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Chez PimMenu for Hope and the World Food ProgramLast year's Menu for Hope raised over $90K. In case you're wondering about what happened to that money, here's a little report from the World Food Program. It bought 388,000 meals in Lesotho schools, which fed over 19,000 poor hungry children with school meals for a whole month. The children received food in primary schools across the remote mountainous areas of Lesotho, which are the poorest and hungriest parts of the country. Some of the money was used to buy food from local small scale farmers practicing sustainable farming methods in remote areas, providing them with guaranteed market for their products. In 2007, the WFP bought 8 tons of maize from local farmers. In 2008, with the funds from Menu for Hope 4, we bought 36 tons of maize from small scale farmers, four times as much as the year before. This increase is very important, as showing the promise of a reliable market encourages farmers to invest more on their farms and in turn produce more. This buy-local initiative is a win all around, for the farmers, for the children and the WFP, since it costs around $150 less overall per ton to buy from the local small scale farmers in Lesotho than buying and transporting the food in from abroad to the remote areas of the country. This is also a win for the environment, as it uses a lot less fuel in transport. Why should we continue our support for this program? Because it is making a difference, and we hope to continue to make a difference in more lives each year. The promise of at least one nutritious meal each day attracts children to school. WFP's research has shown that it boosts enrollment, promotes regular attendance, and enhances student performance, since hungry children are distracted and have trouble concentrating on lessons. A food incentive helps convince parents that they can afford to allow their children to go and to stay in school. This simple strategy can double primary school enrolment in one year. School lunch programs also have a huge impact on the enrollment of girls. In Africa, this is critical since each year of a mother's schooling results in a 5-10 percent decrease in the mortality rate of her children. WFP estimates that there are approximately 100 million primary schoolchildren in Africa not attending school, and two out of three of them are girls. The promise of food at school encourages parents to send girls, who would otherwise be kept at home to help with chores and farm work. In some areas, WFP provides take-home rations for girls, which give parents an even bigger incentive to send their daughters to school, which has positive effects for them and their families. The gigantic downturn in the economy worldwide has resulted in a dramatic decrease in corporate and governmental donations to an organization like the WFP, that's why it's even more important for individual donors, whose $10, $20, or $30 dollars may not be such a big hit on their pocketbook, but eventually all add up to a huge sum. So, please don't hesitate to give, even if you could only spare $10--that's already ten more dollars than was there before. Check out the full list of prizes and make your donation today on Menu for Hope. Good luck on the raffle! If you want to see the prizes local to your area, check out the regional host blogs which list the prizes from their local region: Europe *including* the UK Canada Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and, last but not least, our special Wine Blog Host Or, if you're ready to give now, just go on to our donation site at FirstGiving. Categories: Latest from Parisian Blogs
Menu for Hope V: master list of raffle prizesUpdated with new prizes! UW01: Master Food Styling Class II Workshop, January 31 & Feb 1, 2009, Los Angeles, California. Our West Coast host Matt of Matt Bites had this to say about this prize. "You're bidding on a two-day workshop in Los Angeles, California. In this 2-day seminar you'll learn about styling, plating and garnishing breakfast foods as well as working with real ice cream and frozen desserts. Although this is a level 2 class offered by Denise I'm more than positive you'll get so much from this workshop. And if you're a food blogger chances are you have some experience with getting food on your plate to look good already. Please note that this is a new curriculum not offered before so it's extra exciting! To top it all off I'll be there the entire time taking pictures of the class and working with you on the photo aspect of it all." From Mattbites and the amazing Denise Vivaldo of Food Fantatics UW02 and UW03 (two prizes): O Olive Oil Butler Trays Again from Matt, "The amazing folks at O Olive Oil have donated again this year to Menu Of Hope and I'm pleased to offer their two gifts here. What you're bidding on is an O Olive Oil Butler Tray complete with an assortment of oils and vinegars. But not just ANY oil and vinegar. As you may know I'm obsessed with everything they do because they are all about quality and flavor. Not to mention amazing wonderfully gracious guys. These Butler Trays can go for a lot and make the best gifts but of course I wouldn't fault you if you kept them for yourself. I promise to look the other way. " UW04: $100 King Arthur Flour Gift Card Susan at Wild Yeast. If you're a baker, you already know the King Arthur catalog, the premier souce of flour and other baking supplies. If you haven't heard of them, then you should get a raffle ticket for this prize immediately, where have you been? Susan at Wild Yeast is offering $100 gift card. * UW05: Cuisinart ICE-50 Ice Cream Maker A very special prize from David Lebovitz. The lucky winner will be churning out ice cream all year round with this fabulous, professional-style Cuisinart ICE-50 Ice Cream Maker! This heavy-duty, stainless-steel machine will have you lapping up all sorts of ice creams, sorbets, and sherbets with just the flip of a switch. Donated by Cuisinart USA, this machine is self-refrigerating and ready when you are. No need to pre-freeze canisters—just pour your mixture in, and soon you'll be scooping out all of your favorite flavors. This prize can only shipped to continental US. From Lara Ferroni of Cook & Eat. Here's what Lara says: When I found out I was taking photos for a book on cookbook entirely based on popcorn, I was a little stunned. I tried to think of even 10 recipes, and came up short. But after shooting over 20 different recipes for this popcorn book (which contains over 60 recipes), not only was I not sick of popcorn, I had an entirely new appreciation for the treat. Here are a few ideas: popcorn s'mores! popcorn bananas foster! Gorgonzola and Green Onion! Popcorn Shrimp with popcorn in the batter! I've pulled together this simple popcorn package to let you share in some my new discoveries. This kit includes: 16 oz. of premium white popcorn 1 oz. asiago and cracked black pepper seasoning 1.6 oz. tangy dill and garden herb seasoning 1.8 oz. sweet and salty kettle corn seasoning a small jar of my homemade zhatar mix 4 oz. grapeseed oil sprizter 8.45 oz Urbani White Truffle Oil A copy of Popcorn One large bright red popcorn bowl UW07:Best of the Ferry Building Gift Basket From Anita at Married with Dinner, the very best from Sf Ferry Plaza, including UW08: Rogue Creamery's Champion Blue Heat Eat Review is giving away Rogue Creamery's Champion Blues. The winner will receive three 1/4 wheels of Rogue Creamery's gold medal-winning blue cheeses: 50th Anniversary Oregon Blue, Crater Lake Blue and Smokey Blue. All three cheeses are made by hand in small batches, with expert cheese makers overseeing every step, from stirring in the salt, to hand dipping, to turning the wheels. Oregon Blue is the first blue cheese made on the West Coast, Crater Lake is made from a complex blend of molds from around the world, and Smokey Blue is the first-ever smoked blue cheese, redolent with a sweet, carmelized hazelnuttiness. This package includes 3lbs. 12oz. of cheese and retails for $99.00. UW09:Blogher '09 conference pass BlogHer has been a generous supporter for Menu for Hope,and again this year BlogHer founders are donating the prize of a free conference admission for Blogher's 2009 Summer conference. BlogHer '09 will be July 24-25, with the entire conference taking place at The Chicago Sheraton and Towers. For the Blogher Conference Admission, the prize code is UW09. (Conference pass does not include travel or hotel costs or admission to BlogHer Business on July 23. The Blogher Conference is open to women or men.) From Kalyn's Kitchen. UW10: Set of Lowel EGO Photo Lights Also from Kalyn's Kitchen. Kalyn's offering a swet of Lowel EGO Photo Lights this year and if you are a blogger that shoots your food you'll want these! Soft, even and appealing light. More info coming shortly. * UW11: Hello Kitty & Berries Bento Box With Tour!
From Biggie of Lunch in a Box * UW12: Pokemon & Berries Bento Box Kit with Tour!
