Tag Archives: Berkeley Wine Festival
Josh Thomsen gathers talent for Claremont wine fest
Josh Thomsen knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef and credits his late father, Jerry, for sparking his culinary interest. His dad would put in a long day as a stockbroker, come home, go to the market, and then cook up a storm — making a mess, using every pot in the house, and turning out a delicious dinner.
The Culinary Institute of America grad has done his dad proud. Thomsen’s resumé includes stints at the French Laundry in Yountville, Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles, and The Lodge at Pebble Beach. He’s also worked in kitchens in big-buck Las Vegas venues like Tao Restaurant at the Venetian Resort, the Mansion at the MGM Grand Hotel, and the Michael Mina-owned Nobhill Tavern.
These days Thomsen, 40, is the executive chef at local landmark The Claremont Hotel, Club, and Spa, known for its regal white facade and killer views. Until recently, though, the hotel wasn’t exactly known as a destination dining experience. … Continue reading »
Berkeley wine maverick: Kermit Lynch
Berkeley is a city of wine independents.
Sure, the place is known for its dedication to free speech, the right of the City Council to pass resolutions concerning U.S. foreign policy, and its devotion to all foods local and organic.
But the city also treads its own way on wine, which was made abundantly clear in a San Francisco Chronicle interview with wine master, Kermit Lynch.
Lynch, whose 22-year old book, Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine … Continue reading »
First Berkeley Wine Festival opens tomorrow
The Claremont hosts the first annual Berkeley Wine Festival starting tomorrow. The two-month long festival celebrates wines from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The festival opens with a grand reception and tasting of more than 50 wines from top wineries including Far Niente, Duckhorn Wine Company and Cliff Lede Vineyards.
Following the opening, there will be a series of receptions, dinners and seminars hosted by local winemakers.
The Berkeley Wine Festival is modeled after the Boston Wine … Continue reading »
The Berkeley Wire: 1.06.10
Above: Berkeley High School’s annual holiday dinner for the homeless
No surprise: Berkeley Rep’s American Idiot heads to Broadway [Independent]
Cheers: first Berkeley Wine Festival coming in March [The Claremont Blog]
Do the worm: nifty new algorithm to navigate through chemical labyrinths. Of course [LBL]
Go Bears: Cal men face UCLA Bruins, who are no longer that good. I hope [CalBears.com]
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