In an absolutely amazing response to this year’s James Beard’s Foundation (JBF) Chefs and Champagne event, a record setting more than one thousand guests attended. Held at the beautiful Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, the honoree this year that prompted this overwhelming attendance was the Hampton’s own Martha Stewart.

The popular television host and magazine publisher is a household name around the world and certainly a wonderful nominee for this prestigious award.

Long known for its lavish offerings, extensive auction prizes and a chance to sample the finest culinary creations from around the country, and even the Caribbean, this fundraising and tasting gala is one of the Hampton’s most celebrated events.  Ms. Stewart joined an impressive roster of past guests of honor, which includes legendary chefs Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter.         

One of the summer’s premier culinary events, this sumptuous tasting party featured offerings from a select group of more than 30 fine chefs, many from JBF Award–winning restaurants.  For us some of the highlights of these tastings were the shrimp Alhinho with smoked pimento, Crab Taquitos with Habanero Mango and Thai Basil, Roasted pineapple with duck prosciutto, Pastrami spiced rubbed Kobe steak with lobster and the blue corn-crusted scallops.  Not to be left out were the extraordinary desserts which begged to be revisited.  Think watermelon and whipped flan parfait, nectarine and blackberry pie with buttermilk ice cream, Stracchino and local blackberry cheesecake with Amaretti crust and spiced peaches with raspberry coulis and yogurt panna cotta and you will understand why this day is a taster’s trip to heaven!

The food was paired with flowing Champagnes, wines of Wölffer Estate Vineyard and specialty blends by Royal Cup Coffee. Vineyard Wine Maker, Roman Roth, was on hand during the gala and each year every honoree is asked to sign the top of an old fashion wine cask that is put on display. As part of the day’s program, the 2010 recipient of the Christian Wölffer Scholarship for wine and food studies was also announced. Presented by the late Mr. Wolffer’s daughter, Andrea Wolffer, this year’s Christian Wolffer Scholarship recipient was Christina Murillo of NYC. Established in 2006, the scholarship fund supports students in their study of food and wine.       

Beard Foundation President, Susan Ungaro told the guests that “The James Beard Foundation is thrilled to be honoring Martha Stewart for her influence and impact on elevating the culinary arts and home arts in America. Through the years, she has not only been a generous supporter of our Foundation but she is also a multiple James Beard Award- winner.”  In turn, Ms. Stewart praised the late James Beard, whom she knew personally, saying “All of us in the world of food owe a great debt of gratitude to James Beard, who played such a vital role in establishing a serious culinary tradition in this country. Like James Beard, I know what it takes to create a recipe, to use the very best products America has to offer and to put great food on the tables of all our families. I am so happy to be recognized at this event which celebrates such great tradition.”  Ms. Stewart went on to say she has a copy of Beard’s bread making book and to this day uses it extensively for the best recipes it contains.

Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit www.jamesbeard.org.  Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation’s blog  www.jamesbeard.org/blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.