Culinary MC Launches Epic Dinner Series

Billy Harris

Celebrated culinary MC and fundraising auctioneer Billy Harris has announced his new dinner series, Hanging with Harris, a lineup of eight intimate, multi-course dining events taking place throughout Los Angeles from February – May. Each Monday night dinner will begin with a cocktail reception hosted by a mixologist from the leading Scotch whisky distiller, William Grant & Sons, followed by a four-course seated dinner with wine pairings from each distinguished chef and a charity auction. 

A portion of ticket sales and all proceeds from the auction items will benefit four charities that are close to Harris’ heart: James Beard Foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, No Kid Hungry, and PIGGY BANK.
  
See below for the Hanging with Harris Dinner Series lineup:
 
2/20: Bruce Kalman at Union 
Union Chef/Owner and James Beard nominee Bruce Kalman has appeared on the Food Network to earn a “Chopped” championship title as well as on Esquire Network to win “Knife Fight.” His Northern Italian cooking style embraces the diverse and abundant produce of California to create exquisitely balanced flavor profiles. 

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Caroline Styne and Suzanne Goin

3/6: Suzanne Goin at Lucques
James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Chef,” Suzanne Goin opened Lucques in West Hollywood with her business partner Caroline Styne.  The restaurant met with instant success and Suzanne was soon named one of Food and Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs.” Lucques received praise from Condé Nast Traveler, Gourmet, Bon Appétit and Saveur, including a prestigious 3 star review by the Los Angeles Times. 

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Nancy Silverton

3/13: Nancy Silverton at Osteria Mozza
In addition to “Pastry Chef of the Year,” “Who’s Who of Cooking,” and “Outstanding Restaurant” for Campanile by the James Beard Foundation, Nancy Silverton also received the highest honor given by the James Beard Foundation for “Outstanding Chef” as well as listed as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink” by Fortune and Food & Wine.
 
3/27: Jason Neroni at Rose Cafe 
Chef Jason Neroni’s menu focuses on local Southern California cuisine with an international influence from his world travels. The bakery celebrates American classics, as well as some of the original Rose bakery classics re-conceptualized with their innovative techniques.
 
4/3: Michael Cimarusti at Connie and Ted’s 
Michelin-starred Chef Michael Cimarusti combines his knowledge and appreciation of the dynamic nature of seafood with an advocacy for sustainable fishing practices evident in every dish. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Connie and Ted’s pays homage to Cimarusti’s grandparents and the simple, honest seafood cookery of New England.

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4/10: David Lentz at The Hungry Cat 
David Lentz, husband to Suzanne Goin, is the chef and owner of The Hungry Cat, known for seasonally inspired menus that feature impeccable seafood, bi-coastal American classics, and top-notch cocktails made with farmers’ market ingredients. 
 
4/17: Neal Fraser at Redbird
Chef Fraser battled Iron Chef Cat Cora in 2006 on Food Network’s widely popular series “Iron Chef America” and became the first California chef to win the culinary competition. Fraser most recently appeared on Bravo’s Season 5 of “Top Chef Masters” and was victorious on the Esquire Network’s “Knife Fight.”

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Jon Shoot and Vinny Dotolo

5/8: Jon Shook & Vinny Dotoo at Son of a Gun
James Beard Award-winning Los Angeles chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are the owners of animal, Son of a Gun, Trois Mec, Petit Trois, Jon & Vinny’s, and Trois Familia. They have been credited with innovating and changing the dining scene in Los Angeles through their critically acclaimed restaurants. Shook and Dotolo have received numerous nominations and awards including Food & Wine’s 2009 Best New Chef, StarChefs’ 2008 Rising Star Chef, and eight James Beard nominations

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