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Amy Scherzer's diary

Winefest is a hit with all

By AMY SCHERZER
Published April 29, 2005

Mature cabernets, baby beets, caviar and fresh sausages brought almost 1,000 wine and food fans under the big white tents at SideBern's for Bern's eighth annual Winefest on Sunday afternoon.

The record crowd of 950 sampled more than 200 wines and food from chefs at SideBern's and Bern's. The grand tasting was the biggest event of a wine-soaked weekend featuring tastings, dinners and seminars at festivals in Sarasota and Tampa.

Gourmet grower Lee "Farmer" Jones and winemaker Philip Togni flew in from Ohio and California to be the honored guests.

Mark and Cynthia Carron of Davis Islands notched their seventh Winefest and gave high marks to the chefs who assembled an array of pates and charcuterie. Attorney Michael Terrana and Patty Johnston deemed their favorite stop the champagne and caviar table, especially the U.S. grown Chattanooga beluga and latest vintage of Tignanello, 2001.

In another tent, journalist Jim Harper and lawyer Keith Roberts endorsed Oregon pinot noir while insurance broker Barbara Antonetti selected samples for a crowd of friends. "I'm looking for wines to buy for nieces and nephews when they grow up," she said.

The efforts of Bern Laxer's son David and chef Jeannie Pierola were rewarded with smiling attendance of friendly competitors. Chefs and restaurateurs and wine merchants included Tom Pritchard of Salt Rock and Island Way grills, Dwight and Lauren Otis of the Ravioli Company, and Norman and B.T. Nguyen-Batley of Restaurant B.T.

Also on hand were veteran tasting hosts Mike Kwasin of Fine Wine and Spirits Warehouse, Frank and Maryellen DeLucia, and Howard and Dina Sachs from Abilities of Florida. "The wines are all good," Kwasin said.

Concurred DeLucia: "Nice wine, Jeannie's food, I don't know how you can go wrong."

PARTYING WITH THE BARD: Borrowing Shakespeare's birthday for the Artists & Writers Ball theme, co-chairs Judy Dato and Ken Walters hosted three floors of merriment at the Italian Club on Saturday. The Mental Health Care Foundation benefit borrows its name from the bawdy bashes staged by Tampa artists and writers 20 years ago.

Some of the 400 guests dressed in Shakespearean garb, including a couple of Puck-ish fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream. "Creative and whimsical," foundation executive director Sandra Tabor called it.

Rattlefish Grill, Art of the Feast, the Palm, Tinatapas, Pane Rustica and other restaurants offered buffets fit for a King (Lear).

On the first-floor cantina, Paul Needles' band kept a crowd dancing. On the second floor, Mainstream rocked imported British classics by the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton as guests flocked to a chocolate dessert fountain. On the third floor, the Dagari trio jazzed near a silent auction of artwork done by Mental Health Care clients, including adults in the Expressive Arts program and children in the East Henry Academy and Mendez School. Professional artists and writers donated their work to the auction, too, which helped the event raise about $50,000, Tabor said.

ROSES RULE: The 16 "stars" honored at Stars for Life each raised at least $1,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Jaime Driggers was the brightest star at the April 16 gala benefit, bringing in $16,000 for the search for drugs and therapies.

Deiah Riley of WFTS-Ch. 28 emceed for the 200 guests at the Hyatt Regency Tampa. Lisa Weiss spoke to the crowd about the hardships of living with a spouse, Richard Weiss, who has had cystic fibrosis since he was a child.

Of course, roses bloomed everywhere, in every color. At age 4, "65 Roses" is how Weiss pronounced cystic fibrosis when he first heard the name. His brother, Anthony, who also has cystic fibrosis, celebrated his 40th birthday, "proof that we are on our way to a cure," said foundation director Brandi Greenleaf. The crowd joined her in singing Happy Birthday.

The $95-ticket dinner and auctions raised $100,000. Mary Anne Negrete, whose granddaughter Skylar has cystic fibrosis, bought the winning $65 raffle ticket and took home a 1-carat diamond donated by International Diamond Center.

