I had the honor of meeting Food Network Stars Iron Chef Michael Symon and Anne Burrell at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin for  a special fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation, a non-profit based in New York that serves to promote the culinary arts.

Watching Chef Anne cook her Chicken Milanese with Escarole Salad and Pickled Red Onions and Chef Symon make his Crispy Gnocchi with Morels and Spring Peas was definitely entertaining.  Chef Anne was breezy and funny. Chef Michael was thoughtful and spontaneous – his distinct laughter filled the room. It was infectious.  

After the cooking demos, the audience enjoyed the spread prepared by Chef Zov, whose brainchild this entire “culinary concert” was… including the two dishes prepared by the guest chefs. The food was scrumptious, the company precious — as the chefs met and mingled their adoring fans, including a 10 year old girl, who convinced her father to buy her a ticket and a gentleman whose wife had given him a ticket for Christmas.  

Wine was provided by Edward Sellers. Sponsorship was provided by Melissa’s World Variety Produce and Square Root Designs. Zov’s has restaurants in Tustin, Irvine and Newport Coast.