James Beard Benefit at AnQi

t was a Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner co-chaired by Elizabeth An, Cheryl Holden, Soogie Kang and Britt Meyer like no other when 170 foodies and friends gathered at AnQi by Crustacean at South Coast Plaza. Guests experienced an extraordinary six course menu by acclaimed Guest Chef Daniel Rose, owner of Spring restaurant in Paris, created with Master Chef Helene An and Chef de Cuisine Ron Lee.

The sold-out event resulted in a donation-- doubled by Elizabeth An--to support the James Beard Foundation's educational outreach,  along with funding a local AnQi scholarship at the Art Institute of California Orange County-Culinary School.

Generous sponsors such as Meyer Natural Foods, Santa Monica Seafood and Melissa’s World Variety Produce provided donations-in-kind for the dinner.  The
six course menu was paired with exceptional wines selected by House of An’s team of five sommeliers.

Contributing sponsors also recognized were: Bello Family Wines, Ruinart Champagne and LVMH. 

Pictured above Chef Helene An, Chef Daniel Rose, Chef Ron Lee.