Sip, Swirl, Savor and Learn The Fifth Annual “In Your Backyard” Series Brought to you by Edible Monterey Bay and Holman Ranch Announces Its 2016 Schedule and Charity Partners. Carmel, CA, October 28, 2015 - Inspired by the culinary bounty of California's Central Coast, Holman Ranch Tasting Room, located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village, is working with Edible Monterey Bay to invite local culinary chefs and artisans to demonstrate how wine can be best complemented with fresh culinary products found throughout the Central Coast. The “In Your Backyard” series brought to you by Edible Monterey Bay and Holman Ranch will have chefs, farmers sand foragers sharing their tips and techniques for finding the perfect, fresh ingredients for preparing truly memorable meals, side dishes as well as understanding flavor pairings. From paella to abalone and sea vegetable demos, the series will showcase local experts’ knowledgeable on everything from how to select the best meats to creating savory pastries with ingredients from the local Farmers Market. Each demonstration will offer recommendations for the best wine to pair with the featured culinary item. Here is a sneak peek at our 2016 schedule, partners and charity beneficiaries: • January 26th at 6:00 PM –Chef Jérôme Viel from Wil’s Fargo Steakhouse + Baris a classically trained French chef born in Brittany, Jérôme Viel began studying the culinary arts at the age of 15. Traveling throughout Europe to study each region’s specialties, Chef Viel worked with some of the world’s greatest chefs. He left Europe in 1999 and landed in Carmel Valley, Calif., working at two prestigious resorts, Bernardus Lodge and Stonepine Estate. Viel fell in love with bucolic Carmel Valley, met his wife and started a family (the couple have two daughters). For the last 12 years Viel has worked as executive chef at Carmel Valley’s iconic Will’s Fargo Steakhouse + Bar.! Chef Jerome will be discussing wild mushrooms. The charity partner will be Nancy’s Project. The charity partner is Nancy’s Project. Nancy's Project is a charitable nonprofit organization founded by Nancy Costello, to distribute food, clothing, and other necessities to farm labor families in Monterey County. http://www.nancysproject.org/ • February 18th at 6:00 PM – Ted and Cindy Walter from Passionfish in Pacific Grove will be discussing the sourcing and cooking of delicious, fresh sustainable seafood! The charity partner will be Seafood Watch. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that protect sea life and habitats, now and for future generations. Our recommendations indicate which seafood items are "Best Choices" or "Good Alternatives," and which ones you should "Avoid." We raise public awareness about sustainable seafood issues through our consumer guides, website, mobile apps and outreach efforts. http://www.seafoodwatch.org/ • March 16th, 6:00 PM - Chef Brandon Miller from Mundaka in Carmel-by-the-Sea will celebrate National Paella Day by taking you on a culinary journey through Spain and teach you the tips and secrets of how to make traditional Spanish Paella. The charity partner is the Food Bank for Monterey County. The Food Bank for Monterey County is the largest provider of emergency supplemental food in Monterey County. Our mission is “to lead community efforts in the awareness and elimination of hunger in Monterey County.” The food bank solicits, collects, stores, and redistributes food to individuals as well as non-profit agencies that serve the aged, ill, and needy. http://www.foodbankformontereycounty.org/