From Golf Ball Drop to Tequila Dinner:
A Winning Bid Becomes an Evening of Discovery
A winning bid at Coastal Encinitas Rotary’s Golf Ball Drop in May 2026 became an evening of food, learning and laughter when five guests gathered Oct. 10 for a private LAELIA Tequila pairing dinner in the Olivenhain home of David and Vembra Holnagel.
The dinner was one of about 20 experiences assembled for the club’s May 9 fundraiser. Three couples won the package with a bid of approximately $1,500 and chose an October date for their evening with chef and tequila aficionado Don Heiser of Firehouse Gourmet.
Heiser designed the menu and guided the tasting, pairing courses with LAELIA’s Blanco, Reposado and Añejo tequilas. He arrived with the tequilas, tasting glasses, cooking tools and serving pieces, along with the finishing touches that made each course his own.
The evening opened with a layered cocktail Heiser created called Volcan de Tequila, followed by a seared scallop with blackberry gastrique. The roasted corn chowder, paired with Reposado, emerged as a guest favorite.
Dessert brought another surprise: butterscotch pudding topped with caramel, whipped cream, cinnamon and a few flakes of salt. That final pinch made a striking difference, bringing out the sweetness while balancing the caramel.
Several guests had little experience with tequila and came curious about trying something new. They arrived in matching T-shirts printed with “Tequila por favor,” setting a playful tone. The tasting was about sipping and comparing the different expressions, while Heiser shared his knowledge and answered questions over dinner.
David and Vembra supported Heiser throughout the evening, assisting with preparation and service while he led the tasting and shared his expertise with guests. His wife, Jerilyn, added a floral centerpiece that complemented the colorful table runner and orange napkins.
Each couple took home two Riedel tequila glasses, a full-size bottle signed by a LAELIA owner, three smaller tasting bottles, an autographed copy of The Field Guide to Tequila and tasting notepads.
What began as an auction package at the Golf Ball Drop became an evening of discovery, bringing the winning bidders together over a shared meal and a new appreciation for tequila.
