Chef John Ash Unveils the Magic of Mushrooms

April showers may bring flowers, but winter weather kicks the mushrooms into gear. And Fresh Starts Chef Events in Novato is celebrating with Chef John Ash, who presents an exclusive menu with chef demonstrations featuring the exotic products of Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc., in Sebastopol, supplier to the nation’s premier kitchens.

This special fundraising evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, will include wine pairings and a winemaker talk from Merry Edwards Winery, and showcase sustainable salmon from Verlasso as well as artisan cheese from Redwood Hill Farms.

The menu:

· Zen Lemongrass Coconut Soup with Clamshell Mushrooms

· Grilled Trumpet Royale Mushroom Salad, Peppered Maple Walnuts & Redwood Hill Farms Bucheret

· Pan-Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Beggar’s Purse of Maitake Mushrooms

· Candied Nameko Mushrooms with Thai Basil-Infused Panna Cotta

Chef John Ash is a double James Beard Foundation Award-winner who has been crowned both “International Cooking School Teacher of the Year” and “Seafood Educator of the Year.” We’ll have his latest book on hand, “Culinary Birds: The Ultimate Poultry Cookbook,” for purchase and signing.

Tickets are $125 per person, including dinner, prize-winning wines, and entertainment. Make reservations online at bit.ly/FSchefevents or call (415) 382-3363 x213.

The event takes place in the showcase kitchen of The Key Room, 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, in Novato. All proceeds benefit shelter and job-training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin; we thank The Republic of Tea for their sponsorship.