Also from Biggie at Lunch in a Box Sam from Becks & Posh has not one, but two lowelego sweep sets to give away as her prize this year. The two winners of this easy-to-set-up background set, the perfect starter kit for food bloggers who want to photograph tabletop shots of small items against a smooth background without a visible edge, will discover that the kit comes complete with a range of colored sheets that you can use straight out of the box. This prize can be shipped anywhere in the world, but please note that because of the size, it would most likely be shipped surface, not air. UW14:dinner for 6 at Contigo, with sommelier service by Alder of Vinography Our own Brett of In Praise of Sardines is so tantalizing close to opening up his own restaurant! And, just for our Menu for Hope, the generous Brett has offered up dinner for 6 at Contigo with sommelier services by Alder of Vinography. AMAZING. The winner is, of course, responsible for getting themselves and all their friends to San Francisco if they're not already there. UW15: Mixed Salumi from Fra'Mani Ore of PotentialGold.com is offering an assortment of delicious Fra' Mani Salumi hand chosen by Paul Bertolli. Included will be an assortment of salami as well as Fra' Mani's Cooked Sausages. Shipping is included within the continental US (no PO Boxes). UW17: I Wanna Be A Food Writer Package From Faith at Blog Appetit. Blog Appetit is donating three books: Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob, The Recipe Writer's Handbook by Ostmann and Baker, and The New Food Lover's Companion by Herbst. These three books will help give you the skills, passion and even some facts to help you really get your food writing career cooking. It's a great package for food bloggers, too. UW16: a coffee package from San Francisco Nicole of Cucina Nicolina is offering a coffee package from San Francisco — specifically, a delicious 1/2 pound of her very favorite Blue Bottle coffee made right here in the Bay area, a pretty new mug to drink it in, and a yummy home-made baked good such as a cake or sweet bread (made to specific dietary restrictions, ie: vegan, gluten-free, extra butter, etc.) or a batch of cookies of your choice. UW18: Baker's Delight from Amy Amy of Cooking With Amy offers a very special package to delight any baker! Treat yourself or someone you know to this fabulous baking kit designed for a home baker or professional pastry chef with brand new cookbooks, spatulas and a selection of artisanal American chocolate. The package contains Chocolate Epiphany: Exceptional Cookies, Cakes, and Confections for Everyone by French pastry chef extraordinaire Francois Payard, Baking for All Occasions by much loved author Flo Braker, The Sweeter Side of Amy's Bread: Cakes, Cookies, Bars, Pastries and More from New York City's Favorite Bakery, an excellent reference guide, The Pastry Chef's Companion: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for the Pastry Professional, a set of silicone spatulas and best of all, 4 pounds of E. Guittard chocolate wafers--31% White Chocolate, 38% Milk, 61% Semisweet and 72% Bittersweet, a top choice of professional bakers and chefs. This prize package is worth nearly $200. UW22: One 12x18" Original Nature Photograph, matted and signed by photographer
From Jennifer Yu of jenyu.net * This year, again, David has agreed to cook up a special tasting menu for two at his Michelin-two-star Manresa restaurant in Los Gatos. And, yes, again, the wonderful sommelier Jeff Bareillles has promised smashing wine pairings to match David's delicious menu. The lucky winner (and a guest) will also get a personal tour of the Manresa biodynamic garden, also known as Love Apple Farm in the Santa Cruz mountains. You can meet Cynthia Sandberg, our wonderful farmer, and see where the amazing produce that supply the kitchen at Manresa comes from. UW20: My upcoming book The Foodie Handbook, hot off the press right into your hands! Have I told you I've been working on a book? I must have. It's long overdue, and finally it's almost here. Well, by almost I mean next summer! It's called The Foodie Handbook: the (almost) definitive guide to gastronomy, published by Conran Octopus in the UK and Chronicle Books in the US. If you're the winner of this prize, you'll get one of the first books right off the press, yes, autographed and all. I might even kiss it for you. As soon as I get my hands on one actual print copy, I'll send it off. See if you're lucky enough to be among the first to read this new masterpiece sure to be a smashing hit on this coast and that, donate $10 to Menu for Hope today. (Hey, you know and I know that humility is not my strong suit so why pretend?) UW21: Free coffee for a year at Lulu's at the Octagon in Santa Cruz, CA. Lulu's is an artisanal roaster and cafe in Santa Cruz, CA. Not just any artisanal cafe, but my *favorite* local one. That's where I go most mornings when we don't make coffee at home, and where you can, sometimes, find a few of my baked goods on sale (when I'm in the mood, which is rather rare of late.) My friend Manthri, the owner, has offered a very generous prize perfect for someone in Santa Cruz who loves coffee. The winner of this prize will get one coffee of their choice every day for the entire year of 2009--any coffee on the menu at Lulu's, a royale (David's choice), a Chiara (mine), or even one brewed from their Clover machine, your choice! That's over $1,200 worth of delicious, delicious coffees. UW23: BonBonBar Tower of handmade candy bars, caramels, and marshmallows From Nina of Sweet Napa, 3 Caramel Nut Candy Bars, 3 Malt Candy Bars, 3 Orange Candy Bars, 3 Single Malt Scotch Candy Bars, 12 Vanilla Marshmallows, 12 Passionfruit Marshmallows 1 Container of Hot Chocolate Mix - Everything is made by hand with organic and local ingredients whenever possible. * UW24: Scharffen Berger Chocolate Gift Package * * UW25: One 1.5 liter bottle of 1999 Cos d'Estournel and one 1.5 liter bottle of Pichon Lalande. Both Bordeaux From My super and amazing pal Leah at SpicySaltySweet and the fine folks at K&L Wine Merchants. * UW27: One rack of free range Colorado grown lamb produced by Double Ewe of Cimarron, Colorado From Dallas of Diaries of a MODman, O.K, one full rack of Colorado grown lamb. It is produced by Double Ewe of Cimarron, Colorado. The lamb is not just free range lamb, it is open range lamb. They feed during the summers up in the Colorado mountains in some of the most fertile, beautiful meadows you have ever seen. The ranchers are strictly opposed to any genetic alteration. The only way to get better lamb is to buy 5 acres in the mountains and raise your own lamb. UW28: Dinner with Clare of Rainy Days & Sundays at Chateau Marmont
Clare of Rainy Days & Sundays is offering a dinner with her at the famed Chateau Marmont Hotel restaurant in West Hollywood. Chef Carolynn Spence (formerly of Spotted Pig in NYC) will create an incredible tasting menu for us - with wine pairings. The winner may choose the date/time for whenever you'd like. You will meet the chef and sommelier as well. Transport to LA not included, of course. From Jenny of Foray Into Food, a wonderful fourmet gift basket! includes chutney, marmalade, spicy peanuts, tasty shortbread, delicious caramels and much more, delivered anywhere in the mainland USA. I'd eat the contents in like 8 minutes, no doubt about that. From Hobson's Choice of No Choice At All, 5 lbs. of pancetta and 3 lbs. of lardo (a.k.a. "Iowa White") from La Quercia in Iowa. Of course, this being such a special fundraiser, we had to offer up "special" pork. La Quercia, with the help of Becker Lane Organic Farm in Dyersville, IA (where Field of Dreams was filmed), has raised a limited number of organic, heirloom, Berkshire hogs on an acorn diet. The Berkshire breed is already widely renowned for its silky meat and generous, flavorful fat, but when these pigs are treated to an acorn diet, the result is a truly heavenly hog-eating experience. This is a centuries-old tradition that echos that of the highly prized Iberico Bellota in Spain. The taste is sublime and unlike anything you've ever tried. This is one prize that is almost impossible to find anywhere but the country's best restaurants. (NOTE: Prize will not be available until April, products are still in the process of being cured.) SHIPPING LIMITED TO UNITED STATES LOWER 48 UW31: Three Cookbooks from Ten Speed Press From Chubby at Bunrab. This is amazing and a great treat for the book lover. Bid on three cookbooks from Ten Speed Press: The Great Book of Chocolate, A 16 Food + Wine and Mustards. This is a package deal and the three books will arrive to one US Address. UW32: 8 Rib Eye steaks from Oliver Ranch Company From Todd & Diane of White On Rice, eight piece steak pack of large, Rib Eye steaks from The Oliver Ranch Company!(a $239 value). If you love beef, GREAT beef, GRASS FED beef, SUSTAINABLE beef, ARTISANAL beef from ethical & conscientious ranchers, this is the prize for you. All the grass fed beef from The Oliver Ranch Company meet these quality standards: “Traceable from farm to fork, no added growth hormones, no preventative antibiotics, 100% vegetable based diet, gentle handling techniques”. Your Artisan Steak Tasting kid will include eight large Rib-Eye steaks, two each from four artisan ranches, each specializing in a different breed, region, diet, and aging technique:
