California Spirit XXVII: An Evening of Food, Wine, Auction and Music Benefiting the American Cancer Society

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Category: Benefits, Galas, Social Events

Published on Saturday, 17 March 2012 07:08

Written by Janet Walker

Wolfgang Puck, Barbara Lazaroff and Paramount Pictures Sherry Lansing recently hosted California Spirit XXVII: An Evening of Food, Wine, Auction and Music Benefiting the American Cancer Society in West Hollywood, California.

Helping commemorate twenty-seven years of dedication and awareness, ten of Los Angeles' top chefs and seventeen wineries offered enticing edibles, tantalizingly tempting treats and delicious, flavorful wines served in abundance to the more than five hundred guests attending the gourmet afternoon fete on the "lawn" of the Pacific Design Center.

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The American Cancer Society Benefit honored Margaret Loesch, president and CEO of The HUB, with The Spirit of Life Award for her devotion and commitment to her fight against cancer. A long time entertainment industry executive, Ms. Loesch, personifies the very essence of generosity. Her commitment to maintaining quality family programming is admirable.

Barbara Lazoroff, founding chairwomen of the American Cancer Society Benefit, is a woman of boundless passion. A member of several research charities she tirelessly works to give back to those who need the help the most.

She epitomizes the adage "charity begins at home." She emphasized in our interview her passions begin at home. She is the mother of two teenage sons, from her marriage, with Founding Co-Chair and restaurant mogul, Wolfgang Puck, and has taught her sons the importance of altruism and reaching out and meeting the need through charity opportunities albeit lending their name, time, talents or the myriad of other possibilities.

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After home and family, the lists of passions are punctuated with charitable offerings including Meals-on-Wheels, The American Cancer Society and several Jewish medical research hospitals. She believes and lives her philosophy of giving back whenever and however she can. She is a philanthropic formidable force and thankfully so.

Donating their time and effort preparing the tasty samplings were Chef Gino Angelini of Angelini Osteria who prepared Eggplant Parmigiana and Lamb Chops with Arugula Salad, Chef Kazuto Matsusaka of Beacon Catering serving delicious Colorado Lamb Skewers with Basil and Harissa and Miso Braised Short rib Taco with Kimchee. Chinois On Main, under the direction of Chef Rene Mata served Sautéed Shrimp atop Blue Crab Cakes, Lobster Lemon Grass Sauce, Chinois Chicken Salad and Grilled Short Ribs with Basmati Rice served in Lettuce Cups.

The Wolfgang Puck Restaurant group served from Cut & Sidebar USDA Prime Rib Chop Sandwiches with Crispy Onions and Saffron Aiolo & Heirloom Tomato Relish from Chef Ari Rosenson; From Red Seven and Chef Ben Hong and Chef David Timoteo Sweet Soy/Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly Slider with Thai Watermelon Salad.

From his flagship Spago Beverly Hills, Chef Lee Hefter and Chef Tetsu Yahagi created a Grilled Lamb Mediterranean "Sandwich" on Homemade Pita with Harrisa Aioli, Crumbled Feta Cheese and Tabouli Salad.

Pastry Chef Sherry Yard of Spago Beverly Hills created decadent desserts of Profiteroles with Coffee Ice Cream topped with Chocolate Sauce and Chocolate Button Drop Cookies rolled in sugar.

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WP 24, the newest addition to the Wolfgang Restaurant Group, served Roasted Peking Duck Duo, Duck Bao Bun and Crispy Duck Spring Roll, created by Chef Sara Johannes.

Lago and Chef Gian Franco presented guest with Lingua in Salsa Verde (Braised Beef Tongue in Fresh Italian Parsley Pesto) and Burrata d'Estate (Local Burrate Cheese, House Made Basil Sorbet and Market Cherry Tomatoes.

Matsuhisa Beverly Hills under the direction of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa served Spicy Tuna Hand Rolled Sushi, Vegetable Hand Rolled Shusi and Tuna Hand Rolled Shusi.

Ray's and Stark Bar led by Chef Kris Morningstar and Chef Josh Graves presented Marinated Bay Scallops, Smoked Tomato Jelly, Crispy Potatoes, Avocado, Caviar and Chives and Wood Grilled Porchetta with White Bean Puree, Golden Beet Mostarda Crackling and Shaved Fennel.

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Ray's and Stark Bar also served decadent desserts including Chocolate Mousse with Korova Cookie Crust, Milk Chocolate Whipped Cream and Citrus Puree and Duck Fat Yorkshire Puddings.

To quench the thirst a selection from the best wineries, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Clouds Rest Vineyards, Dragonette Cellars, Foxen, Inception Wines, Jettlyn Winery, Krupp Brothers, Malibu Vineyards, Ortman Family Vineyards, Palmina, Qupe & Verdao, Rock Sake, Rudi Wiest, Soliste, Topanga Vineyards, Winemonger all guaranteed to satisfy even the most sophisticated palate and the essential of life, Fiji Water.

The live and silent auction items ranged from exquisite, one-of-a-kind, jewelry designs, sensuous health and beauty gift baskets and packages, luxurious travel destinations, spectacular and unique entertainment offerings and sumptuous food, wine and catering opportunities. Master of Ceremonies Justin Williams, host of FOOD NETWORK's, CUPCAKE WARS, kept the attendees informed throughout the afternoon on the silent auction closing times.

Special recognition to Mindy Lebovic, California Spirit XXVII, Gala Chair for her incredible and tireless effort in staging this amazing celebration!

It was a delicious event in a magnificent setting benefiting a worthy cause!