Masters of Taste Announces 2020 Date and Introduces Chef Vanda Asapahu as 2020 Host Chef! (Sunday, April 5th, 2020)

November 21, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival taking place on Sunday, April 5^th, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Masters of Taste 2020 is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2020 which also happens to mark the 5^th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste Culinary Master and 2020 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and has participated since its inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asaphu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing the Bangkok street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine, and in May of this year Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of Michelin Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

Masters of Taste 2019 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2020 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2020 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness, rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the fifth annual Masters of Taste 2020!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2020 will take place on Sunday, April 5^th, 2020 and is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, January 1^st, 2020, and Early Bird Tickets will be available from January 1^st, 2020 through Sunday, March 1^st, 2020. For more information on Masters of Taste 2020, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive

Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

L.A.’s Epic Culinary Festival Los Angeles Food and Wine Returns Aug. 22-25, 2019

August 10, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES – In a collision of cuisine and culture, Southern California’s number-one food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine, is ramping up to its ninth rendition, August 22-25. Festival-goers will rub shoulders with the nation’s hottest chefs during the four-day epicurean extravaganza, with events spanning the City of Angels. Fans of fine food can score tickets a la carte at lafw.com.

Among the culinary supernovas on the festival marquee are the legendary Jeremiah Tower (“The Last Magnificent”), native Angelenos Nancy Silverton, Jet Tila and Alvin Cailan, and several celebrity chefs who have made the city their own, like Curtis Stone, Tim Hollingsworth and Antonia Lofaso. The festival will also showcase wines from across California and the world.

Los Angeles Food & Wine launches Thursday evening with a series of dinners at restaurants across the city. The action then shifts to the historic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport, one of LA’s premier event spaces, for the rest of the weekend. Among the 14 culinary star-studded events:

· The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

· Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium.

· The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, star of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” will join celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

· LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and a wealth of Asian-inspired specialties will all share one location for one afternoon only.

· Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

· Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

Find a full event listing here.

Event Sponsors

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Chase Private Client, Food & Wine magazine, Guinness, Suntory Whiskey and Bulleit Whiskey, among others.

Ticket Information

For tickets and more information, visit lafw.com.

LA Food Fest – The 10th Annual and The Last

July 26, 2019 by evebushman

It may have been the 10^thAnnual LA Food Fest, held on the infield of Santa Anita Park, but it was the first LA Food Fest for me. Unfortunately, it was set to be the last. This is what I learned from their (abbreviated) press release:

The LA Food Fest was born as the LA Street Food Fest in 2009 founded by Shawna Dawson, Founder + CEO of Angeleno, Inc. (Sauce LA, LA Food Fest, Artisanal LA and Clean Made). She officially kicked off her very first event in Downtown Los Angeles in February 2010. With a lofty goal to not only to fill a gap in the event scene by creating something that was the first of its kind, Dawson created a culinary community and a platform to support independent small businesses that has traveled from Los Angeles Center Studios in DTLA, the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Exposition Park, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and to its final destination Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, cementing the LA Food Fest as L.A.’s premier street food event.

What We Had

Approximately 5,000 foodies had their pick from over 100 “restaurants, carts, stands, trucks, bars, beer, wine and craft cocktail makers” and “Nuevo Gastropub.”

The infield, I would quickly learn, is huge! What I thought was the main event was just one corner. Of course I took a lot of photos, and these were standouts for me:

The myriad of flavors from Truly Hard Seltzer (loved that blueberry) and Jiant Hard Kombucha (Green tea, elderflower and jasmine = yum!) canned low-alcohol beverages; Red Rock Deli’s many potato chip flavors; Tequila Sin Rival, seeing park workers smiling under their Sahara hats; the many-flavored Bertha Mae’s Brownies that would be swell in both wine and whisky pairings; You Had Me At Helado refreshing honeycomb ice cream and grapefruit Champagne sorbet; discovered Citrus Grove Distillers vodka and bourbon (planning a road trip to Claremont to try their many gins); The Pie Hole’s amazing mini pie selections (more blueberry!); Revel Spirits Agave – especially the barrel aged; Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese light and cool cheesecake; every taste from Tequila Don Nacho, Bite Me Gourm-Asian “Kimchini” kimchi rice ball stuffed with cheese and topped with teriyaki and Sriracha aioli (my favorite dish!); Krafted Rum – white, pineapple and barrel aged; Takami seared tuna; Nine Banded Whiskey cocktail made by Mister O’s was my fave cocktail of the day; Mama Musubi gourmet rice balls; Alexander’s Steakhouse tuna, roe and Ponzu shooter; Wedell Cellars wines; from “Gordon Ramsay Uncharted” we enjoyed Manuel’s Potatoes fried in duck fat, honey and cheese; Tequila Corazon; the mole sauce from Quiadayn; both the booth workers and the pizza from Pizza of Venice; and pretty floral crowns and clothing from Crown Bloom Floral.

