Archive for September, 2008
September 26th, 2008
Roy’s Aloha Kitchen Challenge
To celebrate his 2oth anniversary, my friend Roy Yamaguchi hosted an Aloha Kitchen Challenge here in Atlanta which matches culinary students with well known chefs for a five course dinner. I was invited to attend as one of the celebrity judges and had a great night enjoying the creative specialties of the students.
We enjoyed champagne and wine paired with each course as the students showed off their culinary abilities. Although all of the courses were good, student Ellen Anderson and Chef Justin Ward of The Art Institute of Atlanta won over the palates of the judges to win the competition with their Asian Marinated Lamb Loin with Spicy Plum Nam Plah Vinaigrette.
The evening came to a sweet close with Chef Mac Lynch’s Kahana Coconut Haupia Mousse and Macadamia Nut Brittle with Kona Coffee Ice Cream that made the perfect end to a great evening.
top photo courtesy of Haigwood Studios
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September 24th, 2008
Paint the Town
Thank you to all of my good friends and neighbors who came out to support the Second Annual Paint the Town event to benefit St. Jude! Vanessa and I are honored to be a part of such an amazing event. The Melting Pot, Vinings Gallery, Eric Waugh and I all partnered together to create the Paint the Town event featuring great art, food, wine and most importantly, a great cause.
A special thanks goes to my new friend, Alex, who is currently undergoing treatment at St. Jude. Alex donated a beautiful painted crate that she created just for this event and I am excited to be among the first to add her artwork to my personal collection. Keep up the brave fight, Alex, and I look forward to seeing more of your artwork in the future!
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September 12th, 2008
Shopping and Dining in Chicago
Before heading to my show in Wisconsin, the family and I spent a great day shopping on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. It’s always a great weekend when Vanessa and the boys come with me when I travel – I get to experience the city in a whole new way and share it with the ones I love best.
Christoper was all giggles in the Lego store – it was the hit of the day – and I recommend it to anyone traveling with little ones (or big ones for that matter . . . I had a blast!). Jimmy was also quite enthralled with the chocolate store!
After a great day with the boys, Vanessa and I spent the evening enjoying wine and great company at an Arvid inspired wine dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in downtown Chicago. The private dining room was beautiful and just the right size for a dinner for 40. With Nickel & Nickel wines and a special menu by Chef Patrick, the night was truly memorable. We especially enjoyed the scallops with the truffle oil and caviar.
We rounded out the night with a bottle of Kelly Fleming’s wine and playing on the ukulele!
photography by Halerz Photography
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September 11th, 2008
On Camera in Chicago
I had quite an adventure in the Windy City when I arrived on Thursday in the midst of the big storm leftover from Hurricane Gustav! There was a lot of rain but fortunately, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and we had a great day at ABC 7 in Chicago.
I enjoyed painting on camera during the mid-day news and had a great time talking about the inspirations behind the artwork. Take a look!
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September 2nd, 2008
Painting in the OC
Visiting Laguna Beach is always an adventure: there are so many beautiful people to see and great wine bottles to share! We started the weekend with a special dinner at the Ritz Carlton featuring the wine of Cakebread Cellars . . . it doesn’t get any better than this!
My good friend Dennis Cakebread came down from the event to talk about his amazing wine and to share a glass with us.
When I’m traveling, I always have to be creative and come up with new ways to accomodate my artwork when I am away from the studio. No place to dry? No problem! I’ll just pop it in the oven.
We had a great show at Coast Gallery and I’m looking forward to the next! Thanks to all of the great people who came out to see me!
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