Exclusive: “Jim E.” teams up with Naggiar Winery to offer food partnership

We’re pleased to report exclusively that Jim Eckardt of 151 Union Square, known to locals as “Jim E,” is teaming up with Naggiar Vineyards & Winery to offer catering at the winery’s summer series.

He will be expanding the regular offerings with his best tapas and small plates. “He also will do all the food for the big concert nights, not just our Fri./Sat./Sun. schedule,” said Ellen Persa, a spokesman for Naggiar.

“JimE,” as he’s known to the locals, has been the caterer and special events coordinator for longtime popular events ranging from Starry, Starry Nights at the historic Empire Mine State Park to celebrity parties at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado. He’s just as comfortable (and skilled) catering a more informal Christmas buffet or outdoor picnic.

Eckardt has branched out to expand his Club 141 in picturesque Grass Valley into a top-notch events venue and cooking school. Club 141, at 141 E. Main St., is a cozy, intimate setting that is ideal for groups of 20 to 30 people. Its well-equipped kitchen is an ideal “classroom” to showcase Eckardt’s culinary talents.

Club 141 is teaming up with a larger events center—151 Union Square in Grass Valley—to offer catering and events for groups of 15 to 130.

“We’re a full-service caterer to meet all your special event needs at either location,” says Eckardt, a graduate
of the prestigious California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

Here’s the NAGGIAR TRIBUTE SERIES lineup, as reported previously:

May 25 A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd A Tribute to Journey
Featuring Skynnyn Lynnyrd Featuring Journey Unauthorized

June 29 A Tribute to Huey Lewis & the News A Tribute to the Eagles
Featuring Super Huey Featuring Life in the Fast Lane

July 27 A Tribute to Billy Joel A Tribute to Steely Dan
Featuring Joel: The Band Featuring Steelin’ Dan

August 31 A Tribute to the Beach Boys California Dreamin’ – A Musical
Featuring California Beach Boys Journey Through the Golden State

September 28 A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire A Tribute to Chicago
Featuring Kalimba Band Featuring Chicago Tribute Authority

SPECIAL EVENT CONCERT SERIES
Date & Event: Band:

May 11 (Sat.) Release Party Regulators (Opening Act, David Swart)

May 26 (Sun.) Memorial Day Party A Tribute to Santana, featuring Chameleon

July 4 (Thu.) Independence Day Party A Tribute to Johnny Cash, featuring James Garner

Sept. 15 (Sun.) Harvest Celebration Fun Company

Oct. 27 (Sun.) Halloween Party Stone’s Throw