'Fallbrook to Table' event at KooL Ranch in DeLuz highlights organic foods

KooL Ranch is a lovely parcel in DeLuz owned by Kenny and Linda Antonioli. The unusual name was born when the couple repeated "that’s so cool," as their Realtor, Maggie Rogan, showed them the property. The first and last letters of "KooL" are capitalized to represent their first names. The Antoniolis, who are from Los Angeles, saw a number of properties, but were compelled to purchase the DeLuz property when they saw how beautiful it was.

Kenny and Linda were first drawn to Fallbrook for the Avocado Festival, then booked a room at the Blue Heron Farm Bed and Breakfast.

"Andrea Peterson was the first friendly Fallbrook face we saw," Linda commented.

The couple bought their own property in DeLuz after the positive experience they had at the Blue Heron.

In 2008 the Antoniolis met with a local group of organic growers, including George Cunningham. That meeting inspired them to apply for organic certification. By 2009 their land was certified organic, and they began to grow pomegranates. Kenny and Linda had researched some of the properties and benefits of the fruit and were quite impressed.

On October 17, the Antoniolis took their love of the land, and love of organically grown food one step further and shared the beautiful outdoor setting of their grove with 140 guests. But this was not your typical alfresco dinner, it was an alfresco dinner with a purpose. Entitled 'Fallbrook to Table,' the gala event was akin to an upscale organic food growers/buyers networking convention. Besides Fallbrook area restaurant owners, there were organic food buyers from both San Diego and Los Angeles counties present.

Some of the guests traveled over two hours to attend the event; and Linda noted that at least one motel in town was sold out because of the dinner.

Linda said that she enjoyed meeting and visiting with the organic growers whom she described as "incredibly dedicated with a gentle hand on the land."

Valet parking was a nice perk. As guests exited their cars, they were served a mini pomegranate margarita (made with pomegranates grown on the KooL Ranch). It was definitely a red carpet welcome.

When asked why they decided to offer valet parking Linda replied, "We had guests spanning all ages and we knew they would be coming in throughout the evening – some after dark. Some also had physical limitations. Having valet parking was our way to say ‘you are special’ – it was our love song to Fallbrook."

Three organic food stations, Asian, Farm to Table, and Mexican, were set up under large illuminated teepees, which lent a magical air to the setting. The food was provided by local organic growers (too many to list). But, the food was ambrosia. Even the water was not just water – it was artisan water.

At each place setting was a menu listing the dishes, ingredients and the names of the growers.

"It was very important to us to list – highlight – the local organic growers," Linda noted.

The elaborate two-page menu was created by Chef Jesse Genovese and Bruce Hecker of Bruce’s Catering in Panorama City, caterers to the motion picture industry.

"The food was prepared by one of the best chefs in LA – Chef Jesse Genovese," said Linda.

As guests left the event satisfied with the networking, the food and the fun, (including dancing), they were clutching ‘swag bags’ full of goodies.

Linda summed up the night’s adventures with one word: "Terrific!"

Sponsors of the event, in addition to the Antoniolis, were California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and Phil La Rocca, owner of La Rocca Vineyards/president of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).