Cooking for Solutions Event Details

Amuse-Bouche: A Conversation with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Russ Parsons

Fri., May 17 (6–7:30 p.m.)

• Ages 21 and up
• $200 Aquarium members only
• Includes admission to Cooking for Solutions Gala
• Aquarium Auditorium
• Add on Sam & Carla's Lounge (7:30–11 p.m.) for an additional $100

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is widely known in the United Kingdom as a chef, journalist and founder of River Cottage—his small farm that has grown into a cooking school, restaurant and home to a variety of projects focused on self-reliance, food integrity and the consumption of local, seasonal produce. An outspoken advocate for sustainable seafood issues, Hugh launched a revolutionary campaign called Hugh's Fish Fight, which brought public and government attention to Europe's wasteful fishing policies.

In this one-hour program, join Hugh for a conversation with award-winning Los Angeles Times Food Editor Russ Parsons about sustainability, seafood and the passion that drives chefs to become advocates for change. Hors d'oeuvres and premium wines from The Hess Collection will accompany this lively conversation, and you'll take home one of Hugh's acclaimed cookbooks. You'll get priority access to the Gala at the conclusion of this memorable event.

SOLD OUT

Sam & Carla's Lounge & Gala Package

Fri., May 17 (7–11 p.m.)

• Ages 21 and up
• $225 Aquarium members only
• Includes admission to Cooking for Solutions Gala
• Special exhibition galleries and the Aquarium's restaurant, Cindy's Waterfront

Arrive early, stay late and spend an exclusive evening with celebrity chefs Sam Choy and Carla Hall in our newly redesigned restaurant, Cindy's Waterfront. This upgraded package includes everything the Cooking for Solutions Gala has to offer—and more! You'll have exclusive access to a stylish lounge hosted by Sam and Carla throughout the night, with special treats found only in the Lounge.

Enter the Aquarium at 7 p.m. for a relaxing half-hour of wine and hors d'oeuvres as you explore seahorses and jellies in our two special exhibition galleries. You'll be admitted to the Gala promptly at 7:30 p.m. and can move from the Gala to Sam & Carla's Lounge throughout the evening. You'll taste Sam's famous food while chatting with our ultimate hostess, Carla. Then stay half an hour after the Gala concludes so you can unwind before heading home. Enjoy specialty chocolates by Kristina Scrivani of Stone Creek Kitchen, premium wines from The Hess Collection, specialty coffees and live music throughout the night. Take home a custom seafood spice blend created by Stone Creek Kitchen and a tin of Carla Hall's "petite bites of love."

Cooking for Solutions Gala

Fri., May 17 (7:30–10:30 p.m.)

• Ages 21 and up
• $180 general public/$150 Aquarium members
• (Tax deductible: $75 general public/$45 Aquarium members)
• Aquarium galleries

Savor sustainability at our 12th annual grand culinary celebration, with tasting opportunities in our exhibit galleries and in pavilions on our ocean-view deck. You'll taste gourmet dishes prepared by celebrity chefs and 80 outstanding restaurants, along with organic and sustainable wines from 60 premium West Coast wineries and microbrews from six breweries. Stroll through our spectacular exhibit galleries, visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company outdoor beer tent and indoor themed lounges, take part in book signings by celebrity chefs and encounter new surprises. Remember your experience with a souvenir wineglass and booklet featuring recipes from participating chefs—both our gifts to you.

Cooking for Solutions Auction

Be sure to explore our online silent auction, which benefits the Aquarium's Seafood Watch program and features outstanding culinary adventures, great wines and one-of-a-kind items. Bidding for the online silent auction runs from May 9 through May 20 at www.biddingforgood.com/cookingforsolutions. The one exception—fine wines, which lucky winners will take home at the end of the Gala!

Special Hotel Accommodations

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

• $505 per night Ocean View with balcony
• $400 per night Ocean View
• $205 per night Non-Ocean View, single or double occupancy

Rooms are limited. For reservations, call toll-free (800) 334-3999 or (831) 646-1700 x44 and refer to the Cooking for Solutions event.