From Hank of Honest Food. Check out what Hank says..."Wild game charcuterie. Yep. I will make the winner a gift basket of yummy sausage-y things that I have hunted myself. My plan is to offer the winner the following: I'm pretty sure I don’t need to tell you that there is nowhere else in America you can get this deal. You cannot buy true wild game — it’s illegal. The only way to get your hands on charcuterie like this is to know a hunter who can make salami: That’d be me." UW39: Autographed book by Amy Goldman Courtesy of Nathan of House of Annie Food Blog. "Heirloom Tomato" by Amy Goldman is an encyclopedia of information on hundreds of varieties of (you guessed it) heirloom tomatoes. But beyond just information and recipes, this book features the delicious photographic artwork of Victor Schrager. IN ADDITION to the book, Annie will help the winner choose seeds of 10 varieties of tomatoes out of Annie's library of over 200 heirloom tomatoes. Annie will mail seed packets of these varieties out to the winner along with the cookbook in January. But wait! There's more! If the winner of the book is in the San Francisco Bay Area, we will deliver 10 starts of heirloom tomato plants, ready for planting, in late April or early May; or they can come to the House of Annie in San Jose in late August or early September to collect a basket of ripe tomatoes from our organic garden. UW40: Dinner for two with wine pairings at Michelin-2-star Coi in San Francisco My friend the talented chef (and also a contributor to the NY Times Food Section) Daniel Patterson will treat a lucky winner of this Menu for Hope prize (plus her/his even luckier friend) to a scrumptious tasting menu at Daniel's two Michelin stars restaurant Coi in San Francisco. The post dinner sojourn next door is on you, however - wink, wink. If you've never been to Coi, this is your chance to try. I know I'm biased, Daniel and his gorgeous wife Alexandra are very dear friends of ours, but I'm telling you, Coi is the most exciting restaurant in San Francisco--there is nowhere else I'd rather eat at the moment. Drop a tenner and try your chance? UW42 Barrel Tasting & Vineyard Tour at Windy Oaks Windy Oaks Estate Winery and Vineyards is located at the southern, coastal end of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, 1,000 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Monterey Bay. They also happens to be one of my favorite wine makers, not locally but anywhere. They make delicate, elegant wines with judicious use of oak and fruit. Just delicious, delicious stuff that's also very food-friendly. They are offerring to host a private cheese and barrel tasting of their award-winning, highly rated estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, for 8 people. Judy & Jim Schultze, the proprietors and winemakers, will lead the tour and provide the barrel tasting. The afternoon will consist of a walking tour of the beautiful 15-acre vineyard, with wine tasting on the ridge overlooking the Monterey Bay. Artisanal cheeses and local breads to complement the wines will accompany the sample tasting. After the walk, you will return to the winery, nestled in the redwoods, and taste from our unreleased vintages still in their French oak barrels. Jim, the master winemaker, will explain his Burgundian style, innovative all-gravity winemaking techniques, from harvest and crush, through to barrel aging. The event will last approximately 2 hours. This is a perfect event for anyone who is interested in how premier grapes are grown, and artisan wine is made, in a small family estate vineyard and winery. UW41: two tickets to the Lexus Grand Tasting, the finale event at Pebble Beach Food & Wine Sunday's Lexus Grand Tasting at Pebble Beach Food & Wine is the final event of this sure-to-be fantastic weekend. The impressive chef line-ups include Traci Des Jardin of Jardiniere in San Francisco; Bill Corbett, Pastry Chef at Restaurant Michael Mina in San Francisco; Michael Mina; David Myers of Sona in Los Angeles; Nancy Oakes of Boulevard in San Francisco; and Michel Richard of Citronelle in Washington DC. Enjoy over 300 wines from 200 of the world's most prestigious wineries. There will also be opportunities for book signings and photo sessions with some of the weekend's chefs. I look forward to be at the event and hopefully meet the lucky winners of this prize! Our good friend the rancho gordo Steve himself offer this prize, which includes a selection of his world-renown beans plus his fantabulous new book, Heirloom Beans. He's promised to sign it for you too, in the most elaborate Rancho Gordo manner, even. UE01: New West Knifeworks Knife of Your Choice From New West Knifeworks, hosted by Steamy Kitchen. One custom chef’s knife of your choice - choose from either the Phoenix line made in Seki, Japan with the same precision and quality of the Japanese samurai swords or the Fusionwood line with gorgeous and colorful handmade wood veneer handles. (single knife only)
UE03: Dinner for 2 at Jack: an occasional restaurant A dinner for two hosted by the authors of Habeus Brulee, valued at $150.00, located in the Brooklyn Lyceum in Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY. In their own words. "We serve elaborate, multi-course meals at our exclusive restaurant once a month at the Brooklyn Lyceum in Park Slope (Brooklyn, NY, USA). Dinner for two would normally cost $150, but we are offering it as a prize for the low low cost of $10 raffle tickets through Menu for Hope this year. Not only that, but we’ll add seats for you to any Jack dinner you like, even if it is listed as sold out on the website. Given that we’re already sold out for January 24, 2009 and almost sold out for February 21, 2009 already, and March is a special book release dinner, winning this prize may be the only way for you to get into Jack for dinner before April of next year!" UE04: 2 boxes of Parisan style macarons from Petites Bouches From Veronica’s Test Kitchen (U.S. only) Two boxes (24-count each) of exquisite Parisian Style macarons from Petites Bouchees! A pair of sligtly crisp nut-flecked cookies sandwich the most luxurious buttercreams and the creamiest ganache made from premium Valrhona Chocolate. Some of the flavors will include : Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Buttercream, Espresso Buttercream,Passion Fruit milk chocolate and Caramel Fleur de sel.Contains no coconut. Made from raw organic almonds and organic brown eggs. Will ship anywhere in the United States. UE05 Small Box of LA Burdick Chocolate Mice From Breadchick of The Sour Dough Blog. The mice and penguins are Larry’s signature novelty chocolate, adopted from the chocolatiers of old Europe, who used leftover pieces to create whimisical figurines for children. Ours are enjoyed by people of all ages. (U.S. only) * UE06: A Day of Breadmaking with Breadchick From Breadchick of The Sour Dough Blog. An “in your home” day long lesson on making bread completely by hand with three of your friends. We’ll make bread the old fashioned way,completely by hand. The winner will learn techniques like proofing yeast, kneading, shaping and baking. We will make two loaves: basic white and one specialty bread like cinnamon rolls, Challah, or whole grain. The winner will also get a home bread making kit that includes my preferred loaf pan, yeasts, King Arthur flours, and recipes for the breads we make with step by step instructions. Only in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Greater New York. From Rivka of Not Derby Pie. Big Ole’ Box of Sweets, baked and packaged by Not Derby Pie, who will bake up some delicious cookies, squares, bars, and other sweets, package them nice and tightly, and send them anywhere in the lower 48. The box will be chock-full of some of my favorite dessert bites, with plenty of chocolate-flavored goodies and maybe even some homemade caramel. Oh, and the box will also include a sampling of some not derby pie bars, the blog’s namesake. You won’t go hungry this holiday season — so bid away! (Continental