Carnival Panorama Debut With “Feast of Fun”

December 20, 2019 by evebushman

We do love to cruise, and short of the destination, and the last night’s festivities, nothing beats the excitement of that first day at sea. Except this first day, which was thrilling, but the first guests on the Carnival Panorama didn’t leave the port. That luxury was reserved for the real first-time travelers on this brand new ship that were boarding the next day. (If you just want to look at the debut via some short videos go here and my photos are here.)

Yes it was a “fun-filled day of events onboard Carnival Panorama, the first new West Coast ship in 20 years.” And we learned about their “variety of activities, entertainment and dining options…starting with the redesigned Long Beach Terminal.”

This was the schedule – from 3 pm to 11 pm: Arrival/Boarding, Naming Ceremony with Godmother Vanna White, a Feast of Fun where we (travel agents, VIPS and media) had a chance to “sample Carnival Panorama’s culinary and beverage options” which included wine, beer and spirits offered at every venue on the ship.

It was truly an evening of WOWs. Exploring the decks, seeing at least one suite – wished we had time to see more – but the Havana Suites have their own patios that open up to their own pool and bar. Nice. Star chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri were in attendance – as were their namesake restaurants onboard – and they had the USC Trojan Marching Band for the naming ceremony, which in itself was a great show!

We toured several bars and restaurants – had some awesome cocktails from some very experienced bartenders – and sampled bites from the sushi bar, steak house and then settled in to sample some more during a multi-course dinner. The dining room, for the first time that we could tell, featured items from all of the ship’s restaurants.

After being fully sated we opted to watch the comedian instead of seeing the new “Playlist Productions show or the Rock Revolution.” The comedian, Tony Esposito, was hilarious.

The Sky Zone is new, and it’s the “first trampoline park at sea” and definitely something to see if you or your children like obstacle type courses, basketball, balancing, jousting or bouncing. There is a culinary classroom with several workspaces in the Carnival Kitchen that holds a few classes every day.

The Carnival Airship, a baby blimp, made several appearances during the course of the day which made everything that much more festive. The event ended with a very grand fireworks display, drinking and dancing on Lido Deck.

Lastly, as this is a wine and spirits blog, there are plenty of options in every bar, but they don’t all offer the same spirits. If you want an elevated experience pay for the wines offered in the Fahrenheit steakhouse or any of the higher-end restaurants.

More about Carnival Panorama

As the newest ship in our fleet, Carnival Panorama will offer a variety of onboard innovations, including the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea, the line’s first culinary studio and a new Choose Fun-themed water park. The ship will also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse/Brewhouse featuring BBQ favorites created by Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, as well as craft beers brewed right on board. These complement Vista-class favorites like the Ocean Plaza indoor/outdoor entertainment venue, the Havana nightclub and pool, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.

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.

Rouxbe Named Best Gift for Foodies in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

December 16, 2019 by evebushman

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (PRWEB) – Rouxbe, the leading online culinary school, has been named the Best Gift for Foodies in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Rouxbe is currently holding their biggest sale ever – 40 percent off all courses – which will officially began November 27.

Rouxbe was selected as one of the 20 finalists from hundreds of recommendations for food-centric gift ideas this holiday season. Nominations are sourced by a panel of food and travel industry experts, including editors from USA Today and 10best.com, and winners were chosen based on votes from USA Today readers over a period of four weeks.

“We are thrilled USA Today readers have recognized Rouxbe as a great gift for anyone interested in improving their skills in the kitchen,” said Ken Rubin, Chief Culinary Officer at Rouxbe. “Rouxbe courses are a thoughtful gift for friends and family who are passionate about food and health, whether they are beginners in the kitchen, or practically professional chefs.”

Rouxbe, the world’s leading online culinary school, offers courses developed by a team of world-class chef educators and former culinary school executives. Whether to gain confidence in the kitchen, transition to a healthier diet and lifestyle or professionals wanting to expand their skill sets, Rouxbe has plenty of gift options for everyone.

Annual Memberships are just $99.99 and allow anyone to learn at their own pace and to select which topics interest them most, from knife skills to how to make pasta to mastering the fry pan. Other options include a Professional Cook Certification, which is a comprehensive 200-hour course that covers material and instructional content found in top professional culinary schools, with a focus on foundational technique. Rouxbe also offers a Plant-Based Professional Certification, which offers in-depth instruction in plant-based culinary arts with a focus on the application of core techniques.

Gift givers can just choose a gift card option on https://rouxbe.com/gifts and select who to send it to. A personalized e-card can also be scheduled to arrive at a specific date and time, and recipients can then redeem the gift immediately online.

