Food & Wine Adventures
Sat., May 18 (9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., times vary)
- Ages 21 and up
- $225 general public/$175 Aquarium members
- (Tax deductible: $115 general public/$65 Aquarium members)
- Tours 1, 5 and 6 depart from the Aquarium and include transportation.
Participants in tours 2, 3, 4 and 7 must provide their own transportation.
Explore, savor and learn at one of seven small-group events, each led by one of our celebrity chefs. Each adventure takes you on a different exploration of sustainable foods: on the ranch, in the vineyard, by the ocean or in the kitchen. Whether you want to hone your culinary skills with a master chef or explore scenic vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, our Food & Wine Adventures provide rare opportunities to spend time with culinary leaders and learn firsthand from their expertise. Depending on the adventure, you'll join John Ash, Elena Hernández, Richard Blais, Cindy Pawlcyn, Chris Cosentino, Duskie Estes, Diego Oka or Kerry Heffernan for a fascinating culinary exploration.
SOLD OUT
Tour 1: The Art of Food
Sat., May 18 (9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Estancia
- Event begins and ends at the Aquarium. Transportation will be provided.
Join three acclaimed culinary educators—John Ash (chef and author, Santa Rosa, California), Elena Hernández (Panamá Gastronómica, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá) and Wendy Brodie (Art of Food, Carmel, California)—at Wendy's spectacular Carmel Highlands home for an afternoon of cooking, tasting and wine. Guests will enhance their culinary skills and get a glimpse into the creative minds of each chef as you work together and prepare a gourmet lunch in a demonstration kitchen that affords sweeping views of forest and ocean. A true opportunity to cook with the masters, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labors together with premium wines by Estancia.
SOLD OUT
Tour 2: Trail Blais on the Ranch
Sat., May 18 (11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Carmel Valley Ranch
- Event at Carmel Valley Ranch. Transportation not provided.
Celebrity Chef Richard Blais ("Top Chef All-Stars") is known for blazing trails in the culinary world, particularly when it comes to burgers that he creates with a decidedly gourmet twist. Join Richard for a day at spectacular Carmel Valley Ranch for an outdoor burger-themed barbecue, where you'll learn the master's techniques to transform a burger into a work of art, crafted from the naturally and sustainably raised meats of Niman Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch's executive chef, Tim Wood, will then show you how he incorporates his playful twist on food to make super sides, showcasing fresh flavors straight from the Ranch's own organic gardens. Representatives from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Niman Ranch will join you to discuss their ongoing commitments to sustainability. You'll sit down for lunch with Richard and Tim, a meal accompanied by a selection of cold beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, as you drink in the visual delights of the Carmel Valley landscape: rolling, oak-studded hills and the Ranch's sunny gardens.
SOLD OUT
Tour 3: Mustards on the Beach with Cindy Pawlcyn
Sat., May 18 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Asilomar Conference Grounds
- Event at Asilomar Conference Grounds. Transportation not provided.
The Aquarium's culinary partner and a master chef of national acclaim, Cindy Pawlcyn, has pioneered local, sustainable wine country cuisine since opening Napa Valley's legendary Mustards Grill in 1983. Gather on the patio of the Julia Morgan-designed Scripps Lodge among the trees and dunes of Asilomar and relax as you savor an al fresco lunch with Cindy and her executive chef from Mustards Grill, Michael Foster. You'll taste wines from Groth Vineyards & Winery in Napa Valley as Cindy and her good friend and winery owner, Suzanne Groth, discuss their mutual passion for authentic cuisine and wines that reflect the unique character of the land.
SOLD OUT
Tour 4: Pranzo Italiano with Chris Cosentino
Sat., May 18 (11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Pebble Beach Resorts
- Event at Casa Palmero. Transportation not provided.
Chef Chris Cosentino's passion for Italian food began while he grew up in an Italian-American community in Rhode Island. Chris ("Top Chef Masters"; Incanto, San Francisco, California) creates delectable dishes using top-quality local ingredients and time-honored culinary methods. Join Chris and Jeremy Tummel, executive chef at Pebble Beach Resorts' Stillwater Bar & Grill, for an afternoon of culinary exploration in the beautiful Casa Palmero. You'll start with a Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine reception, sip premium wines from Paul Dolan Vineyards as you chat with Chris and then enjoy an Italian-themed lunch prepared by Chris and Jeremy.
