2010 Event Details

VIP Program with Suzanne Goin and Rick Bayless

Enjoy a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with our Chef of the Year, Suzanne Goin and Rick Bayless, our Educator of the Year. You'll enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, and a 90-minute program featuring a cooking demonstration by Suzanne, emceed by Rick. Take home Suzanne's book Sunday Suppers at Lucques: Seasonal Recipes from Market to Table.

Premium Access Member Lounge

Beat the lines and crowds as you enjoy everything the Cooking for Solutions gala has to offer—and more! You'll enter the Aquarium at 7 p.m. for a relaxing half-hour with Korbel Champagne and hors d'oeuvres as you explore our two special exhibitions: The Secret Lives of Seahorses and Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea. You'll be admitted to the gala promptly at 7:30, and will have access throughout the evening to the newly created VIP Lounge area—including a half-hour after the gala concludes so you can unwind before heading home. We'll feature specialty foods prepared by celebrity chefs Sam Choy and Rick Moonen, and local celebrity chef Kurt Grasing along with live music, and premium wines provided by Bonterra/Fetzer. Finish out the evening as you enjoy specialty coffee and desserts. The ticket price includes a copy of one of Sam Choy's cookbooks.

Cooking for Solutions Gala

Enjoy a grand celebration, with gourmet dishes prepared by our celebrity chefs and 75 outstanding restaurants; organic and sustainable wines from 60 premium West Coast wineries; the return of our popular sushi lounge and Coastal Living area; and book signings by Suzanne Goin and Rick Bayless. You’ll receive a souvenir wineglass and an event program featuring recipes from participating chefs. A silent auction benefiting the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program will feature outstanding culinary adventures, great wines and many one-of-a-kind items.

Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations

Join celebrity chefs Anthony Fusco (formerly of Harbour, New York), Gerald Hirigoyen (Piperade, San Francisco) and Kevin Gillespie (Woodfire Grill, Atlanta) for a morning of cooking demonstrations at the Aquarium, featuring sustainable seafood and other ingredients. The event is followed by a book signing. Includes continental breakfast and take-home recipes by all the chefs.

Food & Wine Adventures

Take part in one of five group events led by our celebrity chefs—each exploring sustainable foods on the farm and in the kitchen. Depending on the adventure, you'll join John Ash, Suzanne Goin, Bruce Sherman, Tim McKee, or Joanne Chang and Jim Dodge for a fascinating culinary exploration.

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Sustainable Foods Information Fair with Sam Choy, Rick Moonen and Jesse Ziff Cool

Learn more about sustainable seafood, organic agriculture and sustainable winemaking at information booths as you visit the Aquarium galleries. You can attend cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs and sample sustainable, wild-caught Alaska salmon. Visit the Whole Foods Bay View Market and Kids Zone Experience. Enjoy demonstrations and talks hosted by celebrity chefs Sam Choy, Rick Moonen and Jesse Ziff Cool.

Exclusive Sustainable Seafood Challenge with Guy Fieri and Sam Choy

Join us for this always-lively event at the elegant Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa as four of our celebrated chefs against the clock to create tasty and sustainable seafood dishes while the irrepressible Guy Fieri and Sam Choy offer lively commentary. This year's challenge features Jason Wilson, François Blais, Brandon McGlamery and Brandon Hill competing for honors in one of four fun categories. You'll enjoy wine and abundant hors d'oeuvres, and will take home an autographed copy of one of Guy Fieri's books.