U.S. only) UE08: Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill Cookbook From Rachel of Coconut and Lime Blog, Celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s cookbook. A fan of Iron Chef? Throw Down on the Food Network? Or just simply a fan of the bubbly Bobby Flay himself. This is the prize for you. * * From StickyGooeyCreamyChewy. This package includes a whimsical autographed print by Florida artist Annie Laurie of Annie Laurie Designs in a hand-painted frame. It also includes the popular Hello Cupcake cookbook with a set of decorative paper cupcake liners and a cupcake decorating kit. Also included are a set of 12 multicolored silicone cupcake baking cups and a set of 24 multicolored silicone mini-cupcake baking cups, as well as a container of Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake mix, from the legendary bakery of the same name. UE10: Freshly Smoked Silver Mullet Roe from Black Hammock Smokehouse From Black Hammock Smokehouse, hosted by cook eat FRET. Freshly smoked Silver Mullet roe, a rare Florida west coast delicacy, brought to you from Black Hammock Smokehouse. It has been salt cured and carefully warm smoked over Red Bay and Mangrove wood to retain the caviar essence of the eggs. This item includes 2 complete roe sacs individually vacuum sealed and delivered right to your door. Make no mistake, this is fresh, the fish are currently swimming nearshore, waiting for you to bid and then we will go select the donors. Nowhere else will you find this outstanding product. UE11:La Maison du Chocolat’s Shimmering Snowflake Coffret From Su Good Sweets. La Maison du Chocolat’s Shimmering Snowflake Coffret (.59 lb/about 29 pieces), which contains seven new flavors for the holidays: chestnut, orange confit stick, dark ganache with banana, milk ganache with rosé Champagne, milk praliné feuilleté with hazelnuts and almonds, almond paste with citrus zest, and dark plain ganache. (U.S. only)
UE12: Five boxes of Garrison Confectioners handcrafted chocolates inspired by PAMA Liqueur From Pama Liqueur, hosted by Savory Adventures. Each decadent chocolate bonbon is meticulously hand-crafted by master pastry chef, Andrew Shotts, who has gained recognition from Food & Wine, New York Magazine, USA Today, and The New York Times. The PAMA Tart is a heavenly layered chocolate ganache and graham cracker crust treat laced with pomegranate flavor. The PAMA Cosmo, a great twist on the classic drink, delivers a flavor explosion by coupling premium vodka with fresh, invigorating lime juice. But the true test of a cordial is its ability to stand to toasted nuts, and PAMA passed with flying colors with Garrison”s Nutty PAMA creation. It combines a perfected blend of roasted nut and pomegranate for a truly indulgent experience. UE13:A Judge Seat at an Upcoming Chili Takedown From Not Eating Out in NY. If you are in the NYC area, and love to eat and offer your expert criticism on all the great home-cooked chilis, then this is the prize for you! Chili Takedown will grant you a VIP judge spot at an upcoming Takedown. The next Chili Takedown, New York’s finest amateur cook-off series, is scheduled for January 25, location in the NYC area. If the January 25th one doesn’t work for your schedule, then another one soon! (NYC area)
13th Annual Food For Thought – A Baker’s Dozen UE15: Bo Ssam dinner package for 8 at Momofuku Ssäm Bar Who hasn't heard of Emperor Chang of New York and his Momofuku empire? Lucky for us, David Chang is as generous as he is talented, so, ....drum roll.....we are happy to offer you a Bo Ssäm dinner package for eight very lucky people at Ssäm Bar - yes, that's 8, as in you plus seven of your dearest friends!!. The package includes the famous Bo Ssäm whole pork butt, roasted to the crisp-yet-melting perfection, with all the delicious accoutrements, 12 raw oysters, and enough appetizers and desserts to feed eight hungry mouths. Tien Ho, Ssäm Bar's talented chef himself has promised no less than a spectacularly spectacular feast in support of our Menu for Hope. (You're on your own on the drinks though. Frankly, we are a little afraid of what pork-induced euphoria from the Bo Ssäm would do to your thirst. UE16: Gourmet Book Club Membership Each month Gourmet magazine choose a book for their book club. The winner of this prize will get a copy of each month's selected book sent to them for the whole year. You can follow along the excitement, join cooking projects on their forum, watch cooking videos from the author of the month's selection. Regular members of the club can purchase each selection at 40% off the regular prize, but if you're the lucky winner of this prize, you'll get each month's selection sent to you for an entire year. Do your cooking library a favor and donate $10 to Menu for Hope and try your luck at this prize. The 'Studio Collection' Box by Chocolatier Oliver Kita (Retail Value $40) 16 Deliciously creative sweets from Serge the Concierge. * * * UE18: Dinner Cooking Party at Create a Cook From create a cook hosted by Jo at Amuse Bouche. One cooking party for up to 6 guests at create a cook in Newton, MA. (Valued at $400.00) We supply the chef, the menus, the ingredients, the professional kitchen, a set table, and all the clean up you just bring the wine and 5 of your friends and we have a party! You and your guests can help determine the theme of the party (Asian, French, Italian, Vegetarian, American or Chef’s Choice). Winner must be willing to travel to venue or can give the gift in kind to a local friend. UE19:Fresh Almond Milk Kit, Two Pottery Mugs and Chef Michael Symon’s Authographed Menu from Lola
Recreate Life in Recipe’s ‘Still Life With Almond Milk’ tableau with
makings for your own almond milk; raw organic almonds, lecithin, agave
nectar, strainer bags, recipe and two stunning hand thrown mugs from
award-winning ceramicist, Ellen Shankin (glaze similar to the pitcher
in photo). UE20: Hand-crafted Marshmallows and Barefoot Contessa autographed cookbook From Foodie Tot. An autographed copy of the Barefoot Contessa’s newest book, Back to Basics, and a dozen hand-crafted marshmallows (flavor to be determined) from the Diary Godmother (www.thedairygodmother.com) in Alexandria, Virginia. (Continental US only) * UE21: Le Creuset 5 1/2-quart Dutch Oven From Cora Cooks. Le Creuset 5 1/2-quart Dutch Oven in beautiful Lemongrass color. Heavy enameled cast iron, round, covered, perfect for any cooking task – soup, stew, roast, sauce, casserole. Even cooking with any heat source. Good for oven, stove, refrigerator, freezer, table. Virtually non-stick surface and easy to clean, even in the dishwasher. Ship to Continenal U.S. only! UE22: Three Marilyn’s Nut Butters From Marilyn’s Nut Butters and hosted by Serge The Concierge, unique nut butters for grown-ups! The sweet and/or savory blends of roasted, high-quality organic nuts and seasonings combine to make perfect spreads, dips, and marinades for any occasion. Choose from combinations like Cinnamon Walnut Pecan, Spicy-hot Pecan, Hazelnut Walnut Chai, Walnut Cashew, and Hazelnut Almond. The winner can select her or his desired flavor(s) from the 5 offered. UE23: The Big, Bad Bakers’ Bundle
From Miss Ginsu. One copy of “Home Baking” by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid (universally loved as an excellent baker’s guide with gorgeous UE25, UE26: Set of 3 RuMe Reusable Grocery Bags (two prizes) Deb of Smitten Kitchen is teaming up with the fantastic ladies at Delight.com to give away these gorgeous reusable grocery bags. The winners can pick their set of three RuMe bags, in their choice of colors and styles. Deb uses these things daily — they fold down and snap up so you can just keep them in your purse and never have to use a plastic bag — and she buys them for all her friends and family! But wait! There’s more! For the duration of the Menu for Hope campaign (until Dec. 24), Delight.com is also offering a 15 percent discount on all purchases. Enter MenuForHope at checkout, and you’ll receive 15 percent off your entire order. What does this have to do with feeding the hungry, you ask? Each time someone uses that discount code, Delight.com will donate a dollar to the Menu for Hope campaign. UE27: Two Exclusive Tickets to Iron Chef America Taping From Food Network via Amateur Gourmet. Win two exclusive tickets to “Iron Chef America,” one of the hottest shows on Food Network and a taping that’s normally “invite-only.” The show tapes in New York in June; you must be able to get here yourself. Let the battle begin! UE28: Eight Gourmet Family Dinners Family Favorites Meal Service from Personal Chef To Go: Each week our chefs create a delicious, fresh four entree menu complete with side dishes to compliment. From tender and