Last year, 1,600 guests took part in the Grand Tasting, and this year it jumped to 2,300, more than double the first one four years ago. It was a who’s who of the culinary world that included the fabulous French foursome of Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Pierre Gagnaire and Alain Ducasse, all of whom have restaurants here. Matt Goss, Rick Faugno, Chazz Palminteri, Laura Prepon, Rita Rudner, Miss USA Kristen Dalton, Nathan Burton, George Maloof and Johnny Weir also attended. Other chefs included Bradley Ogden, Bobby Flay, Charlie Palmer, Hubert Keller, Francois Payard, Julian Serrano, Steve Martorano, Akira Back, Luciano Pellegrini, Carla Pellegrino, Rick Moonen, Alex Stratta, Jet Tila, Rene Lenger, Kim Canteenwalla and many more.

So far, I haven’t seen any photos of Laura at the event, but if I do find some – I will be sure to add them here!

World Poker Tour and Commerce Casino will roll out the red carpet for the most glamorous stop on the poker circuit-the 8th Annual WPT Invitational. The exclusive, invitation-only event welcomes Hollywood celebrities, industry VIPs and world-class poker players who go head-to head in a freeroll Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament for charity, $200,000 in cash prizes and eternal bragging rights. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities.

The event will be held on February 20th in Los Angeles, California!