Show 430, June 19, 2021: Donna del Rey, Proprietress, Relish Culinary Adventures, Healdsburg

Donna Del Rey of Relish Culinary Adventures

“Healdsburg-based Relish Culinary Adventures stands out as the only culinary program that brings together talented chefs and fabulous cuisine at a variety of captivating rural locations, including the beautiful Relish Culinary Center, to create one-of-a-kind authentic cooking classes, culinary tours and catering services.”

“Based in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country, Relish offers culinary events on a wide range of topics from wine country cuisine to ethnic specialties, DIY canning to children’s cooking workshops, cheese making to wild mushroom foraging. In addition, Relish hosts activities that bring people together in the kitchen, such as private cooking parties and corporate team-building events. Guests learn about the bounty of this wonderful region and experience a “sense of place”that is all about Sonoma County.”

“Founder Donna del Rey created Relish Culinary Adventures in 2003 to share the flavors and personalities of Sonoma County with others. After more than two decades in various marketing and business development roles for an industry-leading scientific tech company, a move to Sonoma County with its bounty of amazing foods and makers solidified her desire to transition to the culinary world. Donna is not a professional chef; she sees herself as an adventurous learner eager to create and share memorable food experiences.”

“A Relish event is so much more than a cooking class,” says Donna. “We combine amazing Sonoma County ingredients, talented and engaging wine country makers, and unique rural locations to create convivial culinary adventures that, hopefully, inspire guests to create great food in their own kitchens.””

Show 12, January 5, 2013: Linda Kissam, Food, Wine & Travel Journalist, First Vice President of International, Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association

Linda is a well-traveled, travel writer who appreciates food and wine. In 2012 she was probably on the road more days than she was home.

Linda will be part of a travel writers’ panel on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 13th on the Culinary Stage at the 8th Annual Travel & Adventure Show at the Long Beach Convention Center. Discount tickets @ the Travel and Adventure Show Website if you use Promo Code – LAMEM1

Linda shared a great tip for understanding the food culture of a new place she visits. To get a feel for the food she books herself on a food walking tour of the area. (Some of these tours are also done by van depending on the geography and the distances involved.) These tours are typically conducted by locals who really care about representing their communities properly. The restaurants are delighted to welcome new guests and aim to impress.

In the L.A. area Linda recommends Melting Pot Food Tours. Linda has previously enjoyed their excursions into Old Pasadena and East Los Angeles.

The highlight of Linda’s travels last year was a foodie foraging outing and dinner in Bellingham, Washington. The group, working with a wilderness guide, worked in a nearby forest that morning to gather edible ingredients. The collection of edibles was delivered to Ciao Thyme restaurant in Bellingham. The owner/chefs there then created a superb multi-course repast from the raw ingredients. Pretty incredible…