We got in on some of the dishes created by the “international guests chefs” in the “Nuevo Gastropub” section of the event including chef Sergio Meza and his innovative dish of broiled beet with cheese, pistachio and lemon dust. Chef Meza came all the way from his restaurant in Columbia to blow our minds at the LA Food Fest. Chef Rafael Covarrubias, born in Mexico and currently at Hexagon in Ontario, Canada created a delectable Spanish shrimp tostada with peanuts, salsa, mushrooms, onions and more. Chef Eduardo Morali, from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico thrilled guests with a simple grilled corn on the cob with black garlic and creamy sauce. Then Chef Emmanuelle Deboise, currently at La Casa Caramel, finished us off completely with a small dessert of grilled plantain, avocado, cheese and honey.

Participating Chefs and Restaurants

Chef Dante Ferrero (Dante Brasa y Fuego, Mexico City); Olivier Deboise (Aperi, San Miguel de Allende); Sergio Meza (Villanos en Bermudas, Mexico City), co-owner of one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants; Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon and 7 Enoteca, Ontario, Canada); Eduardo Morali (Pangea, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon) and French pastry chef Emmanuelle Deboise (La Casa Caramel, San Miguel de Allende). Restaurants included Cuizina, Quiadaiyn, The Burristas, Cevicheria las Olas, African Chop, El Chef Taco, Ken’s Ramen, POKEBAR, Big Grandma’s Kitchen, Sushi Roku, Oak Smoke BBQ, EK’BALAM Yucatan Cuisine (formerly Delicias Yucatecas), The Vegan Salvi, Always Coffee, Maquina Taco, Pasta Sisters, Eagle Rock Public House, Comfort LA, Pinches Flautas, Barranco Lounge by Chef Walther, Fishin for Brews,Low Key Burritos, Luckdish Curry, Takami Sushi, Bearology, Humbleburgerz, Bite Me Gourmasian, Pez Cantina, Padthai Boran, Mama Musubi, Nature Well, Café de Leche and more.

Dessert fare came from The Donuttery, Pie Hole, You Had Me at Helado, Communitea Bakery, Down South Treats, Dearly Beloved Confections, Tastee Flavors New Orleans style shaved ice, Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake, 12 Oaks Desserts and others.

Cocktails from Birds & Bees, Mister O’s, Citrus Grove Distillers, Revel Spirits, Broken Shed Vodka, Pez Cantina micheladas. Mexican beers from Border X, Cabotella and CALIDAD. Wines were served by Riboli Wines, Obvious Wines. Beers and ciders were available from Stella Airstream, Golden Road, Eagle Rock Brewery, CALIDAD, Border X, Elysian Brewing IPA, Glutenberg Beer, Hop Valley Brewing, Michelob Gold Organic, Common Cider and Hard Kombucha. Non-alcoholic drinks were served by Spindrift, KeVita, Honest Tea and more.

VIP guests were treated to HotPoint Lightbox Photo Booth, Alexander’s Steakhouse, FrankieLucy Bakeshop and Wedell Cellars wines.

Charity

A portion of the proceeds from the 10^th Annual LA Food Fest will directly benefit Food Forward, this year’s charity partner. Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same. Food Forward is synonymous with food waste reduction in Los Angeles and the LA Food Fest could not ask for a better partner as they head into their third and final year of being LA’s only Zero Food Waste event.

Sponsors: Essentia Water, National Geographic, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Entercom, Baja Brewing, Golden Road, Calidad, Tequila Cocula, Corazon Azul Spirits, Aguirre Tequila, Tequila Don Nacho, Spindrift, KeVita, Good Farms, Kumana Foods, 4^th & Heart and more.

Instagram: @LAfoodfest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFoodFest/

Snapchat: @LAfoodfest

Twitter: @LAfoodfest

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Come Celebrate 10 Tasty Years One Last Time At The 10th Annual LA Food Fest June 29!

