2009 Tastes & Tunes

7th Annual International Food Festival

On Sunday afternoon May 17, 2009, at the beautiful Malibu home of Tom and Stephanie Loo, our Rotary Club of Santa Monica held its 7th International Food Festival.  Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, on a glorious sunny day, more than 200 members, family and friends celebrated the day with fantastic food and entertainment. 

Renowned international cuisine was prepared by our members plus a roast pig, compliments of Tom Loo and Hal Quigley, a Mexican food station, sponsored by Ron Davis, an Asian food station, and a whole roast lamb, sponsored by Karim Jaude.  We were entertained by the good time band with Tom Larmore, Monike White and her twin sister, and Roger Goodman.  And yes, Tom recited the names of all 160 Rotarians, to music.  That was the warm up act.  We then enjoyed beautiful arias by Savi Labensart and tenor Haqumai Sharpe, accompanied by pianist Frank Fetta.

Michael Cates with staff and equipment from his Broadway Gymnastic School supervised activities for all the kids aspiring to be gymnasts, or simply to learn the importance of exercise.  The children and their parents were thrilled with Mike's desire to expose the kids to the lifelong importance of exercise in a personalize setting for the Rotary kids. 

This year's committee members include Brett Carter, Karim Jaude, Barbara Biship, Holly Guslin, Judy Iriye, Nicole Pratt, and Monika White.    Savi organized the operatic music and Monika White the folk music part.  Michael Cates and Ron Davis provided invaluable assistance in our activities and food.