STARS of California Food and Wine Event

Los Angeles foodies and culture aficionados will have something to celebrate besides the arrival of peaches and summer barbeques this summer. A collection of California's culinary stars are coming together on The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica on Thursday, June 23 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm for a one-night celebration of California's culinary bounty, known as "Stars of California."  Organized by LearnAboutWine, the event is a joint effort of seven resort chefs hailing from coastal Orange County and a dozen of California's "cult" wineries, including Brewer-Clifton Winery, Hirsch Vineyard and Winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, and Baker Lane Vineyards.  The endeavor not only aims to pair collectible wines with contemporary coastal cuisine from some of Southern California's best chefs; it is also a celebration of a nine-month charity program, dubbed "Getaway 2 Give," which supports non-profit causes through donation of travel dollars. Stars of California tickets are $125 each or two for $200; visit TheOCeanfrontCA.com or LearnAboutWine.com to reserve beginning April 15, 2011. The ticket price includes all wine and food, which will be presented by the winery owners, winemakers, and resort chefs, who will be on-site to visit with guests. www.LearnAboutWine.com