SUSHI SURPRISE: Some 250 guests rolled into A Taste of Asia eager to fuse food and fun. Rainbow roll sushi with spicy tuna came on a tortilla from Roy's. Bamboo Club offered shrimp with green beans. Go Sushi catering prepared a variety of tastes. Thai Thani brought pad Thai. Guests pulled away from the Asian buffets just long enough to give Epcot's Japanese drummers a standing ovation.

Tampa Bay Sushi Society president and founder Andrew Moos organized the April 14 benefit at A La Carte Pavilion. The party raised about $25,000 for St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Heart Center, thanks to a silent auction, chaired by Heidi Hess. Top item: a hockey stick signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup winners.

TEA TIME: Residents of Weinberg Village, an adult living facility on Gunn Highway, enjoyed a Chai Tea Party with nearly 100 guests on April 17. Chai means "life" in Hebrew, explained community volunteer Paula Zielonka, who was honored at the fundraiser along with Ileana Berger for writing the grant that made Weinberg Village possible.

""Chai is a lovely message to the senior residents at Tampa Jewish Community's assisted living facility," Zielonka said. The tea party kicked off Weinberg Village's 10th anniversary. Funds raised will subsidize rents as needed.

Also in the works: A coffee table tribute book, Honor Our Mothers and Our Fathers . Supporters can purchase a page or portion of a page to dedicate to a loved one. Kay Jacobs and Ellie Tepper are co-chairwomen.

SYKES SALUTE: Thanks to John and Susan Sykes' generous donation, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay was able to organize all its services - infant to elders - under one roof, noted Dennis R. Ross, president and CEO. In appreciation, the Sykes were honored at the second annual Cup of Compassion breakfast April 14 at Raymond James Stadium.

Guest speaker Pierrino Mascarino, star of the film Uncle Nino, spoke on suicide prevention. Raised in Tampa, Mascarino flew in from California in memory of his brother, Maurice, who took his life at age 43. Financial planner Mark Krivonak offered advice on assisting nonprofit agencies.

Last year's honoree, Barbara Wilcox, brought along granddaughter Jessie Hanson to sing for the 300 breakfasters.

Times staff writers Chris Sherman and Elisabeth Dyer contributed to this Diary. To pass along tips to Amy Scherzer, reach her at 226-3332 or scherzer@sptimes.com

SATURDAY: Magnolia Ball benefits H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute; 6 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $400; 745-1403.

SATURDAY: Tuxes and Tails fashion show benefits Humane Society of Tampa Bay; 6-11 p.m.; Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel; $125; 876-4150.

SATURDAY: Brunch on the Green benefits Florida Blood Services Foundation; 10:30 a.m.; South Tampa Harrell residence; $75; (727) 568-2231.

WEDNESDAY: Metropolitan Ministries Bridge Builders Luncheon; 11:30 a.m.; Tampa Convention Center; tables of 10 for $500-$5,000; 209-1000.

MAY 6: Casino Night benefits the Children's Home North Tampa Auxiliary; 7 p.m.; Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club; $50; 979-4699.

MAY 6: 14th annual Silverspoons & Sandcastles buffet and auction benefits the Mayor's Beautification Program; 7-11 p.m.; Tampa Port Authority, Cruise Terminal No. 3; $85; 221-8733.

MAY 6: Motown, Mozart & More benefits Florida Orchestra, 6:30 p.m.; A La Carte Pavilion; $150; 286-1170, ext. 318.

Love is in the air and, soon, Amy Scherzer's Diary becomes the Heart Beat featuring a weekly wedding story. If you're soon to be wed, or recently wed, and your romance has a twist, share it with us. How did you meet? How did you know it was love? What makes your wedding special? Tell your story in 500 words or less to Amy Scherzer, St. Petersburg Times, 1000 N Ashley Drive, Suite 700, Tampa, FL 33602. Or e-mail scherzer@sptimes.com Be sure to include your address and phone number.

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 08:33:09]