SAVE THE DATE FOR 2007 Mark your calendars now for the 15th Annual Narsai Toast Gourmet Gala & Wine Auction which will take place on Friday, April 20, 2007 at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Please contact Kirsten Berzon, special events manager, at 510.647.2906 or kberzon@berkeleyrep.org for information about table/ticket purchase. 2006 NARSAI TOAST NETS RECORD AMOUNT FOR BERKELEY REP On April 28, 2006, Narsai David and Berkeley Repertory Theatre hosted the 14th annual Narsai Toast Gourmet Gala and Wine Auction at San Francisco’s elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This year, Berkeley Rep’s largest annual fundraiser raised a record $465,000 as guests feasted on an incredible meal prepared by a team of eight celebrity chefs including Bridget Batson and David Gingrass of Hawthorne Lane; Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of Rubicon; Jean-Pierre Dubray from The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco; Laurent Manrique and Peter Armellino from Aqua; and Sean O’Brien of Myth. For those serious about wine, the evening’s silent auction featured truly unique offerings including a bottle of 1997 Harlan Estate proprietary red wine, three bottles of Maya courtesy of Dalla Valle Vineyards and a vertical selection of Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir. Wine connoisseur Rich Edwards, a member of Berkeley Rep’s Donor Circle and four-time Narsai Toast co-chair feels the Toast is “a wonderful opportunity to talk with winemakers and chefs about a subject close to my heart, while knowing I’m helping to raise money for my favorite local theatre.” Berkeley Rep is grateful to Rich and his co-chairs—Wayne Wilson, Dugan Moore and William Espey—for the time and talent they put into making this event a success. Additionally, the Theatre would like to thank long-time event chairs Michael Steinberg and Jean Z. Strunksy for their continued efforts in making the Narsai Toast another outstanding success. Berkeley Rep is also grateful to the many sponsors and donors who contributed so generously to this year’s event. Special thanks goes to returning lead sponsor, Fossil, for their extraordinary support, as well as to Connoisseur sponsors Citigroup Private Bank; DFS; Rick Hoskins & Lynne Frame; Jefferies & Company, Inc.; Macy’s; Merrill Lynch Private Banking & Investment Group; Meyer Sound; The Roda Group; and Wells Fargo. Most of all, our hats are off to Narsai for his ongoing commitment to Berkeley Rep, now spanning nearly 40 years. Thank you for another fabulous party! HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2006 SILENT AUCTION DALLA VALLE VINEYARDS Three bottles of Maya, 2000–2002 CAKEBREAD CELLARS (RUTHERFORD) You and 9 friends will learn the art of fine cooking at one of Cakebread Cellars cooking classes HESS COLLECTION WINERY (NAPA) A VIP tour, tasting and dinner for 8 with exclusive menu prepared by their Executive Chef with current releases of Hess Collection Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2006 LIVE AUCTION A GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE FOR 10 AT THE HOME OF NARSAI & VENUS DAVID INCLUDING WINE SELECTIONS FROM NARSAI’S PERSONAL CELLAR No, you’re not at Narsai’s restaurant, you’re invited to his home for a private dinner party for ten guests. Ever wonder how one of the greatest culinary gurus of the Bay Area dines at home? Partake in an unforgettable evening prepared uniquely for you and your guests by our host, the unparalleled Narsai David. Before dinner, Narsai will take you on a tour of his personal wine cellar to catch a glimpse of what you’ll be drinking that evening. A 7-NIGHT EXCEPTIONAL STAY FOR UP TO 10 AT L’ANCIENNE POSTE, A MAGNIFICENT 5,000 SQUARE-FOOT LUXURY PROPERTY IN THE HEART OF MÉNERBES, PROVENCE An incredible week of relaxation awaits you and your guests in these charming, tranquil surroundings as you experience a quieter pace of life in Ménerbes, the village immortalized in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. As the name suggests, this stunning property is an elegantly restored post office now stylishly furnished, yet still protecting the building’s original historic charm. The house boasts a courtyard, a rooftop terrace and incredible views of the Luberon Valley from every bedroom and bathroom. Your stay will include a day touring Domaine de Pegau in Chateauneuf du Pape with a private tasting and lunch with the owner/winemaker. One of the many things that sets L’Ancienne Poste apart from other properties in the region is the exclusive access they offer their guests to interesting and talented people who know the region intimately—from local chefs, artists, writers and masseuses, to historians, winemakers, local guides and raconteurs who will make this trip truly unforgettable. Other excursions with these local gems are not included in this package, but available at an additional cost and can be arranged in advance of your stay. BACK TO TOP