Christopher Kostow Unveils Starry 12 Days of Xmas Chefs

Today one-time anonymous restaurant blogger and man-about-the-world The Ulterior Epicure comes out with Christopher Kostow's 2012 picks for the annual 12 Days of Christmas Meadowood dinner spectacular. The event, which pairs wickedly talented chefs from across the globe with Kostow's favorite Napa wineries, has continued to evolve since its inception. Last year, the focus shifted to "up-and-coming" talent (as in Matthew Lightner of Atera in New York) and this year, the "larger exchange of ideas and ethos among chefs" becomes a priority.

In keeping with tradition, each guest chef will cook a five course meal in partnership with Kostow, but now he or she will also work with the St. Helena Montessori school in the garden they share with Meadowood, and participate in a new lecture series at the nearby CIA Greystone. Also: social media! Since the revamped kitchen includes four new chef's counter seats to play with, Kostow will be making those reservations available solely through his Twitter account over the next few weeks. Now do take a look at the full line-up of this year's 12 Days of Christmas talent.

Friday, December 7
Scott Anderson of Elements in Princeton, New Jersey
Wendell Laidley of Realm Cellars

Saturday December 8
John B. Shields formerly of Town House in Chilhowie, Virginia
Ehren Jordan of Failla Wines

Tuesday, December 11
Phillip Foss of EL Ideas in Chicago, Illinois
John Conover of PlumpJack Wines

Wednesday December 12
Stuart Brioza of State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, California
Beth Novak of Spottswoode Estate

Thursday December 13
Jason Franey of Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, Washington
Joe Wender & Ann Colgin of Colgin Cellars

Friday December 14
Matthias Merges of Yusho in Chicago, Illinois
Phillipe Melka of Melka Wines

Saturday December 15
Mori Onodera formerly of Mori Sushi in Los Angeles, California
Cleo & Jayson Pahlmeyer of Pahlmeyer

Tuesday December 18
James Shyabout of Commis in Oakland, California
Ann & Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards

Wednesday December 19
Nick Anderer of Maialino in New York, New York
Donald Bryant of Bryant Family Vineyard

Thursday December 20
David Toutin of Agapé Substance in Paris, France
Bart & Daphne Araujo of Araujo Estate

Friday December 21
Josh Habiger & Erick Anderson of The Catbird Seat in Nashville, Tennessee
Charles Thomas of Quintessa

Friday December 22
Christopher Kostow of The Meadowood in St. Helena, California
Bill & Deborah Harlan of BOND

Additional information can be found on the restaurant's shiny new website.

· 12 Days of Christmas: save the dates... [Ulterior Epicure]
· All 12 Days of Christmas Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· All Meadowood Coverage [~ ESF ~]