands such as Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal and Tallarico Vodka will pour.

In fact, the brands attending are so recognized and acclaimed that a Sommelier panel has been assembled, comprising such industry icons such as Meridith May, Publisher and Editorial Director at The Tasting Panel and The Somm Journal; Bonnie Graves, celebrated Sommelier (Spago, Jean-Georges); and, Kaj Stromer, G.M., Wine Director, Woodland Hills Wine Company, among other peers, who will judge the attending wineries and spirits brands in the following categories: Most Outstanding Varietal in its Category, Best in Blends, Excellence in the Spirits Space, Exceptional Value (Best Buy), Category Innovator.

High-end restaurants will also participate with dishes representing their respective flavor profiles and themes, giving wine-lovers a reprieve from tasting, and an opportunity to experience some of the stellar gastronomy in their surrounding areas.

“These events are important to the educational process,” said Meridith May, of The Tasting Panel and The Somm Journal. “In order to help the consumer develop their palate, it’s important to elevate the standard of events in which we participate. The level of wines at this event is impressive and those attending will get the opportunity to taste what a wine in its respective varietal ‘should’ taste like.”

David Biggar, Wine Enthusiast’s Innovator of the Year Award recipient and Partner at Vintage Point noted, “A wine tasting should be just that...a place to learn about wines and experience excellent examples. And that’s how we like to address the consumer: through education.”

For tickets go to SimplyWineFest.com or call 805- 890-9609.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Support The Monuments Men and George Clooney In The Search For Lost Art

In anticipation of the nationwide release of The Monuments Men, the new film from director George Clooney based on the true story of the race to save 1000 years of culture, moviegoers can visit SupportTheMonumentsMen.com, where they will find resources and information about the ways we all can continue the search for landmark works that were stolen or taken as souvenirs during World War II and are still missing today. The film, which is written by George Clooney & Grant Heslov, will be released on February 7, 2014.

Robert M. Edsel, who founded and heads the Monuments Men Foundation, added, "The Monuments Men and women saved almost five million cultural objects, but so much is still missing. They could be anywhere, in your grandfather's attic, or hiding in plain sight. I'm thrilled that with the release of the movie, there will be a way for the public to help complete these heroes' mission. Call 1-866-WWII-ART and find out how you can help."

At SupportTheMonumentsMen.com, moviegoers can sign a virtual petition supporting the Monuments Men's efforts to preserve and protect great cultural works of art by encouraging members of Congress to honor the Monuments Men with the Congressional Gold Medal.

In addition, visitors will find a phone number – 1-866-WWII-ART – which will connect callers directly to the Monuments Men Foundation, where they can speak with a Monuments Men Foundation representative regarding the search for lost art.

Also as a part of the Support the Monuments Men site, visitors will find an interactive map. On the map, moviegoers can find out local museums that will be featuring their institutions' connection to the Monuments Men – such as personnel who participated in the campaign or rescued works of art that hang on the museums' walls.

On the "Journey of the Monuments Men" feature, visitors can read about the history – from information about the real Monuments Men to the efforts they and others took to save landmark works during the war.

Finally, the studio has developed an educational program to engage high school and college students, families and art buffs about the story of the Monuments Men. The educational site, at MonumentsMenEducation.com, features downloadable lesson plans that meet common core state standards, an interactive map, and videos to spark discussion and aid educators in building a curriculum. Students are also invited to get involved by uploading photos of local works of art that best represent their communities. The photos can be uploaded by visiting the Tumblr page at LocalTreasure.tumblr.com.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world's artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners. With the art hidden behind enemy lines, how could these guys hope to succeed?

But as the Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements. From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett. The screenplay is by George Clooney & Grant Heslov, based on the book by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter. Produced by Grant Heslov and George Clooney.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

MOSI Celebrates 19th Annual Einstein on Food & Wine Festival

The Museum of Science & Industry will host its 19th annual Einstein on Food & Wine festival, Jan. 31 - Feb. 1. This celebration of the senses showcases the delicious and diverse cuisine of Tampa Bay, alongside the palate pleasers of winemakers from around the country. The weekend is ideal for anyone who enjoys wine, food, music and supporting a worthy cause through a silent auction.

The weekend kicks off with the 2nd annual Annus Mirabilis dinner on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for those wishing to enjoy an intimate dinner, culinary demonstrations and a customized menu by Alex Thomopoulos, comedian-turned-chef of HUNGRY’s Bites & Booze, in a private home on Bayshore Boulevard. A regular recipe and content contributor for KitchenAid and Chalkboard magazine, Thomopoulos is also a recurring guest and guest co-host of Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family Show. Thomopoulos' appearance is made possible by the generous donation of Bay Area Medical Resources, Inc.

