News Release: 1/16/2025

Indulge your senses at The Carmel Foundation’s annual Philanthropic Foodies gourmet dining experience, an evening crafted to delight food and wine enthusiasts to benefit while supporting our neighbors aged 55 and better in aging successfully. This exquisite event takes place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the iconic La Playa Carmel.
Begin your evening with a sparkling wine reception featuring internationally acclaimed wines from Caraccioli Cellars, followed by a seated dinner showcasing a meticulously curated menu by La Playa’s Executive Chef Boris Ilabaca. Each course is thoughtfully paired with fine wines from the renowned Chalone Vineyard.
Menu and Pairings

• First Course:
  Roasted beets, citrus, pickled onion, Carmel Valley chèvre, and greens of frisée, endive, and radicchio with citrus vinaigrette.
  Paired with 2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay Musqué.
• Second Course:
  Pan-seared scallops with butternut squash and beurre blanc.
  Paired with 2023 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Chenin Blanc.
  (Vegetarian Option: Fried tofu “scallops” with beluga lentils and Thai yellow curry.)
• Entrée:
  Braised short rib with potato purée, seasonal vegetables, and gremolata.
  Paired with your choice of 2022 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Syrah or 2022 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Noir Reserve.
  (Vegetarian Option: Spring Primavera with English peas, wild mushrooms, leeks, homemade pasta, herbs, cream, and parmesan.)
• Dessert:
  Apple Tart, caramel, vianilla bean ice cream
  Paired with 2021 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown Pinot Blanc