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American Wine & Food Festival 26th Anniversary 2008
By Bruce Wildstein
For the past 26 years celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has pulled off what might be called a minor miracle. He has overseen one of the biggest charity events in the country and managed to have some of the finest restaurants travel from as far away as Japan to attend his fundraiser for Meals On Wheels. The all weekend event draws over 3,000 people to the Saturday fest on the backlot of Universal Studios, and also includes a smaller Friday night affair at the Pacific Design Center plus a chef's party at Spago on Sunday night. All three events are fundraisers and feature incredible gourmet foods and wines. It truly is a great cause, and together with his former wife Barbara, Wolfgang is to be commended for his tireless efforts.
Saturday night is the main attraction, and this event sells out even with a $300 ticket price. The Universal Studio trams shuttle guests from the huge parking structure to Spartacus Square for five hours of dining and revelry. The cobble stoned streets wind over the hilly area as you discover each food station. Over 35 restaurants from around the country participates by donating their time. Entering the event you are greeted by a champagne reception (it was actually sparkling rose wine). Drink as many glasses as you like. From there, you start your gastronomical journey. World-class chefs on hand this year included Roy Yamaguchi from the restaurant chain that bears his name, Roy's. Also on hand were Drew Nieporent and Stephen Lewan-dowski of New York's Tribeca Grill, famed New Orleans restaurateur Paul Prudhomme, and Julian Serrano from Picasso in Las Vegas, which as been awarded AAA's Five Diamond Award six times. Then there was Nancy Silverton from Mozza, Joachim Splichal of Patina, and Yuji Wakiya from his esteemed Wakiya restaurant in Tokyo. All of Puck's restaurants from L.A. and Las Vegas also participated, as did sushi master Nobu Mats-uhisa. In short, you almost cou-ldn't sample all the foods on hand as there was such an amazing amount. Lob-ster, shrimp, and steak were among the offerings. The event was beautifully decorated and lit, with the backlot facades glowing brilliantly in the night.
Another traditional part of the event is the silent auction area. Dozens of high quality items were up for bid. You could bid on weekends at the finest luxury hotels and spas, plus many fine wine packages and gourmet cooking gear. As in the past, a large dance band played favorite tunes until late. Then, starting at 8:30 PM, one could travel to the upper level of the event for the dessert and dance party in the Perrier Jouet Lounge. Guests indulged in wealth of decadent sweets. Incredible desserts were served by the famous Guittard Chocolate Company, the Payard Patisserie of New York, pastry chef Sherry Yard of Spago, and Citizen Cake of San Francisco. A disco dance band kept things jumping until 11:00 PM.
The American Wine & Food Festival has raised over 23 million dollars in 26 years for people who are home bound or otherwise cannot easily obtain food. Volunteers deliver all meals each day. Meals on Wheels chapters in Southern California include West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and the San Fernando Valley. For more information or to volunteer, check their website at
www.awf.org.