June 22, 2019 by evebushman

(Los Angeles, CA) Angelenos, it’s time to dust off your stretchy pants one last time and be part of the 10th Annual LA Food Fest that will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the grassy infield of Santa Anita Park!

The LA Food Fest was born as the LA Street Food Fest in 2009 founded by Shawna Dawson, Founder + CEO of Angeleno, Inc. (Sauce LA, LA Food Fest, Artisanal LA and Clean Made). She officially kicked off her very first event in Downtown Los Angeles in February 2010. With a lofty goal to not only to fill a gap in the event scene by creating something that was the first of its kind, Dawson created a culinary community and a platform to support independent small businesses that has traveled from Los Angeles Center Studios in DTLA, the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Exposition Park, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and to its final destination Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, cementing the LA Food Fest as L.A.’s premier street food event. LA Food Fest was also the first event to support their vendors by subsidizing the participation of nearly every participant, leading many other events to do the same. And in 2016, Dawson saw an opportunity to do good and help make this amazing city we call home a little better, so she decided to make LA Food Fest LA’s first Zero Food Waste event. Says Dawson, “We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years. The thousands of restaurants, chefs and caterers we’ve had the pleasure of working with. The bevy of events we’ve inspired all over the country, and the world. Not to mention, making the term “Food Fest” a common expression everywhere!”

The 10th Annual LA Food Fest is a community event that promises not to disappoint bringing 5,000 foodies and 100+ restaurants, carts, stands, trucks, bars, beer, wine and craft cocktail makers together including some of the city‘s Top Chefs, Restaurants and International Guest Chefs.

Highlights from this year’s 10th Annual LA Food Fest include:

The Nuevo Gastropub is where the LA Food Fest says adiós with an international lineup for the books! Guest chefs include the grill guru Dante Ferrero (Dante Brasa y Fuego, Mexico City) returning for his third year; Olivier Deboise (Aperi, San Miguel de Allende) with his eclectic approach on sustainable cuisine; the daring gastronomy of Sergio Meza (Villanos en Bermudas, Mexico City), co-owner of one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and one of the youngest executive chefs in the world, Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon and 7 Enoteca, Ontario, Canada). Joining the team, Eduardo Morali (Pangea, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon) executive chef of one of 2019’s Best Restaurants in Mexico said Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants 2019, and the talented French pastry chef Emmanuelle Deboise (La Casa Caramel, San Miguel de Allende). All will bring unique dishes created just for the event and an unforgettable culinary show. The theme for this year’s Nuevo Gastropub is “parrilada” (translates to BBQ), and will include dishes for every palate, from Dante’s primal cuts grilled over coals on site, to organic vegan tacos, ethnic bites (Charbroiled shrimp tostada with peanut salsa macha, mushrooms and grilled onions duxelle, dill aioli; Grilled Street Corn with black garlic and huitlacoche), experimental appetizers (Charbroiled beet with mascarpone cheese, pistachios and black lemon dust) and refreshing fusion desserts (Grilled banana sandwich with avocado mousse, fresh goat cheese, and honey). As in previous years, the Nuevo Gastropub will also feature an extensive Top Shelf Tequila Tasting and Mexican beers like Border X, Cabotella and CALIDAD.

This year, guests will also get a very special taste of Gordon Ramsay’s UNCHARTED, featuring an exclusive preview of the upcoming National Geographic series and sample dishes inspired by the show in the NatGeo Lounge.

As in past years, the Fest will also help a number of New Chefs and Restaurants make their debut including Cuizina (Filipino street food), Quiadaiyn (authentic vegan mole), The Burristas, Cevicheria las Olas, African Chop, El Chef Taco, Ken’s Ramen, POKEBAR, Big Grandma’s Kitchen, Sushi Roku, Oak Smoke BBQ, EK’BALAM Yucatan Cuisine (formerly Delicias Yucatecas), The Vegan Salvi and Always Coffee, alongside neighborhood faves like Maquina Taco, Pasta Sisters, Eagle Rock Public House, Comfort LA, Pinches Flautas, Barranco Lounge by Chef Walther, Fishin for Brews, Low Key Burritos, Luckdish Curry, Takami Sushi, Bearology, Humbleburgerz, Bite Me Gourmasian, Pez Cantina, Padthai Boran, Mama Musubi, Nature Well, Café de Leche and more.

