AOC Brentwood Presents La Festa Della Donna with Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi & Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren on 3/11
La Festa della Donna is coming to Brentwood!
Caroline Styne and Suzanne Goin have invited Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi and Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren to celebrate the Italian Festival of Women benefitting Regarding Her on Monday, March 11.
AOC Brentwood Presents La Festa Della Donna March 11 with Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi & Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren
Join these five talented women and enjoy Suzanne’s Italian-style specials and flights by the winemakers curated by Caroline Styne.
In celebration of the Italian Festival of Women in March, Restaurateur Caroline Styne and Chef Suzanne Goin present La Festa della Donna on Monday, March 11, 2024, at AOC in Brentwood.
Join these five talented women and enjoy Italian-style specials
Caroline has invited her special guests Mariarita Grasso of Azienda Agricola Filippo Grasso and Alice Bonaccorsi of Azienda Agricola Alice Bonaccorsi, Italy. Also in attendance is favorite Italian wine advocate Shelley Lindgren, owner and wine director of A16 Restaurant (in San Francisco and Oakland) and author of her latest book, “Italian Wine: The History, Regions, and Grapes of an Iconic Wine Country.”
The Festa della Donna is an Italian tradition observed yearly on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
It serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. Central to the celebration is the custom of presenting women with yellow mimosa flowers, revered as emblems of resilience, beauty, and elegance. Festivities encompass various activities, including gatherings to honor women’s accomplishments and advocate for their continued pursuit of equality and recognition. The Mimosa flower has symbolized the Festa della Donna in Italy since the 1940s, symbolizing affection and appreciation when gifted to women.
Caroline is curating flights of wine from these two Sicilian winemakers as well as Lindgren’s own Tansey Wines, and Suzanne is creating specials to complement them. 10% of wine flights and menu special sales will benefit Regarding Her programs. All five women will be present to meet guests. Local bookseller Now Serving will be on hand with copies of Shelley’s book, and A.O.C. will offer a selection of the featured wines for retail purchase.
Reservations may be made on OpenTable Experience.
Suzanne’s menu of specials inspired by Shelly Lindgren and Nate Appleman’s A16 Cookbook is listed below; select photos of the winemakers and vineyards HERE; photos courtesy of A.O.C.
La Festa della Donna
menu of specials inspired by
Shelley Lindgren and Nate Appleman’s A16 COOKBOOK
Monday, March 11, 2024
A16 ANTIPASTO: liver terrina with marinated olives, giardiniera,
crostini, and assorted cured meats $26
roasted asparagus with walnut cream and pecorino tartufo $24
paccheri with fresh sardines, olives, capers, and breadcrumbs $27
braised halibut with pistachios, preserved meyer lemon, and capers $32
pork loin spiedino with pine nut, garlic, and currant soffritto $28
short ribs alla Genovese MP
potato torta with mozzarella, prosciutto, and pecorino $18
walnut and chocolate semifreddo with chestnut shortbread $18
WHEN:
Monday, March 11, 2024
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Reservations via OpenTable Experience
WHERE:
A.O.C. in Brentwood
11648 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049\
310.806.6464
ABOUT AZIENDA AGRICOLA FILIPPO GRASSO:
Azienda Agricola Filippo Grasso is a fourth-generation family-owned winery nestled on the north side of Mount Etna in Sicily. Since 2006, they’ve been crafting their own wines. Situated in Contrada Calderada, their vineyards thrive on soils rich in large volcanic rocks, capturing and retaining the sun’s warmth, shielding the vines from chilly mountain nights. With six hectares devoted to native Etna grapes like Carricante, Catarratto, Minella, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Mantellato (also known as Cappuccio), Filippo Grasso embodies a deep commitment to the region’s grapes, aiming to faithfully translate Etna’s terroir into every bottle. Their unoaked wines reflect the purity of these indigenous varieties. Beyond vineyards, the estate cultivates olive oil from 100 century-old trees and boasts diverse flora, fostering biodiversity for healthier vines. While not certified organic, the winery operates daily with reverence for nature. As they refine their craft, the Grasso family eagerly anticipates sharing their Etna wines with a broader audience.
