THE DISH ON WOLFGANG
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who’s rumored to be returning to Malibu, has been a culinary sensation ever since he opened his star-studded restaurant, “Spago,” back in the 1980s. In addition to serving up marvelous meals, the famed food man has had a hand in numerous charities. His contributions to Meals on Wheels and California Spirit have raised millions.
On May 30, Puck will be honored by The Heart Foundation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He’s set to receive the Steven S. Cohen Humanitarian Award at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The evening is sure to be a tasty one with some of Puck’s talented pals preparing a one-of-a-kind gastronomic feast.
The Heart Foundation, which is headed by leading heart specialist Dr. P.K. Shaw, also wants to recognize the chef for his “Wolfgang’s Eat, Love, Live” philosophy. Described as a new approach to dining, W.E.L.L features fresh, organic produce and cruelty-free animal products.
As for his philanthropic contributions, Puck always seems to have a full plate. Throughout the years, he has been a major supporter of the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Special Olympics, the Cystic Fibrosis Society, Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Foundation and Race to Erase MS. His annual Food and Wine extravaganza brings together the world’s top chefs and has raised more than $10 million dollars for charity. Now that’s a delicious way to help those in need.
HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS
Sally Kellerman, Kate Linder and David Carradine were just a few of the famous names lending their support to the Hollywood Arts Council at this year’s Charlie Awards. In a salute to the Tinseltown of old, the Hollywood Palladium was turned into a swinging 1920s supper club. The Arts Council after school arts program supports a wide variety of community programs, including Project SOAR, and serves 1,500 kids throughout Los Angeles. Honorees included The Independent Shakespeare Company, Viscuso Entertainment and L.A.’s Original Farmer’s Market. Gala goers feasted on grilled asparagus and organic chicken with potato leek tart before dancing the night away to the sounds of the nine-piece Art Deco Swing Orchestra.
GLAAD TO BE HERE
Comedienne Kathy Griffin stepped into the spotlight at this year’s GLAAD awards. The Emmy award-winning star of “My Life on the D-List” was recognized for helping with the campaign against Proposition 8 during the 2008 election. The starry celebration was held at the Nokia Theater. Every year, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation honors individuals in the arts and entertainment communities who help promote “fair, accurate and inclusive” media coverage.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com