The Ice Cream Social is back with treats from The Donuttery, Pie Hole, You Had Me at Helado, Communitea Bakery, Down South Treats, Dearly Beloved Confections, Tastee Flavors New Orleans style shaved ice, Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake, 12 Oaks Desserts and many more.

To keep the party going, Birds & Bees and Mister O’s Rafael Jonathan Barba brings some amazing bar talent to the mix alongside bars from local Citrus Grove Distillers doing both cocktails and mocktails, Revel Spirits and Broken Shed Vodka. Plus, Pez Cantina micheladas.

For the wine drinkers, local Riboli Wines return, plus a new Wine Garden sponsored by Obvious Wines featuring acoustic tunes from Sylvia Bosco and games of pétanque from La Boulisterie Los Angeles. And for the beer drinkers there’s the Stella Airstream, Golden Road, Eagle Rock Brewery, CALIDAD, Border X, Elysian Brewing IPA, Glutenberg Beer, Hop Valley Brewing and Michelob Gold Organic, plus Common Cider and Hard Kombucha. Plenty of non-alcoholic drinks will be on hand from Spindrift, KeVita, Honest Tea and more.

In the VIP Lounge find plenty of shaded seating, an exclusive HotPoint Lightbox Photo Booth, Alexander’s Steakhouse, FrankieLucy Bakeshop and wines from Napa’s Wedell Cellars.

This year’s event also features a grassy new GA Lounge area. While you’re taking a food coma break, meet friendly Martians and other enthusiastic communicators from JPL. Hear about the latest news and discoveries about NASA exploration across our universe and those made by the rovers, the InSight lander, and NASA orbiters currently at Mars. Take a selfie with various NASA & Apollo backdrops – make a flower crown with Crown Bloom Co. and grab a bottle of cold Essentia Water from the refresh station while you’re there!

Roving Live Entertainment, Mariachi, DJ, a performance on the stage by Black Crystal Wolf Kids, face painting and henna for the (little and big) kids round out the experience.

A complete lineup and event map will be announced closer to the event date. Stay tuned!
______________________________________________

A portion of the proceeds from the 10th Annual LA Food Fest will directly benefit Food Forward, this year’s charity partner. Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same. Food Forward is synonymous with food waste reduction in Los Angeles and the LA Food Fest could not ask for a better partner as they head into their third and final year of being LA’s only Zero Food Waste event.

Thank You to Our Friends who help make this event possible: Essentia Water, National Geographic, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Entercom, Baja Brewing, Golden Road, Calidad, Tequila Cocula, Corazon Azul Spirits, Aguirre Tequila, Tequila Don Nacho, Spindrift, KeVita, Good Farms, Kumana Foods, 4th & Heart and more.

Ticket Information: The LA Food Fest will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 on the grassy infield at Santa Anita Park. To ensure all guests enjoy the event to its fullest, the LA Food Fest attendance is capped at just 5,000 all-inclusive (pre-sale only) tickets. A VIP Power Hour + Early Entry ($99) will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and VIP Check-in will start at 1:30 pm. General Admission ($69) will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and General Admission Check-in starts at 2:30 pm. This event is for all ages and family friendly. Children age 10 and under are free with a paying adult. ID is required for a 21+ wristband and 21+ wristbands are required for all craft beer, cocktail bars, wine and spirit tastings. For more information on the 10th Annual LA Food Fest and to reserve tickets today, please visit www.LAFoodFest.com.

Location: Santa Anita Park (Gate 6) – 275 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA 91007

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services or alternative transportation such as Lyft, Uber, Taxi, Rideshare, Metro, etc., since this event does serve alcoholic beverages. Guest parking for the LA Food Fest is available onsite via Gate 6 at Santa Anita Park for $5 per car (cash only). Complimentary parking is also available for VIP Guests.

LA Food Fest Pro Tips & FAQS: The LA Food Fest is a festival for foodies and a good strategy for the day is the best Fest companion! To ensure an awesome time, check out the Insider Pro Tips & FAQS.

