15th Annual Taste of L.A. Shanti Benefit

will recognize three Honorees

Michael Cimarusti, Terri Decker and Shelley Morrison

(Hollywood, California May 3, 2006) On Saturday, June 3, 2006 the 15 th Annual Taste of L.A. Shanti will take place at the legendary Hollywood Palladium. This annual fundraiser, benefiting L.A. Shanti, is a festive culinary evening that plays host to dozens of well-known, trendy restaurants as well as some of the finest vineyards in California.

A Taste of L.A. Shanti is an all-you-can-sample tour that will take your palate from a shrimp ceviche sushi roll at Sushi Roku to exotic cuisine from Providence, Crustacean's, Sonora Cafe, Blue Palms and many of the other fine restaurants serving their exquisite culinary delights. To tantalize the taste buds even further guests will sample wines poured from some of the most premiere vineyards in California including Honig, Raymond, Napa Cellars, Oakville Ranch, Rubissow's Sargent, Ruston, Vina Robles and countless others.

As guests stroll through a dressed up Hollywood Palladium, they can bid on any of the hundreds of silent auction steals, including movie memorabilia, jewelry, dinner packages, fine art, theater tickets and gifts galore. Then there's the live auction: an exciting ping-pong game of bidding, where dream vacations and TV walk-on roles are awarded faster than you can say Will & Grace.

Now in its 15th year, Washington Mutual and Food & Wine Magazine are the presenting sponsors of A Taste of L.A. Shanti, on June 3rd, 6-10pm at the Hollywood Palladium. This year, L.A. Shanti will proudly recognize three individuals whose many contributions and talents have made a difference to the community. The Presenting Chef is Michael Cimarusti, owner and chef of Providence, the elegant fine-dining establishment on Melrose who was just nominated for the coveted James Beard Foundation Award. Honorary Chair, Shelley Morrison (Will & Grace's infamous razor-tongued Rosario), was chosen for her endless enthusiasm and as a long time friend to L.A. Shanti. The 2006 Heart of the Community Award will be presented to Terri Decker, First Vice President of Washington Mutual, in recognition of her ongoing and generous support to the community.

Tickets for A Taste of L.A. Shanti are $95 per person. VIP table seating for 8 is available at $1500. To purchase tickets or view the full list of participating restaurants and wineries, visit online at ShopLAShanti.com or call L.A. Shanti at 323-962-8197, ext 328.

Proceeds from the event will benefit L.A. Shanti. For over twenty years, this nonprofit organization has provided free emotional support and education to people facing HIV-related challenges and other life-threatening illnesses. Their unparalleled programs, volunteers and donors breathe compassion into the community.

Today is: Wednesday, April 24, 2024