Rotary food fest looks like full house

Rotary food fest looks like full house
By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer

The Escondido Rotary finds itself with a problem that is nice to have. Its third Coeur de Cuisine culinary festival has proved so popular with chefs and guests that the club doesn't think it can squeeze anybody else in.

Chairwoman Jackie Skay expects more than 450 people for the 6 p.m. Sunday gourmet gala at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. They'll feast on the offerings of 38 food purveyors, 11 vintners, two tequila-makers and Stone Brewing Co. The club will also honor local philanthropist Edna Sahm.

Most of the chefs got onboard well in advance, said Skay, eager to participate in what has become one of the community's biggest social events. Money raised through sponsorships, tickets sales and silent and live auctions goes to the numerous charities that the club supports. The goal is to raise more than $100,000. For information, go to www.coeurdecuisine.com.

"(The success) doesn't surprise me, because it was so good the first two years," said Skay. "I think it's one of the biggest nights of the year for North County."

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .