Vive la France!
All star chef Thomas Keller and a gaggle of devoted food fans flocked to his Bouchon Bistro Beverly Hills for a bountiful gourmet benefit to support television’s KCET. It was one marvelous meal designed to help get the longtime So-Cal institution back on its feet.
Over the course of the two evenings, nearly 400 guests savored culinary specialties, and dined on traditional French fare crafted by Chef Keller and Chef de Cuisine Rory Herrmann. Foodies got a chance to mingle with the legendary chef, and were even treated to a behind-the-scenes experience in Bouchon’s state-of-the-art kitchens. Many were also treated to informal cooking demonstrations given by its various chefs, and tried their hands at making the restaurant’s signature epi baguettes in the bakery. Magnifique!
KCET has been on a bit of a rocky road in recent months ever since it lost some of its signature programming. But the station is in the process of rebranding itself and that gave guests a good reason to celebrate. “Uncorked was critical to helping us herald in a new beginning for KCET after we took a bold and innovative step forward and became independent,” said station President Al Jerome. “Without our viewers’ generosity we wouldn’t be able to fully realize this freedom and deliver timely and relevant programs to a growing multicultural audience.”
Gourmets and gourmands had a chance to dig in and nothing was spared on this spread. Goodies included Pate de Campagne, Charcuterie & Artisanal Cheeses, B-uf Bourgignon, BLTs (Bacon, Arugula & Truffle sandwiches), Cod Brandade Beignets and Miniature Lemon Tarts, as well as Keller’s signature Valrhona chocolate brownies. During the summer social lull, this was one getaway that was definitely in good taste.
Who’s the Boss?
Malibu’s Kelsey Grammer kicked off his career with a cheery start and has never looked back. After having hit shows like “Frasier,” he’s back on television this fall in a new series called “Boss.” The project is a bit of a departure for the longtime sitcom king.
The 56-year-old actor plays a ruthless, power hungry mayor. Grammer says he’s been hungry for a meatier role for some time.
He says he didn’t start out as a comic actor and calls classical theater “his first love.”
The show premieres Oct. 21 on the Starz network. Stay tuned!