30th Annual Picnic des Chefs this Sunday in L.A.

Club Culinaire will present its 30th Annual Picnic des Chefs on Sunday, June 13 at the Montecillo Old Lodge at Elysian Park next to Dodger Stadium.


The annual event is a Franco-gastro-intensive delight, an opportunity to sample styles of French cooking from various regions, along with a wide array of pates, quiches, cheeses, breads, and ah, but of course, desserts. Plus, the picnic has gone green, with bio-disposables and don't forget to recycle all your bottles, plastics and such. 


As a family, we've been going for six years, only missing last year's event, and this year we'll again be joined by my parents, making it even more of a family day. There will be live music, too, which is generally world music with a French flavor, plus activities to keep the kids well occupied, including inflated moon bouncers to wear 'em out (yeah, like that will happen). And they'll love the ice cream bar to make their own sundae with a little help. Grown-ups will enjoy sampling a wide array of wines and beers as well, with other non-alcoholic beverages always available. 

This 30th anniversary party will feature - get this - a 30-foot-long cake with 30 candles plus 30 wineries on hand, along with an ice carving competition, drawing contest, petanque competition dress-up photo ops by Star Photo Party a French DJ and performances from Patje, Adam’s Attic, Betsy Bogart, Les Mains Balladeuses. A silent and live auction will offer tickets to attractions, hotel packages, cookware, more than  100 Gift Certificates from the chefs’ restaurants and the grand prize: Two roundtrip tickets on Air Tahiti Nui to France or Tahiti.


The Picnic will be raffling off prizes starting at 3:30, ranging from superb meals at some of the finest restaurants in Southern California to a trip to France or Tahiti.  Raffle tickets are $2.00 each and its better odds than the lotto. 


For more information, directions, an area map and to buy tickets in advance, visit the Club Culinaire website or call (949) 295 0506. Adult tickets are $50, which is mighty reasonable considering you can get there just before noon, stay and eat, eat, eat (pace yourself now...) until the later aftenoon.  Children's tickets are  $20 (10-21, under 10 free with paid adult). 


Club Culinaire is a non-profit organization that benefits charities that include The Concern Foundation, The Meg Foundation and The Hope Program. And besides being such good folks, they know how to throw one heck of spring fling of food and more.  You'll find them here on Facebook.


Also, despite the nice Sunday in the park theme, leave the dogs at home - they're not allowed. 

Check Out This Menu!

APPETIZERS

Assorted Pates by Akira Hirose, Quiche Lorraine by Chris Kaufmann and Josie LeBalch,

Pissaladiere by Agnes and Patrice Martineau

Smoked Salmon by Michel Blanchet, Mozzerella and Tapenade

Artisan Breads & Baguette from Jacques Bakery, Bread Los Angeles, Sadie Rose Baking Co.

PROVENCE

Leg of Lamb by Dominique Raynal and Tri Tip by Francis Bey,

Flageolets by Jean-Francois Meteigner & Ratatouille by Sylvain Rivet

ALSACE

Potato Salad & Tarte a l’Onion by Sebastien Pfeiffer

Pretzel Rolls from LA Brea Bakery and Grilled Sausages from Fabrique Delices

BRITANNY

Poached Cod by Andre Angles, Macedoine by Fred Castan,

Artichoke Salad by Sebastien Pfeiffer,

Rice Pilaf and Contessa Shrimp by Kenjiro Taka

PARIS

Rotisserie Chicken by Sebastien Archambault, French Fries, Mesclun Salad by Juan Alonso

BURGUNDY

Frisee Salad with Duck, Bacon and Croutons by Neal Fraser,

Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Arugula by Joe Miller,

FROMAGES ET DESSERTS

Selection of French Cheeses by 

West Central Produce, LA Specialty, ANCO Cheeses and Epicure Imports 

Republica del Cacao Chocolate Mousse by Yvan Valentin, Waffels by Berty Siegels, 

Clafoutis aux Cerises, Apple Tart, 

Ice Cream Bar by Dandy Don’s Homemade Ice Cream and Ciao Bella Ice Cream

BEVERAGES

Wine tasting with over 30 French and American Wines 

Croft Pink, Alizé, St. Germain, Pernod-Ricard, Champagne, 

Kronenbourg 1664 and Hollywood Blonde Beer,

Lemonade, Perrier, Eternal Water, Hansen Natural Beverages, 

Monin Syrups, Monin iced tea, Caffe Nico coffee by MaxieBev

For a list of participating chefs,  sponsor and wineries head over here.

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