Salon Series hosted by Williams-Sonoma
Sun., May 19 (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.
Sweet Treats with Ben Spungin
Sun., May 19 (10–11 a.m.)
- Sponsored by Clover Stornetta Farms
If you're one of the many folks with an undeniable sweet tooth, this is one not to miss. As pastry chef at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, Ben Spungin has spent the past five years developing unique creations that complement natural California cuisine, incorporating top-quality wild and foraged ingredients. Join this talented and creative pastry chef as he uses a range of organic and sustainable Clover Stornetta Farms dairy products to whip up delectable confection and dessert creations for you to sample.
SOLD OUT
Strawberries 101 with Emily Luchetti
Sun., May 19 (11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Earthbound Farm
Join award-winning Pastry Chef Emily Luchetti for an hour of everything strawberries. You'll learn how to select and care for them, then sample the end result as you taste strawberries she'll prepare in a variety of ways: roasted strawberries with almond cake and ice cream, smashed berries with lemon cream and sparkling wine with a small scoop of strawberry sorbet. Strawberries provided by Earthbound Farm. Sparkling wine provided by Scheid Vineyards.
SOLD OUT
California Artisan Cheese
Sun., May 19 (12:30–1:30 p.m.)
California's artisan cheesemakers are a diverse lot. They make everything from creamy crescenza to pungent blues. Sit back and take a tasting tour of the Golden State with Kiri Fisher, owner of The Cheese School of San Francisco. You'll enjoy a structured tasting of cheeses in a variety of styles, with flavors that range from mild to bold. Learn what it's like to raise goats, sheep and cows, and what it takes to make some of the world's best cheeses.
SOLD OUT
Pacific Albacore, From Ocean to Table
Sun., May 19 (1:45–2:45 p.m.)
Sunset Food Editor Margo True cooks with one of the few tuna species you can readily find: pole-caught Pacific albacore. You'll learn about its life in the ocean, how it's caught, what to look for when you're buying, and several techniques and tips for cooking this delicate, rich fish. A Seafood Watch expert will be on hand to answer questions and every participant will go home with recipes.
Perfect Pasta
Sun., May 19 (3–4 p.m.)
- Sponsored by Williams-Sonoma
Pasta often becomes a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, but how can you make it come alive as so much more? Join the Williams-Sonoma team as you learn how to make the perfect homemade pasta and the many ways it can be served. You'll get expert insights into noodle types, sauces and creative applications to turn a staple dish into a gourmet experience.
Sustainable Foods Celebration at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sun., May 19 (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 Sam Choy, Richard Blais, Nathan Lyon and Mark Dommen. 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. 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.
Event Packages
SOLD OUT
Cooking for Solutions Platinum
- $635 Aquarium members only
- (Tax deductible: $70)
- Includes Aquarium admission
Includes: Friday evening Amuse-Bouche: A Conversation with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall + Sam & Carla's Lounge + Cooking for Solutions Gala + one Saturday Food & Wine Adventure + Street Food Extravaganza + Sunday The Morning Chew: Breakfast with Carla Hall + one Sunday Salon Series program.
SOLD OUT
Salon Series One-Day Pass
- $110 Aquarium members only
Enjoy all five Salon Series programs on either Saturday or Sunday. Whether you want to learn how to cook seafood perfectly or explore the world of California artisan cheeses, the pros will share their tips and tricks with lively commentary in hour-long interactive programs.