Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
THE MESSAGE PHOTO: RICK CAMARGO Helen Mackey, Senior Director of Menu Strategy for Ruth's Chris Steak House joined Margrit Biever Mondavi to co-host one of 96 dinners held in honor of her late husband, Robert Mondavi. THE TASTING PANEL's Deborah Parker Wong (right) joined them in San Francisco. Ruth's Chris Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Mondavi's Birth T wo icons of American cuisine, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Robert Mondavi Winery celebrated the 100th anniversary of vintner Robert Mondavi's birth with a wine-paired dinner at 96 of the restaurant's U.S. and international locations. Margrit Biever Mondavi and Helen Mackey, Senior Director of Menu Strategy for Ruth's Chris, co-hosted the five-course dinner at the company's San Francisco location. Throughout the evening a vivacious Biever Mondavi spoke to her late husband's pursuit of quality and the global vision that became his life's work. Her recollections of his achievements were peppered with anecdotes that revealed the humor and passion of the life they shared together. "Bob always said 'Don't talk about it, do it! That's exactly what he did when he marketed his first wine in 1967 for $1.79, a dollar more than the going rate of 79 cents." In her address, Mackey noted that the two companies had been founded within one year of each other; Ruth Fertel established Ruth's Chris Steak House in 1965 and Mondavi his winery in 1966. "For this absolutely classic pairing of food and wine, we created a menu inspired by dishes that were originally served at the winery." she said. To mark the centenary occasion, the winery has renamed 12 acres of To Kalon old-vine Sauvignon Blanc "Robert's Block" and elevated the Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon to a To Kalon single vineyard–designate wine as of the 2011 vintage. —Deborah Parker Wong Risk-Takers T HE TASTING PANEL caught up with bartender Serena Herrick and chef Miles Thompson for a tasting of the wonderful menu and new, seasonal cocktail list at Allumette in Los Angeles. Thompson's delicious Hamachi sashimi, fried oyster with kimchi ranch dressing and Szechuan pork dumpling Serena Herrick from were perfectly Allumette Los Angeles. complemented by Herrick's balanced cocktails, such as the Le Système Solaire and the saké-driven You Live Only Twice. After making the move from New York to Los Angeles two years ago, Herrick's mixology philosophy has certainly grown and evolved. "I've learned a lot about taking risks from [Thompson]," says Herrick. "His food isn't going to appeal to everyone but you have to instinctually trust yourself and your palate." —B. D. Craft on TAPS T APS Fish House & Brewery in the Brea Downtown district of Orange County, CA, hosted a Craft Beer Festival with an impressive roster of more than 35 of Southern California's premier breweries, including The Bruery, Eagle Rock Brewing Co., Golden Road, Pizza TAPS owner Joe Manzella Port San Clemente and Craftsman Brewing. with Brewmaster Victor Over 200 guests Novak. enjoyed sampling beers paired with global street food. The successful event will be repeated next spring. 18 / the tasting panel / august 2013 TP0813_001-33.indd 18 7/25/13 3:51 PM