moist grilled chicken to savory seafood pastas, we’re sure to be a family favorite any night of the week! Prize package includes two servings of each meal (eight dinners in all) delivered fresh to your door via FedEx. (U.S. only) * A paella kit from Tienda.com hosted by Andrea of Andrea’s Recipes, which includes a 15-inch paella pan (feeds 4-6 people), Calasparra Rice (2.2 lbs.), hand picked select grade Saffron, pimenton de La Vera smoked paprika, fire roasted Piquillo peppers from Lodosa, shrimp bouillon to add to the flavor, a bottle of excellent extra virgin olive oil, and the Paella! by Penelope Casas. The kit is a $99 value and has everything you need to get started on a fantastic paella, just add your own seafood. Due to customs regulations, the kit can only ship to the U.S., Canada, and APO/FPO addresses. UE30: Two bottles of Pineau des Charentes From Serge the Concierge. Two bottles of Pineau des Charentes (one white, one red) from Delpech thanks to the generosity of Sheena and Paul Jones of JTE Spirits, importers of Unique Spirits. Pineau can be a great base for cocktails or served as a digestif or a dessert wine. It is a fortified wine, valued at $40. (US only) * * UE31: Three Personalized Health Consultations (via phone) From Hadley Holistics. Kick off the New Year feeling great with 3 health consultations via telephone (value $300 USD). At HadleyHolistics, we help clients achieve their ideal weight and energy level by exploring what foods work best for their bodies and unique lifestyles. This isn’t another cookie cutter diet—it’s customized just for you. * UE32: Autographed Cookbooks: Pierre Herme, Patricia Wells and Dorie Greenspan From the lovely Dorie Greenspan. Three cookbooks, each autographed! Desserts by Pierre Herme, Baking From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan, and Vegetable Harvest by Patricia Wells. * Cooking In Stilettos will donate a $50 gift card to Sur La Table along with an autographed copy of Jose Garces’ new cookbook - Latin Evolution. * * UE34: Lovepuppies Custom Brownies - Box of 12 From Breadbaby. A pretty gift box of 12 rich and decadent brownies made by Lovepuppies Brownies in 4 fantastic flavors: Peanut Butter Nutcase, Hunka Hunka Burning Love, You Mocha Me Crazy and Make Mine a Double Chocolate. Each brownie is individually wrapped. Perfect for little gifts, or to keep all to yourself. (U.S. only) * UE35: KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor with Mini Prep Bowl From Sassy Radish. Food processor with touch-pad controls, pulse option, and powerful induction motor 7-cup-capacity work bowl; multipurpose stainless-steel blade; large feed tube and pusher. Reversible stainless-steel slicing/shredding disc; 3-cup mini bowl for smaller tasks Base wipes clean easily; dishwasher-safe bowls, blades, and discs. I use this for everything from making dough to creating quick sauces and emulsions - the mini prep bowl is brilliant - it’s like having 2 processors in 1 — and saves on space too!! UE36: Autographed Copy: Foods and Flavors of San Antonio Hosted by Foods and Flavors of San Antonio. Foods and Flavors of San Antonio offers you over 300 recipes from the Tex-Mex capital of the world as well as a tour through all the sights and fiestas this city has to offer. Book will be shipped out after release date in March 09 (U.S. only) * * * * UE37:Autographed Copy Recipe for a Cookbook! Hosted by Cookbook Cuisine. Recipe for a Cookbook is filled with extra helpings of information, ideas, and inspiration for writing your very own cookbook. It’s a guide that serves up a feast of know-how and generous portions of how-to for preparing, writing, and serving a great cookbook. (U.S. only) * * * UE38: Private Cooking Class and Yum-Tasty Recipes From Culinary Greats Cookbook From Dining Dish, Dara Bunjon, a one-on-one cooking class and an autographed copy of Yum-Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats. Dining Dish, a self-professed foodie-gone-awry, has food styled for some of your favorite culinary greats: Sara Moulton, Nick Malgieri and Steven Raichlen. Cooking class limited to Baltimore/ Washington, DC residents. * Get a taste of Chicago food with Chew on That’s Taste of Chicago package! If you bid on this prize, you will receive an Ultimate Taste Combo from Lou Malnati’s and Tastes of Chicago!This is a $95 value that includes: 1 Cheese or Sausage Pizza, 1 Slab of Carson’s Ribs, 1 Vienna Hotdog Kit & 1 Eli’s Plain Cheesecake. Click here for photos. (U.S. only) * UE40: Wagyu Beef PackageGastronomic Fight Club, with the help of Morgan Ranch in Burwell, Nebraska, is donating a Wagyu Beef combo package. The package includes a wagyu beef carving roast, perfect for these winter months and 10 pounds of ground wagyu beef to throw a killer summer barbecue once the temperatures start rising again.
Morgan Ranch Wagyu Carving Roast: The most flavorful of all the
roasting cuts, it offers unmatched tenderness and texture as well. Its
generous 7-pound size makes it the right size for every occasion. **A $190 value. Includes free 2nd day shipping within the continental US. UE41: Hotel Costes: The Collector’s BoxFrom The Baddish Group and the beautiful author of Seduction Meals an absolutely stunning 10 CD Anniversary box set featuring the complete Hotel Costes series pressed on gold discs and stored in a beautiful red velvet-like cloth-covered mini cabinet with ten drawers that hold each disc separately. Includes all the Hotel Costes classics from Pink Martini, Gotan Project, Shirley Bassey, Thievery Corporation, Yves Montant, Grace Jones, Rouge Rouge, Variety Lab, DJ Cam, De Phazz, Dublex Inc, Cesaria Evora, Femi Kuti, Slow Train, Louie Austen and many more! EU01: 50 GBP Japanese Food Package from JapanCentre.com of London Offered by Maki from JustHungry.com, A selection of Japanese food products worth 50 GBP courtesy of Japan Centre, the leading Japanese food store in the UK. This prize can be shipped to most countries in Europe. [EU only] * * EU02: A Big Box of Swiss Chocolate Offered by Maki from JustHungry.com, a prize that was so popular last year we’ve brought it back: A big box of Swiss chocolate bars, many only available in Switzerland. This prize can be shipped anywhere in the world where chocolate can be delivered safely. [Shipping: Worldwide] * EU03: US$50 gift certificate from bento supplier J-LIst.com PLUS 3 bento books Offered by Maki from JustBento.com, a $50 gift certificate from J-List.com (JBox.com), Your Friend In Japan and seller of a great selection of bento supplies; plus 3 great Japanese bento books. This prize can be shipped worldwide. [Shipping: Worldwide] * EU04: 2 Homemade Chutney from Un Tocco di Zenzero Offered by Sandra from Un Tocco di Zenzero, Two homemade Chutneys from Italian blogger Sandra from Un Tocco di Zenzero in Pear and Christmas Chutney flavors. [Shipping: EU only] * EU05: Customised Food Tour in London, UK Offered by Abby from Eat the Right Stuff. Depending on what aspects of London’s culinary abundance you are interested in , she will create a special day just for you, perhaps you’ll visit the world-famous Borough market, Soho’s China town, the fabulous food-halls of London’s famous department stores or maybe you’d prefer do a tour of the capital’s chocolate shops. EU06: Damian Allsopp chocolates Offered by Abby from Eat the Right Stuff. A box of Damian Allsop’s fabulous Christmas chocolates from Fortnum & Mason . Damian is unique in his use of water-based ganaches. This creates fabulously intense flavours such as pear and anise, salty liquorice and “Christmas.” EU07: Italian Artisan Goodies Basket Offered by our European host, Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy, a goodies basket similar to the past two years’ basket. You’ll get a taste of Italy that is full of products from mostly “micro” manufacturers throughout Italy, and many are hard to find outside their local areas or in stores. More details to come tomorrow. * EU08: Moomin Mania! A special irresistible baking collection for all Moomin lovers! Offered by Dagmar from A Cat in the Kitchen, 9 different cookie cutters that make beautiful cookies shaped as Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, Little My, Snufkin, Snork Maiden, Grooke, Hattifatteners and Stinky. 1 baking mold shaped as the Moomintroll. 1 pot-holder and 1 oven mit with Moomin motifs. 1 set of Moomin paper napkins. 