HUNGRY FOR A CURE
The Ken Roberts estate was the tastiest place in town as Sherry Lansing, Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff held their annual California Spirit summer fling. The gourmet dine-a-thon to benefit the American Cancer Society is now in its 24th year. An elite assemblage of the city’s top celeb chefs was manning the grills, blenders and chopping blocks as they fixed up a first-class feast.
From Melisse, Josiah Citrin’s corner setup was a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Flanked by silver urns heaving with blush roses, orchids and day lilies, the talented tastemaker served up succulent cote de beouf with summer veggies and Maine lobster with watermelon, lime and mint. Just across the way JiRaffe’s Raphael Lunetta was busy putting the finishing touches on grilled rack of lamb with shaved baby fennel, raisins and olives as well as marinated tiger shrimp with sweet summer corn. It was heirloom tomatoes galore at Montage, where the sought-after summer fruit was piled sky-high and came in every imaginable color. The result: yummy chilled heirloom tomato soup, heirloom and cheese sammys, and heirlooms with whipped crème fraiche.
The elegant event was also ecofriendly. Real china, silver and glassware were used rather than wasteful plastic plates, cups and utensils. Newlywed Sherry Yard had her own take on going green. Spago’s celebrated pastry chef had her sweet treats lined up on a long bed of wheat grass as she greeted fans in a black and white cow apron with matching umbrella. “We are doing frozen chocolate- dipped horns and cow pies,” she said with a smile. “You might say they are udderly delicious.” Sherry’s icy delights provided cool comfort after her restaurant’s featured fare of hot grilled Indian spiced quail paired with sweet corn and cucumber salad.
Spago’s Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff started their event back in 1984 in the parking lot of their first restaurant in West Hollywood. Since that time, it has grown into one of the city’s most delicious and successful events. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa applauded the effort saying, “We’ve had 24 years of great food, 24 years of great drink all coming together for a great cause.” Real estate legendar Joyce Rey and activist Nancy Daly-Riordan were selected as this year’s California Spirit nominees. “I’ve been with them since the beginning,” said Rey. “I am thrilled to be an honoree.”
Daly-Riordan, also a cancer survivor, thanked “all the people who come forward every day to help. They are the real heroes and I am grateful for every day.”
This year’s event raised another $550,000 for cancer research, education and advocacy. That makes for a grand total of more than $12 million since Cal Spirit began. “We are out there making a difference every day,” said ACS California CEO David Veneziano. “Our mission is our message. We are here for people 24/7. We are optimistic we will find a cure for cancer. We aren’t just raising money, we are raising hope.”
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