Mark your calendars, September will be a busy month. In the meantime, go see Ratatouille and take your favorite little foodie. Then, discuss.
Rats in the kitchen. Tomatoes in Carmel. Keller in Greenville. Stay with me, this will all make sense....
First, I urge all readers to see Pixar's "Ratatouille". It's beautiful and fun and poignant. Even more so when you read this thoughtful piece in the Terre Haute Trib-Star by Stephanie Salter, and consider the points she makes. Girls grow up listening to boys in bands, boys are the leads in stories we read, movies we see, even when they're rats!
A tomato grows in Carmel...
One of the most wonderful things about California is its growing climate. Not only can locavores eat well 365 days a year ,but they can grow wonderful things year-round, too. Whereas we East coasters only get great tomatoes a few weeks of the year, West coasters have them year-round. If you love heirloom tomatoes as I do and you have any way to get to Carmel Valley CA on September 16, get there. The annual Tomato Fest is not to be missed. If 350 tomato varieties from around the world were not enough to entice you, they also have 60 of America's top chefs, and tastings of over 100 premium wines.
California's climate is directly connected to its fabulous restaurants, such as La Toque in Napa Valley and the more famous French Laundry. Many know Thomas Keller as the French Laundry, Bouchon, Per Se chef and restauranteur and by now many know his consulting role in Ratatouille, as well as Spanglish.
From Napa to Greenville...
Keller is also one of the chefs participating in the Southern Exposure in Greenville, SC. This weekend long event will shine a spotlight on Greenville South Carolina's thriving Culinary and Arts Communities. Bringing together celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and national recording artists the festival hosts tastings, dinners and more all in celebration of food, wine and music. A foundation started by local restauranteur Carl Sobocinski and platinum-selling singer and songwriter Edwin McCain distributes proceeds to local anti-hunger and arts organizations. Feeding bodies and souls.
The Michelin Guide New York City gave Per Se its most prestigious recognition, a three star rating, in both 2006 and 2007. The French Laundry was additionally awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide San Francisco for 2007, making Thomas Keller the only American-born Chef to hold multiple three star ratings.
