In this era of food bloggers, reality chef TV shows and twittering consumers, it’s hard to recapture the luxury of a well-written mediation on food. That’s what MFK Fisher still provides to her legion of readers, those who have had he books for years and those who have just discovered them.
Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was a writer’s writer, and a gourmet’s gourmet. After a lifetime of travel between California and Provence, she moved to Glen Ellen in 1970, living in and travelling from her final house on what is now the Bouverie Preserve grounds for her two final productive decades.
To celebrate her Glen Ellen connection, the Audubon Canyon Ranch is throwing their third annual fundraiser “The Art of Eating.” Taken from the title of one of her more famous books, it will feature an exhibition of M.F.K. Fisher first edition books, curated by noted Fisher collector Randall Tarpey-Schwed called “The Perfect Dinner Party," which includes examples of Fisher's original magazine articles.
It’s Sunday June 2, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., and is held outside at Bouverie Preserve, rain or shine.
Appropriately, there will be cutting-edge chefs, vintners and brewers plying their arts from the “San Francisco foodshed,” a nice way of looking at it. Some of the participating chefs include Matt Greco of The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Jamie Lloyd of Golden Gate Meats, Isa Jacoby and The Oyster Girls.
Participating wineries and breweries include Wente Vineyards, Lagunitas Beer, Gloria Ferrer, Beltane Ranch Winery and David Noyes Winery.
Food and beverage pairings, dessert, and charming and well-informed conversation included.
There will also be both live and silent auctions, with chef, writer and restaurateur Patricia Unterman as emcee.
It’s all in the beautiful, rustic chic setting of the Bouverie Preserve, and proceeds from the tickets and auction items go to benefit the education programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch, which annually provide over 6,000 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students the opportunity to experience nature-based educational experiences at no cost to the schools.
You can find out more on the Art of Eating webpage, including silent and live auction items and ticket links. Individual admission is $150, Sponsor levels are available.
