NEW EVENT FEATURES “BEST OF THE BEST” FOR WINE ENTHUSIASTS

Posted on 24. Jan, 2012 by Johnnie in Chef Selection, Finding Perfection, Fresh Reviews, News Flash, Restaurant News

Event Tickets on Sale Now

San Antonio, TX (January 23, 2012) — Executive Chef Stefan Bowers of FEAST and Executive Chef Steven McHugh of Lüke San Antonio have joined the stellar line-up of featured chefs participating in Fête du Cuvée, a fabulous new event that is a must for San Antonio wine enthusiasts—especially those who are looking to add to their wine collections or enjoy unique wine-related experiences. Tickets for the Saturday, March 3, event are on sale now.

Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction, the Junior League of San Antonio Inc.’s newest fundraiser, is an elegant black tie affair that will feature bidding for exclusive lots in a remarkable silent auction. Items featured in the silent auction include unique offerings, large format bottles, libraries and allotment wines, while a live auction will include one-of-a kind offerings and fabulous wine-related experiences. The Monte Vista Jazz Band will provide entertainment after the auction.

The name, “Fête du Cuvée,” is a play on the term “tête de cuvée,”which means the top of the line from any Champagne house. The idea behind the event is a celebration of the best of the best, as this event promises to deliver. The event will be held at The Bright Shawl, the historic restaurant and banquet facility located at 819 Augusta Street, near downtown San Antonio. Frost is the event’s presenting sponsor.

A highlight of the evening will be cuisine and wine pairings from select San Antonio chefs. Bowers and McHugh complete the list of chefs who will be sharing their talents during Fête du Cuvée, including Jeffery Balfour, Executive Chef Hotel Valencia Riverwalk; John Brand, Executive Chef, Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa and Las Canarias at Omni La Mansión del Rio; Ernesto Estrada, Chef de Cuisine, Francesca’s at Sunset and James Moore, Executive Chef, Max’s Wine Dive. Each chef will prepare dishes and pair them with selected wines for attendees to enjoy. Biographies on each of the chefs are detailed below.

Event tickets may be purchased online through www.sanantoniowineauction.com. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the community programs and projects of the Junior League of San Antonio. The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League works with more than 60 local agencies each year, making it the non-profit that supports other non-profits in San Antonio.

Ticket options include:
• Fête du Cuvée Patron Ticket, $250 each, includes an invitation to the Catalog Preview Party, access to the Silent Auction, Live Auction, Chef Stations, all wine pairings, a commemorative Waterford tasting glass, and a 2012 Fête du Cuvée gift. Patron tickets include reserved seating during dinner service and the Live Auction.

• Toast the Night Ticket, $150 each, includes access to the Silent Auction, Live Auction, Chef Stations, all wine pairings, and a commemorative Waterford tasting glass. The reservation has non-reserved seating. Standing tables will be available through The Gallery and standing room access in the Ivy Room during the Live Auction.

• Fête du Cuvée Patron Table of 10, $3500 per table, includes invitations for 10 to the Catalog Preview Party, access to the Silent Auction, Live Auction, Chef Stations, all wine pairings, commemorative Waterford tasting glasses and a 2012 Fête du Cuvée gift for each guest. The Patron Table includes reserved seating for 10.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, as well as sponsorship opportunities for San Antonio’s first affair designed for true wine enthusiasts, please visit www.sanantoniowineauction.com.

2012 Fête duCuvée Silent Auction Items

Lot #1: Shafer2002 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon – 750 ml bottle

Lot #2: Blackbird Vineyards 2009 Arise Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine – 1.5L Magnum presented in a wooden box

Lot #3:Becker Vineyards 2010 Reserve Grenache – case of 12, 750 ml bottles

Lot #4:King Estate 2009 Signature Pinot Gris – 3L Double magnum

Lot #5:John Besh cookbooks, “My New Orleans” and “My Family Table”

Lot #6:Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 CYRUS – 750 ml bottle

Lot #7: Anderson’s Conn Valley 2006Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 1.5L Magnum

Lot #8: 2005 CADE cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain– 750 ml bottle

