Big Sur Foragers Festival Dates Announced: January 16 – 19, 2020

Foragers Festival Fungus Face Off to be Held at Big Sur River Inn Saturday, January 18, 2020

Big Sur, CA, May 24, 2019 - The historic Big Sur River Inn serves as the host and backdrop of one of the Big Sur Foragers Festival's most popular events, the "Fungus Face-Off," set for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.

Confirmed Partners

Wineries:
Bernardus Winery
Chappellet
Mesa Del Sol

Chefs:
Big Sur River Inn
Montrio Bistro
Rio Grill
Tarpy's Roadhouse

The Face-Off at the River Inn, set under the oaks overlooking the Big Sur River, features celebrated local chefs competing for the best foraged dish, and will include food tastings, fine wines, craft beers, raffles, a silent auction and more.

This event sells out early, and tickets will be on sale through EventBrite starting July 2019.

The River Inn has a significant presence in Big Sur history and lore. The inn's history goes back to 1888, when Jay Pheneger acquired a 160-acre parcel from the federal government and gave his name to the creek that bounds the River Inn on the south.

Homesteaders Barbara and Michael Pfeiffer bought the property, and in 1926, Michael, and Barbra's son John took over the land on which the Big Sur River Inn now stands. The inn was opened in 1934 by his daughter Ellen Brown. She opened her living and dining rooms to the public and began serving hot apple pie, which is still served today and gave the place its first name, Apple Pie Inn. Lodging units were built and Big Sur's first resort was established.

In 1943, Ellen's sister, Esther Pfeiffer Ewoldson and her husband, Hans, took over the operation. Esther replaced her mother as Big Sur Postmaster and the Post Office was moved to the River Inn, situated where the front office of the motel is now.

With a lot of help, Hans built the General Store and lodging units 10 through 15. He rebuilt the dining room and "fixed it up fancy."

The Pfeiffer and the Ewoldson families started a tradition at the Big Sur River Inn of fine food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. In 1988, the Perlmutter family, along with a small group of close friends, formed a partnership to carry on that tradition.

For the second year, the Big Sur River Inn extends its tradition of hospitality to host the Big Sur Foragers Festival.

The Foragers Festival has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

The four-day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs, who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer.

In addition to the Fungus Face-Off, events will include:

A Thursday Night Fundraiser at Lugano's Swiss Bistro. Details to come.
Friday night winemaker's dinners as locations around Monterey County include Il Grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Saturday Foraging walk led by local experts. "Wild Mushroom Walks and Talk"
Sunday we are finalizing several brunch fundraisers around Monterey County.
Stay tuned for more details coming soon. For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

2018 Big Sur Foragers Festival Takes Place January 12-14, 2018

 Thursday and Friday Night Fundraising Dinners, Special Raffle, Fungus Face Off, Mushroom Walk and Talks and More!

Big Sur, CA, December 24, 2017 - Big Sur Foragers Festival is excited to announce the return of their feature venue, the Fungus Face Off, to longtime partner, Ventana Big Sur, for 2018. The community’s non-profit, Big Sur Health Center, will receive the proceeds from all of the festival events to help support the continued presence of local healthcare services in the Big Sur area.

2018 Includes:

• Thursday Night:  Join us at Lugano Swiss Bistro on Thursday, January 11th. The restaurant will be donating 25% of all sales on Fondue as well as all items off the menu including beer and wine on Thursday, January 11th to the Big Sur Foragers Festival benefiting the Big Sur Health Center. Lugano's will also have live music that evening.  Dine, Laugh, Dance, Enjoy and Support the Big Sur Health Center!

• Friday Night:  Rio Grill Restaurant will be donating 10% of all dinner sales on Friday, January 12th up to $500 to benefit the Big Sur Health Center and help kick off the Big Sur Foragers Festival weekend!

• Stay tuned for details on a special Friday Night dinner at Il Grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Il Grillo will be teaming up with Chappellet Vineyards for a special fundraiser winemaker dinner on Friday, January 12th.

• Stay tuned for details on a special events to take place at Post Ranch in honor of the Big Sur Foragers Festival.

• Don’t Miss Out in the Special Raffle!