This year’s USA Today No. 1 ranking comes on the heels of Rouxbe announcing its best Cyber Monday deal ever: 40% off all courses. The sale will be live on https://rouxbe.com beginning November 27 and will end at midnight PT on Monday, December 2.

For more information, visit http://www.Rouxbe.com.

About Rouxbe
Rouxbe, the world’s leading online culinary school, was founded in 2005 to train people of all abilities to become better, more confident – even healthier – cooks in kitchens around the world. With high definition videos, world-class instructors, peer support and interactive assignments, Rouxbe has set the bar as the new standard in culinary education, providing certificate-level instruction not only to quality restaurants and hospitality organizations but also to serious home cooks and career changers. Rouxbe’s revolutionary online platform delivers cutting edge e-learning solutions that drive and measure learning outcomes and engagement while providing effective, lower-cost alternatives for training professional cooks. Over 110 hours of foundational training are available in English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Arabic to hundreds of thousands of cooks in 180 countries. Rouxbe programs are also recognized by both the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation and by WorldChefs as approved training programs.

For more information and the latest news about Rouxbe, please visit http://www.rouxbe.com.

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

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: Discoveries at the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo

September 17, 2019 by evebushman

This is only my second year at the Western Foodservice Show and Expo and I always look forward to the educational seminars provided as well as being introduced to the latest in all things related to food service.

Walking the Floor

I ran some early press releases for readers to know what to expect. One was the addition of the new Sabor Latino Pavillion. The favorites I’ve listed below got my attention but you should also check out the full list of Exhibitors, Special Events and the New Product Showcase.

Favorites this year included: Six One Nine Vodka infused with Rose Petals, Honey Smoked Fish (salmon), all of the non-spirit based drinks from Premium Blend like an agave wine-based tequila, Macaccino roasted Maca blend health benefits over coffee, Coconut Bliss non-dairy frozen dessert, Morelloforni 90-second pizza oven, Jack’s Catch brand crabmeat, the entire lineup from Tequila Don Fermin, Cutlery Sleeves that replace the look and hassle or rolling napkins, The Hummus Guy’s Halava, whiskies from Corsair Distillery, Smoked Soy Sauce from Kesennuma, Reverse Tap that fills beer from the bottom of the glass, CoolHaus Ice Cream, unique Pack N Wood food picks, Peppi-mint Lush Puffs Marshmallow Mug Toppers, almond cookies from May’s Bakery and Noodle Company, Villa Dolce Gelato, watching The Sushi Robot make a spicy tuna roll, CitroCasa Fantastic Juice machine was just like one I had seen in France last summer, Torani Chai concentrates, Garage Brewing Company Marshmallow Milk Stout and Blueberry Cream Ale. See my slideshow here.

My Courses

These are the four seminars I attended and you can email me at Eve@EveBushmanConsulting if you want to know what I learned about:

Finding Additional Revenue Sources that Complement Your Existing Restaurant Business

The One System Your Restaurant Must Have to Survive

Productive Team Habits Trending in Successful Restaurants

Reach More Customers: Restaurant Social Media Marketing

Classes that interested me but I was too busy on the floor to make included: 7 Ways to Market Your Restaurant’s Catering Brand, The Key to Finding Good Employees, 10 Reasons Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Menu Design,

Productive Team Habits Trending in Successful Restaurants and Increasing Customer Satisfaction and Driving Restaurant Sales and Exploding Profits Through Grass Roots Marketing and a Productive Team.

I made it halfway through a class on why you might want to add a food truck to your existing business or start your restaurant career with a food truck but it overlapped into another meeting, “Pitch the Press”, where writers get to see the latest trends and I couldn’t miss that one. The ones of note for me included:

The AngelPo CombiOven that did it all: pasteurization, chilling, smoking, dehydration and the obvious: cooking, a large plastic and super quiet Bissell Wide Areas Sweeper that could suck up anything from dust to water bottles, Pumpkin Spice Cheddar from Fiscalini Cheeses in Modesto, Fresh Origins edible flowers and Herb Crystals for chefs and mixologists, German company Vito that created an Oil Filter System that avoids all human touch, Zorijushi (Zo-ri-jushi) made a stainless Steel Vacuum Creamer Dairy Server that attempts to retrain everyone how not to spill creamer, and the winner by our votes was The Real Company for their decently-priced Pink Himalayan Salt, Real Cane Sugar and Basmati Rice that focuses on giving back and organics.

Information on the Foodservice Council for Women, Torch Award Recipients, Beacon Award Recipients, Hospitality, Leadership and Profitability Workshop, Rapid Fire Challenge and Trans Inclusivity Workshop can be read here under the Education tab.

