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Truffle Lust & Puppy Love - Maria Finn and Nicole DeMeo

Description:

Join truffle dog Flora Jayne and Maria Finn, writer, chef, storyteller and author of the new cookbook, Forage. Gather. Feast., for a truffle talk and tasting.

We’ll sniff an array of truffles, from wild ones found in California and the Pacific Northwest to cultivated European varietals and Maria will trace the allure of truffles from Biblical times and Ancient Greece to the Renaissance and modern-day cultivation in wine regions around the world, including California wine country. We’ll also delve into how cultivation of truffle orchards and the preservation of forests for truffle hunting make this a regenerative food that aids with carbon capture. As well, Maria can tell you first hand about the training of a truffle dog from an ancient breed that dates back to Etruscan times.

Following the talk and sniffing, we’ll enjoy a truffle centric grazing table that showcases the varietals with local cheeses, made into aioli for crudites, infused into handmade pasta and even used in dessert. Wines are by Media Luna, a Mendoza winery co-owned by Nicole DeMeo of Sausalito.

Bios:

MARIA FINN is an author, chef and storyteller who creates food & art experiences inspired by wild places. Her cookbook, Forage. Gather. Feast. launched in April 2024. She was the Chef-In-Residence at Stochastic Labs in Berkeley – an incubator for artists, scientists, and tech engineers. She’s told stories and given talks for The Moth Mainstage, SoCap, Fisher Poets, Ocean Conservancy and many others.

She is the founder of Flora & Fungi Adventures, which hosts wild food-centric adventures from California all the way north to Alaska and The Institute for Ecosystem Based Living that produces events with science, art and food. She also hosts truffle talks, tastings and truffle hunting demonstrations with her dog Flora Jayne. For more information visit MariaFinn.com.

NICOLE DEMEO is a relentless and serial entrepreneur, venture capital partner and technology business growth advisor during her day job. Growing up in the wine country, Nicole always dreamed of owning her own vineyard. By partnering with Jennifer Grayzar and purchasing Media Luna Vineyards from the Vines of Mendoza, Nicole was in a way able to steal back her childhood.

Tickets:

Non-Members: $175

Members: $135 (discount will apply automatically when logged into your account)

Please note all event ticket sales are final.

About:

The Portal is an urban sanctuary designed to ignite transformational growth, foster community, and embrace holistic well-being.

At the heart of The Portal lies our Members Club, a curated space designed for co-creation, connection and inspiration. Join our diverse ecosystem of changemakers, including leaders in technology, business, social impact, art and wellness.

On the first floor of our space lies our Biohacking Wellness Spa and Yoga Studio. Nourish yourself with remedies and emergent treatments including sauna, cold plunge, sound beds, LED therapy, and other wellness technologies.

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