Foragers Festival Raffle

Tickets $5.00 Each ~ 6 for $25.00 ~ Need Not be Present to Win

Raffle Item #1:

Dine Around Package

$100 Haute Enchilada

$100 Portobello’s Salinas

$100 Montrio Bistro, Rio Grill or Tarpy’s

$300 Value 

Raffle Item #2:

Casa Cactus Cabo Pulmo

3 Nights stay in Cabo Pulmo Baja Mexico (Air fare not included)

$350 value 

Raffle Item #3:

VIP Tasting Experience at Bernardus Winery for up to 10 with wines paired with Artisan Cheese, Charcuterie and Chocolate Tasting

$500 Value

Raffle Item #4:

The Arts

8 Tickets to Monterey Museum of Art

4 Tickets to Monterey Symphony

National Steinbeck Center (Books, 4 Admission Passes, 2 Festival Passes and Guided Tour by the Director

$500 Value

Raffle Item #5:

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea ($150)

Dinner at Bistro Moulin Monterey ($100)

$250 Value

• The sixth annual Fungus Face Off will take place at Ventana Big Sur Ocean Meadow Lawn. The Big Sur Health Center is looking forward to returning to Ventana Big Sur for 2018. 

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW 

Participants Include:

Chefs/Restaurants

·        Alvarado Street Brewery

·        A Taste of Elegance

·        Big Sur Bakery

·        Big Sur River Inn

·        Carmel Valley Ranch

·        Fernwood

·        Post Ranch

·        Roy’s

·        The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur

Wineries and Breweries

·        Alvarado Street Brewery

·        Baker and Brain

·        Bernardus  Winery

·        Blair Wines

·        Boony Doon Vineyards

·        Chappellet Vineyards

·        Chesebro

·        Comanche Cellars

·        Fillipponi Winery

·        Fly Wheel Wine

·        Firestone Walker

·        Mad Otter Ale

·        Mesa del Sol

·        Morgan Winery

·        Paul Lato Wines

·        Tablas Creek

·        Twisted Roots

Marketplace Vendors and Tastings

·        Carmel Berry Co.

·        Carmel Honey Company

·        Fattoria Muia

·        Quail and Olive

·        Percy Pies

Wild Mushroom Walk and Talk

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-tickets-38958154890?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org/

Coming Soon! Big Sur Foragers Festival January 12-14, 2018

Big Sur Foragers Festival is excited to announce the return of their feature venue, the Fungus Face Off, to longtime partner, Ventana Big Sur, for 2018.

Salinas, CA, November 21, 2017 - Big Sur Foragers Festival is excited to announce the return of their feature venue, the Fungus Face Off, to longtime partner, Ventana Big Sur, for 2018. The community's non-profit, Big Sur Health Center, will receive the proceeds from all of the festival events to help support the continued presence of local healthcare services in the Big Sur area.

2018 Includes:

Friday night dinner series with local restaurants giving a percentage of the proceeds to the Big Sur Health Center.

Several local restaurants will host winemaker's dinners.

The sixth annual Fungus Face Off will take place at Ventana Big Sur Ocean Meadow Lawn. The Big Sur Health Center is looking forward to returning to Ventana Big Sur for 2018.

Tickets On Sale Now

Participants Include:

Chefs/Restaurants
Roy's
Carmel Valley Ranch
The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur
Alvarado Street Brewery
A Taste of Elegance
Wineries and Breweries
Mesa del Sol
Morgan Winery
Bernardus Winery
Comanche Cellars
Mad Otter Ale
Boony Doon Vineyards
Blair Wines
Baker and Brain
Paul Lato Wines
Fillipponi Winery
Alvarado Street Brewery
Fly Wheel Wine
Chappellet Vineyards

Marketplace Vendors and Tastings:
Carmel Honey Company
Quail and Olive
Percy Pies

Wild Mushroom Walk and Talk
Details To Be Announced

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurhealthcenter.org/

2017 Big Sur Foragers Festival Tickets on Sale and Fungus Face off Participants Announced

Big Sur Health Center announces January 13–15, 2017, as the dates for its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival.

Salinas, CA, November 02, 2016 - Big Sur Health Center announces January 13–15, 2017, as the dates for its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. This year’s partners include Carmel Valley Ranch, the sister property of longtime host Ventana Big Sur that was just named the No. 1 resort in Northern California in the Conde Nast Traveler 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards. With a resort enhancement project underway at Ventana Big Sur, the Fungus Face-Off and Grand Chef dinner will take place this year at Carmel Valley Ranch, a summer-camp-inspired resort that sprawls across 500 acres and celebrates a deep connection to the land of Carmel Valley.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community’s non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to help support the continued presence of local healthcare services in the Big Sur area.

