42 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com The caller on the other end of the line had a question for Reneé Touponce. Would she like to come to Pebble Beach Food & Wine and cook at an event hosted by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis? “Yes, absolutely,” Touponce says, recalling her response with excitement still evident in her voice. “Are you kidding?” Touponce serves as executive chef at Mystic, Connecticut’s Oyster Club and The Port of Call. Among her accolades are James Beard Award nominations and the title of Connecticut’s Chef of the Year in 2022. But it’s apparent even outstanding chefs can get a little starstruck. “Alice Waters, Danny Garcia—the list keeps growing,” Touponce says. “I’m very excited to see so many chefs that I admire.” Waters likely needs no introduction. Garcia is chef at New York hotspot Time and Tide. The rest of the lineup for PBFW 2025 is equally impressive, with names like Amanda Freitag of Chopped fame, Kwame Onwuachi, who has been called the most important chef in America, and barbecue legend Rodney Scott. It is not out of line to place the fourday event in the bucket list pantheon— especially for participants. “Pebble Beach Food & Wine is one of the most iconic culinary events around,” says NFL hall of famer Charles Woodson, owner of the aptly named Intercept Wines. “It has been at the top of my list as a consumer—and now a vintner—for a long time, and I am proud to be a part of it.” The scope of PBFW is staggering. There are eight tastings, 14 seminars, 12 special lunches and dinners, a couple of after parties, two days of the grand tasting and a golf tournament. Add to those numbers more than 150 chefs from around the country and beyond, plus mixologists, sommeliers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and others. “It’s more than an event,” says Bryan Anthony, vice president of food and beverage for the Pebble Beach Company. “It’s a special celebration that unites world-class talent.” For chefs like Touponce who are traveling across the county, there is no illusion that people in the crowd will soon flock to her restaurants. “I hope it builds some curiosity,” she says. “And it gives the opportunity to showcase what we do.” The attraction, however, is in the culinary talent that converges on one place—“The opportunity to be able to network with other chefs,” Touponce adds. “It could lead to future collaborations.” There is, however, some direct benefit for participants. Touponce is bringing her team. She expects that her wine and beverage director will be introduced to new labels worth adding to the menu. Woodson plans to showcase all of his wines, particularly a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Monterey County grapes, as well as a couple of reds sourced from Paso Robles. Restaurateurs from other parts of the country might not be as familiar with Central Coast wine regions. “Since we are in the backyard of where some of my grapes are from, I want to make sure we give them lots of time in the spotlight,” he explains. For ticketholders, PBFW provides an opportunity to taste around the country. The festival is considered such a draw that Capital One partners with Pebble Beach Company Foundation to offer two meals exclusive to cardholders. Such sponsorships are important. PBFW is operated by the foundation as a fundraiser. The nonprofit arm supports local youth programs. The organization also partners with The Roots Fund, a nonprofit that provides support and opportunities for minorities in the wine industry. There is, simply put, a lot going on. The flavors of the Philippines, Creole cooking or a vegetarian lunch at noon on Saturday before deciding between a celebration of Macallan scotch and a seminar pouring chianti classico. But the Tasting Pavilion is also open. “I can’t choose just one,” Woodson notes, although he will be attending Burgers and Barrels on Friday. “And of course I’ll be playing a few rounds of golf.” Pebble Beach Food & Wine takes place ThursdaySunday April 10-13, at or near The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. Ticket prices vary; 10 percent locals discount available. Tasting Pavilion 1-4pm Saturday-Sunday, April 12-13. $450; $595/VIP. pebblebeachfoodandwine.com. FIRST COURSE When every dish or drink is outstanding in a crowd, how does one gain attention? Participants in Pebble Beach Food & Wine say networking is important. SPOUT ABOUT IT…The 15th Annual Whalefest takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13. Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf and check out all the fun happenings (and food specials). Be sure to catch the calamari cooking demonstration by Chef Tene Shake on Saturday at 2:30pm in front of Fisherman’s Grotto. 1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. montereywharf.com. BANDING TOGETHER…Community Human Services is throwing a mini music festival to support local programs for mental health, substance use disorder, and homelessness on Saturday, April 12 from 12-6pm. Other Brother Beer Co. will be pouring brews, Oli’s Cheesesteaks will be slinging sandos, and Fatboy’s Killer Tacos will be dishing deliciousness. Suggested donation is $30. Sand City Art Park, 525 Ortiz Ave., Sand City. chservices.org. CURDS AND YAY…Carmel Valley Creamery is hosting an artisan’s market on Sunday, April 13 from 10am-2pm. Stop by to get some artisanal cheese, goods from local vendors and give some love to adorable baby goats. 1 Esquiline Road, Carmel Valley. 200-9532, carmelvalleycreameryco.com. NOODLE IT…Rice & Roots is slated to open Sunday, April 13, bringing Vietnamese flavors to downtown Monterey (in the former Epsilon space). They will serve a variety of traditional dishes like pho, bahn mi, and vermicelli noodle dishes. Stop by from 11am-8pm daily. 422 Tyler St., Monterey. instagram. com/riceandrootsmonterey. BIG ITALY…Tuesdays are for indulging Italian style at The Windmill Restaurant. Grab your amore or amico and head over to get two pasta plates for $44.95. Be sure to check out their wine selection and dessert menu. 1167 Front St., Soledad. 678-1775. GOT TO GO…Rise And Roam has made it even easier to kickstart your day, keep you going, or stock the pantry with their new grab and go corner. Pick up parfaits, salads, pizzas, locally-made Bigoli pastas, sauces, casseroles and more. 7th and Mission, Carmel. 5742900, riseandroamcarmel.com. WINE ONLINE…Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans is hosting a virtual blending session on Thursday, April 17 starting at 4pm. Tune in via Zoom to get harvest updates and a live look at ROAR Wine’s blending process. santaluciahighlands.com. By Jacqueline Weixel MORSELS eatanddrink@montereycountynow.com “Alice Waters, Danny Garcia—I’m excited to see chefs I admire.” EAT + DRINK DANIEL DREIFUSS Big Time At Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the talent level is an attraction for both guests and participants. By Dave Faries
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