The Duke has reserved the following dates on his calendar. Don't miss out!! Be sure to mark your calendar, too.

July 24, 2008 (Thursday) The next Wine Association seminar. Featuring guests and wines from Carlson, Diamond Creek Vineyards, Jaffe Estate and Margerum Wine Company. A hot August night a few days early! Full details for our "Midsummer Medley" are available by following this link.

August 6, 2008 (Wednesday) Sneak preview of the movie, Bottle Shock at the ArcLight Cinema at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Show times and details of any special events have not yet been set. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

August 9, 2008 (Saturday) Jim Clendenen will be hosting an incredible wine dinner at his home, Rancho la Cuna. Each course will be prepared by a guest chef flown in from one of Chicago's finest restaurants especially for the evening. Jim sponsors the entire dinner so that all the proceeds will go to Direct Relief International. Jim has confirmed the following guest chefs with more to come:

Paul Kahan of Blackbird and Avec Restaurant - Food and Wine's Best New Chef, 1999: James Beard Best Chef of the Midwest, 2004; Nominee, James Beard Outstanding Chef, 2007. Passionately seasonal, unconventionally creative and dedicated to the inspiration of classical cuisine, Kahan has earned the praise of many who claim him to be one of America's most influential working chefs.
Paul Virant of Vie Restaurant - Best New Chef, Food & Wine Magazine, 2007; Vie Awarded Three Stars by Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune, 2005; Best New Chef, Chicago Magazine, 2005; Rising Star Chef, Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, 2005; Rising Star Chef, StarChefs.com, 2005; Jean Banchet Rising Star Chef, 2006. Virant's cuisine reflects the seasons, local harvests and the world becoming a smaller place by taking advantage of the increased availability of specialty foods from across the globe.
John Hogan of Keefer's Restaurant - Before joining Keefer's, Hogan was both the chef and proprietor at Savarin, a unique French Parisian restaurant in Chicago. Savarin recieved phenomenal awards and critical acclaim and was named one of "America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure, one of the "Best New Restaurants" of 1999 in ChicagoWine Spectatator, "Best Restaurant of 1999" by Esquire magazine, and restaurant reviewer Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune named Hogan one of the top 10 chefs in Chicago. Hogan has been recognized for both innovative haute cuisine and perfectly executed simple fare with his signature twists. He insists that, "The easiest things done well are harder than the toughest things done mediocre."
Carrie Nahabedian of Naha Restaurant - Until opening Naha with her cousin, Michael, Carrie was Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills and, prior to that, Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel, Santa Barbara. Her impressive resume spans more than 24 years and is peppered with names like the Ritz-Carlton, Le Perroquet, Le Francais, Sinclair's, not to mention the Four Seasons Hotels, where she served as executive chef for three company properties. Carrie is one of the 2008 Charleston Food and Wine Festival's featured chefs. She was chosen to cook at the festival, one of the premier festivals in America. She has been nominated for three consecutive James Beard Foundation Awards as well as Best Chef Midwest and Best Chef Great Lakes for the past three years.

DRI provides appropriate ongoing medical assistance to health institutions and projects worldwide which serve the poor and victims of natural and civil disasters without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, ethnic identity or ability to pay. So far, vintners in the Santa Barbara area have raised over $1,000,000, which leveraged with Direct Relief's unique ability to stretch dollars donated, has furnished over $33 million in medical material aid provided to those in need. A worthwhile effort! Call David at the Duke - 818-341-1234 - for more details and to make reservations.

September 21, 2008 (Sunday) The New West Symphony presents its annual Symphony of Wine. This year's Maestro of Food and Wine is "long"-time friend of the Duke - Bob Long! Proceeds from the event support NWS's youth programs. More details will be announced in the coming weeks, but be sure to save the date.

P. S. The dramatic bronze castings shown above were created by one of our customers, Richard Thomas. Bacchus and his Muse are shown enjoying life in general and the fruits of the vine in particular. They are titled, from left to right, "Grapes of Joy," "Loving Life," and "Grand Opening." The intricate detail on each piece is not obvious from the photos above - you have to see the piece in person. Fortunately, the Duke will has them on display in the store. If you are interested in purchasing one (or all) of the pieces, call the Duke for more information. We love wine and we love fine art. Wine-themed fine art is a no-brainer for us! Can you imagine a more perfect piece for your cellar or tasting area? Or a super-special gift??