New events for 2017 include:

● A Friday night winemaker dinner series will be held at select restaurants throughout Monterey County. La Balena in Carmel will participate, donating 20 percent of the proceeds to the Health Center. Will’s Fargo Restaurant + Bar in Carmel Valley and Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill in Monterey will each donate 10 percent. The Big Sur River Inn will hold a forager-themed brunch, also donating a percentage of profits to the event.

● A vendor’s market will take place following the Fungus Face Off Saturday, January 14th from 1-4 p.m. Meet the local artisans during the Face Off, then shop at the market from 4-5:30 p.m. Each vendor-partner will donate a portion of their sales to the Big Sur Health Center.
Participants include:

● Carmel Honey Company: Jake Reisdorf’s fifth-grade report on bees developed into a successful business model with a non-profit component. Meet young Jake and his mom Becky as they detail the wonders of honeybees.

● The Quail and Olive: Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Stephen Brabeck long recognized the health benefits of olive oil so he started a successful local business centered around a California olive oil experience.

● Salt Roots Soap Company: Meet Stephanie Wise, who started this unique artisan company with her friend Shani Fridrich. Their soaps are handmade in small batches, which creates unique beauty in the variations of design, texture and color.

● Big Sur Sea Salt: Anna Linden runs this new startup, taking advantage of the natural bounty that comes from pristine seawater along the Big Sur Coast.

● Join us for a special evening at Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Executive chef Chad Minton and the culinary team will create a three-course meal paired with wines from Bonny Doon Vineyard. The evening will begin with a reception of passed appetizers, wines from Bonny Doon and live music from Dino Vera from 6:30–7 p.m. At 7 p.m. enjoy a three-course dinner in the legendary wine room. Meet the culinary team and representatives from Bonny Doon Vineyard! There are only 24 seats available. Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased through https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-2017-tickets-26923723582

Back by Popular Demand:
● An exclusive Friday night dinner at Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn with a special menu and a unique opportunity to enjoy wines from their award-winning wine cellar. This event is limited to 14 people.

● The “Fungus Face-Off” will take place in a beautiful tented setting on the Pete Dye-designed golf course at Carmel Valley Ranch. This popular event sells out early. There are 250 available tickets, priced at $65 per person.

Fungus Face Off Winery and Brewery Partners Include:

● Holman Ranch

● Mesa Del Sol

● Bernardus

● McIntyre Vineyards

● Chappellet

● Twisted Roots

● Chesebro Wines

● De Tierra Vineyards

● Morgan Winery

● Bonny Doon Vineyards

● Filipponi Ranch Cellars

● Firestone Walker Brewing Company

● Belgian Pacific

● Blair Winery

● Alvarado Street Brewery

● Mad Otter Ale

Fungus Face Off Chef and Restaurant Partners Include:

● Chef Tim Wood, Valley Kitchen, Carmel Valley Ranch

● Chef Matt Glazer, Glazer Food and Beverage

● Chef Chad Minton, Hyatt Carmel Highlands

● Chef Soerke Peters, Basil Seasonal Dining

● Chef Angela Tamura, Peppoli

● Chef Cy Yontz, Rio Grill

● Chef Todd Fisher, Tarpy’s Roadhouse

● Pastry Chef Ben Spungin, Sierra Mar

● The Culinary Team at Alvarado Street Brewery

● Quail and Olive

● Carmel Honey Company

● Big Sur Sea Salt

● Salt Roots Soap Company

Grand Chef Dinner at Carmel Valley Ranch — details to be announced soon.

Two foraging walks led by Steve Copeland and his expert team from Big Sur Guides. An easy “Wild Mushroom Walk and Talk” at Pfeiffer State Park and a nearby intermediate walk. This year, both hikes will be held on Sunday. There are 30 spaces available per walk. Tickets are $60 per person.

For event details visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-2017-tickets-26923723582.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

2017 Big Sur Foragers Festival Dates Announced Festival Announces Partners & Details Tickets on Sale

Big Sur Health Center announced January 13 – 15, 2017, as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival.

Big Sur, CA, September 18, 2016 - Big Sur Health Center announced January 13 – 15, 2017, as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. This year’s partners include Carmel Valley Ranch, the sister property of longtime host Ventana Big Sur. Due to renovations at Ventana Big Sur, the Fungus Face-Off and the Grand Chef dinner will take place at Carmel Valley Ranch this year.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community’s non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to help support the continued presence of local healthcare services in the Big Sur area.