Lot #9:Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon – 1.5L Magnum

Lot #10:Round of Golf for Four at the Club at Sonterra

Lot #11:Emeritus 2008 Hallberg Ranch Estate Bottled Pinot Noir – 750 ml bottle

Lot #12: Cakebread Cellars 2007 Dancing Bear Ranch, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon –1.5L Magnum presented in a wood box signed my winemaker, Bruce Cakebread

Lot #13:Don Melchor 2004 Chile Cabernet Sauvignon – 750 ml bottle

Lot #14: Fisher Vineyards 2005Cameron Red Wine, Napa Valley – 1.5LMagnum

Lot #15: San Antonio Rampage vs. Milwaukee Admirals Suite Night – Saturday, April 7, 2012

Lot #16:Louis M. Martini 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet sauvignon – case of 12, 750 ml bottles

Lot #17:Faust 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – 750 ml bottle

Lot #18:Graffigna Centenario Malbec – 3L Double Magnum

Lot #19: Schramsberg 2008 Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine – 1.5L Magnum signed by winemaker, Hugh Davies

Lot #20:Noonday Collection Zip Up Wrap and Inca Steps Necklace

Lot #21:Ehlers Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 – 750 ml bottle

Lot #22: Ridge Vineyards 2007 Montebello – 1.5LMagnum

Lot #23: Wild Duck Creek Estate Heathcote 2000 Australia Merlot Reserve

Lot #24: Twin Pomegranates Three Bottle Sampler Pack – Pomegranate Chardonnay Blend, Pomegranate Dry Wine, and Sparkling Pomegranate Wine

Lot #25:Noble Vines 2009 337 Cabernet Sauvignon 750 ml bottle and Godiva Chocolate Fondue Kit

Lot#26: Rodney Strong Single Vineyards – 2008 Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley – 750 ml bottle; 2007 Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley – 750 ml bottle; 2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley – 750 ml bottle.

Lot #27:Vina Calina Alcance, Merlot – 3L Double Magnum

Lot #28: napoleon Grande ChampagneE. Piercel de Saint-Jacques Cognac

Lot #29: Far Niente 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville– 750 ml bottle

Lot #30:The Petroleum Club – Lunch Buffet for Four People

Lot #31:Conundrum 2004 White Table Wine – 750 ml bottle and Cutter & Buck Wine Set

Lot #32:Robert Foley Vineyards 2008 Claret – 1.5L Magnum

Lot #33: Peter Lehmann 2007 Barossa Shiraz Australia– 3L Double Magnum

Lot#34: ONE HOPE 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – 750 ml bottle, Rosenblum Cellars2007 Heritage Clones Petite Sirah, Contra Costa County– 750 ml bottle

Lot#35: San Antonio Rodeo Package – Four Terrace Level Seats with Dinner, First Friday Night of Rodeo 2013

Lot #36:Rudd Oakville Estate 2006 Proprietary Estate Red – 750 ml bottle

Lot #37:Trefethen Family Vineyards Estate Wine presented in a wood box – 750 ml bottle

Lot#38: Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa valley, Oakville– 750 ml bottle

Lot #39: Rodney Strong Vineyards2008 Symmetry, Red Meritage, Alexander Valley – 1.5LMagnum

Lot #40: CW Floors – $500 gift certificate for custom flooring

Lot #41: Sterling Vineyards 2006 SVR Reserve – 750 ml bottle

Lot #42: VIP Tour and Tasting at Llano Estacado Winery

Lot #43:Concannon Vineyard 2008 Petite Sirah, Conservancy – 1.5L Magnum

Lot #44:JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – 750 ml bottle

Lot #45:20nine Restaurant & Wine Bar – Wine Tasting with Appetizers for 10Guests

Lot #46:Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2008 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon

Lot #47:2002 Dom Pérignon – 750 ml bottle

Lot #48:Vineyard at Gruene 1190 Gruene Road Reserve Red Wine – 750 ml bottle

Lot #49:Langmore Photography – Sitting Fee and 10×14 Portrait

Lot #50: Cakebread Cellars 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – 750 ml bottle and Laguiole Wine Companion

Lot #51:Schramsberg 2008 Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine – four 750 ml bottles

