Chris Kobayashi & Artisan Announce February Lineup Of Monday Night Suppers

February Showcases Vintners Who Create Wines for Multiple Labels and Special Valentine's Day Winemaker Dinner with Steve Glossner


Artisan, the acclaimed American Bistro by brothers Chris and Mike Kobayashi in the heart of Paso Robles, announces the February lineup of participating food and wine artisans for their Monday Night Suppers 2011 which will feature vintners who create wines for multiple labels. As an extension of the restaurant's philosophy of "Farm to Table" cuisine, Artisan is offering a three course family style menu of Kobayashi's modern American dishes, showcasing products from local food producers, including ranchers, farmers, fishmongers and creators of artisanal cheeses, honeys and olive oils. The evening's menu will be offered with selected paired wines from the Paso Robles vintners.

And for the Monday evening of February 14, 2011, Valentine's Day, the Monday Night Supper presents a menu paired with the wines of Steve Glossner, the winemaker for PasoPort, Kiamie and Steinbeck, and will include sparkling wine, still wines and a dessert wine fitting for the celebration of romance.

Chef Kobayashi is dedicated to the exceptional ingredients from Central Coast producers who are dedicated to sustainable and organic farming, ranching and fishing. The Monday Night Supper series invites their vendors to participate in the evening and meet with guests, where they can talk about their specialized approach to raising natural food products and wines. Kobayashi will craft the dinner menu to highlight the food and wine from the week's guest producers and winemakers. The family style meal is priced at $38 per guest; wine pairings are offered at an additional price, according to the guest winemaker, and will be available by the glass, bottle and as a flight for two or three courses.

The February lineup for Artisan's Monday Night Suppers is scheduled as follows:
February 7 - Lone Madrone / Tablas Creek / Nature's Touch
Winemaker Neil Collins

February 14 -Pasoport / Kiamie / Steinbeck / Olea Farm / Abalone Farm
Winemaker Steve Glossner

February 12 - Ranchero Cellars / Rinconada Dairy
Winemaker Amy Butler

February 28 - Jacob Toft / Edmond August / Charter Oak
Winemaker Jacob Toft

Monday Night Suppers will run continuously through Monday, March 28, 2011. Artisan will also offer their complete menu of seasonal offerings throughout the evening.

Since its debut in 2006, Artisan has been embraced by locals, travelers and journalists around the nation. With the assistance of Shandi, Chef Chris's wife, who leads Artisan's wine program; brother, Mike, who oversees the business and front of house; and Tina Soto, Mike's wife who handles all of the finances, Artisan has successfully become a family business and integral part of the growing Paso Robles community which has developed into a richly diverse wine country destination.

Artisan is committed to providing sustainable, fresh and seasonal foods. Chef Kobayashi frequents local farmers' markets and farms to ensure the restaurant uses only the best regional and organic products when available thus supporting the community. Working closely with local producers, Kobayashi tailors the Artisan menu to showcase the best of Paso Robles and the Central Coast. Many farmers, including Windrose Farm, Rocky Canyon Farm, Hearst Ranch and Charter Oak, plant and grow certain products exclusively for Artisan, knowing that these products will be presented by a chef that respects the ingredient and its ability to shine through in every dish.

Chris Kobayashi received a coveted nomination as a semi-finalist for Best Chef Pacific by the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2009 and was the participating chef for the past two