New events for 2016 include:

· A new Friday night winemaker dinner series held at select restaurants throughout Monterey County. Some partners include La Balena, Alvardo Street Brewery and more! Details to come

· Post Ranch Inn will host a Friday night fundraiser for the second year! Details to come.

· Join us for a special evening in the legendary wine room at Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Chef Chad Minton and the culinary team will create a three course meal paired with wines from Bonny Doon Vineyard. The evening will begin with a reception of passed appetizers, wines from Bonny Doon and live music from Dino Vera from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. enjoy a three course dinner in the legendary wine room. Meet the culinary team and Bonny Doon Vineyard! There are only 24 seats available. Tickets are $175 per person

Back by Popular Demand:

· An exclusive Friday night dinner at Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn with a special menu and a unique opportunity to enjoy wines from their award-winning wine cellar. This event is limited to 14 people.

· This year’s partners include Carmel Valley Ranch, the summer-camp-inspired sister resort of longtime host Ventana Big Sur that sprawls across 500 acres in the nearby Carmel Valley. Due to renovations at Ventana Big Sur, this year’s Fungus Face-Off and the Grand Chef dinner will take place at this playful destination resort that celebrates a deep connection to the land with passionate culinary, wine and farming artisans, and guest learning experiences ranging from organic gardening and foraging to wine making and lavender and beekeeping workshops. The “Fungus Face-Off” will take place in a beautiful tented setting on the Pete Dye-designed golf course at Carmel Valley Ranch. This popular event sells out early. There are 250 tickets available. Tickets are $65 per person.

· Grand Chef Dinner at Carmel Valley Ranch — details to be announced soon.

· Foraging walk led by local experts at Ventana Big Sur. “Wild Mushroom Walks and Talk” at Pfeiffer State Park led by expert mushroom foragers. This year hikes will be held on Sunday. There are 30 spaces available per walk. Tickets are $60 per person.

For event details visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org . Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-2017-tickets-26923723582.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Announces Its Fungus Face-Off Partners

Tickets on Sale Now!

Big Sur, CA, November 25, 2015 - Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering local, quality healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. Held in Big Sur along California’s central coast, the festival is a weekend-long celebration featuring an amazing array of wild foods, world-class wine and beer, expert-led foraging hikes and a friendly chef competition with celebrity judges. This year’s partners include Ventana Big Sur, longtime host of the Fungus Face-Off and the Grand Chef dinner, along with a new strategic partner, Post Ranch Inn, which will host several different events.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

The three day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer. Guest Chef Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef from San Francisco’s Acquerello, will join Ventana’s own Chef Paul Corsentino to offer a memorable Grand Chef Dinner.

Saturday January 16th events include:

· Saturday morning - This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $35.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

· Saturday afternoon – The “Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi, along with a variety of wild foraged foods.. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

•  Winery and Brewery Partners Include:

* Morgan Winery

* Comanche Cellars

* Holman Ranch

* Bernardus Winery

* Mesa Del Sol

* Filipponi Ranch/Kelly McCleary/Peter Cron

* Ventana Vineyards

* Scheid Vineyards

* McIntyre Wines

* Chappellet

* Mad Otter Ales

•  Restaurant, Chef and Tasting Partners Include:

* Chef Paul Corsentino, Ventana Big Sur

* Chef Jon Cox, Post Ranch

* Chef Tim Wood, Carmel Valley Ranch

* Chef Steve Johnson, TusCA Ristorante

* Chef Brendan Esons , Big Sur Roadhouse

* Chef Matt Farmer, Coast Gallery

* Chef Phillip Burrus, Esalen Institute

* Chef Jacob Burell, Big Sur Bakery

* Miguel Vargas, Fernwood

* Adan Moeda Chavez, River Inn

* Carmel Valley’s Quail and Olive (taste organic olive oils and vinegars)

· A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

· Saturday Evening: The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at the Restaurant at Ventana Big Sur. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection, costs $175.00 per person (as of December 1). Early bird tickets are on sale now through November 30th for $150.00. Guest Chef Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef, will join Ventana’s Chef Paul Corsentino to offer an unforgettable dining experience. (Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm).

