Shifting the Lens at J Vineyards
Shifting the Lens, J Vineyards’ award-winning culinary series highlighting fresh perspectives and exciting pairings, returns for another year at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience.
Description
We invite you to join Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience’s guest Chef Michael Reed as he curates a dining journey through the lens of a biracial chef: marrying Southern influences from the foodways of the Black south with his California upbringing and locally sourced ingredients.
Each course will be thoughtfully paired with J Vineyards’ elegant sparkling and varietal wines, enhancing flavors, and inviting you to rethink the art of food and wine pairing. This is more than a dinner—it’s an experience that will delight your palate and ignite your senses.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy culinary artistry and world-class wines while fostering community and connectivity in the heart of Sonoma County.
About Chef Michael Reed
In the heart of Anaheim, California, Chef Michael Reed, a culinary virtuoso with two decades of experience and a James Beard Best Chef West nominee, and his partner Kwini Reed, a Southern California native with a passion for culinary excellence, an eye for aesthetics, and a talent for curating experiences, have joined forces to create an extraordinary culinary experience at Poppy & Seed.
Chef Michael Reed's culinary journey spans prestigious kitchens on both coasts, including New York and Los Angeles, where he honed his craft and earned recognition for his culinary prowess. As the Executive Chef and Owner of Poppy & Seed, he brings a wealth of culinary wisdom and a commitment to farm-to-table cuisine rooted in his upbringing and education at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Chef Reed's influence extends beyond the kitchen; he has made appearances on Food Network shows like "Alex Vs. America Season 2 Episode 2" and is set to dazzle in the upcoming season of "Tournament of Champions." Poppy & Seed proudly carries the accolade of a Michelin Guide Recommendation, a testament to Chef Michael Reed's culinary expertise.
Kwini Reed, a dynamic force in her own right, serves as a board member for the California Restaurant Association. She is known for her eye for aesthetics and talent for curating exceptional dining experiences. Her involvement with prestigious organizations like James Beard's Women Entrepreneurial Leadership and her active role in Regarding Her, a national non-profit empowering women-identifying food and drink entrepreneurs, demonstrates her commitment to culinary excellence and community engagement.
Chef Michael and Kwini Reed have created a culinary gem in Anaheim, where Poppy & Seed flourishes to celebrate California's seasonal bounty, farm-to-table ethos, and the shared commitment to making a positive impact.
Shuttles & Transportation
For your convenience and to ensure a seamless experience, we kindly request that all guests utilize our convenient shuttle service from one of the designated locations listed below or opt for on-site parking at the venue.
HWFE Downtown Shuttle Stop: located near 14 Matheson Street (between Vine Street & Healdsburg Avenue). Please note that there is no parking at the HWFE downtown shuttle stop, so guests will need to walk or utilize available parking in the surrounding areas.
Shuttles will depart from HWFE Shuttle Stop at 5:45 PM (boarding begins at 6:00 PM), and will return to the HWFE Shuttle Stop upon conclusion of the event.
Guests of Montage Healdsburg will be picked up at the entry at 5:45 PM and will return to Montage upon conclusion of the event.
Check-In
Please have your e-ticket or badge and a valid photo ID ready to check-in. Admission will not be granted without them. Should you require assistance with your badges or e-tickets, please reach out to us at info@healdsburgwineandfood.com.
Attire
Feel free to wear what you like, these suggestions are simply here to spark ideas. The evening calls for wine country elegance, polished but not overly formal. Dresses, dressy jumpsuits, or tailored separates are perfect for women, while men can opt for slacks with a button-down shirt or a sport coat.
Who’s Coming
Event Partners