SOLD OUT
Tour 5: In the Santa Lucia Highlands
Sat., May 18 (9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Sponsored by SIP Certified and Hahn SLH Estate Winery
- Event begins and ends at the Aquarium. Transportation will be provided.
Join Chef Duskie Estes ("The Next Iron Chef"; zazu restaurant + farm, Santa Rosa, California) for an exploration of the scenic vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, and learn what it means to cook—and eat—straight from the land. Deeply committed to local, seasonal cooking, Duskie only creates menus once she's seen what's ripe and ready in zazu's own gardens or at nearby farms. On this outdoor adventure you'll board four-wheel ATVs at the vineyard house of Hahn SLH Estate Winery for a tour of the benchlands above the valley that produce some of Monterey County's finest wine grapes. Along the way, Andy Mitchell of Hahn will share insights about how climate, soils and sustainable farming practices contribute to their award-winning wines. Back at the vineyard house, Duskie will treat you to a farm-to-table cooking demonstration. Then you'll settle in for a memorable lunch prepared by Hahn's executive chef, Dyon Foster, accompanied by wines from the vineyards you just visited.
SOLD OUT
Tour 6: Big Sur Escape
Sat., May 18 (9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Esalen Institute
- Event begins and ends at the Aquarium. Transportation will be provided.
Join celebrity Chef Diego Oka of La Mar Cebichería Peruana as you explore the grounds and rich organic gardens at world-renowned Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Tour the Esalen kitchen with Executive Chef Phillip Burrus. Enjoy an al fresco cooking demonstration by Diego, who will prepare a Peruvian-inspired dish following La Mar's philosophy that a restaurant should be a place where farms and fishermen come together to have their products truly appreciated. A gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the Esalen kitchen, and wines presented by Carissa Chappellet of Chappellet Winery, will be served in the open air between the Esalen gardens and the sea.
SOLD OUT
Tour 7: "Seafoodie" Adventure
Sat., May 18 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Event begins and ends on the waterfront at Heritage Harbor, near Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Transportation not provided.
Join chef and seafood expert, Kerry Heffernan ("Top Chef Masters"), as you spend the day on an exciting seafood excursion. First we'll shuttle you to the Monterey commercial wharf, home to six wholesale fish companies, an abalone farm and captivating scenery. You'll tour the sustainable abalone farm, visit a seafood market and meet local fishermen who will discuss gear types and fishing techniques. You'll get to sample delicious abalone chowder, paired with a premium wine from The Hess Collection. Then Kerry will demonstrate his tips for dressing a whole salmon, and prepare a raw fish appetizer for you to taste. We'll bring you back to Heritage Harbor to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch presented by Dory Ford (Executive Chef/Owner, AQUA TERRA Culinary), served outdoors in a setting with views of the harbor. Your meal will be paired with premium wines from The Hess Collection.
Salon Series hosted by Williams-Sonoma
Sat., May 18 (10 a.m.–4 p.m., times vary)
- Ages 6 and up
- $50 general public (per presentation)/$25 Aquarium members (per presentation)
- Salon Series One-Day Pass for all five presentations $110, Aquarium members only
- Includes Aquarium admission
- Bing Board Room
Join us for one, or more, of these intimate culinary experiences with chefs and artisans that will offer delicious insights into some of your favorite foods. The pros will share their tips, tricks and lively commentary in each hour-long, interactive program—most of which will tease your taste buds with delicious tastings.
SOLD OUT
Chocolate: Raising the Bar
Sat., May 18 (10–11 a.m.)
San Francisco-based chocolate company, TCHO, fuses Silicon Valley innovation with Slow Food soul to make what it dubs "obsessively good, flavor-focused chocolate." Like fine wine, well-made chocolate can have a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas. Join Chief Chocolate Maker Brad Kintzer and celebrity chef and TCHO pro, Nathan Lyon, to learn how TCHO's innovative approach is redefining the way chocolate is tasted. Watch as Nathan demonstrates how to use the popular TCHOPro line and sample the sweet, creamy results.
