On October 27, 2010, Chef William Torres prepared a fabulous five-course meal at the James Beard House in New York City. He was accompanied by Deborah Baldwin, JUSTIN Proprietor, who presented a wine with each course to a captivated crowd. “It was a fabulous dinner served to a full house, and Will wowed everyone,” Debby said, “Our Chef and wines work perfectly together!”
Chef Will took JUSTIN Chef Tournant Tim Barakat along for extra support, and was met in the city by Justin Ermini, Executive Chef at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut. Will and Justin first met when Justin traveled to JUSTIN Winery as part of our guest chef series in May 2010. The Chefs were also assisted by the house chefs at the Beard House, who do over 250 dinners per year.
Prior to cooking in the famed Beard House, Will and Tim had heard that the kitchen was small. However, compared to the very small Deborah’s Room kitchen, Will said that the Beard House had a “dream kitchen.” Chef Tim added, “We felt right at home – it was just a little bit larger than our kitchen.”
On cooking at the Beard House, Will remarked, “The Beard House chefs and waiters are incredibly professional! The entire dinner took about two and a half to three hours.” He added, “The Beard House is an unassuming Brownstone, and cooking in it feels as though you are cooking in someone else’s home.”
It was both Chef Will and Chef Tim’s first time in New York City. Will said he enjoyed being able to walk everywhere, and Tim enjoyed Central Park – and also mentioned, “The taxi drivers are crazy!” As for food, Will Enjoyed Otto, Mario Batali’s new restaurant, and Tim enjoyed the iconic hot dog restaurant Gray’s Papaya.
Just as Chefs Will and Tim visited NYC, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery brings chefs from all over the country to our winery for our annual Guest Chef Dinner Series. This year, we will feature:
- Kent Rathbun of Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen in Dallas on March 18, 2011
- Barbara Lynch of No. 9 in Boston on May 20, 2011
- Pascal Hollaender of Lyford Cay Club in Nassau on July 8, 2011
- Matt Dillon of Sitka & Spruce in Seattle on August 5, 2011
- Ris Lacoste of Ris in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 2011
Dinners are limited to 80 and fill up quickly. To reserve your place, please call Event Coordinator Laura Zolnoski at 805-238-6932 x 3223.
