Palos Verdes Pastoral
An Enchanted Dining Experience
Al fresco dining with magnificent views of Catalina Island, on a warm Autumn evening at sunset – this is Palos Verdes Pastoral, an enchanted fundraising event that brings people together amidst nature for an exclusive experience at Terranea Resort.
In addition to the camaraderie, gourmet foods, stellar wines, and ambiance that is truly second to none – the evening increases awareness of the important work of the Conservancy in protecting and stewarding our open space and nature. We celebrate the mission of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to “preserve land and restore habitat for the education and enjoyment of all.”
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is part of one of five regions in the world that enjoys the Mediterranean climate, with all its bounty and biodiversity from our aromatic hillsides to the deep blue ocean.
The cuisine that has been borne out of this land and sea inspired Terranea Resort Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra to create a captivating menu reflecting those flourishing textures, colors, flavors and aromas of our unique region.
Mediterranean life revolves around the table, so it is fitting that this year’s Palos Verdes Pastoral is a dinner where 200 people gather to partake in these regional foods and flavors, where we celebrate and support the land and open spaces we adore so much.
Palos Verdes Pastoral
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy in partnership with Terranea Resort and Whole Foods Market recently hosted the annual Palos Verdes Pastoral Garden-to-Table Dining Experience.
The Conservancy preserves undeveloped land as open space for historical, educational, ecological, recreational and scenic purposes. Since its founding in 1988, the Conservancy has successfully preserved 1,600 acres of open space on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The Conservancy’s vision is the creation and management of large blocks of natural open space where visitors may enjoy peaceful solitude, where children and adults can learn about the natural environment, and where native plants and animals can thrive.
Olive oil, of course is central to Mediterranean cooking. Read about the olive oil harvested from our own Palos Verdes Peninsula here.
RECEPTION
Signature Cocktails
Cactus Wren Cooler
- 2 oz. Greenbar Distillery City Bright Gin
- .75 oz. Cheri’s prickly pear syrup
- .75 oz. lime juice
- 1 drop rose water
- muddled cucumber
- garnish: salt bush and lemon twist
The Cactus Wren in one of four at-risk species sheltered by the Conservancy. The others are the El Segundo blue butterfly, the Palos Verdes blue butterfly, and the Coastal California gnatcatcher. Their native plant nursery cultivates 60 different species of plants that are used in restoration projects that restore habitat critical to survival of these species.
Prickly Pear Margarita
- 2 oz. Don Julio Blanco
- .5 oz. triple sec
- .75 oz. Cheri’s prickly pear syrup
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1 drop rose water
- garnish: salt rim, salt bush and rose petals
Cold Hors d’ Oeuvres
Paprika Stewed Vegetables on Manriklo (Romanian) Bread
Preserved Lemon and Saffron Rice-Stuffed Grape Leaves
Borek Crushed Peppercorn Meat Roll
Harissa Spiced Ceviche
Hot Hors d’ Oeuvres
Dates Filled with Feta & Almonds
Chermoula-Rubbed Grilled Shrimp
Plancha Spiced Lamb Cigars, Lemon Tahini
Reception Wines
Catalina View Chardonnay 2012
Consilience Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
DINNER
First Course: Duet Soup & Salad
Vegetarian Paprika Soup & Gypsy Turkish Salad
Lemony Yogurt Dressing, Tomato, Cucumber, Carrots, Onion, Dried Apricot, Peppers
Margerum Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Second Course
Seared Moroccan Spiced Free Range Chicken (recipe here)
House Dried Fruit, Bulgur, Catalina Farm Vegetable Couscous, Salted Lemon Vinaigrette, Fez Spice Mix Paint
Westerly Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Third Course
Andalusian-Style Rockfish
On a bed of Black Olive, Fennel, Sun-Baked Tomato, Smoked Pimenton Aioli
Villa Oneiro Chardonnay 2016
Villa Oneiro Pinot Noir 2015
Dessert
Deconstructed Date Nut Cake
Citrus, Poached Pears, Glazed Persimmons, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla Gelato
Parting Gifts
Thank You
The spectacular views and precious habitat not only contribute to the quality of human life on the Peninsula, but provide valuable refuges and wildlife corridors for animal and plant inhabitants.
Beaches and bluffs, steep slopes, canyons and ridgelines – this diverse topography leads to the Peninsula’s rich biodiversity.
Come enjoy these open spaces, ideal for recreation and renewal – and consider joining the Conservancy to provide ongoing support to help maintain the land that we’ve preserved together. (from pvplc.org)
And remember to check out Chef Bernard’s gorgeous Moroccan Spiced Chicken recipe here.
Lori,
Absolutely fabulous!! Thanks for the wonderful photos and coverage!!
Sharon Ryan
Thank you Sharon – You and Diana put on such an amazing event every year. I love your attention to detail! Makes the photography a real joy.
Lori
truly stunning images of an amazing evening!
Thank you, thank you!
Gaye
Thank you Gaye – it really is a fabulous event, and it is so beautiful and wonderfully photogenic every single year, I am grateful to be a part of it!
Lori
This was absolutely beautifully done and the photos are incredible. Fantastic job everyone!
Thanks Nikki – it is such a great event. Kudos to you and your team too!
Lori