Lot #52:Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 CYRUS – 750 ml bottle

Lot #53:Indulge Wines 2010 Chardonnay – one case

Lot #54: Aquarius Boutique – Shopping party with Wine and Appetizers and a 15% discount for your guests and a $75 gift card for the hostess

Lot #55:Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – A Night of Discovery– Appetizers and Wine parings for 16 Guests in a Private dining Room

Lot #56:Rudd Oakville Estate 2006 Proprietary Estate Red – 750 ml bottle

Lot #57:Two Chateau Ste. Michelle 1.5L Magnums

Lot#58: Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley,Oakville– 750 ml bottle

Lot #59: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – One Night Stay with Wine Tasting at Lynfred Winery

Lot #60: Beaulieu Vineyard 2006Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros Napa Valley– 750 ml bottle

Lot #61: Far Niete 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville– 750 ml bottle

Lot#62: San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards– March 12, 2012 – 4 Seats on the Terrace Level with Dinner at the Terrace Restaurant and one Parking Pass

Lot #63:Texas Hills Vineyard – Private Tour, Tasting, and Food Pairings for 12Guests

Lot #64:Forever Bella Wellness Spa Day and Masi Campofiorni 2008 Rosso Del Veronese– 750 ml bottle

Lot #65:FEAST Restaurant – $150 gift certificate

Lot #66:Santikos Theatres – Two Movie Tickets, Two Popcorns, Two Sodas

Lot #67:Woodrose Winery – Private Tour, Tasting and Cheese Plate for 16 Guests

Lot#68: El Coto de Rioja 2007 Crianza Tempranillo, Spain– 750 ml bottle and JLSA Branded Wine Tote, Wine Bottle Opener Set, and Bottle Shaped Corkscrew

Lot #69:Becker Vineyards – VIP Tour and Tasting

Lot #70:Concannon Vineyard 2008 Petite Sirah, Conservancy – 1.5L Magnum

Lot #71: Lopez Plastic Surgery – $250 Session of Botox and $250 Session of Facial Filler and Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne – 750 ml bottle

Lot #72:Don Strange Gift Basket – Cookbook, T-Shirt, and six Signature Sauces

Lot #73:MAX’s Wine Dive – $100 Gift Card

Lot #74:Equifera Icewine – 375 ml bottles of Vidal, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc

Lot #75: Mumm de Cremant Champagne – 1.5LMagnum

Lot #76:“Living with Wine” by Samantha Nestor and Alice Feiring and Six Stag Wine Glasses

Lot #77: La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – Two 750 ml bottles

Lot #78: Meyer Family Cellars 2006Bonny’s Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Fête du Cuvée Live Auction Items

Lot#1: Test Your Palette –Vertical Case: 3 bottles of 2006 Lucas & Lewellen Viognier (CA), 3 bottles of 2007 Lucas & Lewellen Viognier (CA), 3 bottles of 2004 Arrowood Syrah (CA), 3 bottles 2005 Arrowood Syrah (CA): Comparison of the Same Varietals: 2bottles 2005 Domaine Curbis St. Joseph Syrah, 2 Bottles 2008 Domaine Rougie Viognier

Lot #2: Be the Envy of Your Friends – Dinner for six at Neiman Marcus, Mariposa fashions shown throughout dinner. $1000 Neiman Marcus gift card to Host/Hostess. Two Night stay for two at Westin La Cantera, dinner for two at Francesca’s at Sunset, and a round of golf for two.

Lot#3: Napa at its Finest – Two nights at Villa Valentine for four located on the estate of Terra Valentine Winery, Private tour and tasting for four at Terra Valentine Winery, Private tour and tasting at Lamborn Family Vineyards, Private tour and champagne reception at Opus One, Private tour and tasting of The Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley.

Lot#4: La Bonne Vie…The Good Life– one week stay at the Cottage on the estate of Domaine Buisson –St. Roman – Burgandy, France.Accommodations for eight, private tour and tasting at Domaine Buisson, wine from Domaine Buisson.

Lot#5: Land of Enchantment Wine and Chile Festival– six tickets to the Pioneer Wine Renegade Party on Friday, September28,2012 in Santa Fe, NM. Two night accommodations for six at the luxurious Casa Milagro in Santa Fe, NM (Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29, 2012).