Instagram: @LAfoodfest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFoodFest/
Snapchat: @LAfoodfest
Twitter: @LAfoodfest
2019 Hashtags: #LAfoodfest #stretchypants

LA Food Fest
Santa Anita Park
Gate 6 (ONLY Event Entrance)
275 Colorado Place
Arcadia, CA 91007
www.LAFoodFest.com

Big Sur Foragers Festival Dates Announced: January 16-19, 2020

June 16, 2019 by evebushman

The historic Big Sur River Inn serves as the host and backdrop of one of the Big Sur Foragers Festival’s most popular events, the “Fungus Face-Off,” set for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020. Confirmed Partners Wineries: Bernardus Winery Chappellet Mesa Del Sol Chefs: Big Sur River Inn Montrio Bistro Rio Grill Tarpy’s Roadhouse The Face-Off at the River Inn, set under the oaks overlooking the Big Sur River, features celebrated local chefs competing for the best foraged dish, and will include food tastings, fine wines, craft beers, raffles, a silent auction and more. This event sells out early, and tickets will be on sale through EventBrite starting July 2019. The River Inn has a significant presence in Big Sur history and lore. The inn’s history goes back to 1888, when Jay Pheneger acquired a 160-acre parcel from the federal government and gave his name to the creek that bounds the River Inn on the south. Homesteaders Barbara and Michael Pfeiffer bought the property, and in 1926, Michael, and Barbra’s son John took over the land on which the Big Sur River Inn now stands. The inn was opened in 1934 by his daughter Ellen Brown. She opened her living and dining rooms to the public and began serving hot apple pie, which is still served today and gave the place its first name, Apple Pie Inn. Lodging units were built and Big Sur’s first resort was established. In 1943, Ellen’s sister, Esther Pfeiffer Ewoldson and her husband, Hans, took over the operation. Esther replaced her mother as Big Sur Postmaster and the Post Office was moved to the River Inn, situated where the front office of the motel is now. With a lot of help, Hans built the General Store and lodging units 10 through 15. He rebuilt the dining room and “fixed it up fancy.” The Pfeiffer and the Ewoldson families started a tradition at the Big Sur River Inn of fine food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. In 1988, the Perlmutter family, along with a small group of close friends, formed a partnership to carry on that tradition. For the second year, the Big Sur River Inn extends its tradition of hospitality to host the Big Sur Foragers Festival. The Foragers Festival has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community’s non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area. The four-day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs, who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region’s amazing selection of wine and beer. In addition to the Fungus Face-Off, events will include: A Thursday Night Fundraiser at Lugano’s Swiss Bistro. Details to come. Friday night winemaker’s dinners as locations around Monterey County include Il Grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea Saturday Foraging walk led by local experts. “Wild Mushroom Walks and Talk” Sunday we are finalizing several brunch fundraisers around Monterey County. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org.

17TH ANNUAL SAN FERNANDO VALLEY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, APRIL 27, 2019

April 13, 2019 by evebushman

SYLMAR, CA – The Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) Foundation will be hosting the 17^thAnnual San Fernando Valley Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

This signature event raises crucial funds for our scholarship programs which provides a local financial support system for students and has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships, thanks to the success of events like this. It will be an exciting and fun-filled day to include exquisite cuisine prepared by our award-winning Culinary Arts Institute, wonderful wines, a silent auction, live entertainment and much more!

“San Fernando Valley Food & Wine Festival is a yearly must-attend event for the San Fernando Valley.”

This year’s Annual Food & Wine Festival is expected to draw hundreds of guests in the beautiful Los Angeles Mission College Culinary Arts Institute Building on the afternoon of April 27^th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

With a theme of “International Cuisine” attendees will enjoy cuisine from around the world, pared with wines to complement each dish. In addition, we will be hosting a silent auction, pastry pavilion, and live entertainment provided by local artists.

Meet our amazing faculty and staff of master chefs, including Culinary Arts Department Chair, Chef Louis Eguaras. His past experience includes: Executive Chef of Presidential Culinary Services; Author of bestselling book “101 Things I Learned in Culinary School,” and former White House Chef at Camp David Presidential Retreat and The White House cooking for Presidents Bush Sr and Bill Clinton, dignitaries like Nelson Mandela, John Majors and Brian Mulroney and celebrities like Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and more.

General admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $150. All tickets will include a beautiful souvenir stemmed wine glass to commemorate the event.

To purchase tickets, please visit http://sfvfw.com/ or call: 818 364-7600 ext. 7111

About the Los Angeles College Foundation:

The Los Angeles Mission College Foundation is the support arm of the college, made up of community members and civic and business leaders.