ABOUT AZIENDA AGRICOLA ALICE BONACCORSI:
The story of Bonaccorsi Winery begins in Valcerasa, the Cherry Valley, where Alice’s father’s vineyard was situated on Mount Etna’s eastern slope, yielding their flagship wine, Valcerasa. Today, they operate in Randazzo, on the mountain’s northern side, having relocated to Croce Monaci in 2000, where they’ve expanded their land from 3 to around 18 hectares over two decades. Committed to organic practices, Bonaccorsi is ICEA certified, prioritizing biodiversity, maintaining natural vegetation, and preserving fruit trees for ecological balance. Their vineyards boast 80-year-old plants, cared for using copper-based sulfur, ensuring grapes are free from chemical residues and rich in natural yeasts vital to winemaking. In the cellar, they embrace a natural approach, eschewing chemical additives. The infusion of fresh, innovative ideas from their daughters is pivotal, invigorating Bonaccorsi with new energy while preserving its distinctive coherence.
ABOUT SHELLY LINDGREN:
Shelley Lindgren is the wine director and owner of San Francisco’s Italian restaurant A16, which has locations in Oakland, California and Tokyo, Japan. In February 2024, she opened La Pala – serving pizza al taglio and panini from San Francisco’s Ferry Building. She has received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program; has received the 2023 Slow Wine Fair Award for Best Selection of Good, Clean, and Fair Italian Wine; and has been knighted by the Italian government, receiving the prestigious “Cavaliere dell’Ordine Della Stella Italia” (Dott.ssa) distinction for her professional dedication to Italian wine. Shelley’s third book, Italian Wine – The history, regions and grapes of an iconic wine country was recently released and available internationally. Shelley’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Punch, San Francisco Chronicle, and many other publications. Shelley started a winery called Tansy Wines in 2021 with Kitty Oestlien – inspired by Italian varietals of Northern California as well as Pinot Noir and an upcoming Cabernet Sauvignon all from organically grown, single vineyards. She served on the board of La Cocina, the Guild of Sommeliers, and Slide Ranch and is a member of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and two sons.
ABOUT THE LUCQUES GROUP:
With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard Foundation award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – A.O.C. in both Los Angeles and Brentwood. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also owns the Larder Baking Company and oversees Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine, which curates all the food and beverage outlets at L.A.’s iconic music venue. The duo also operates two new restaurants – Caldo Verde and Cara Cara, and the new Dahlia cocktail bar at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.
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He brings that same philosophy to Blue Birdy but with more of an upscale vibe.
Blue Birdy has a French-influenced menu. JC implements his family’s recipes, hailing from France, he knows what good mouthwatering food is and how to create it.
“I want my customers to feel comfortable at Blue Birdy,
a place that they can come to and leave the stress of their day behind,
enjoy great libations and wonderfully inspired gastropub cuisine.”
owner JC Mahdavi
Blue Birdy’s menu includes a wonderful specialty cocktail program, all made from scratch.
The Boom Ba Da packs a nice punch, with its smooth lemon flavor and gorgeous presentation.
Strawberry Fields is a nice refreshing blend of champagne vodka and strawberry puree, almost like a smoothy but with a nice marriage of citrus essences, which has a great mouth feel. Brunch items are huge and super tasty.
Their French Toast is unlike any other, with ube, cream cheese, and sugar-filled, it’s purple and really is amazing. The Short Rib Benedict is comfort brunch at its best, a must-try.
Their Noodle Salad is perfect for the health-conscious diner as well as their tempura asparagus. Entree menu items include Lemon Herb Chicken, Steak and Fries, Fish & Chips, Teriyaki Salmon, and lots of Burgers – all simply delectable.