4 dessert spoons from Hackman with Moomin motifs. EU09: Signed copies of Clotilde’s two books Offered by Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate & Zucchini, Signed copies of Clotilde’s two books: her cookbook, Chocolate & Zucchini (Broadway Books, 2007) and her book on Paris restaurants and food shops, Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris (Broadway Books, 2008). * EU10: A set of 3 lingerie cookie cutters by Soyelle Offered by Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate & Zucchini, A set of 3 lingerie cookie cutters by Soyelle, to make fun cookies in the shape of a bra, panty, and corset. (Perfect for bridal showers and Valentine’s day!) * * EU11: A set of 6 Flip & Tumble reusable tote bags Offered by Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate & Zucchini, A set of 6 flip & tumble reusable tote bags in assorted colors. You can keep a couple for yourself and give the others to friends and family, as a subtle nudge for them to swear off plastic bags. Host’s note: these are my favorite reusable bags! * EU12: Florence Walking tour with lunch at the Market for 2 people ($250 value!) Offered by Judy of Over a Tuscan Stove, Join me on an in-depth tour and tasting at the market, followed by lunch. We will explore the fabulous San Lorenzo Market, open since 1870’s, one of Italy’s largest indoor markets. * * EU13: A Dinner for Two at Solociccia, Dario Cecchini’s Restaurant in Italy Offered by Judy of Over a Tuscan Stove, Dinner for two at Solociccia restaurant in Chianti, Italy: Thursday, Friday, Saturday dinner and sunday lunch, dinner at 7pm or at 9pm. Reservations can be made through Judy at Divina Cucina. * * Offered by Sara, Ms. Adventures in Italy and Sara from Mele al Forno, Offered by a native Italian and an American living in Italy: Start your walking tour with a classic Italian breakfast, stroll through an open-air fruit and vegetable market and then head to the historic center of Milan for a traditional Italian aperitivo with a few food lovers’ highlights on the way. Duration: 4-5 hours. Saturday only, or Sunday w/o markets. EU15: Signed copy of “In Etna’s Shadow: Culinary Adventures from Eastern Sicily” Offered by Karen of South of Rome, a signed copy of “In Etna’s Shadow…” a travel journal with a culinary bent aimed at delighting foodies and armchair-travelers alike. Quick snippets detail everything from gelsi to gelato and carciofi to cassata. * * * EU16: A French and Italian Hamper Offered by Sara from Kitchen Pantry, A French and Italian hamper, filled with homemade dates chutney, homemade cantuccini, Italian traditional torrone, Marmellata di mandarino tardivo, from Sicily, Rilettes d’oie façon Landaise (goose paté), Terrines de Faisan aux Noisettes (pheasant paté), Paté de Campagne, pur porc (porc paté), Terrine de Canard aux Cèpes (duck paté with porcini mushrooms), 3 spread: Crevettes au Calvados (Calvados shrimp), Thon a l’olive noir (black olive tuna) and Huîtres et Wakamé (oysters and wakame). Offered by Meeta of What’s for Lunch, Honey? : 600 Curries is a new and exciting cookbook by Raghavan Iyer. A few months ago I bought my own copy of this book and have been licking my fingers at all the delicious recipes presented here. There are several traditional Indian curries in this book but what I love the most about 660 Curries is that Iyer presents new and innovative recipes. 660 Curries is the gateway to the world of Indian cooking, demystifying one of the world’s great cuisines. A must have for every curry lover. EU18: My Italians Wine Tasting in Rome with Sommelière Hande Leimer of vinoroma Offered by Hande of Food Vagabond and Vino Roma, A great opportunity for 2 wine lovers - beginner or expert - to get an overview of Italian wines, learning about and tasting 7 of them. Let yourself be guided by sommelière Hande through this fun and informative 2-hour tasting that gets rave reviews! Tasting date (within the year 2009) has to be arranged directly with vinoroma. EU19: A Paris Map dated 1937 Offered by Lucy of Lucy’s Kitchen Notebook, A Paris Map dated 1937, can be sent anywhere in the world, lovingly used, suitable for framing, dimensions 75×55 cm landscape (poster size). This map was created for the Paris Expo 1937, is printed in 4 colors, with a map on each side, one detailing the notable monuments in the city, and the other side detailing the monuments in the outskirts of Paris. [Shipping: Worldwide] EU20: Muffin Lover’s Set: 12 Silicone Baking Cups and a Muffin Cookbook (in French) Offered by Babeth of La vie in English, a Muffin Lover’s Set with 12 silicone cups so you will never run out of the old paper version and plus it’s eco-friendly. Added the book : Les muffins de Bob by Mark Grossman (written in French), filled with ideas to make beautiful muffins. [Shipping: Worldwide] * EU21: Gift Voucher for Cooking Class at London’s L’atelier des Chefs Offered by Krista of Londonelicious.com, Win a £36 Gourmet Gift Voucher to London’s L’atelier des Chefs. The voucher can be redeemed towards any of L’atelier’s London cookery classes. L’atelier des Chefs is a beautiful cooking school in Marylebone. EU22: The Veg Lovers Book Collection Offered by Sophie of Mostly Eating, this prize is a set of three books on cooking with fresh, seasonal produce, perfect for somebody with a regular veg box delivery, CSA membership or just anyone keen to fill their diet with veggies in the New Year. The books are Sarah Raven’s Garden cookbook, The Abel and Cole Cookbook: Easy, Seasonal, Organic and Riverford Farm Cook Book: Tales from the Fields, Recipes from the Kitchen. All three are tried and tested personal favourites, the books we turn to in our house for both regular weekday dinners and cooking for friends.(shipping worldwide) EU23: A Taste of Nice Food Tour for two people: (€160 Value) Offered by Rosa of Les Petits Farcis. On a fascinating three-hour tour of the market and food shops, you will learn about the history of Nice and its food and taste such unexpected delicacies as pissaladière, socca, fougasse and tourte de blettes. * EU24: 2 tickets to one of our Specialist Wine Tastings in London Offered by Caitlin of Vinoteca Wine Bar & Shop, a prize of 2 tickets to one of our monthly Specialist Wine Tastings, where guests join us in our private room between 6-9pm to taste up to 20 wines, in a relaxed and fun environment. The tasting themes change monthly. [Shipping: N/A: London only] * * * EU25: 6 prints of Florence and Venice Offered by sculptor and artist Kelly of Fine Art by Borsheim, These 6 prints are various scenes of Venice and Florence. The prints are 10 inches in length, the width varies per composition, but approx. 7 inches. (4 are 7.5″, one is 6.5″, the last = 7.25″). The images are printed on thick paper stock with giclee inks — that should last about 200 years, if not displayed in super bright light. [Shipping: Worldwide] Offered by Elena of Comida de Mama, a fair-trade box of quality half-whole basmati rice, cinammom sticks, cardamom pods and a hand made rice/pasta drainer to make the nor fragrant rice ever. And a set of three delicious fair trade organic herbal tea suitable for different times in the day with a decorative hand made tea drainer. All organic, all fair trade, amazingly good! [Shipping: EU only] EU27: 7 Cookbooks in Italian + 3 teas from Roman tea shop Biblioteq Offered by Rossella of Ma Che Ti Sei Mangiato, 7 Cookbooks, all in Italian, with 3 types of tea from Roman tea shop: Biblioteq. The cookbooks include: Cucinare un istante di Donna Hay, Torte dolci e salate di Delphine de Monlier, In tavola appena colto; Creme, budinie dessert; La grande cucina: Antipasti; La grande cucina: Pasta; Antipasti a cura del Gambero Rosso. [Shipping: EU only] WB01: A Wine Vacation at Meadowood Resort in the Napa Valley Experience true Napa luxury. This prize includes a two night stay (Sunday to Thurs only) at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena in the Napa Valley; dinner for two at the Michelin Two-Star Meadowood Restaurant; and a private Cabernet tasting in the Napa Valley with Gilles de Chambure, the wine educator at Meadowood. Located in a beautiful, two hundred-fifty acre valley, Meadowood features championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a nine-hole walking golf course, hiking trails, swimming, a full-service health spa, eighty-five guest rooms, suites and cottages and wine country cuisine. Valued at over $3500. WB02: Dinner in New York with Eric Asimov of the New York Times Eric Asimov is the chief wine critic of The New York Times, a position he assumed in June 2004 after having covered wine with The Times' tasting panel and in his "Tastings" column for the Dining section. He's one of America's most visible wine writers, and a darn nice guy to boot. So nice, in fact, that he's willing to have dinner with someone for charity. For this prize, he'll buy dinner for one lucky wine lover somewhere on the island of Manhattan that has a great wine list. You choose the date, he chooses the restaurant, and you can talk about whatever you