LEGACY AT THE TABLE
at Pomegranate Bistro, January – March 2027, 12 Guests | $8,000
A rare opportunity to dine with Seattle's acclaimed Dame Lisa Dupar, founder of Redmond's beloved Pomegranate Bistro and the region's premier catering company, Lisa Dupar Catering. You’ll share the table with legendary Washington winemaker Dame Kay Simon of Chinook Wines, a true pioneer whose award-winning wines and decades of leadership have helped define the Washington wine industry. Joining her is winemaker Jessica Munnell of Wautoma Springs Winery, known for crafting elegant, expressive wines that showcase the diversity and quality of Washington vineyards while carrying forward a new generation of winemaking excellence. Les Dames d'Escoffier Seattle President Dame Lane Hoss , one of Washington state's most influential leaders in food and wine, adds another extraordinary dimension to the evening. Together, these accomplished women have helped shape and elevate Washington's culinary and wine communities through their talent, leadership and lasting impact.
Dame Lisa Dupar
Lisa Dupar is a celebrated chef, caterer, and cookbook author whose four - decade career blends Southern culinary heritage, classic European training, and a deep commitment to Pacific Northwest artisanship. Born in Mexico City and raised in Atlanta, Lisa spent her summers roaming the beaches of Charleston, South Carolina — experiences that shaped her earliest food memories and her enduring love of Southern flavors. BUY NOW Driven from a young age to cook professionally, Lisa entered a formal culinary apprenticeship at the Westin Peachtree Plaza straight out of high school. After completing her training, she expanded her craft in the kitchens of Zurich and Geneva before moving to Seattle in the early 1980s. In 1981, she became the Westin hotel chain’s first female chef, a milestone that helped define her trailblazing career.
Lisa opened her first restaurant, Southern Accents, in 1984, showcasing dishes like shrimp and grits, gumbo, and her signature chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Growing demand from companies like Microsoft and Boeing led her to launch Lisa Dupar Catering, now producing more than 1,500 events annually. In 2005, she created Pomegranate Bistro in Redmond — her “culinary playground” for blending comfort, craft, and creativity.
Her cookbook, Fried Chicken & Champagne, earned the IACP Julia Child Award for Best First Cookbook in 2011. Today, Lisa’s cooking reflects a life lived across cultures — from Mexico City to Charleston, Switzerland to Seattle — always rooted in her belief that great food brings people together.
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Dame Kay Simon
Kay Simon is co-founder and winemaker of Chinook Wines in Washington State, where she has built a lasting reputation as one of the region’s pioneering winemakers. Since co-founding the winery, Kay has been dedicated to crafting wines that showcase the character, balance, and depth of Washington-grown fruit, with a particular focus on Red Mountain and Yakima Valley vineyards.
Her winemaking philosophy is rooted in precision and restraint, allowing the vineyard to speak through each bottle. Chinook Wines is known for structured, age-worthy reds — especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc — as well as highly regarded Bordeaux-style blends. These wines consistently highlight intensity of flavor, firm tannins, and a signature elegance that reflects both site and vintage.
Kay’s meticulous attention to detail, from vineyard sourcing to barrel selection, has helped establish Chinook Wines as a respected producer of classic Washington wines. Her work emphasizes consistency and authenticity, crafting wines that are both powerful and refined, designed to evolve beautifully over time.
Throughout her career, Kay has remained committed to hands-on winemaking and to showcasing the strength and diversity of Washington vineyards. Her wines have earned a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their structure, balance, and sense of place.
Through Chinook Wines, Kay continues to honor a tradition of thoughtful, vineyard-driven winemaking while contributing to the legacy and growth of Washington’s wine industry.
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Jessica Munnel, Watoma Springs
Jessica Munnel, winemaker/founder of Watoma Springs, whose career bridges both viticulture and winemaking, is grounded in a deep understanding of the vineyard. While pursuing her master’s degree at Washington State University, she trained under renowned viticulturist Dr. Robert Wample, building a strong scientific and agricultural foundation that continues to inform her work today. BUY NOW After completing her studies, Jessica began her career as a viticulturist with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, gaining hands-on experience with some of Washington’s most respected vineyards. In 2003, she transitioned fully into winemaking, beginning with an internship in Australia that broadened her perspective and exposed her to diverse techniques and styles. Returning to Washington, she held winemaking roles at Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and Mercer Estates, further refining her craft.
In 2009, Jessica partnered with esteemed grower Tom Merkle to co-found Wautoma Springs Winery. Their vision was to create wines that authentically reflect the unique character of Washington vineyards, beginning with fruit from Tom’s own Wautoma Springs Vineyard. Together, they emphasize the connection between vineyard and bottle, crafting wines that showcase purity, balance, and site expression.
In 2019, they opened their tasting room in Prosser, Washington, creating a welcoming space to share their wines and story. Jessica’s work continues to highlight the strength of Washington terroir, combining technical expertise with a passion for place-driven winemaking.
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