KCET 'Uncorks' Its Independence with Two Special Evenings at Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills

KCET celebrated its independence and raised more than $300,000 with two exclusive culinary events at Bouchon Bistro June 12 and 13, 2011. The money will support the future of program development for KCET's 2.3 million viewers in the 11 communities it serves. Bouchon Bistro is one of Chef Thomas Keller's critically acclaimed restaurants that set the standard within the hospitality industry.

On June 12, Jorian Hill Vineyards' rich, elegant wine flowed freely as guests savored culinary specialties in traditional French fare at various food stations crafted by Chef de Cuisine Rory Herrmann: Pâté de Campagne, Charcuterie & Artisanal Cheeses, Boeuf Bourgignon, BLT's (Bacon, Arugula & Truffle sandwiches), Cod Brandade Beignets, Miniature Lemon Tarts, and Mignardises & Bouchons (their signature Valrhona chocolate brownies). Click here to check out the menu from the event!

Attendees had an opportunity to interact with Chef Keller and participate in a behind-the-scenes experience that included a tour of Bouchon's state-of-the-art kitchens with informal cooking demonstrations given by its various chefs, and try their hand at making the restaurant's signature epi baguettes in the bakery. A highlight of the event was a silent auction with travel packages, certificates to top restaurants, and other unique must-have items.

On June 13, KCET hosted an intimate evening limited to 60 guests, with an extraordinary six-course Chef's tasting menu by Chef Keller and his team, along with wines from Rusack Vineyards. Geoff and Alison Rusack, owners of Rusack Vineyards were in attendance and shared their insights with guests about the exquisite wine pairings they hand-picked to complement Chef Keller's menu. Chef Keller personally joined guests at each of the six tables for one course respectively.

In addition to an exceptional culinary experience, the event also included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bouchon kitchens and a live auction of high-end travel and culinary packages with Bonhams & Butterfields Chief Operating Officer, and auctioneer Patrick Meade.

"We're excited to partner with Chef Thomas Keller and celebrate the new KCET," said Al Jerome, KCET President and CEO. "KCET UNCORKED! is a great way to help support our award-winning programming and be part of a special cultural and culinary experience in Los Angeles."

"I am not certain who had more fun - our team or our esteemed KCET guests! Both nights were equally unique and memorable, and they were a great way to raise funds for such an important cause," added Chef Keller, who was recently named "America's Best Chef" by Time magazine, and author of four culinary books.

The evenings' "Champagne" presenting sponsor was CB Richard Ellis, and the "Chardonnay" sponsor Lorraine and Sidney Sheinberg and The Bubble Factory.

Additionally, the "Pinot Noir" sponsors included Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, BP, Gibson Dunn, Ann Graham Ehringer, Loeb & Loeb, Sandra Krause and William Fitzgerald, Ron Lushing, Gary and Jeanne Newman, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP, HUB International, Rusack Vineyards, Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills, Montage Residences Beverly Hills, Union Bank, Viking, Wells Fargo, the honorable Vicki Reynolds and Murray Pepper.

Other special donors who contributed to the evenings included Richard W. Cook, Tamra and Donald Dickerson, Diane Dixon, Teena Hostovich,