Tickets on sale now http://bigsurforagersfestival2016.eventbrite.com

For event details and information on other Foragers Festival weekend activities, including venues at Post Ranch Inn, please visit our website: www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Announces Grand Chef Dinner

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef

Big Sur, CA, November 13, 2015 - The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at Ventana Big Sur The "Foragers Dinner" at the Restaurant at Ventana will be held Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection, costs $175.00 per person (as of December 1). Early bird tickets are on sale now through November 30th for $150.00.

Guest Chefs have been announced! Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef along with Paul Corsentino from Ventana Big Sur.

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef

  

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef, has had a profound impact on the culinary world over the course of her over 35 years in the kitchen. Her career is one that has been punctuated by numerous awards and accolades from both local and international institutions. In 1980, she was the first female apprentice to be on the U.S. Culinary Olympic team, returning as an individual competitor 4 years later, and taking home the bronze metal. She holds the coveted Antonin Careme award, and was honored to become the first Junior Member of the ACF, later being voted to the Board of Directors for three terms. Acquerello has held a spot every year on Michael Bauer’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant List since it’s inception 19 years ago. The restaurant has received a Michelin star every year since 2007 until 2014 when it was awarded a second star. Gresham is only the third woman in the U.S. to hold that title. While these prestigious achievements are a source of pride for Gresham, they are not the driving force behind her career, food –above all else is what keeps her in the kitchen. Gresham produces more than just meals at Acquerello, she and her team provide experiences for the diner that are emblematic of what they could expect in high-end dining in Italy.

She does this through her dedication to elevated hospitality, the execution of soulful and thoughtful dishes, and a mission to educate and inspire all those who come through the door. “Materia prima”, or quality ingredients, along with seasonality, tradition, and philosophy are the driving forces behind Gresham’s style. She believes that Italian cuisine has a timelessness that doesn’t rely on trends. She remains current, however, by listening to diners, maintaining an awareness of her marketplace, and revitalizing forgotten classics through interpretive applications. Just as ingredients have been a pillar in her cooking, education has been a hallmark in her legacy. Gresham strives to make Acquerello all about opportunity. Her tenacious attitude, sincerity, undeniable skill, and constant appetite for knowledge are what helped her rise through the ranks. She didn’t realize she was a pioneer at the time; she just wanted to learn and progress in her career. Gresham has made her mark in the industry by highlighting the importance of culinary fundamentals in her team, stressing the importance of where you begin as a chef. It is with this philosophy in mind that Gresham has successfully passed 63 interns through her kitchen in the 26 years of Acquerello’s existence. It is her belief that without a strong foundation, in the long run you will short change yourself because of what you don’t know. It becomes exponentially harder to create new, bold flavor profiles or interpret the classics if you don’t first understand why techniques came to be, how traditions were started, and what role ingredients play in the regions from which they hail. “If you love your craft, it is your duty to learn all you can and then share that knowledge with the next generation. I relate to other chefs young and old – at the end of the day we are all just cooks.”

Paul Corsentino, Executive Chef, The Restaurant at Ventana Inn

A native of Illinois and a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Corsentino’s first foray into the kitchen led him to mk The Restaurant in Chicago in 2002. In 2004, Corsentino moved to New York where he worked at acclaimed restaurants such as Bouley, Country, Alta and Rouge Tomate prior to his career defining position as the Executive Chef at the National Bar & Dining Room.

Corsentino met Zakarian when he became Sous Chef at Country in 2005, where he was a member of the opening team. In 2010, Corsentino reunited with Zakarian as the Executive Chef at The National Bar & Dining Room. During the 3 years at the National, Corsentino landed runner up for Eater.com’s “Sexiest New York Chef.” He then assisted Zakarian in winning the 4th Season of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs” in December 2011.

The move to California in 2014 was inspired by the dream to cook in the seasons, the quest for fresh local ingredients and, of course, sunny winters. Corsentino joined Commune Hotels and Resorts as the Executive Chef at Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur. The food is representative of the location featuring ingredients such as local foraged mushrooms and wild caught fresh yellowfin tuna. In his first year at Ventana, Corsentino has put the restaurant on the map as a food destination in its own right.

Purchase Your Tickets Today For The Big Sur Foragers Festival 2016

Save the dates of January 15th through 17th, 2016. Big Sur area restaurants will host the culinary expertise of notable chefs preparing unique fare from rustic to elegant, paired with the region's amazing selection of wines and beers.

The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to support the continued presence of local health care services.

