Fish for Life: “…Spreading the Love One Boat at a Time”
In mid-November I was blessed with an invitation to attend and write about a very special event at the historic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach, California. The event was a fund raiser for an incredible organization called Fish for Life whose purpose is to give disabled children and young adults an opportunity they might never have: a deep sea fishing trip. Inspired by a friend with Cerebral Palsy, Jim Holden started Fish for Life in Dana Point about 6 years ago under the umbrella of Friends of Rollo: an organization in San Diego focused on education for underprivileged and at-risk kids.
Fish for Life’s first trip left Dana Point in 2010 on the “Dana Pride”. In 2014, they launched their second chapter in Long Beach which was just the beginning of their plans for expansion. The Grand Wine Tasting held in the Grand Ballroom of the Balboa Pavilion was the initial fundraiser for a soon-to-be-realized Newport Beach chapter.
More than Just a Fishing Trip
The trips may take place on fishing boats, but Mr. Holden and his teams of 40 volunteers seek to give their 30 guests and their chaperones an experience they’ll never forget–and possibly a little education as well. From the red carpet boarding of the vessel to fishing lessons and even a dance, this is like no fishing trip you’ve ever seen.
While volunteers pass appetizers and later serve lunch, passengers might see sea lions lounging on buoys, a water show by fire boats or even a mermaid! All this, and they get to catch fish too! Best of all, the kids and their chaperones pay nothing for the trip or experience. Fundraisers like the Grand Wine Tasting and a plethora of dedicated sponsors and volunteers are what make Fish for Life possible.
What’s a Grand Wine Tasting Without Grand Wines?
It wouldn’t be a wine tasting without some amazing wineries and wine merchants, now, would it? The Grand Wine Tasting didn’t disappoint. Here are just a few of the participants who poured while wait staff passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Harborside Restaurant
Cholame Vineyards poured a red zinfandel. Though a lighter bodied red than a cabernet or merlot, it’s heavier than their blend.
Ascension Cellars is a boutique winery in Paso Robles. They specialize in Premium, Handcrafted-Artisan Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines under the watchful eye of winemaker Erick Allen. They poured a blend called Cabriolet.
Robert Hall Winery, also from Paso Robles, poured a Pinot Noir with a heavier woodsy flavor.
Regal Wine Company. Founded in 1993, they are a wine distributor for a wide variety of California wines as well as wines from Oregon and numerous international wineries. They poured a “Mystery Chardonnay” which was slightly sweet but refreshing.
Beyond Wine
In addition to the amazing array of wineries and wines, the event boasted several premium food vendors:
Seven Barrels sells olive oil and aged Italian balsamics. Their ability to combine flavors into blends which truly dance on your tongue is amazing. Their chocolate or vanilla fig balsamic would be amazing over a good vanilla ice cream. That’s just the tip of their product-line iceberg, though. For a complete list of their offerings, check here They even offer recipe suggestions for their products!
Balboa Smallcakes is a purveyor of all things cupcake. They offer three sizes and over 250 varieties. They’re definitely worth a trip to Balboa Island next time you’re in the Newport Beach area.
Balboa Nut Company is another shop exclusive to Balboa Island. Started by Shawn Bowan, she has gotten her entire family involved. While she does the marketing, her daughter runs the shop, son Colin does the accounting and her husband funds the project which began in July 2015. They offer a wide variety of jerkies, seeds, granolas and other healthy snacks including bacon jerky!
What’s Wine Without Food to Complement it?
Remember those passed hors d’oeuvres I mentioned? The Harborside Restaurant outdid themselves. I have to admit I made a bit of a pig of myself, but tell me if you wouldn’t do the same? Here’s what they offered to the attendees of the Grand Wine Tasting.
- Cream cheese and artichoke hearts wontons
- Bacon wrapped scallops
- Caprese skewers with tomato and mozzarella
- Coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce
- Shrimp satay with cilantro lime butter
- Watermelon cubes with goat cheese drizzled in balsamic reduction
- Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto
- Individual antipasto
My personal favorites were the wontons, the scallops and the two shrimp appetizers, but frankly, they were all delicious. While you’re in Newport visiting Balboa Smallcakes and Balboa Nut Company, be sure to pay The Harborside Restaurant a visit as well. You won’t be disappointed.
A Final Note
If you’d like to learn more about Fish for Life, the fine vendors who supported this event or the beautiful venue, you can either click on one of the links in this article or visit Balboa Pavilion Grand Wine Tasting for a complete list of participants.
