The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation and the Lombardi Food & Wine Planning Committee graciously thank the remarkable chefs and vintners who have graced us with their presence over the years. Their donation of time, expertise, and product to the cancer charity event is greatly appreciated. We also thank US Food Service for their generous contribution to the Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner and the fight against cancer.
2011 Celebrity Chef | Darren McGrady, private chef to Princess Diana
Darren McGrady was a personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II; Diana, Princess of Wales; and Princes’ William and Harry for 15 years. He has also cooked for five US Presidents. Darren is now a chef, author, culinary consultant, event planner and public speaker living in Dallas, Texas. He is one of the world’s most notable chefs and storytellers as he shares his recipes and memories of the Palace Kitchen.
Chef McGrady’s first cookbook, “Eating Royally; recipes and remembrances from a palace kitchen” is now in fifth print with all of his advance and royalties donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. McGrady has appeared several times on CNN’s Larry King Live, the Fox News Channel, BBC, CBC, MSNBC and Sky Television. On Fox and Friends covering the Princess Diana Memorial. CNN covering the Royal Wedding and cooked on the Today Show and CBS Early Show in New York. He also was a personal guest to Oprah on the day of The Royal Wedding to share his recipes and memories of Prince William.
2011 Celebrity Vintners | Anthony Truchard, Truchard Vineyards and and Elton Slone, Robert Craig Winery
2011 featured Cheesemaker | Ms. Marieke Penterman, Holland's Family Cheese in Thorp, Wisconsin
Past Celebrity Chefs include
- 2010 | Kevin Hee, Saltwater and Boubon Steak, MGM Grand; Detroit, Michigan
- 2009 | Beau MacMillan, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain; Scottsdale, Arizona
- 2008 | Michael Kornick, mk the restaurant; Chicago, Illinois
- 2007 | Walter Scheib, White House Executive Chef, 1994-2005
- 2006 | Hubert Des Marais, Four Seasons Resort; Palm Beach, Florida
- 2005 | Mauro Mafrici; New York
- 2004 | Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia; Chicago, Illinois
Past Celebrity Vintners include
- 2010 | Gundlach Bundschu, Jeff Bundschu
- 2010 | Whitehall Lane Winery, Tom Leonardini II
- 2009 | Alexander Valley Vineyards, Rob and Linda Wetzel
- 2009 | Girard Winery, Patrick Roney
- 2009 | Italian winemaker and importer, Guido Andretta
- 2008 | Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, and Dolce, Beth Nickel
- 2008 | Grgich Hills Estate, Violet Grgich
- 2008 | Gruet Winery, Sofian Himeur
- 2007 | Simi Winery, Steve Reeder
- 2007 | Eponymous, Robert Pepi
- 2007 | Domaine Chandon etoile Rose, Pat Mangan
- 2006 | Duckhorn Wine Company, Margaret Duckhorn and Pete Przybylinksi
- 2006 | Markham Vineyards, Kimberlee Nicholls
- 2006 | Veuve Clicquot, Pat Mangan
- 2005 | Peju Province Winery, Lisa Peju
- 2005 | Schramsberg Vineyards, Hugh Davies
- 2005 | Trefethen Vineyards, Janet Trefethen
- 2004 | Heitz Wine Cellars, Kathleen Heitz Meyers
- 2004 | Iron Horse, Joy Sterling
Past featured Cheesemakers include:
- 2010 | Mike Matucheski, Sartori
- 2009 | Bill Koenig, Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc.