On Monday, November 21, the Fess Parker hotel will host the James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner at 7 p.m. with host chef Kirk DeLong. The “Julia & James Dinner Celebration" begins with a cocktail reception followed by a multi-course dinner with premium wine pairings.
Among the night’s local and international chefs is Cat Cora (LA), Christophe Émé (LA), Gilles Epié (Paris), Ray Garcia (LA) and David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach). Cora is not only the first Female Iron Chef, but is also an author of five best-selling books, a TV host on Bravo and Food Network shows, and a restauranteur. The hotel’s own Executive Chef DeLong oversees all aspects of food preparation and presentation throughout the resort including the Zagat-award winning Rodney’s Steakhouse.
Lagunitas Brewing Company will also be on hand to provide diners with creative beer pairings. Following the dessert course, there will be a Q&A session with the evening's chefs. The James Beard Foundation's (JBF) Celebrity Chef Tour dinner series takes place across 20 US cities each year and gives guests an opportunity to see firsthand what happens at JBF house in New York City. Limited tickets are available and are priced at $230 per person or $2,000 for a table for ten.