Educational Conference
Distinguished Restaurants of North America
21st Annual Culinary Conference
Napa, California
November 7-9, 2011
Thank you everyone who participated in this year's conference. Our theme, The Sustainable Table, was developed to highlight the latest trends in ‘green’ and sustainable food practices while also treating attendees to an incredible DiRōNA experience. We think everyone will agree that Napa did not disappoint. We hope to see everyone again next year for the 2012 conference in Cozumel, Mexico!
Marketplace Reception: The conference opened on Monday evening with a farmers market-themed reception. Local artisans were on hand to offer samples of their wines, cheeses, chocolates and other delights.
Culinary Institute of America at Greystone: Attendees received a behind-the-scenes tour of the famed Culinary Institute of America at Greystone followed by a luncheon in the historic barrel room.
General Sessions: From a chef's panel led by Ken Frank of La Toque to a series of small group roundtable discussions hosted by local leaders in recycling, farm-to-table and other eco-friendly practices, this year's educational program focused on the latest trends in restaurant sustainability practices.
Dine-Around: Attendees experienced the area's incredible restaurant scene with a Napa Valley vintner who personally hosted the evening and shared their wine with some of the finest cuisine found in North America.
Lunch at Rubicon Estates: From Albariño to Zinfandel, this vintner-hosted lunch at the beautiful Rubicon Estates featured some of Napa Valley’s diverse wine varieties, complementing the flavors of an exquisitely prepared meal. Napa Valley winery owners and winemakers were present to share their wines and their personal stories.
Wine Education Experiences: On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, attendees participated in small group educational sessions set up at various wineries, including Cakebread, Etude, Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Robert Sinskey and Stag’s Leap. Examples of session topics included:
- How Green is Our Valley?
- The Expression of a Single Vineyard
- Winemaker for a Day
- The Science Behind Food and Wine Pairing
Grand Gala & Awards Ceremony: On Wednesday evening, the conference closed out with an unforgettable event. The Grand Gala was an opportunity to experience an incredible, multi-course meal and recognize our newest award recipients as well as our Hall of Fame inductee. Our venue was the exquisite grounds of Beringer Vineyards. From the reception in Beringer's wine cave to dinner in the historic Hudson House, this year’s Gala was a unique experience not to be missed!
2011 Hall of Fame Recipient: Cindy Pawlcyn
During this year’s Grand Gala, DiRōNA honored a pioneer in the development of wine country cuisine. Chef, restaurateur and author Cindy Pawlcyn is the owner of three of Napa Valley’s beloved restaurants: the legendary Mustards Grill, the eclectic Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, and the Mediterranean inspired Brassica. Pawlcyn is an inductee of Who’s Who of Cooking in America, a two-time nominee for the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef in California, a recipient of the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and the Fine Beverage and Food Federation’s Career Achievement Award. She is also the culinary partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and her book,
Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook is a James Beard Award winner.
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Monday, November 7
6:00 p.m. Opening Reception - Farmers' Market Experience at Westin Verasa Napa
Tuesday, November 8
8:00 a.m. Breakfast & Welcome - Napa Valley Rocks!
9:00 a.m. Chef's Panel: The Sustainable Kitchen
11:00 a.m. Lunch & Tour at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
2:30 p.m. Wine Education Experiences at Local Napa Wineries
6:00 p.m. Reception at Westin Verasa Napa
6:30 p.m. Dine Around
Wednesday, November 9
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Sustainability Roundtables & General Session
11:45 a.m. Lunch at Rubicon Estates with Napa Valley Vintners
2:00 p.m. Wine Education Experiences at Local Napa Wineries
6:00 p.m. Gala Reception at Beringer Vineyards
7:45 p.m. Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Beringer Vineyards
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The Westin Verasa Napa served as the official conference hotel. Discover signature culture and nature in the heart of wine country, along with endless opportunities to recharge at this custom retreat.
Westin Verasa Napa:1314 Mckinstry Street, Napa, California 94559
2010 CONFERENCE RESOURCES: Want to know more about last year's 2010 DiRōNA Conference in Toronto? The 2010 Conference Program and 2010 Gala Booklet are available for your review. Or visit our Flickr page to see photos of this incredible event.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS: DiRōNA would like to thank Coca-Cola, Ecolab and the rest of our industry partners for making the annual conference possible. A complete list of partners is available here.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DiRōNA RESTAURANT?
If you are a restaurant owner or manager who would like to see what DiRōNA status can do for your operation, Click here to contact DiRōNA headquarters directly.
