Rotary food fest simply delicious

By: Jeff Frank - Staff Writer

So it turns out that the Coeur de Cuisine gastronomic extravaganza was also an educational experience.

"I never knew kiwi would taste good dipped in a chocolate fountain," said Escondido Councilwoman Marie Waldron, one of about 470 people who did plenty of chocolate dipping and entree nibbling Sunday at the Escondido Rotary Club's food festival.

The chocolate fountain was a popular meeting area, as were most of the 50 food and beverage purveyors who made sure that nobody left hungry. Some folks, like me, who shy away from red meat and shellfish, found slimmer pickings, but, smartly, I was seated right next to the dessert table. The Delight of France pastries were definitely a delight.

The host Rotarians seemed pretty pleased with the evening at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, which included a 10-minute video tribute to Edna Sahm and an auction in which auctioneer Angelo Damante seemed to take great pleasure in bidding up and even buying many of the items.

But the food was the star, with the guests grazing for three hours on the goodies prepared by the chefs of some of the finest restaurants in Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, La Jolla, Del Mar and San Diego.

"It's fabulous. I'm rolling home," said Rosa Ruiz, who knows her way around a kitchen as a gourmet Peruvian chef. "When I came in, this dress was perfect. Now I can hardly breathe in it."

For the first time, guests selected winners of People's Choice Awards. Taking home those medals were Cafe Luna, Major Market and Asia Vous among the eateries, and Orfila Winery, El Corazon tequila and Stone Brewing Co. for their liquid refreshments.

The bottom line for the Rotary was also delicious, with chairwoman Jackie Skay estimating a net of more than $100,000 to support the club's charitable endeavors.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.

Rotary's Culinary Festival a Big Hit!

By: Jeff Frank - North County Times

Most of the people attending the inaugural Coeur de Cuisine culinary celebration on Sunday at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido could muster up just one complaint about the Escondido Rotary's new signature event.
Their stomachs weren't big enough to take advantage of all the wonderful food and drink served up by 32 restaurants and 13 wineries and breweries on hand.

"Darn it. I think I'm full," said My Beautiful Wife, about midway through the food fest. "I still have too much more to eat."

I overheard another woman tell a friend, "I can't eat anymore without my muumuu," while Rosa Ruiz looked at the bounteous banquet and said, "I'll have to exercise two hours tomorrow. I'll take my dog out for a walk twice."
That the Coeur de Cuisine surpassed all expectations could be ascertained just by checking out the smiling faces of the Rotary members, as well as the full plates and glasses attendees balanced as they moved from station to station checking out the gourmet offerings.
Quick reviews included phrases like this: "Awesome;" "A dream come true;" "Amazing;" and "Outstanding."
Councilman Ed Gallo, in charge of the silent auction, commented, "People are going to be talking about this event for a long time."
Even the hungriest of guests could only begin to sample the offerings that ranged from crabcakes to duck comfit to Chilean sea bass to baba ganoush. Artisan breads, decadent pastries, even a chocolate fondue fountain kept people coming back for more and more.
The Rotary paused briefly during the event to pay tribute to the late Bill Brecht for his love of and service to the community and also to recognize all the chefs, from restaurants in Escondido to La Jolla and San Diego and points between.
The rest of the night was devoted to trying out the delicious appetizers and entrees prepared by the top-line chefs participating.
"It's wonderful to see this in Escondido. It's fabulous," said chairman Dick Daniels. "Everybody loves good food and good restaurants. The restaurants really love it. They've got the packed house they wanted to see. We couldn't be happier."
With more than 400 tickets sold, $44,000 in sponsorships and generous bidding in silent and live auctions, the event easily is the Rotary's most successful fund-raiser. The total should surpass $50,000 and even approach $60,000, once all contributions are tallied; money that will be used to support numerous community groups and for college scholarships.
"We knew this would be successful, but we had no idea we'd do what we did," Daniels said.
It's too bad they didn't offer doggie bags.
Hot time: The first indication that the Rotary had a pretty hot event came just moments after guests were admitted to the arts center ballroom. The chefs working with their pans and grills set off the room's smoke detectors and fire alarm.
Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419, fax (760) 745-3769 or jfrank@nctimes.com.