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Vietnam Celebrates Art: Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) returns for its 12th event on Sunday, June 30th, 2024 – The Original Bartender Art Festival
Art Beyond the Glass XII – The Original Bartender Art Festival Celebrates Cocktails, Art, Community & Inclusivity for All
Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) returns for its 12th event on Sunday, June 30th, 2024, at the legendary Catch One nightclub!
More than 100 of LA’s top bartenders will make cocktails and showcase their artistic talents, with proceeds donated to Self Help Graphics & Art.
Since its inception, ABTG has raised more than $250,000 for arts-based nonprofits in LA and across the country.
Photo Credits: Eugene Lee & Abigail Smith
Co-founded by Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates, ABTG is the original celebration of bartender artistry and widely regarded as one of the country’s premier cocktail culture festivals.
From painting to photography, live music, DJs and more, every ABTG showcases the creative pursuits of bartenders when they are not behind the bar.
“It’s hard to believe that what began as a casual conversation at Sunny Spot
in November 2011 has grown into this extraordinary event,”
Co-founder Daniel Djang
“The cocktail creativity and artistic talent of the bar community in LA and beyond never ceases to amaze me. We are so grateful for the generosity of our sponsoring brands and the numerous venues that have welcomed us into their spaces. Can’t wait to reunite with the extended ABTG family at ABTG XII!”
Photo Credits: Eugene Lee & Abigail Smith
Art Beyond the Glass is taking place for the third consecutive year at Catch One, which is graciously being donated to ABTG XII for this exclusive event.
Located on Pico Boulevard in the heart of Los Angeles, this landmark nightclub was opened by Jewel Thais-Williams in 1973 as Jewel’s Catch One, a pioneering LGBTQ+ disco. Featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, the massive venue spans two floors and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces.
For the 12th annual Los Angeles event, Art Beyond the Glass is honored to be raising funds for Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG), which fosters the creation and advancement of new artworks by Chicana/o and Latinx artists through experimental and innovative printmaking techniques and other visual art forms.
Since 1973, SHG has been at the intersection of arts and social justice, providing a home that fosters the creativity and development of local artists. SHG establishes international collaborations and partnerships nationwide and creates worldwide cultural exchanges.
ABTG is once again partnering with their fiscal partner Another Round Another Rally, a nonprofit financial resource for the hospitality industry.
ARAR co-founder Travis Nass: “It is an honor to be a part of one of the most creative, innovative industry events across the country. We have always loved ABTG, and it is such a pleasure to be able to work with them again this year. We could not be prouder to work with this wonderful organization.”
ABTG will feature dozens of Bartenders from LA’s top bars and restaurants, including All Day Baby, Apotheke, Bar Flores, Bar Next Door,Death & Co, Fanny’s, General Lee’s, Level 8, Lustig, The Mermaid, Mother Tongue, Nativo, Roger Room, Scum & Villainy, The Varnish, along with pop-up bars and a special Legacy Team.
“Art Beyond the Glass has become so important to the bar community,”
Clare Ward
ABTG Head of Production
“Bartenders are makers. We make drinks. We make art. We make community. This is the perfect event to celebrate everything we do.”
Photo Credits: Eugene Lee & Abigail Smith
Guests will also be able to buy bartender art, shop handmade items by bartenders, and bid on silent auction items.
Photo Credits: Eugene Lee & Abigail Smith
ABTG XII is being made possible by its generous sponsors: Amaras, Bacardi, Balcones, Barr Hill, Beam Suntory, Bushmills, Calisco, Deutsch Family, Dirty Sue, Filthy Food, Flor de Caña, Fords, Hedonistas, High West, Jack Daniel’s, Juliette, Kin, Liquid Alchemist, Mal Bien, Mommenpop, Montenegro, Pinhook, Proper 12, Real Del Valle, Ritual, St Benevolence, St George, Seedlip, Silvergrin, Spiribam, Tito’s, Tromba, True Believers, Underberg, West Coast Ice, and Zomoz.
Ticket information: ABTG XII will take place from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Catch One.
General Admission tickets are on sale at the Catch One website for $65 per person until 3pm on June 30.