want, even if it isn't wine. Value: Priceless. Prize code: WB02. Courtesy of The Pour. WB03: Blackbird Vineyards Magnum and Ma(i)sonry Tasting Blackbird Vineyards is one of the hottest new wineries in Napa Valley, if only according to Vinography. This prize includes an etched magnum of the 2006 Illustration Red Wine and a certificate for a private tasting of the Blackbird Vineyards portfolio for four people at the newly opened Ma(i)sonry in Yountville. Ma(i)sonry is a "living gallery" event space, tasting room, and exclusive lounge in the heart of Napa Valley. Prize code: WB03. Courtesy of Blackbird Vineyards and Ma(i)sonry WB05: A Case of Zinfandel with Your Own Professionally Designed Custom Label This prize would be good enough just as a case of Brutocao Cellars Zinfandel. But you not only get a case of wine, you get this wine with your own personalized custom label on it. Whatever you want it to say, whatever you want it to look like. Value: $700. Prize code: WB05. Courtesy of Custom Wine Source. * WB08: Half Case of Verge Syrah, and a Tour of the Vineyard Join VERGE Winemaker Mike Brunson for a special tour of Bradford Mountain where you will see firsthand what it means to farm on the edge of the wild. At just over 1200 feet elevation, Bradford Mountain is on the far western edge of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. VERGE Wine Cellars produces small lots of block specific Syrah and these organcially grown vineyards are perfect examples of what we call Fringe Vineyards. Mike Brunson has over 15 years winemaking experience and will describe the ins and outs of organic viticulture, mountain farming, and Syrah winemaking. After the hike, you'll enjoy a tasting of Syrahs from Bradford Mountain as well as a selection of other Syrahs from around the world. As a parting gift, you will also recieve 6 bottles of VERGE Wine Cellars' inaugural release, the 2006 VERGE Syrah. Value: $240. Prize code: WB08. Courtesy of Verge Cellars. WB09: Wine Book Bonanza There's only one thing better than drinking wine, and that's drinking wine with a nice wine book on your lap. Here's your chance to add to your library and maybe learn a thing or two in the process. Courtesy of University of California Press, pick any 5 wine books from their current list of titles. Value: approx $150. Prize Code:WB09. Courtesy of University of California Press. WB10: Wine Travel Guide Voucher The main raffle prize on offer from Wine Travel Guides is a gold gift subscription to Wine Travel Guides (worth £49 or approximately $75 or €60) which lasts a whole year from activation. This will give you access to all the travel guides on the site. Today there are 46 comprehensive guides to the wine regions of France. By mid-January there will be a further seven guides covering Tuscany in Italy, Rioja in Spain and Mosel in Germany. Here is your chance to plan that trip to the wine regions of Europe with expert insider advice from 15 top-class wine and travel writers. The bonus offer: If you can meet author Wink Lorch in either the Jura or Savoie wine regions of France, she will personally drive you around the wine region for a day, meeting and tasting with some of her favourite wine growers and taking you out to lunch. Value: $80 or more. Prize Code:WB10. Courtesy of Wink Lorch. WB12: Giant Wine Map of California California is the second in our series of wine maps and the latest installment in our attempt to become the Edward Tufte of the wine world. The regular retail size of this map is 24 x 36 inches, however, this one will be custom printed at a giant 4 feet wide by 6 feet tall. We're finishing the artwork right now, so be the first on your block (actually on the entire planet) to have a Giant Wine Map of California. To get a better idea of the style and quality, please take a look at our map of the Iberian Peninsula. The map of California will be just as obsessively accurate, up to date and - all importantly - suitable for framing (if you can find a frame that large). This item can only be delivered to US addresses. Estimated Value: $400. Prize Code:WB12. Courtesy of DeLong Wine Moment. WB15: Labor of Love In The South of France Planning a trip to southern France? Why not spend a day learning what it's really like to own a vineyard or work in a winery! Depending on the time of year you visit, we could be pruning, plowing, picking grapes, bottling, making wine or even selling it. Our vineyards, located at the foot of the medieval village of Castillon du Gard in the southern Rhône valley, are the prefect place to enjoy a day of (very rewarding) manual labor. To celebrate your accomplishments we will prepare a gourmet dinner for you and your fellow workers at our house! Locally grown products will grace the table and all courses will be paired with the best our local winemakers have to offer. We will taste wines from all around the southern Rhone, not just La Gramière, and you (the winner) will be paid for your hard work with 6 bottles of the current vintage of La Gramière. Now all that's left for you to do is plan a trip to Southern France! Prize code: WB15. Courtesy of La Gramiere. WB16: Private Wine Blending Session Learn how to blend wine at an intimate wine blending event for eight people at Crushpad, San Francisco's luxury custom winery. You'll have the help of one of Crushpad's resident winemakers and you'll go home with t-shirts and a wine blending kit of your own so you can try your skills at making a few bottles of wine for yourself or for friends. Value: $500. Prize code: WB16. Courtesy of Crushpad. WB17: Port Wine Starter Set from Quevedo
If you're a lover of port wine, or think you might be, you'll enjoy this gift: A Port Wine Starter Kit made up of: WB20: Custom 90 Minute Wine Seminar Bill Wilson, the host and producer of the Wine for Newbies Podcast will offer a 90-minute live wine seminar. The winner of this prize can choose the topic(s) for this wine seminar which he'll broadcast via streaming video at a time and date of the winner's choosing. The winner can have as many people participate as he or she wants! Since the seminar will be live via the Internet, the winner can be anywhere, as long as they understand English. Prize code: WB20. Courtesy of Wine for Newbies. WB22: A Case of Exclusive Small Production Wines from Raymond Raymond Vineyards is a 5th generation, family-run small winery in Napa Valley. They recently started proding a series of wines known as "small lot" wines, which are made in quantities between 50 and 400 cases and are only available at the winery. This prize includes a mixed case of these new releases. Three bottles each of 2007 Small Lot Rosé of Merlot; 2005 Small Lot Red Wine; 2005 Small Lot Petite Sirah; 2005 Small Lot Meritage Red. Value $475. Prize Code: WB22. Courtesy of Raymond Vineyards. WB23: P.S. I Love You - A Case of Petite Sirah Jo Diaz has a thing for Petite Sirah. And so do her clients, a society of winemakers and winegrowers known as P.S. I Love You. Jo and her clients are donating a case of California Petite Sirahs for your enjoyment. Here's the list of wines included: 2005 August Briggs, Napa Valley This wine can be shipped to any legal destination in the USA. Valued at over $350. Prize code: WB23. More details at Juicy Tales. WB24: Kendall-Jackson Owl Box Adoption Gift As part of its special relationship with the non-profit Hungry Owl Project, Kendall-Jackson is pleased to present a limited Owl Box Adoption Gift that offers an opportunity to adopt a wooden barn owl nesting box located on Kendall-Jackson's Hawkeye Mountain estate vineyards. The Kendall-Jackson Owl Box Adoption Gift features: - One bottle each of Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Highland Estates Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. - A signed, limited edition watercolor print of the Hungry Owl Project wildlife ambassador, painted by Hungry Owl Project volunteer Mary Blake. Only 100 of these packages will be produced. Shipping available to
Alaska (excluding dry areas), Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, WB25:A Night of Wine and Food in Florence for Two with Award Winning Sommelier Services Enjoy an evening for two persons in Florence, Tuscany in a historical Trattoria with a complete menu from "crostini" to their typical biscuits and soups and meat and eveything you can expect from a Trattoria that's been running for more than 100 years. All the food will be paired with wines personally by European Second Best Sommelier and Wine Blogger Andrea Gori (if you want him!). Among the wines he is excited for you to taste will be the 2005 Pegasos Soldera Case Basse, the new shocking wine from Montalcino, that in Italy they all love so much but Wine Spectator continues to rate so low (70 or below) every time... If it's impossible for the winner to get to Florence, they will ship that wine directly to the winner. So go on and donate! Value: $200. Prize Code: WB25. More details at Vino da Burde. WB26:A Vertical of Twisted Spaniard