Lot #6: A Bird in Hand – Contigo Ranch Dove Hunt, overnight stay for four couples including dove hunt for four couples, lodging, dinner and breakfast prior to departure. Includes a Llano Estacado Elite Basket, two unique shotgun shell and riffle bullet wine stoppers.

Lot#7: Shining Stars of the Night – this lot will provide you with over 30 bottles to start your wine cellar collection. The best part…you know they are all outstanding because you have tried each one of them this evening at our chefs’ tables and tasting tables.

Lot #8: Build a Better Community – Partner your donation with the Junior League of San Antonio. Join us in improving our community by supporting the Junior League of San Antonio’s community projects by generously giving at one of the following levels: $2500, $1000, $500, $250, or $100.

Lot #9: A Little Wine Education – Winning bidder may choose ONE (1) of the following services:

(1)One hour private wine education session by Ceci Barretto and Melissa Unsell in the winning bidder’s home or location of choice;

(2)Wine tour guide to Fredericksburg wineries conducted by Ceci Barretto and Melissa Unsell;

(3) Private wine and cheese pairing session provided by Ceci Barretto and Melissa Unsell for up to 25 guests in the winning bidder’s home or location of choice.

Lot#10: Imperial, Double Magnum, Magnum and Bottle – includes one of each of the following: 6L Imperial Lamborn Family Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, 3L Double Magnum Noble Vines2009 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5L Magnum Fisher Vineyards 2005 UNITY Cabernet Sauvignon and 750 ml bottle Rudd Oakville Estate 2006 Proprietary Estate Red.

Lot#11: Experience Sonoma Valley– Two night stay for two at Boon Hotel and Spa, overnight stay for two with tour and tasting at Mantanza Creek Winery, overnight stay for two with tour and tasting at Korbel Winery, private tour and tasting at Hanzell Vineyards and Cave tour and barrel tasting at Gundlach Bundschu.

Lot#12: Oregon Delight with a Local Connection – Dinner for six cooked in the REX HILL tunnels by Le Cordon Bleu trained chem., Mike Williason. Magnum of 2009 REX HILL Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, tour and tasting for six at Bergström Winery, two night stay for six at Bella Vista Estate and two night stay for two at Sunriver Resort with Round of golf for two.

Lot#13: San Antonio Stay-Cation with a Little Riverwalk Romance – Two night stay for two at Hotel Valencia,dinner for two at Citrus, Dinner for two at Lüke San Antonio, two tickets to2011-2012 San Antonio Symphony Series and $150 gift certificate for Runway.com.

Wines Being Poured During 2012 Fête du Cuvée

· McPherson Sangiovese and Viognier

· Four Vines Petite Syrah

· Becker Canada Cab Cabernet Sauvignon

· Becker Chardonnay

· Joseph Phelp Sauvignon Blanc

· Fall Creek Mission San Antonio deValero Sauvignon Blanc

· Billhook Red Blend

· Round Pond Sauvignon Blanc

· Fess Parker Chardonnay

· Fess Parker Pinot Noir

· Belle Luce – White Blend

· Siena – Red Blend

· Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon2009

· Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc

· Hartford RR Chardonay

· Cambria PinotNoir

· Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon

· Dona Paula Malbec, Seleccion deBodega

· Joel Gott Zinfandel, Dillan Ranch Vineyard

· Trinchero Cabernet, Chicken Ranch Vineyard

· Trinchero Meritage

· Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

· Antinori Peppoli

· Chateau St Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc

· North Star Stella Maris

· Concannon Crimson and Clover

· Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay

· Concannon Conservancy Petite Syrah

· Concannon Pinot Noir

· Equifera Vidal Icewine

· Equifera Cabernet Franc Icewine

· Equifera Riesling Icewine

· Dessert Wine Bar: Ports -Tawney, 10 year, 20 year and Sherry

2012 Fête du Cuvée Featured Chefs

Jeffery Balfour
Executive Chef, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Born and raised in Galveston, TX, Jeffery Balfour developed a love for his native cuisine and the freshest ingredients, all of which are evident in Citrus’ ever-changing menu. After realizing his culinary passion 15 years ago while studying at the University of Texas at Austin, Balfour switched gears and transferred to Conrad Hilton School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, returning to the gulf coast. While working in kitchens in Houston, including the former La Reserve, a Mobil Four Star-rated restaurant, located at the AAA Five Diamond Omni Houston Hotel, he honed his skills in French and American cuisine under several of the nation’s top chefs.

