CELEBRATE THE CRAFT
ART · FOOD · WINE
September 20-23, 2007

ARTISTS & TOP CHEFS WILL GATHER TO
"CELEBRATE THE CRAFT"


Artists join San Diego chefs, farmers, ranchers
and vintners for 5th annual festival spotlighting
California's bounty and natural beauty

SAN DIEGO, California (May 2007) - California is a state rich in extraordinary beauty and agricultural abundance, with a tradition of artistry, craft, and culinary innovation. That's why artisans and gourmets converge each year in beautiful La Jolla, California for a unique celebration of California's beauty, bounty, and craftsmanship. The fifth annual gathering to "Celebrate the Craft" will take place Thursday, September 20 through Sunday, September 23rd at The Lodge at Torrey Pines®.

For four years, "Celebrate the Craft" has been one of Southern California's premier showcases for regionally grown ingredients and innovative cooking and winemaking. This year, an exciting "Art" component has been added "The Torrey Pines Plein Air Invitational". This event will showcase one of California's most breathtaking natural environments through the work of gifted artists. Between September 20-23, many of the finest Plein Air ("open air") painters in the country will set up their canvases onsite to capture the extraordinary landscape of the Torrey Pines State Reserve, adjacent to the Lodge at Torrey Pines. The public will have an opportunity to observe the artists as they create depictions of this picturesque setting.

The paintings created will be placed in competition for prizes awarded in four categories: Artists' Choice, Maurice Braun, Alfred Mitchell, and KelmanOrtiz Awards. Paintings will be sold at silent and live auction at a cocktail and dinner reception on Saturday night (space is limited) and on Sunday during the Food and Wine portion of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Torrey Pines Reserve Endowment Fund.

As in years past, the weekend celebration will feature the finest food artisans from across California's broad culinary spectrum, who will demonstrate, discuss, showcase and taste their way through the vast array of premium food products available throughout the state. "Celebrate the Craft" will delight anyone eager for food prepared with natural ingredients and careful craftsmanship.

"The growing season runs year-round in our neck of Southern California, and the local agricultural community takes full advantage, affording us a unique variety of the freshest produce," said Jeff Jackson, Executive Chef at AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and an innovator of fresh, regional cuisine. "With a daily abundance of fresh food to work with, it's little wonder our local chefs are so creative."

The food and wine portion of the festival reaches its peak on Sunday, with a full day of cooking demonstrations and a celebratory dinner prepared by participating chefs from San Diego's premier restaurants. Growers, vintners, and culinary artisans from some of California's most renowned farms, bakeries, wineries, and confectioners will be on hand to share their skill and enthusiasm.

Scheduled events at the 2007 "Celebrate the Craft" include:

• Picnic in the Park: On Saturday, September 22, visitors can watch Plein Air artists ply their craft and then enjoy a picnic lunch at The Visitor Center in the Torrey Pines State Reserve during the "Plein Air Art Invitational".  For more information, call 858-755-2063 or visit www.torreypines.org.
  
  
• Reception and Art Auction: Saturday, September 22, Cocktails and dinner reception with an opportunity to bid on paintings created during "Celebrate the Craft". Bid on your favorite paintings in a Silent Auction with a Live Auction of award-winning pieces to follow. Proceeds will benefit the Torrey Pines Reserve Endowment Fund. Cost: $125 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required; (858) 777-6635.
  
  
• Picnic on the Arroyo Terrace: On Sunday, September 23, guests of "Celebrate the Craft" can explore their culinary curiosity by visiting food stations featuring area growers, vintners and suppliers to sample products and meet those who create them. Guests will have one more opportunity to participate in a silent auction for paintings created during "Celebrate the Craft" . The tasting and art auction will run 11:30am-3pm for the general public. Cost: $65; For tickets: (858) 777-6635 or visit www.celebratethecraft.com.
  
  
• Sunday Evening Supper: Sunday, September 23, set on Arroyo Terrace, this "Family Style Feast" under the stars will feature extraordinary dishes prepared exclusively for the event by host chefs using ingredients from local purveyors. Seating is limited. Cost: $140 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required; (858) 777-6635.
  

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is proud to support: Slow Food San Diego, www.slowfoodsandiego.org, and H.M. Artist Foundation Inc., www.hmartistfoundation.com.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines, San Diego's only Five-Diamond resort, embodies the very best of Pacific Coastal living. Designed in the Arts & Crafts tradition of architects Charles and Henry Greene, The Lodge is a loving recreation of California Craftsman architecture, emphasizing authentic materials and craftsmanship, respect for the natural landscape, and integration of indoor and outdoor living, www.lodgetorreypines.com. For more information on room packages and a complete list of festival participants, please visit www.celebratethecraft.com.

For reservations call 888-826-0224, or for further information contact Steve Pelzer at (858) 777-6706, spelzer@lodgetorreypines.com, or visit www.lodgetorreypines.com.

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