American Wine & Food Festival

Just back from the 28th Annual AWFF benefitting City Meals on Wheels of Los Angeles held on the Back Lot of Universal Studios. I love this event! It has to be my favorite foodie event of the year and is always the one I look forward to. Once again, we worked with Piero Selvaggio (the best restaurant host/most hospitable man in America) and the Valentino Restaurant Group (www.ValentinoRestaurantGroup.com) at the most popular booth at the event. The Nyman Group was well represented this year with Craig and myself working with Piero's team yet again to keep the masses happy!

Guest's favorite was the Grilled Pizza (a yearly staple) along with Grilled Chicken Sausage and Tuscan BBQ Pork Ribs, accompanied by Polenta, Fresh Seafood Salad and Eggplant Napoleon. To complement the savory items, Chef Alex created a selection of Artisanal Gelato; Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry. Chef Luciano Pellegrini and Chef Nico Chessa were in charge of the event for the restaurant, producing an amazing job and Tommy T and Ruben kept the full production going all evening long. Craig had roundsman duties all night, going from the grill with me to serving on the front line and making the guests happy.

Highlights from the event included the Handrolls from Blue Ribbon Sushi, Jose Andres' restaurants, the Raw Bar at Bouchon, Spago Maui's Asian Combination Plate and Blackbird's Bourbon Barrel Panna Cotta with Toasted Pine Nuts. Looking forward to doing it again next year for year #29!