In addition to the Grand Chef Dinner, the event schedule includes:

New events for 2016 include:

Friday, January 15th:
• 5:30 Friday evening - Cocktail reception and fungus presentation by Louie Schwartzberg followed by 5 course tasting menu prepared by Chef John Cox with wine pairings selected by Sierra Mar wine director Dominique DaCruz. $500 per person. Limited to 22 tickets. Reservations to be made thru Post Ranch Reservations at 800 527 2200.

Sunday, January 17th:
• 11 a.m. Sunday morning - Property forage hike and lunch with Chef John Cox. Guest will enjoy an exclusive property wide tour of Post Ranch Led by Executive Chef John Cox followed by a 3 course lunch with wine pairing featuring items foraged on property and local wines. Limited to 16 people at $200 per person. Reservations made at 800 527 2200.This hike is weather permitting.
Back by Popular Demand:

Saturday, January 16th:
• Saturday, January 16th: This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $35.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

• Saturday, January 16th "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur. "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur! "Fungus Face-Off" at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

• A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

Sunday, January 17th:
• Forager's Kitchen: Master Class in Cooking - Foraged Foods at Home at the Big Sur Lodge: A fun, fast-paced panel of some of Big Sur and Carmel's best chefs known for cooking with such foraged foods as chanterelles, sorrel, nettles and natural sea salt. Participants will get to taste the foods demonstrated by the chefs and take new recipes home. Chefs to be announced. (Sunday, January 17 - 2 to 4 pm) - Tickets will be on sale December 1st. Only 50 spaces available.

Tickets on sale now http://bigsurforagersfestival2016.eventbrite.com

For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Tickets on Sale Monday, November 2nd

Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival.

Big Sur, CA, November 05, 2015 - Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. Held in Big Sur along California’s central coast, the festival is a weekend-long celebration featuring an amazing array of wild foods, world-class wine and beer, entertainment, expert-led foraging hikes and a friendly chef competition with celebrity judges. This year’s partners include Ventana Big Sur, longtime hosts of the Fungus Face-Off and the Celebrity Chef dinner, along with a new strategic partner, Post Ranch Inn, which will host several different events.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

“As the new owners of Ventana Big Sur, we are looking forward to continuing the tradition of supporting the Big Sur Health Center.” said Catherine Becker, General Manager.

“Post Ranch is very excited to co-host this year’s Big Sur Foragers Festival with Ventana,” said Mike Higgins, Vice President of Operations for Passport Resorts, the owners of Post Ranch Inn. “We have always firmly believed in the importance of supporting local organizations and could not imagine the Big Sur community without the vital contributions provided by the Health Center.”

The three day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer.

Tickets are on sale Monday, November 2nd www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-tickets-19288671937.

New events for 2016 include:
Friday, January 15th:
• 5:30 Friday evening - Cocktail reception and fungus presentation by Louie Schwartzberg followed by 5 course tasting menu prepared by Chef John Cox with wine pairings selected by Sierra Mar wine director Dominique DaCruz. $500 per person. Limited to 22 tickets. Reservations to be made thru Post Ranch Reservations at 800 527 2200.

Sunday, January 17th:
• 11 a.m. Sunday morning - Property forage hike and lunch with Chef John Cox. Guest will enjoy an exclusive property wide tour of Post Ranch Led by Executive Chef John Cox followed by a 3 course lunch with wine pairing featuring items foraged on property and local wines. Limited to 16 people at $200 per person. Reservations made at 800 527 2200.This hike is weather permitting.

Back by Popular Demand:
Saturday, January 16th:
• Saturday, January 16th: This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $60.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

• Saturday, January 16th "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur. "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur! "Fungus Face-Off" at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

• A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

• The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at Ventana Big Sur. The "Foragers Dinner" at the Restaurant at Ventana will be held Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection. Early bird tickets available for $150 inclusive from November 2nd – November 31st. Tickets will be sold for $175 beginning December 1.

Sunday, January 17th:
• Forager's Kitchen: Master Class in Cooking - Foraged Foods at Home at the Big Sur Lodge: A fun, fast-paced panel of some of Big Sur and Carmel's best chefs known for cooking with such foraged foods as chanterelles, sorrel, nettles and natural sea salt. Participants will get to taste the foods demonstrated by the chefs and take new recipes home. Chefs to be announced. (Sunday, January 17 - 2 to 4 pm) - Tickets will be on sale December 1st. Only 30 spaces available.

Tickets on sale now (2nd www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-tickets-19288671937. For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org