Another Year, Another Great Wine and Mushroom Gala!

We can never say enough about the wonderful dishes prepared by the federation members, and are fortunate to have such wonderful cooks in our organization who are willing and able to try wild mushrooms in so many different ways. Jeff Emery coordinated the seven wineries, representing some of the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains. In effect, he puts the wine in Wine & Mushroom, and we couldn’t do it without him! And then there is our chef extraordinaire Bob Wynn, always on hand to dream up those fabulous mushroom dishes coming fresh from the kitchen to tantalize our taste buds. Our thanks go to both of them. The music by The Chanterelles was truly exceptional, adding a classical touch to our affair.

Thanks to a donation from Pat Fitz of Fitz Fresh Mushroom Farms, we had fresh Portabellas for Bob’s creations in the kitchen, as well as for a decorative touch on the tables. Mushroom cooking demonstrations this year included Henry Young’s Mushroom Blinis, which were were consumed so fast I didn’t even get a taste. Fred Chin made a fabulous Many Mushroom Mu Shu that was also gone in a flash, and Vicki Kuhlman served up some great Mushroom Crostini, also prepared on the spot. I did get a taste of these and they were wonderful. It seems our members and guests like these on-the-spot cooked foods a great deal! We plan to offer more of this for next year. I must include the beautiful chocolate (honorary and honorable) mushrooms brought by Phred Molnar in the list of wonderful fungi that appeared this year. They were incredible!

A special thanks to the Culinary Committee and volunteers for long hours spent putting this event together. We have such a great and fun group to work with! Each and every one of you made the 22nd Wine and Mushroom a delight to attend. Without all your help this could never happen

With my sincere appreciation,

- Vernetta McGuire, Minister of Culinary Events