Top Chefs Gather To

SAN DIEGO, California - In an age absorbed with culinary creativity, freshness and imagination are everything. That's why foodies and gourmets will soon descend upon San Diego when local chefs get together to spotlight California's bounty and the innovative ways it is being prepared. The third annual gathering to "Celebrate the Craft" will take place on Sunday, October 9 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA.

The weekend celebration will feature the finest food artisans from across California's broad culinary spectrum, who will demonstrate, discuss, showcase and taste their way through the vast array of premium food products available throughout the state. Sunday is the highlight, filled with cooking demonstrations and a celebratory dinner prepared by participating chefs, "Celebrate the Craft" will be a delight for anyone eager for food prepared with natural ingredients and authentic care.

Featured chefs from the Southern California region who will "Celebrate the Craft" include:
- Jeff Jackson - AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Trey Foshee - George's At The Cove
- Amiko Gubbins - Parallel 33
- Carl Schroeder - Arterra
- James Foran- Arterra
- Michael Stebner - Region
- Jack Fisher - Nine-Ten
- Jason Knibb- Nine-Ten
- Andrew Spurgin- Waters Fine Catering
- A.J. Voytko - W Hotel, San Diego
- Deborah Schneider- Jsix

Also in attendance will be renowned California wineries as well as produce, meat and dairy farms including: La Milpa Organica, Escondido; Chuao Chocolatier, Encinitas; Niman Ranch, Oakland; Bread & Cie, San Diego; Fresh Origins; Vista; Coleman Farms, Carpenteria; Catalina Offshore Products, San Diego; and Fairview Gardens, Goleta; Aniata Cheese Company, Del Mar; Crow Pass Farm, Temecula; Wright's Poultry, San Diego; Burnquist Organics, Vista and Wiser Family Farm, San Diego. Participating vineyards include Laird Family Estate, Napa Valley; Iron Horse Vineyard, Sebastopol; Robert Biale Vineyard, Napa Valley; Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robels; Paul Hobbs Winery, Sebastopol; Ramey Wine Cellars, Healdsburg; Far Niente, Oakville; Kalin Cellars, Novato; and Stone Brewery, San Diego.

"The growing season runs year-round in our neck of Southern California, and the local agricultural community takes full advantage, affording us a unique variety of the freshest produce to work with," said Jeff Jackson, Executive Chef at AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, who has been on the vanguard of the region's culinary innovation for years. "With a daily abundance of fresh food to work with, it's little wonder our local chefs are so creative."

Scheduled events at the 2005 "Celebrate the Craft" include:

- Picnic on the Arroyo Terrace: On Sunday, October 9, guests of "Celebrate the Craft" can explore their culinary curiosity by visiting food stations featuring area growers, vintners and suppliers to sample products and meet those who create them. The festive picnic-style event will feature a bluegrass band for a musical backdrop and Pacific views from the Arroyo Terrace at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The tasting runs 11:30am-3:30pm for the general public. Cost: $60; For tickets: (858) 777-6635 or visit www.celebratethecraft.com

- Sunday Evening Supper: Set at AR Valentien, The Lodge at Torrey Pines' signature restaurant, this prix-fixe dinner will feature extraordinary dishes prepared exclusively for the event by host chefs using ingredients from local purveyors. A very special evening to experience the "clean cuisine" cooking that has swept the San Diego region. Cocktails will be served at 7:00pm, dinner will begin at 8:00pm, seating is limited. Cost: $130 per person. Reservations are required; (858) 777-6635.

A portion of the day's proceeds will go to Slo