The celebration continues with Einstein on Food & Wine on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event begins at 7 p.m., but those with VIP tickets have early access beginning at 6 p.m. and can rub elbows with Thomopoulos in the VIP lounge. ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, the host sponsor, will feature more than 120 vintners with a variety of wines, including reds, whites, champagnes, domestic and imported. Delicious food and desserts from more than 30 different local restaurants will be featured including Capital Grille, Texas de Brazil, Shells, Cigar City Brewery, BJ’s and Blue Bell ice cream, along with a variety of food trucks like Not Your Ordinary Food Truck and Lizzy Cakes. In addition to the array of food and wine, a silent auction, including tickets to the Emmy® awards, will be held with proceeds to benefit MOSI’s educational programs.

This year MOSI is adding new and exciting elements to Einstein on Food & Wine, including the MOSI STEAMpunks performing random acts of science throughout the event, roaming Einsteins, Ghostbusters, Roller Derby girls, the Tampa Bay Squad of the 501st Legion – the Star Wars Imperial costuming organization, and much more.

Additionally, restaurants who participate will have their food judged by Thomopoulos and MOSI guests in a quest to find the best food at Einstein on Food & Wine. Guests will vote for their favorite restaurant by dropping a dollar in their ballot box. The restaurant with the most dollars at the end of the night wins "Fan Favorite." All proceeds benefit MOSI's education and scholarship programs. Winners will be announced in MOSI’s Grand Lobby prior to the closing of our silent auction. The restaurant competition is sponsored by Raymond James Financial.

Prize categories are as follows:
-First Place will receive $1,000 and a plaque
-Second Place will receive $750 and a plaque
-Third Place will receive $250 and a plaque
-Fan Favorite will receive a plaque and bragging rights

Einstein on Food & Wine tickets are $60 for members, $75 for non-members and $85 when purchased the week of the event. The event begins at 7 p.m. and guests must be 21 years or older to attend. VIP tickets can be purchased for $125, which includes early access to Einstein on Food & Wine at 6 p.m. and a round-trip chartered bus service from the Capital Grille at International Plaza, where complimentary appetizers will be served from 4 - 6 p.m.

Tickets for the 2nd annual Annus Mirabilis dinner, which include an intimate dinner, culinary demonstrations and a customized menu by Thomopoulos, are $200 per person or $350 per couple.

Einstein on Food & Wine is sponsored in part by Bay Area Medical Resources, Inc.; Service Systems Associates; Raymond James Financial; Macy's; Art Lipo; KPMG; the Law Offices of Jeanne Coleman; Phelps Dunbar, LLP; Hanna, Lemar & Morris, CPA's, PA; Rivero Gordimer & Company; Wit Ostrenko; and Molly Demeulenaere. Both evenings benefit the education programs at MOSI. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 813-987-6000 or visit MOSI.org.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Auberge Resorts Earn Top Honors on Conde Nast Traveler's 2014 Gold List

Five Auberge Resorts properties throughout North America have been recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler by naming them to the publication’s 2014 Gold List, an exclusive collection of the world’s top hotels, resorts and cruise lines. Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch, Esperanza Resort, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, and Solage Calistoga were ranked among the world’s best; their scores landed the signature properties on the annual list, which is showcased in the January 2014 issue.

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Gold List identifies the best of the best: the gold standard of hotels, resorts, and cruise lines. Nearly 80,000 of the world's most discerning travelers (a record-setting number) produced a final selection of the top places in the world by participating in the annual Readers' Choice survey. Consistency is rewarded: those who make the Gold List five years in a row earn Platinum Circle status. Auberge du Soliel, Esperanza, and the Inn at Palmetto Bluff boast this honor.

“We’re so pleased to have our resorts on this coveted list – we strive to stay on it year after year by crafting personalized experiences at our signature properties, which are true gems in some of the best destinations in the world,” said Mark Harmon, Managing Partner, Auberge Resorts. A complete list with scores and reader comments about each property follows:

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina)

Overall Score: 97.7 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: "This will be the best inn you’ve ever stayed at," by the May River amid acres of forests and ancient freshwater rice fields. Rustic cottages are "quiet, secluded, immaculate, and spacious," with screened porches, white-wood doorways, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, wide pine-plank floors, and hipped metal roofs. The food at the River House Restaurant is "fantastic."

Auberge du Soleil (Napa Valley, California)

Overall Score: 96.7 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: The "outstanding luxury hotel" is set on 33 acres of vineyards and olive groves—"the views are spectacular." "Sumptuous cottages" done in sun and earth tones have wood-burning fireplaces and refrigerators stocked with local wines and cheeses; bathrooms come with skylights and flat-screen TVs. The "stunning restaurant" serves wine-country cuisine with French Mediterranean influences, and its terrace has heaters for dining out on cool evenings. Enjoy Italian ices and chilled towels at the pool and Reiki at La Pagode, an Asian-style pavilion.

Esperanza (Los Cabos, Mexico)

Overall score: 96.1 (Platinum Circle)

Reader comments: Comprising clifftop sand-hued casitas and suites and three- and four-bedroom villas, this resort has rooms that all face the Sea of Cortés, some with private balconies with infinity-edge hot tubs. "Staff are unbelievably fantastic," even providing complimentary shoulder massages upon arrival. Cocina del Mar, which spills over three terraces, serves fresh local seafood. "Whale-watching from the pool" and "one of the most beautiful spas" are among the experiences guests can anticipate.