If still available, tickets will be sold at the door for $75 per person.Tickets to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over.
The all-inclusive ticket includes entry, cocktail samples, art gallery, entertainment and bar bites. In addition, guests will be able to purchase bartender artwork, buy raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items such as artwork, photography, rare spirits and more. All proceeds fromABTG XII will be donated to Self Help Graphics & Art.
# # #
About Art Beyond the Glass:
Art Beyond the Glass was founded in 2011 by Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates as a special event for bartenders to showcase their artistic talents when they’re not behind the bar. From cocktails to paintings, photography, live music, DJs, spoken word and more, ABTG is a celebration of bartender artistry inside and beyond the glass. Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit – to date, ABTG has donated more than $250,000 to these vital community organizations.
FOLLOW ART BEYOND THE GLASS:
Instagram: @abtgla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtBeyondTheGlass
Catch One
4067 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
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Incredible A. O. C. Dinner June 15! Critically Acclaimed Winemaker Raul Perez Curated by Caroline Styne, Paired with End-of-Spring Menu by Suzanne Goin
Critically Acclaimed Winemaker Raul Perez hosts wine Dinner June 15, curated by Caroline Styne, paired with End-of-Spring Menu by Suzanne Goin.
A.O.C. by Chef Suzanne Goin and Business Partner / Wine Director Caroline Styne, 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California, and Winemaker Raúl Pérez, Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez.
A.O.C. Chef Suzanne Goin and Business Partner / Wine Director Caroline Styne
A.O.C., Los Angeles’ ground-breaking small plates restaurant at the forefront of the city’s best dining since 2002, presents an extraordinary evening celebrating the wines of the revered Raúl Pérez on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The wines are curated by Caroline Styne and paired with Suzanne’s end-of-spring menu which is inspired by her love of the Pérez collection. Raúl Pérez will be in attendance to meet and greet guests.
Raúl Pérez Pereira is highly regarded as one of the world’s most visionary winemakers. He gained recognition for his winemaking skills and innovation from an early age. Born in Valtuille de Abajo, a village in the Bierzo region of Spain, Pérez comes from a family with a long history of winemaking. He produced his first vintage for his family’s winery in 1994 when he was just 22 years old, showcasing his talent and passion for the craft.
In 2005, Pérez decided to venture out on his own and established Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez, a winery that quickly became renowned within the Bierzo appellation. Bierzo, located in northwestern Spain, is known for its distinctive and high-quality wines, particularly made from the Mencía grape variety. Pérez’s wines gained critical acclaim for their unmatched quality, capturing the essence of the Bierzo terroir. Over the years, Pérez expanded his winemaking activities beyond Bierzo to other appellations in Spain. He ventured into Rías Baixas, known for its Albariño wines, Ribeira Sacra, recognized for its steep vineyards along the Sil River, and Tierra de León, an emerging wine region. Despite his expansion, Valtuille de Abajo remains close to his heart and serves as his home base.
Pérez’s winemaking approach is characterized by a deep respect for the land, a commitment to organic and sustainable practices, and a focus on expressing the unique qualities of each vineyard and grape variety. His wines are often described as terroir-driven, showing a sense of place and reflecting the distinct characteristics of the regions where the grapes are grown.
With his innovative techniques and dedication to quality, Raúl Pérez Pereira has significantly impacted the Spanish wine scene. His wines continue to be highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, cementing his reputation as a visionary winemaker.
Caroline is enthusiastic about introducing these exceptional wines to their guests. “I discovered Raul’s wines when opening Caldo Verde, and I haven’t turned back,” states Caroline. “His wines are so well made and diverse with a through-line of beautiful minerality and balance.”
Pricing for the four-course dinner with paired wines is $150 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. Guests dining à la carte can experience a flight of three Raúl Pérez wines to pair with their dinner selections. Prepaid reservations can be secured via OpenTable Experience; limited availability for this exclusive event.
