Caliterranean Premiere Dinner at AKASHA, October 23, 2011 October 23, 2011

Chef Akasha Richmond will celebrate the fall harvest with a special 4-course dinner and tasting with olive oil producer and owner of Global Gardens, Theo Stephan, on October 23. Stephan has recently introduced a new cookbook Olive Oil & Vinegar For Life: Delicious Recipes for Healthy Caliterranean Living. The event will feature a diverse array of dishes utilizing Stephan’s award-winning olive oils and vinegars along with local ingredients for which Akasha is renowned.

A new signature cocktail featured in the book, the Calitini, made from strawberry-balsamic ice cubes and vodka, will start off the evening. Throughout the dinner, guests will enjoy over 12 original recipes featuring Stephan’s products and Chef Akasha’s signature cuisine. Demetria Estate Wines from Santa Barbara County will be paired to complement each dish.

The dinner is $65 per person and is all inclusive of a cocktail reception, guided olive oil and balsamic tastings, 4-course dinner, wine pairings and three desserts from the new book. Signature olive oils and balsamic will be available to purchase along with the cookbook and artisan chutneys and jams made by Chef Akasha.

Akasha Richmond, distinguished chef and author, has spent over 20 years bringing ambrosial cuisine to guests and has enjoyed great success at her restaurant and cafe, AKASHA, since its opening in February 2008. Akasha works closely with local purveyors and is very selective. This discrimination ensures that Akasha’s suppliers share her values for creating a distinct menu of comfort food with big flavors. Located in the historic Hull building in downtown Culver City, AKASHA brings visionary cuisine to a charming neighborhood eatery with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Global Gardens was founded in 1998 and is southern California’s most award-winning certified organic olive oil producer. Founder Theo Stephan wrote her new book during her 10th Anniversary bottling season, pairing olive oils with varied recipes to replace butter in everything from phylo appetizers to pecan pie. For more information, please visit www.globalgardensonline.com

AKASHA is located at 9543 Culver Blvd in Culver City, CA. Reservations can be made by calling 310.845.1700. For more information, please visit www.akasharestaurant.com
CALTERANNEAN Premiere, Sunday October 23
$65 per person (not including tax or gratuity)
4 Course Menu with wines
6 pm – 6:30 pm Reception
6:30- 9 pm Dinner

RECEPTION MENU
calitini
strawberry-balsamic ice cubes, vodka, mint, tonic
tasting of AKASHA'S chutneys & preserves

sacred shrimp
hemp granola, meyer lemon bliss vinegar, ponzu
kalamata-feta rolls
pistachios, feta, olives, garlic, mango vinegar reduction
braised lamb corn blini
quince-pomegranate vinegar chutney
chanterelle mushroom pate
olive oil crostini, micro arugula
DINNER
guided olive oil & vinegar tasting with theo stephan

cali crunchies
oven dried kale crisps ,coleman lettuce, sheep cheese, dates, red walnuts, koroneiki olive oil, raspberry champagne vinegar
citrus braised mary’s duck legs
red wine, shaner farms shallots, mission/manzanilla olive oil
mcewen & sons polenta
drake farms goat cheese, farga olive oil
brussel sprouts
chestnuts, cipollini onions, kennedy farms dried plums, fig balsamic vinegar

Demetria Pantheon Wines from Santa Barbara County
perfect pecan pie
maple syrup, kalamata olive oil
orange fantasia cake
blood orange olive oil & balsamic-lavender glaze
spa cookies
fat uncle farms almond butter, agave, dark chocolate chips

*******vegetarian entrée available on request