Local Indian Cooking with Vikram Vij
Sat., May 18 (11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)
At his acclaimed Vancouver restaurants Vij's and Rangoli, Chef Vikram Vij has built a reputation for creating award-winning cuisine using spices and cooking techniques from his native India along with local, seasonal ingredients from his British Columbia home. Vikram will share how a thoughtful use of spices and a few culinary tricks can transform ingredients from the local farmers market into a meal that will take you on a delectable journey across international borders.
The Nose Knows: Mastering Wine Aromas
Sat., May 18 (12:30–1:30 p.m.)
Wine is experienced through different senses, but more than 90 percent of our sensory perception is derived through the nose. Play the "Aroma Wheel of Fortune Game" and learn how to define wine aromas, understand off-aromas and develop an expert aroma "vocabulary." Join an education host from Trinchero Family Estates and become familiar with common scents while participating in a fun and thought-provoking experience.
Tales of the Fish Wrangler
Sat., May 18 (1:45–2:45 p.m.)
What does it take to wrangle a fish, both on the ranch and in the kitchen? Meet Michael Passmore of Passmore Ranch who is raising sustainable bass, catfish and sturgeon on his California farm. You'll learn how some forms of aquaculture can be environmentally friendly, with a Seafood Watch expert on hand to answer your questions. Then Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Chef Jeff Rogers will show you how to prepare an easy, delicious dish with the three types of fish that Michael raises, so you can bring sustainably farmed seafood into your cooking repertoire.
Hot Off the Press: Paninis
Sat., May 18 (3–4 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Williams-Sonoma
It's no secret that Williams-Sonoma loves paninis. Meet the Williams-Sonoma team to learn how to craft creative paninis and make them perfectly every time. Plus, expand your imagination: The panini press isn't just for paninis anymore.
A Street Food Extravaganza hosted by Carla Hall
Sat., May 18 (5–7 p.m.)
- Ages 21 and up
- Featuring celebrity chefs Sam Choy, Susan Feniger, Emily Luchetti, Mary Sue Milliken, Michele Ragussis, Art Smith, John Fink, Sarah LaCasse and James Waller
- $180 general public/$150 Aquarium members
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Street food is spreading like wildfire, offering gourmet-quality ethnic treats and comfort food from many cultures. Carla Hall will host as you sample tasty gourmet treats from street food aficionados like Hawaii's Sam Choy, Maine's Michele Ragussis, San Francisco's Emily Luchetti and John Fink, L.A.'s Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, Chicago's Art Smith, Atlanta's Richard Blais, Earthbound Farm's Sarah LaCasse and Monterey Plaza's own James Waller. This intimate event for 300 guests is a wonderful opportunity to chat casually with the chefs—and with many other Cooking for Solutions chefs who will be with you. You'll sample their creations, along with other delicious food created by the team at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, as you pick up cooking tips for preparing street food favorites at home. The food is paired with premium wines from The Hess Collection and beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. All the activities take place overlooking the water at the beautiful bayside Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Sustainable Foods Celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sat., May 18 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
- All ages
- Featuring Whole Foods Marketplace & Kids' Zone
- Included with Aquarium admission
- Aquarium galleries and Great Tide Pool deck
Learn more about sustainable seafood and organic agriculture as you stroll through the Aquarium galleries. Visit the Whole Foods Marketplace & Kids' Zone, where you'll graze with local growers and food artisans, or attend informative "talk and taste" demonstrations with culinary experts on our ocean-view deck. We'll present cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs Lorena Garcia, Art Smith and Nathan Lyon. You can chat with the Whole Foods Market Seafood Team to get tips on selecting and preparing fresh seafood, or learn about local olive oil, produce, cheese, honey, ice cream and other delectables from around the region. Meet celebrity bovine, Clo the Cow, from Clover Stornetta Farms. Watch Joel Riddell interview celebrity chefs for the live broadcast of the Dining Around radio show on NewsTalk 910-KKSF. With chef book signings throughout the Aquarium on both days, plus activities and crafts for kids, a photo booth and a spectacular waterfront setting, it's an engaging way for all ages to learn more about the food we eat.