The mission of Los Angeles Mission College Foundation is to raise funds and provide stewardship for funds already raised, through annual scholarship drives, special events, grant applications and business partnerships. Our goal is to provide a local financial support system to needy and deserving students entering and continuing their education at Mission College. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing support for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue quality accessible educational programs and services.

Masters of Taste Announces 2019 Date And Introduces Chef Michael Hung as 2019 Host Chef!

January 14, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA- Come celebrate and be part of the fourth annual Masters of Taste 2019, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival taking place on Sunday, April 7^th, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Masters of Taste

Masters of Taste 2019 is also introducing Chef Michael Hung as the event’s first-time Host Chef. 2017 and 2018 Masters of Taste Culinary Master, Michael Hung’s illustrious career credentials include time spent with Traci Des Jardins’s James Beard Award-winning team at San Francisco’s Jardinière and overseeing the kitchen at Roland Passot’s Michelin-starred La Folie. Chef Hung then left San Francisco to open Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles, where under his leadership the restaurant was honored “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure. Michael’s success continued when he opened the highly-acclaimed Viviane in the Avalon Hotel Los Angeles and then he started his own company Ardour Hospitality in 2016, which focuses on full-service consulting, culinary and hospitality experiences in Greater Los Angeles. In addition to running his own company, Michael has also returned to Faith & Flower where he oversees the kitchen.

“I have been a participant in Masters of Taste for the past two years and it is spectacular! Cooking and serving people on the field of the Rose Bowl could be a once in a lifetime occasion, but I have been lucky enough to get to do it for the past two years, and this year, the honor to be able to formally host the event,” says Hung. “And, while the festivities are amazing, what is most impressive is that Masters of Taste donates 100% of proceeds from this event to Union Station Homeless Services each year. Homelessness deserves our attention, focused work and finances, and Union Station Homeless Services and Masters of Taste are truly leaders in helping those who are in need.”

Masters of Taste 2018 attracted nearly 2,800 guests and garnered media attention throughout Southern California and beyond. Masters of Taste 2019 is expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 45 Master Chefs including returning Culinary Masters Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Bone Kettle), Chef Kyle Johnson (Bourbon Steak), Chef Calogero Drago (Celestino Ristorante), 2019 Host Chef Michael Hung (Faith & Flower) and Chef Lee Hau Fu (Lunasia Dim Sum House) just to name a few. Also, participating in Masters of Taste 2019 will be L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 40 Beverage Masters including spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line cocktail bar featuring four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations and their Master Mixologists, select wineries, local craft breweries, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2019 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last three years Masters of Taste has raised over $1.5 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs. Thank you for making that possible.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for Masters of Taste 2019!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2019 will take place on Sunday, April 7^th, 2019 and is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information on Masters of Taste 2019, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com. Masters of Taste 2019 Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, January 1^st, 2019.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival Teams Up with Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

September 20, 2018 by evebushman

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival Presented by UHealth Clinics at Walgreens today announced that it has paired up with its official hotel sponsor, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa, to offer a new Gridiron Grill-Off Weekend Staycation Package. This special offer is valid on minimum two-night stays November 7 through November 14, 2018 and includes two general admission tickets to the festival, daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi and shuttle service between the resort and event location on November 10, 2018. Savings are valued at $135.*

“We’re fired up to have Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa as our official hotel partner again this year as we prepare to take the Gridiron Grill-Off to an entirely new level,” said John Offerdahl, founder of the event and former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Linebacker. “The new staycation package we’re introducing is great for those looking to kick back and relax with fun, sun, food and music, enjoying our event and taking in all that the area has to offer.”

Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival is a weekend-long celebration that pairs celebrity chefs in South Florida with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes and raise money for the Broward College Foundation. Making its return to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater beginning Friday, November 9, this year’s event will include new additions, with three nights of live concerts and a family-friendly BBQ Pit Masters competition.

Ideally situated on Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is less than 20 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and close to major attractions, including the Pompano Beach Amphitheater and Isle Casino and Race Track. The 4-star hotel offers beachfront access, a fitness center, two swimming pools, a wide range of water sports, and Funky Fish Ocean Camp (a kids club open daily for children ages 4-17). Guests can dine on fresh seafood in the hotel’s oceanview restaurant, grab an evening cocktail at the stylish bar or enjoy a massage at SiSpa.