A Celebration of Raúl Pérez
June 15, 2023
kanpachi & bay scallop ceviche, stone fruit, urfa & pistachios
endive, radishes, meyer lemon cream & oil-cured olives
2021 la vizcaina, la del vivo, godello, bierzo
***
spring greens, broccoli kibbeh, avocado, favas & feta
spanish fried chicken, romesco aïoli & chili-cumin butter
2022 los arrotos del pendón, rosado, leon
***
scottish salmon, fennel-potato gratin & beet chutney
sugar snap peas, pea shoots & green butter
2020 castro candez, mencia, ribiera sacra
***
grilled hanger steak, braised leek butter & fried leeks
italian broccoli, green harissa & douro almond dukkah
2020 la vizcaina, las gundiñas, bierzo
***
bittersweet chocolate torta
pecan cookie brittle & coffee syrup
$150 per person, including wine pairing
WHEN:
Raúl Pérez Winemaker Dinner at A.O.C.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pricing for the four-course dinner with paired wines is $150 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. Guests dining à la carte can experience a flight of three Raúl Pérez wines to pair with their dinner selections. Prepaid reservations can be secured via OpenTable Experience; limited availability for this exclusive event.
WHERE:
A.O.C. 3rd Street
8700 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048 – 310.859.9859
ABOUT RAÚL PÉREZ
In addition to numerous other accolades, Raúl was named “Winemaker of the Year” by German publication Der Feinschmecker in 2014 and “Best Winemaker in the World” in 2015 by the French publication Bettane+Desseauve. In the February 2018 Decanter, Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros wrote, “Raúl Pérez is the archetype of the intuitive winemaking genius.” A picture of Raúl in that same article is captioned, “Is this the best winemaker in the world?” Raúl would certainly not self-apply any of these superlatives. His humility and generosity of spirit far exceed his genius, and that humility comes through in his wines. These are not “winemaker” wines so much as they are unadulterated expressions of the villages and vineyards they hail from.
ABOUT THE LUCQUES GROUP:
With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard Foundation award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – A.O.C. in both Los Angeles and Brentwood. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also owns the Larder Baking Company and oversees Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine, which curates all the food and beverage outlets at L.A.’s iconic music venue. The duo also operates two new restaurants – Caldo Verde and Cara Cara, and the new Dahlia cocktail bar at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.
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Comic Con Legend Shares his Hosting Tips, Geek TV’s Chris Gore – See his new Doc ‘Attack of the Doc’ Available April 24
Popular Host Shares his Tips, Comic Con and Geek TV’s Chris Gore
Chris Gore is a frequent host on Comic Con and Geek Culture stages around the world, plus on dozens of TV shows.
On a weekly basis, he battles publicly to keep a panel of personalities in line, with egos and eccentricities, from world-famous filmmakers and comic book artists to eager up-and comers in pop culture.
Today I sat down with Chris Gore, the writer / director / producer of “Attack of the Doc!” to ask him all about his hosting tips.
“Attack of the Doc!” is written, directed & produced by Chris Gore.
This deep dive documentary features pop icons including Wil Wheaton, John Cena, Joel McHale, Peter Jackson, Kumail Nanjiani, Whitney Cummings, Danny Pudi, and many more!
Attack of the Show! was unique, way ahead of its time and was a milestone that had a huge impact on geek culture. Available for streaming and more as of April 24, 2023.
You’re a world-class host, whether it’s in front of a camera or on a stage. What do you feel is the key to being a great host?
I want people who disagree with each other to be on a panel together, because I wanna come to some [agreement]. I want everyone to shake hands at the end. And ideally, maybe even hug, even though I’m not much of a hugger. Shake hands, walk away, have a sense of sportsmanship. You debated your point. I debated mine. The audience can decide how they feel about something.
Whenever I’m moderating a panel or doing something like that, I try to make sure everybody gets a chance to talk. And if I see somebody dominating too much, I’ll get them to pull back. I’ll say, ‘Hey, everybody, for two minutes, give me your opinion on this, and then I’ll go down the line.’