Solage Calistoga (Napa Valley, California)

Overall Score: 94.0

Reader comments: Located on 25 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, this newcomer offers guests "a beautiful and pampered experience that never disappoints." Earth-tone contemporary guest rooms in buildings with yellow siding are "absolutely stunning," with vaulted ceilings, Italian linens, and stone showers with pebble flooring. The hotel’s "outstanding service" includes complimentary use of cruiser bikes with each bungalow.

Calistoga Ranch (Napa Valley, Calfornia)

Overall Score: 90.7

Reader comments: The resort was designed to re-create a vintner’s estate. Cedar-shingle guest lodges built near lakes and streams and under trees merge indoor and outdoor spaces and have fireplaces and outdoor showers. Designed with tall panes of glass and looking onto woodlands and Lake Lommel, the Lakehouse serves "the most delicious wine and amazing food," relying on organic ingredients from local farmers.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Contemporary Art and Artists Arrive in Palm Springs During Modernism Week February 2014

Palm Springs is known for design, style and luxury. In February, thousands arrive to explore the best of these through fine art, architecture and modernism events. The hottest show in February for fine art collectors, buyers and aficionados as well as the museum curator audience is The 3rd Annual Palm Springs Fine Art Fair (PSFAF) taking place February 13-16, 2014.

After its first two years, the Fair has already become a must see for collectors and fans of Contemporary Art. A veritable pop-up museum of modern art valued at over $100 million from over 60 international galleries will be presented in the exhibit hall at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The extraordinary exhibition curates a dynamic review of works by artists including Karel Appel, Le Corbusier, Henry Jackson, Frank Stella, Raymond Jonson, Pablo Picasso, Kenneth Noland, Jennifer Bartlett, Chul Hyan Ahn, David Middlebrook, and many more.

With recent art auction house sales breaking records in New York for contemporary art, coupled with the frenzy of buying at Art Basel Miami week, it appears this genre has a renewed popularity. “This is Contemporary and Modern art that is alive and in the moment,” says producer Rick Friedman, “Collectors perceive that art is not only beauty, but also as an alternative investment.” Palm Springs Fine Art Fair is the hottest ticket on the Fine Art winter circuit not only because of the beautiful destination, but also because of the quality of the art, the artists and the excitement of what’s in the show.

One piece that will be dazzling the audience will be Steve Maloney’s Ride-em-Cowboy, a sculpture created from a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter and a Long Horn Steer. “Palm Springs is bigger than life and we felt Steve’s piece captures both contemporary and future,” continues Friedman.

The larger-than-life-size Ride-em-Cowboy is a decommissioned bone yard chopper, engine-free yet structurally sound, dressed to the hilt inside and out with thousands of colored gemstones; old cowhide chairs; authentic Longhorn Steer skull; iPad with virtual flight simulator; Swarovski crystal chandelier; a built-in high-polished lapped and riveted aluminum bar inspired by a vintage Airstream trailer; hand-war-painted Indian Motorcycle front fender lights; yards of LED lighting strips; and vinyl cowhide wrap exterior. “The use of repurposed materials creates a familiarity and allows people to relate to the work in a personal way. Steve is unafraid to bombard our senses – and our sense of humor. It’s great to see contemporary art that makes people smile,” says James Carona, owner of Heather James Gallery.

The exhibition also includes expert panel discussions that are standing room only. “Whether you are buying your first piece or have a collection that is museum-worthy, the panels are there to inform and create dialog about art, collecting and the artists represented,” says Friedman.

Tickets are on sales at PalmSpringsFineArtFair.com. The VIP Black Card pass provides exclusive access to the Opening Preview Party. General admission is $25. The Palm Springs Fine Art Fair is produced by the Hamptons Expo Group of Southampton, New York. They produce 4 other events throughout the year: ArtHamptons, ArtAspen, The Houston Fine Art Fair, and Silicon Valley Contemporary.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Presents a Wine Blending Workshop

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is pleased to present a Wine Blending Workshop where guests will blend and create their own bottle of wine. Held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m., the workshop is $75 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Guests will swirl, sniff, and taste glasses of single varietal cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc that will be blended together to create a personally crafted wine. The resort’s blending guide will lead guests through an education of grape varietals and a blending session using graduated cylinders and beakers.

Once the perfect percentages of grapes have been determined, the wine will be bottled, corked and highlighted with a label designed during the workshop. The Wine Blending Workshop includes education and instruction of wine blending, light hors d’oeuvres and one 750 ml bottle of wine. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling (650) 712-7000.

Situated 23 miles southwest of the San Francisco International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room destination spa and golf coastal hotel and the San Francisco Bay Area’s only oceanfront resort. Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, the timeless oceanfront estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience, whether for a romantic getaway, meeting or special event.

For more information on fall activities, please contact The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay at (650) 712-7000. For room reservations, contact a travel professional, visit RitzCarlton.com/hmb or call Ritz-Carlton worldwide reservations at (800) 241-3333. Visit ExperienceHalfMoonBay.com to learn more about the destination.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.