Tickets to the BBQ Pit Masters event are $10 for adults and free for kids four and under, which includes (ten) one oz. samples of BBQ for voting (All other food and drinks are available for purchase and does not include access to the Grill-Off). General admission for the Gridiron Grill-Off are $85 per person, including all food and beverages at the Saturday event. VIP tickets, which include a gift bag and access to a private tent on-site with seating, shade, food and beverages, are $125 per person.

*Double occupancy; two-night minimum stay required; based on availability.

For more information and to book the Gridiron Grill-off Weekend Staycation package, visit www.gridirongrilloff.com/sponsors-2018/ or call 800-228-9290, using promotional code WKD.

Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gridirongrilloff or Instagram @gridirongrilloff and Twitter @GridironGriller for real-time participant additions and announcements.

About Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival

Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival is a weekend-long celebration that pairs celebrity chefs in South Florida with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes while raising money to positively impact South Florida. Since 2010, the festival has raised money to support foster care and homeless agencies across South Florida and became a subsidiary of the Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation in 2013. The annual event continues to grow each year drawing an average of 3,000 attendees. This year’s ninth annual Gridiron Grill-Off will feature three nights of concerts, a BBQ Pit Masters Competition and unique tailgate experience during the Dolphins versus Packers game on Sunday, November 11. The Live Concert Series powered by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s partnership with AEG Presents will feature performances by Vince Gill, Barenaked Ladies, and Daughtry. Attendees will enjoy the grilling competition, complemented by several additions including new sponsors, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a refreshed silent auction and more. Participating restaurants this year include Beach House Pompano, Oceans 234, Naked Taco and Pelican Landing, among many others.

About Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is a boutique-style resort that caters to leisure and business travelers alike with the simple pleasures of Florida beach living. It is set on the oceanfront in Pompano Beach, a city ripe for discovery and recently named one of the top 10 “up-and-coming” U.S. destinations by TripAdvisor. Guests of Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach enjoy fresh local fare at the Resort’s on-site restaurant, sea-inspired treatments at SiSpa, poolside relaxation and beach access with water sports. Private balconies with Atlantic views are afforded to all of its generously appointed 194 guest rooms and 25 suites. The resort is managed by Urgo Hotels and Resorts. Learn more at www.pompanomarriott.com.

Château de Pommard presents Rootstock 2018, Burgundy’s music, wine and food festival

June 24, 2018 by evebushman

POMMARD, FRANCE – Rootstock, Burgundy’s music, wine, and food festival returns this summer for the French holiday Bastille weekend (July 13-‐15, 2018). The festival will feature a roster of chart-‐topping international acts, including British band Jungle, Canadian group Soul Jazz Orchestra, Swiss band Le Roi Angus, and Nigerian-‐born guitarist Keziah Jones. This international lineup will be completed with the French pop electro group Isaac Delusion and a special Bastille Day DJ set of the unmissable Breakbot. Château de Pommard throws open its doors and invites international travelers to its new luxury Pop Up Hotel, where guests can sleep in an elegant outdoor setting surrounded by hundreds-‐year-‐old vines and 17th-‐century architecture. Discover the finesse of food and wine pairings in the Chefs Alley, learn to taste like a professional in the Burgundy tasting seminar, bike the ancient vineyards on a guided cycling tour, meet the chicest designers from Paris and Marrakech or join your friends and family for a picnic in the ancient Clos Marey-‐Monge.

With 50,000 US travelers heading to Burgundy from May to September, the Californian owners of Château de Pommard, want to share their love of the French countryside and music with fellow Burgundy-‐lovers around the world. The team at Château de Pommard conceived of the Rootstock music festival to attract world-‐class talent to the region, and to support young, rising artists at the beginning of their careers. Awarded annually to select performers, the Rootstock Artist Package, provides financial support early in an artist’s career including; professional recording studio time at Paris-‐based Studio Ferber, media promotion and, connection with booking agents. Theo Maxyme, a 2017 Rootstock Artist Package winner, recently released his first single ‘Sur le Fil’. The song is topping the rock chart on iTunes France.