I also want people to feel welcomed, even whether I personally agree with their opinion or not, doesn’t matter. I want people to feel welcome in that space.
When it comes to doing TV, I had no TV experience when I started doing television. My first real TV job was on a show called “The X Show”, which was a show on late night on FX. It was like “The Man Show”, but kind of like “The View” with guys, and I was the movie guy.
So I had to learn, but I didn’t care about being on television, whereas everyone else I was surrounded by really wanted to be on TV. I think because I didn’t care, that helped me because I didn’t care if I got the job or not. I’m a stay-at-home dad writing a book right now about movies. I don’t have time. The TV thing is kind of interrupting my schedule. The less I cared about being on TV the more jobs I got offered.
I didn’t realize this [at first]. But truthfully, to be on television, you need to learn how to walk up to your spot, which is usually a piece of tape on the floor. So you gotta ‘meet the spot’, okay?
You’ve gotta look at the teleprompter and you read what’s on the teleprompter, but you pretend you’re not reading; you pretend you’re actually talking to a person. So you read, but act like you’re actually not reading.
And that’s pretty much it.
I just told you everything. You could go to college and learn how to be on TV. I just gave you the 30 second summary. Walk up to a piece of tape and be able to read where it sounds natural.
I was fortunate enough that some of the stuff was scripted for me, but when it came to my opinion, that was me talking off the top of my head. And I always felt like whenever I did DVDs Day on ‘Attack of the Show’ or other television that I did, I always felt like I was in a race. ‘I’ve got four minutes. I’m gonna give you as much information in four minutes as possible. We’ll come to a conclusion: buy, rent, or pass. Then, see you next week [where] I’ll be on for another four minutes.’
“Attack of the Doc!” is written, directed & produced by Chris Gore, produced & edited by Bobby Schwartz, co-produced by Walter Areas, with additional co-editing by Anthony Ray Bench and Phillip H. Eubanks, and with an original score composed by Austin Smith. This deep dive documentary features pop icons including Wil Wheaton, John Cena, Joel McHale, Peter Jackson, Kumail Nanjiani, Whitney Cummings, Danny Pudi, Eric Andre, Jerry Stiller, Joe Rogan, Jimmy Fallen, Kel Mitchell, Anne Meara, Stan Lee, Sara Jean Underwood, Carrie Keagan, Riley Steele, Tom Green, Anthony Daniels, Michael Winslow, Joey Kern, Joan Rivers, Chris Hardwick, Robert Kirkman, Greg Nicotero, Jessica Chobot, Tony Hawk, and Alison Haislip, among others as we search for the truth.
“Attack of the Show! was unique, way ahead of its time and was a milestone that had a huge impact on geek culture. Its core audience is one of the most coveted around the globe. I think viewers of the original show will be down for learning the history of the network and the show which helped usher in the age of nerd culture. Frankly, G4TV and Attack of the Show! are responsible for making it cool to be a nerd,” states Gore. “And at the end of the day, I hope the documentary entertains fans and reminds them of a time when a TV show could be dangerous and provide some laughs without fear of being canceled. Everyone who worked on the documentary is a super fan, so this movie was made by fans for fans.”
Attack of the Doc! Synopsis
Before the rise of big tech, social media and Marvel movies, Attack of the Show! chronicled nerd culture’s unlikely acceptance as mainstream. G4TV’s flagship show launched the careers of hosts Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira and was beloved by fans – a unique celebration of geek culture before it was cool. Diving into colossal cream pies, wearing fat suits for comedy and putting internet servers where the sun don’t shine – anything could happen on an episode of Attack of the Show! It’s been years since the show went off the air and one question has lingered: what really happened to G4TV and Attack of the Show? Enter Attack Of The Doc! — the new film written and directed by Chris Gore, promises to answer one of pop culture’s longest running mysteries.
Available now and watch the trailer here.
Follow the documentary and its journey available on Video on Demand and TVOD/Digital platforms on April 24th, 2023, which is the 21st Anniversary of the launch of G4TV.