Thirty chefs cook up a storm for Escondido Rotary Club's 'Coeur de Cuisine'

By: SUZI CAMP - For the North County Times

ESCONDIDO ---- The 79-year-old Escondido Rotary Club's very first try at a new fund-raiser this weekend was a complete sellout and huge success! The "Coeur de Cuisine," translation: "heart of the kitchen," event was held Feb. 8, at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Rotary represents charities like the Boys & Girls Club and Palomar Family YMCA. It is hoped that the Coeur de Cuisine will become a major gala of the winter season, replacing the Felicita Pageant of years past.

Thirty chefs prepared appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and twelve wineries poured two types of wine during the dinner. Carlton Greenawalt, chef at 150 Grand in Escondido, prepared a smoked-duck taco with a blood orange and strawberry salsa. Zoran Lakovic, owner of Carmela Cocina Italiana in San Marcos, served up veal sautÈed with honey and mushrooms, fresh spinach and Italian herbs. Other participating restaurants were Bernard'O from Rancho Bernardo, His Place Coffee House in Escondido, Indigo Grill in downtown San Diego, and Top of the Cove in La Jolla. Wineries ranged from Bernardo Winery, Fallbrook Winery, and San Pasqual Winery, to Shadow Mountain and Twin Oaks.

In addition to being the first fund-raiser of its kind, the Coeur de Cuisine was also a vehicle to honor the life of one of the most beloved men in all of Escondido, and an 18-year member of Rotary ---- Bill Brecht, who passed away early last year. There were family and wedding photos, and other memorabilia from Bill, surrounding a beautiful chocolate heart, signifying the "heart" he had for his community, sitting atop a chocolate pot and ladle with the Rotary and BMW symbols appearing on it, which was created by Chuao Chocolatier. Bill's widow Jeanelle and son Tim were in attendance.

Mrs. Brecht said: "The evening was a great success, and the tribute to Bill was a very special way to honor him."

Musical groups Quasar and the Hidden Valley Brass Quintet entertained guests.

Auction items included sports tickets, golf, diamond rings, wine, and trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean. Emcees were Jack White, who writes for the San Diego Business Journal, and Ted Owen, publisher of the Business Journal.

Event chairman Dick Daniels said: "This is a big step for the Escondido Rotary and the city of Escondido, as well as the California Center for the Arts. We are trying to bring upscale events and highlight good restaurants to the community. In addition, Bill Brecht was a friend to many in this room. I couldn't be happier."

By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer

February 26, 2006

Today, by city proclamation, is Edna Sahm Day in Escondido.

While that's pretty cool, a day seems like such a small tribute for someone who has done so much for so many in this community. She deserves a week, at least. Maybe even a month.

For Edna Sahm is a woman to whom giving comes as naturally as breathing. The motto on her personal resume reads, "What can I do to help?" And she lives up to that motto every day.

It would probably be easier to list the names of the local organizations Sahm doesn't support than to chronicle all her giving. And that support isn't all in the form of cash contributions. Usually, when Sahm decides to involve herself with an organization, she really gets involved.

A huge supporter of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, from the very beginning, she and her late husband, Raymond, donated $660,000 to the center's endowment. She later served several years on the board of trustees.

When she joined the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, she didn't content herself with swapping handshakes at monthly mixers. She became a Chamber Ambassador and one of the top recruiters of new businesses into the organization. Sahm is usually front and center at any chamber event.

It's the same with the Escondido Rotary, which honors Sahm tonight at its third Coeur de Cuisine gala food festival, fittingly at the Center for the Arts. She has sponsored many new members and for most weekly meetings stands near the door to greet her fellow Rotarians as they arrive.

"It's not her job. It's just something she enjoys," said Jackie Skay, chairwoman of tonight's event. "The thing about Edna that I see is that she doesn't have an agenda. She just cares about this community."

Close friend Angelo Damante, who will make the presentation to Sahm, said, "She epitomizes the 'Service Above Self' theme of Rotary. ... She sets the bar for all of us in showing us the way we should be when we achieve certain things in life."

Sahm supports more than 20 local charities, showing up at most of their special events. She has sponsored 14 of her fellow Rotarians for Paul Harris Fellowships, making $1,000 contributions on their behalf.

And she lives life to the fullest. Probably only the mayor gets to more events around town. She has taken more than 30 cruises to all parts of the world over the past 20 years. Oh, and by the way, she celebrates her 89th birthday in about a week.

Damante calls her "The First Lady of Escondido," and it's hard to argue. She's elegant, generous and entertaining, and we should all be so lucky as to match her energy level.

Enjoy your day, Edna.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.

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 jfrank@nctimes.com.