With only 1,500 Rootstock Passes available, these three days of world-‐class music among the vines is the exclusive summer vacation of a lifetime. Just three hours from Paris, and 90 minutes from Lyon, one of the nation’s most popular tourist hotspots, Château de Pommard is ideally placed to receive international travelers. A new Concierge Service is now available to coordinate visitors’ arrangements, with travel and accommodation packages

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1 Day Pass: 60€
3 Days Pass: 150€
VIP 3 Days Pass: 250€
(USD prices at the time of release: 1 Day Pass $75 -‐ 3 Days Pass $180 -‐ VIP 3 Days Pass $350)

Booking & information -‐ www.rootstockburgundy.com Château de Pommard -‐ 15 Rue Marey Monge, 21630 Pommard

About Château de Pommard

Founded in 1726 by Vivant Micault, secretary to King Louis XV, Château de Pommard remains one of the most iconic and visited wine estates in Burgundy. Clos Marey-‐Monge, at the heart of the domain, has been producing one of the greatest expressions of Pinot Noir for more than two millennia. The 20-‐hectare clay and limestone rich terroir make it the largest and most interesting monopole in the Côte d’Or. In July 2015, UNESCO declared the clos a world heritage protected Climat of Burgundy. The Carabello-‐Baum family of San Francisco purchased the domain in 2014 and became just the fifth family to guide the estate in almost 300 years. The family has transformed the estate into the ultimate wine education destination where anyone can experience the phenomenon that is Burgundy.

For more information, visit www.chateaudepommard.com

Catskills Wine & Food Festival Announces Unique Lineup

May 10, 2018 by evebushman

BLOOMINGBURG, N.Y. (PRWEB) – Today, Catskills Wine & Food Festival (CWFF) announces its lineup of celebrity chefs and musical acts for its inaugural event in upstate New York this October 6 – 7.

From website.

The event is a one-of-kind experience in which guests will be treated to intimate cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs as well as live music, private tastings, a smorgasbord of good eats, and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and cider, all carefully curated. For the full experience, guests can rent on-site cabins that sleep up to 18 people and stay overnight on the magnificent event grounds, nestled in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York.

A limited number of presale tickets will go on sale April 18th at 11 AM, and are only available at CatskillsFestival.com. Ticket prices will increase in May. The lineup of celebrity chefs includes:

Jordan Andino (Flip Sigi and TV personality)
Donatella Arpaia (Prova Pizzabar and Iron Chef judge)
Sarah Blair (Culinary Producer)
Josh Capon (Bowery Meat Company, Lure Fishbar, and more)
Michael Chernow (The Meatball Shop and Seamore’s)
Gail Simmons (BRAVO’s Top Chef)
Alex Guarnaschelli (Butter)
Amirah Kassem (Flour Shop)
Bobbie Lloyd (Magnolia Bakery, The Next Great Baker judge)

Musical guests include:

Lord Huron (Sunday’s headliner)
Moon Taxi
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Drake White and the Big Fire
Ripe
Escort
Dwayne Gretzky
The Dip
Rebecca Perl

Additional chef attendees and musical acts, including Saturday’s headliner, will be announced on an ongoing basis.

Unlike other food, wine, and music festivals, CWFF is an intimate event, allowing guests to get up-close to the action—whether that’s a musical performance or a cooking demonstration. This is a unique opportunity to taste homemade creations cooked “live” by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs. Because of this, tickets are limited and will go fast.

General admission two-day passes, available at CatskillsFestival.com, are $285. This package includes food and wine tastings, access to cooking demonstrations and live music, access to activities throughout the campground, access to the Sunday Market–a culinary curation of the Catkills and beyond–and shuttles to and from select hotels in the area.

All-access two-day VIP passes are available for $549. These passes includes all the general admission events, plus access to VIP Village where celebrity chefs will be holding Meet & Greets and VIP guests can enjoy intimate dining experiences curated by CWFF celebrity chefs, a Saturday evening VIP dinner and a Sunday VIP brunch (all-inclusive), various open bar events, and an exclusive swag bag.

CWFF will also host a private launch event on Friday evening (10/5) for festival sponsors and influencers. This invite-only experience will kick off the festival weekend. For more information, email hello@catskillsfestival.com.

This is 21+ event. For more information about the festival or to sign up to receive advanced updates as new musical guests and celebrity chef attendees are confirmed, visit CatskillsFestival.com.

About Catskills Wine & Food Festival:

Catskills Wine & Food Festival is an intimate VIP experience in which guests can watch and learn from some of the nation’s top celebrity chefs. The event features celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, private tastings, live music, and a dynamic selection of beer, wine, and cider. For more information, visit CatskillsFestival.com.