At the Table

Jim and Stephanie Sokolove opened their beautiful Montecito estate, just a tiara’s toss from TV talk show titan Oprah Winfrey, for the fourth consecutive year to host the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s seventh annual Table of Life beano, chaired by Montecito Bank & Trust head honcho Janet Garufis, with more than 260 colorfully garbed guests in hats and flats, helping raise $450,000 for the popular nonprofit, which has effectively distributed more than 10 million pounds of food over the years.

The bounteous bash, which benefitted families and children affected by the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow disasters, was emceed by the ubiquitous Geoff Green and also featured creations from Rincon Catering and music from pianist George Friedenthal and Peter Muller and Friends.

The event, which honored Alison Hardey of Jeannine’s Bakery and Patrick Braid of Village Cheese and Wine, sadly was the last time the dynamic duo are hosting the sunset soirée, given they are moving to Boca Raton, Florida, in December.

Among the tsunami of foodie fans were Anne Towbes, Bob and Val Montgomery, Fred and Sarah Kass, Rinaldo and Lalla Brutoco, Nina Terzian, Robert and Christine Emmons, Gary and Susan Gulbranson, Jeff and Margo Barbakow, Teresa McWillams, Nancy Schlosser, Maryan Schall, Karl and Michelle Hutterer, Erik Talkin, Tom and Heather Sturgess, Harry and Judi Weisbart, and Curtis Skene.