Each year St. Vincent’s Health System Foundation of Jacksonville, FL hosts an annual food and wine gala to benefit their community health outreach.  The outreach ministry helps to fund a mobile community clinic to take healthcare to neighborhoods and areas where they would otherwise probably go without.  The most recent 2011 gala held September 8-10th marked the 10th year for this lively and delicious fundraiser.  Themed “Up, Up & Away: Vineyard Views”, guests entered the event through an arbor hanging heavy with real grapes.  As they continued on they were treated to an event themed with vintage hot air balloon décor, a guest chef from California’s wine country, a diverse array of cuisine from 14 different chefs and lots of free flowing wine that was sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits of North Florida.

This was my fourth year as a guest chef and as always, it was a beautiful and very tasty event!  The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, FL is one of the major sponsors and is the site of this annual gala.  Each year they feature a chef who’s featured for the “Celebrity Chef by the Sea” Reception and luncheon, an event that takes place on Thursday with the guest chef presenting a demonstration of their featured menu.

This year’s “Celebrity Chef by the Sea” was Chef John Ash.  John Ash is the owner of John Ash & Company, a restaurant he opened in Santa Rosa, CA in 1980 and is considered to be one of the first restaurants in northern California to focus on local, seasonal ingredients used to create dishes that complemented the wines being made in that region.

Friday night’s festivities include a “Chef’s Preview Reception” for event sponsors, offering them a preview opportunity to bid on silent auction packages as well as meet and visit with the various guest chefs while enjoying the succulent offerings prepared by the culinary team of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, headed by Exective Chef Hermann Muller

Saturday’s main Gala was spread throughout five rooms of the Ponte Vedra Clubhouse where guests mingled and sampled such dishes as Squid Ink Fettuccine with lobster, monkfish, and shrimp; Spiedini (skewers) of Beef, and Artichoke Heart Wrapped in Prosciutto on a Rosemary Branch; Poached Diver Scallops with Heirloom Tomatoes, Saffron Sauce and Basil Oil Powder; Lamb with Peach & Blackberry Compote and Savory Brioche Souffle; and my dish:  Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Salad and Chow Chow Relish.

Guests were entertained with music as they strolled the rooms sampling the food and various wines selected to complement the chef offerings.  A silent auction featured everything from various gift bags, a trip to Walt Disney World, and a trip to Savannah to enjoy a stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park and a  cooking class with yours truly.  I always enjoy seeing what the live auction offerings are as they usually feature some pretty amazing opportunities and experiences including a weekend in New York City including travel  for eight in a private jet, A weekend stay in a private French Quarter apartment in New Orleans for up to six people along with dinner at Galatoire’s restaurant, and a 14kt. white gold and diamond necklace.

“Delicious Destinations” is held annually the second weekend of September at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra, FL.  If you’re in the Northern Florida area and are interested in getting involved with the St. Vincent’s Health Foundation as a volunteer or in attending future galas, you can contact them at: www.jaxhealth.com