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By Jane Knoerle
Almanac Lifestyle Editor

Jesse Ziff Cool of Flea Street Cafe in Menlo Park is one of 10 California top women chefs and winemakers who will join Monterey Bay Aquarium executive director Julie Packard in a benefit celebrating the state's ocean treasures. The event takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Road in Menlo Park.

This celebrity chef and winemakers benefit for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Fund for the Animals supports research programs and ocean life exhibits. Allied Arts Guild was selected for its "garden oasis" setting, as well as its convenience for Silicon Valley patrons.

Jesse Cool is the only local chef chosen to take part in the benefit. Dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cuisine for more than 35 years, she is an advocate for local organic food production and those farmers she considers to be the first real environmental pioneers.

Her latest efforts in sustainable cuisine involve using the whole animal in food preparation. "We have our own butcher and are now making all our own charcuterie," she says. Flea Street charcuterie will be served during the Sept. 22 reception in the Allied Arts gardens. Guests will move to another part of the garden for dinner, with dessert served in the dining room.

Joining Ms. Cool in preparing food for the reception and dinner will be Cindy Pawlcyn of Mustards Grill in Yountville; Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill in Santa Monica; Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire restaurant in Los Angeles; and Nicole Plue of Cyrus restaurant in Healdsburg.

The winemakers are Eileen Crane of Domaine Carneros; Celia Welch of Corra Wines; Pam Starr of Cocker & Starr; Rebekah Wineburg of Buccella; and Nicole Abiouness of Abiouness Wines, all from Napa Valley.

The 12-member host committee includes Susan Ford Dorsey and Mark Wan, both of Woodside, as well as Nell Newman of Santa Cruz, daughter of the late Paul Newman. Marilyn Hobach and Mr. And Mrs. Edwin A. Seipp Jr., all of Atherton, are among event sponsors.

Rodrigo Teague and Paul Renslow will entertain on Spanish guitar during the evening. Wine Country casual dress is suggested for guests. Tickets are $500 per person.

Visit montereybayaquarium.org or call the aquarium development office at 831-647-6811 for more information.

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