In 2002, Balfour moved to San Antonio after being given the honor of creating the food service concept for a new downtown hotel property, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. Under his direction, Citrus Restaurant became known as one of San Antonio’s most innovative fine dining restaurants. Citrus has been recognized numerous times, including winning three consecutive first prizes at Blue Star Arts and Eats.

Currently San Antonio’s Paella King, Balfour took first place at the 2011 Paella Challenge, where chefs from around the country came to compete for the title. Balfour has also received one of the culinary world’s top honors, being chosen to showcase his talents at the James Beard House in New York. Citrus has also been rated excellent in Zagat survey, which referred to Balfour’s menu as “culinary genius.”

Stefan Bowers
Executive Chef, FEAST

Chef Stefan Bowers’s culinary career developed its initial roots while growing up in Berkeley, California during the early1980s. Living in a city on the forefront of the organic movement gave him his first look at the now popular “sustainable” culinary food culture.

In his twenties, at the end of a five year Navy career as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer (where he logged 1000 flight hours reading cookbooks in the back of HH-60 helicopters), Bowers entered into a yearlong apprenticeship under Chef Catirina Di Luccia at restaurant Trattoria Positano in San Diego, Ca. Under Chef Catirina, Bowers never touched a burner: in fact, he never left the cutting board, which gave him the opportunity to physically learn proper technique while observing true Italian cooking principles from the ground up. With the desire to attend Culinary School, he made a blind move to Houston in order to attend the Alain and Marie Le Notre French Culinary Institute in2003. While studying at the culinary institute he worked at Restaurant 17in the Alden Hotel under Chef Jeffrey Armstrong.

After completing culinary school in 2004 he moved to his wife’s hometown of San Antonio and become the Chef de Cuisine under Chef Jason Dady at the acclaimed Lodge of Castle Hills. In 2008 Stefan was given the opportunity as Executive Chef at 20nine Restaurant and Wine Bar and last year, Bowers joined entrepreneur Andrew Goodman to open FEAST. He considers this collaboration to be the best opportunity he has had to express his personal ideals about menu style and cuisine while working in an elegant and contemporary restaurant that has “style to burn.”

John Brand
Executive Chef, Ostra at Mokara Hotel& Spa; Las Canarias at Omni La Mansión del Rio

Raised on a farm in the Midwest, Executive Chef John Brand developed a knack for tending animals and nurturing a garden at a young age. His hands-on experience cultivated a passion for locally sourced, fresh ingredients that he applies to the Mokara Hotel & Spa’s Ostra restaurant and companion hotel Omni La Mansión del Rio’s Las Canarias.

Brand brings more than a dozen years of experience at luxury properties to Las Canarias and Ostra. Priorto his move to the River Walk restaurants, he served as chef de cuisine at Charles Court restaurant at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. He refined his gastronomical talents as executive chef at Fossett’s at Keswick Hall in Keswick, Virginia, and as executive sous chef at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. Prior to that, Brand was executive sous chef at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, and maintained several positions at the Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek Resort and Spain Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Chef Brand’s vision for Las Canarias introduces a broader variety of Hill Country game meats to the menu, such as buffalo flank steak (a signature Brand dish) and oxtail. Brand incorporates vibrant, regional ingredients, including Native American greens and products such as quinoa that were once prevalent in the South Texas region. A wholesome “lifestyle cuisine” approach is part and parcel to the menu at Ostra, which Brand prefers to a “spa cuisine” approach. The use of fish raised and harvested in sustainable circumstances is emphasized at the seafood-focused restaurant.

