Chef James Briscione Returns to the Emerald Coast for the Destin Charity Wine Auction

DESTIN, FL, March 16, 2012 /CNW/ - James Briscione, chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City, will be coming to Destin to participate as a "celebrity chef" for a Patron dinner for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. He will be joined in the kitchen by his wife Brooke Parkhurst, author of "Belle in the Big Apple" (Scribner).

Briscione began his legendary culinary career in Birmingham, AL at the award-winning Highlands Bar & Grill.  From there, Briscione moved to New York City to collaborate with well-known chef Daniel Boulud as sous chef in the private dining room of the restaurant Daniel. There, Briscione prepared and presented four-star cuisine with exacting standards. Simultaneously, Briscione was a two-time champion of Food Network's famed cooking show, "Chopped."  In 2011, Briscione and his wife, Brooke published "Just Married and Cooking" (Scribner). James has most recently been working to develop and launch ICE's Cuisine Technology Program, which began this winter.

"As a Pensacola native, I am delighted to return to the Emerald Coast to participate in the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation," said Briscione. "By creating a memorable Patron dinner for the generous participants of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, I, too, can give back to the deserving children in the area. I am fortunate to be able to share my talents on behalf of this very-worthy charitable organization."

"Chef Briscione has years of experience in creating unsurpassed dining experiences," said Lauren Magli, Events Manager, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. "Thanks to chef Briscione's participation, and that of our other celebrity chefs and vintners, we are rapidly working our way to a sold-out evening for the Patron dinners."

Briscione will be paired with a world-class vintner to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a private home in Destin on April 27^th.  This Patron dinner is one of 12 being held that evening, as part of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation event.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation's (DCWAF) mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money for children in need. Founded in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $3.5 million to Emerald Coast children's charities by hosting world-class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of more than 30,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Learn more at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Lauren Magli
Events Manager
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
850-650-3732
[e-mail]