Twisted Oak Winery in Calaveras County, California is pleased to contribute a special vertical of its flagship blend, The Spaniard. One bottle each of the 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 vintages (there was no 2003 vintage.) The Spaniard is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha grapes grown entirely in Calaveras County at Twisted Oak Winery. An Original Recipe Twisted Oak Rubber Chicken will of course WB28: Clos Pepe Pinot Noir "Horizontal" From Top Producers Win four bottles of 2006 Pinot Noir from Clos Pepe Vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills produced by premier wine labels: AP Vin, Loring Wine Company, Siduri and the Clos Pepe Estate label. Splayed over the gently rolling foot of the La Purisima Hills on the north side of Highway 246, this 28-acre vineyard planted to 24 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 acres of Chardonnay is one of the Central Coast's premier vineyards. It produces consistent quality fruit and the wines produced by the various négociants share a commonality of character that distinguishes them from others in the area. These wines are structured and nicely layered with good acidity and a distinct, pleasant earthiness. This four bottle "horizontal" from some of the State's best Pinot Noir producers is an exploration of the vineyard's character. Value: approx $210. Prize Code: WB28. More info at Redwinebuzz.com. WB29: Magnum of wine, tour, and tasting at Tolosa Winery for Six People Join Tolosa winemaker Larry Brooks for a past, present and future tour of the Winery in San Luis Obispo and finish with a artisan wine and cheese pairing. A Magnum of our 10th Anniversary wine will also be given to the winner upon arrival. PAST: Guests will learn about the origin of our name and the story behind our brand. They will also have the opportunity to taste past vintages from the Tolosa library collection. PRESENT: After a brief talk about our vineyard and outside production area, guests will be toured through our tank and barrel rooms. FUTURE: The tour finishes with a futures tasting from select French oak barrels. This intimate tasting will take place in our private barrel designed area with our finest wine selections. Following the tour you and your guests will be guided through an artisan wine and cheese pairing with Tolosa's wine and cheese educator & sommelier, John Shakley. As you relax in our beautiful private Heritage Room, John will pair five limited production wines with five artisan cheeses from around the world. Value: $400. Prize Code: WB29. Courtesy of Tolosa Winery. This is a terrific prize from Janet at The Old Foodie who will send a copy of her book Pie: A global history to the end of the earth. * * * AP02: A half-pound bag of Shan State green tea
It’s a striking land, Shan State. Just across the northern border of
Thailand lies a different world; a landscape steeped in beauty, a
people with histories worth reading. And tea. Fine, sweet, glorious green tea. When her Burmese students took journalist and blogger Karen Coates from Rambling Spoon
to dinner last month and she asked the origin of the tea on the table.
One blurted out: “Shan State. The best tea comes from Shan State.”
People around the area know this as truth. AP03: 6 weeks of personal food and nutrition planning Sydney-based blogger Kathryn Elliott of Limes and Lycopene is offering everything you want to start the new year fresh and healthy. That’s 6 weeks of online personal food and nutrition planning and coaching worth A$290. Available anywhere - online. * "When I uploaded a photo of Mugaritz’s head chef Dan Hunter to Flickr somebody tagged him as cute. I don’t know whether that alone makes a visit to the Royal Mail Hotel at Dunkeld
in Victoria’s southern Grampians worthwhile but his food does. His food
showcases the herbs, vegetables and leaves from the hotel’s extensive
kitchen gardens matched with the wines selected by sommelier Lok
Thornton from one of the best wine cellars in the state. AP05: Degustation with matching wines at Melbourne’s Restaurant of the Year Attica. Attica is running hot this year having won Restaurant of the Year and Dish of the Year in The Age Good Food Guide Awards. New Zealand-born chef Ben Shewry brings real passion and innovation to this tiny kitchen that somehow consistently serves up amazing food. Much of the inspiration is drawn on Shewry’s experience, for instance a near drowning as a child or the earth. He also dives in the bay to forage for unusual ingredients which you will find nowhere else. AP06: SYDNEY: A day behind the scenes on a food styling shoot with Australian Gourmet Traveller This is something money can’t buy and you can read how Jackie at Eating with Jack got on last year. More details from those splendidly decadent chaps at Gourmet Traveller coming soon. Available to anyone who can make the trip. * * AP07: Coffee heaven and training These guys drink so much Java (just so we don’t have to) that Ed, our host downunder, said he's not quite sure how the buzzed-up bods at the Melbourne Coffee Review ever sit down to write a post. But apparently they do, and regularly. Steve Agi from the MCR is offering: 1 x Espresso Quest book by INSTAURATOR A$60. 1 x Entertainment Book (MELB) A$65. 6 x Cafe Workshop Tix (Cafe COACH) valued @ A$79 each worth a total of $474. 1 x Melbourne Coffee Review cap, limited edition. AP08: Skin Saviour - his and hers worth A$219.90 Skin Saviour is skin care specially formulated by a Melbourne-based naturopath from natural plant extracts and oils for the sensitive skin-wise and planet-wise. This prize comprises a set of the woman’s products worth A$109.95 and the men’s worth the same - a total of nearly $220. It contains no animal products whatsoever and no ingredients are tested on animals. It contains, no GM products, petrochemicals, harsh soaps, hormones or known irritants. It’s softening the skin of all-sorts from upmarket builders to budding internet entrepreneurs. A must try. [shipping worldwide] AP11: 1 nights accommodation and a 3 course meal for 2 at the Provenance Restaurant in Beechworth. Michael Ryan, ex Range in Myrtleford, has taken over the Bank in Beechworth which he has renamed Provenance Restaurant and Luxury Suites. In last year’s Good Food Guide Ryan scored two hats which means we can expect some pretty special cooking at his new place. The whole site, including the four suites at the rear of the property in the old stables, have just had an extensive refit. He is offering one night’s accommodation worth $295 and a three course meal for two worth $140. AP10: A year’s supply of Tim Tams Jules at the gorgeous Stone Soup and her employer Arnott’s are donating offering three delicious cases of Australia’s favourite chocolate biscuit Tim Tams. That’s 72 packets of Tim Tams over a year - way more than one pack a week. If you're a fan of Tim Tams then this prize is for you! AP20: A degustation meal for two at Libertine with matching wines worth $270. Libertine is a charming romantic French restaurant without the beret in North Melbourne and is offering a degustation for two of eight courses, focusing on seasonal produce available on the day, including highlights from Libertine’s a la carte menu, with matching wines, valued at $270. I’ve eaten there myself this year and had a great meal but ran out of time to blog about it. The food is good but what is exceptional is the list of carefully chosen wines mainly from small French producers. Unlike some large restaurants connected to a certain casino you won’t find yourself here being charged through the nose for wines that you could by off the shelf from your local bottle shop. CA01: Six-Week Nutrition Makeover with an (almost) Registered Dietitian
Consultations will be done via email, so anyone around the world can take a shot at this prize * CA02: An autographed copy of A Day at El Bulli From Hungry in Hogtown, copy of A Day at El Bulli autographed by Ferran Adria. * * * CA03: DIY Sugar Shack Special From An Endless Banquet, 1 copy Au Pied de Cochon: The Album, paperback edition ($40 CAN), 1 can real Quebec maple syrup ($7), 1 jar AEB ketchup aux fruits($6), 1 maple candy lollipop ($1), 1 Sugar Shack Party mix CD, by DJ Oreilles de Crisse (priceless). * CA04: Giada’s Kitchen cookbook From Hooked on Heat, a copy of Giada de Laurentiis’ latest book, Giada’s Kitchen. [US & Canada only] * * *< |
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