Ernesto Estrada
Chef de Cuisine, Francesca’s at Sunset

Born and raised in San Antonio, Ernie Estrada has always had a passion for cooking. Raised around animals most of his life, or going on seasonal excursions with his family with Grandma always leading the way, Estrada picked pecans, nopalitos, and herbs to get ready for winter. Ernie grew up in Abuelita’s kitchen, so when it was time, he turned his mind to making cooking into his passionate profession.

Upon graduation from the culinary program at Gary Job Corps in San Marcos in 1994, and with the recommendation of Chef John Hall, Estrada joined the staff of Bistro Time Restaurant where he understudied as an Apprentice Chef with Executive Chef Frans Hendricks. Estrada became a Sous Chef in 1996 at Bistro Time.

In 2000, Estrada took a demotion in title to work with the Renowned Chef Mark Miller who was consulting at the Westin La Cantera Resort/Francesca’s at Sunset. The step back paid off in2006 when Estrada was named the Chef de Cuisine of Francesca’s at Sunset. It is here where he began working with ingredients that aroused his culinary curiosities. His experiences have brought him back to his roots and he decided to share it with the masses in 2009 through “The Farm to Table Experience” which works with local farmers and ranchers to have the best in seasonal ingredients available. He currently shares his immense talents as Chef de Cuisine at Francesca’s at Sunset at the Westin La Cantera Resort.

Chef Steven McHugh
Executive Chef, Lüke San Antonio

Steven McHugh is from a large farming family – seven boys! – in a small Wisconsin town, far from the rich culinary tradition of New Orleans. McHugh trained at Culinary Institute of America and has worked in some legendary New Orleans kitchens from Metro Bistro to Dickie Brennan’s Steak to Bacco. In 2003, McHugh became Chef de Cuisine at Besh Steak and was later named Executive Chef at Restaurant August After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, McHugh worked20-hour days side-by-side with Chef John Besh reopening August and feeding FEMA workers.

In 2010 he set his sights on a new challenge as Executive Chef of Lüke San Antonio, where he pays homage to his family’s agricultural roots by using ingredients sourced from local farmers.
McHugh also continues the Besh Restaurant Group’s tradition of giving back through community service. Following the destructive wildfires in Central Texas last year, McHugh traveled to Bastrop to cook for families displaced from their homes. A lymphoma survivor, McHugh is also active with the South Central Texas Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

James Moore
Executive Chef, Max’s Wine Dive

Inspired by everything from foie gras to vodka, Executive Chef James Moore has a passion for food, wine, spirits and good music. Armed with more than 20 years of restaurant experience, world travel and knowledge of numerous styles of cuisine, as well as an insatiable curiosity, Moore adds a unique spin to the gourmet comfort food menu found at Max’s Wine Dive.

Moore is an Alamo Heights High School graduate. While working at Pour La France under Chef Brian Dupnick, he realized he had a real passion for the industry and moved to San Diego to pursue his dream.

After working under Chef Kathleen Daelmans at Croce’s, Moore attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Working first under Chef Ross Browne at Absynth in the trendy theater district, and then at the Waterfront under Chef Bruce Hill, Moore concluded with an externship at the Cypress Club which turned into a full-time position after graduation. Moore then travelled Europe and settled in Tuscany to master the Italian approach to foods.

Moore finally found his way back to California, where he learned the art of Asian cuisine during a two-year stint as the Executive Chef at Wabi Sabi in Venice, before returning to the Lone Star State—Austin to be exact. Here, he served as the Executive Chef at FINO before ultimately landing back in his hometown of San Antonio.

About The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.: More than 85years ago, a group of 11 women organized the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. with a vision of making a difference in the lives of women and children in San Antonio. Today’s JLSA includes more than 1,200 women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community though the effective action of trained volunteers. JLSA touches more than 60 San Antonio non-profits each year, contributing more than 10,000 volunteer hours, project management and funding, making it a valued partner to worthy organizations throughout the city. JLSA’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, visit www.jlsa.org.

For More Information:
Heather Lancaster
Fête du Cuvée Public Relations Chair
210.887.3715
heatherdsaunders@hotmail.com

Gretchen Garceau-Kragh, President
Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
210.846.7794
president@jlsa.org

Dawn Robinette, APR
The CE Group
210-564-9417
drobinette@cegroupinc.net