Long-time guest chef and board member of the IPNC Jason Stoller Smith will represent the Pacific Northwest region at a June 8 White House Picnic for 2000 people. The Picnic will highlight regional cuisines spanning the country. Inspired by the IPNC Salmon Bake, Daniel Shanks, White House Usher responsible for Food and Beverage, suggested that the First Lady invite chef Stoller Smith to recreate the Salmon Bake on the White House Lawn. According to Mr. Shanks, the Pacific Northwest Salmon Bake will be a visual centerpiece and will be located on the South Lawn near the Oval Office.

The Northwest Salmon Bake is a long-standing tradition of the IPNC. We are thrilled for Jason Stoller Smith and are thankful that Daniel Shank’s experience at the IPNC resulted in the Salmon Bake being a part of this regional celebration on the White House Lawn.

Each year, the IPNC is honored to host a stellar lineup of wine and food journalists, authors, and bloggers. During this year's afternoon activities, IPNC guests will have the unique opportunity to attend a media panel discussion where members of the press will broach the topic of wine writing in the ever-evolving world of online news media and social networking sites.

Press panelists include, Jon Bonné of the San Francisco Chronicle, Patrick Comiskey of Wine & Spirits, Gregory Dal Piaz of Snooth, Nick Fauchald of Tasting Table, and IPNC Master of Ceremonies Ray Isle of Food & Wine. The panel will be moderated by Stephany Boettner, PR & Marketing Director of the Oregon Wine Board. For a full list of this year’s media guests, please visit our website.