About the Western Foodservice Show

This premier 3-day event encompasses everything you need to master the emerging trends, amp up your profits, energize your business and engage your customers in unique and memorable ways. Join 8,000+ of your peers at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, where you’ll have access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, the best in business education and 500 of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community — all under one roof!

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

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

September 2, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience.

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2016: The Plunder from Down Under

August 27, 2019 by evebushman

Once again the organizers at LA Scotch Club put together a mighty tasting. This time it would be whisky from Argentina, Australia, Tasmania, South Africa and New Zealand. And if trying whisky from these areas wasn’t unique enough, they took it one step further and decided to pair the EIGHTEEN samples with regional food.

I was not at the event as press, so it wasn’t until I got home that I smacked my forehead and thought, “gee, that was something to write about.” So my notes are brief, just a little of what I thought was remarkable. However, at the event, all of us had a grand time describing the aromas and flavors we found. I can recollect that my descriptors included banana peel, toasted marshmallow, praline almond, cream, vanilla, chocolate, smoke, cigar and many others.

Invitation

This is the event that we have been waiting for two years for. The LA Scotch Club will be turning the whisky upside down in more ways than one as we head to the other side of the world to experience the whiskies of Argentina, Australia (and Tasmania), New Zealand, and South Africa. There has never been another whisky tasting like this anywhere in the world. Many of these bottles had to travel the continents in suitcases to arrive here as they are not sold outside of their home country…

During the whisky tasting of 18 different pours (20 for LASC members) we’ll enjoy the cuisine and music from the countries we are visiting. Argentine steak, empanadas, South African Boerewors and more will be shared as we bbq over wood coals.

LAscotchclub.com

DINNER

Vacio (flank steak) cooked over wood coals – Argentina
Assortment of Empanadas – Argentina
Boerewors (sausage) – South Africa
Billatong jerky – South Africa
Australian Potato Salad – Australia
Kiwi fruit – New Zealand
Pavlova – Australia

(I found the sausage and jerky too gamey – dry and darkly spiced – for my tastes but I could see how it could complement the whiskeys. The potato salad, empanadas and fruit were very yummy. My favorite dish was the Vacio flank steak, especially when I covered it in sauce.)

WHISKY (My favorites – before bottle fatigue set in – are noted as #FINDMORE)

Argentina

La Alazana Patagonian Single Malt

Mainland Australia

Lark Distiller’s Selection
Smith’s of Angaston 14yr #FINDMORE
Limeburners Single Whisky (cask M97)
Starward Wine Cask

Tasmania

Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross
Sullivan’s Cove Small Batch French Oak Casks #FINDMORE
Sullivan’s Cove Cask Strength Bourbon Cask #FINDMORE
Overeem Port Cask #FINDMORE
Cradle Mountain 18yr Cadenhead’s

New Zealand

Waitui Manuka Mead Barrel
Old Hokonui
Lammerlaw 10yr
Thomson Two Tone Release #FINDMORE
Milford 10yr
South Island 21yr

South Africa

Draymans Solera Reserve
Three Ships 10yr
Bain’s Cape Single Grain Whisky

LASC Member-Only Bottles

Bakery Hill Doublewood
Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross

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

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Turns 10!

July 17, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES, CA — Marking a momentous tenth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz, is set for Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. The Presenting Sponsors for the cookout are Northwestern Mutual and Volvo Cars of North America.

photo credit Becky Sapp/Getty from 2018 event

Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more. The 2019 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Michael Cimarusti, Chris Bianco, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures. First time participant is Gabriela Cámara, Mexico City’s beloved chef of Contramar (and Cala in San Francisco) who will open her first restaurant in Santa Monica in the coming months. More chefs will continue to be announced, as well as leading vintners and mixologists from across the country.

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195 until August 1, when the price increases to $225. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade also offers a $1,200 premier ticket level that includes early access to the event, VIP seating and an exclusive invite to the private and intimate Welcome Dinner the evening before, on Friday, September 13. The culinary cookout is family-friendly; children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult and do not need to register for the event.

For complete listings of participants and to purchase tickets for this year’s event visit the ALSF website. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.

L.A. supporters enthusiastically responded with huge turnouts in the first nine years, sampling signature dishes of world renowned chefs and reaching over $7.3 million in sponsorship, ticket and auction sales to date. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendees Jimmy Kimmel, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions of the cause.

More than 2,000 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, attended the 2018 event, which raised nearly 1.5 million. Those in attendance heard an inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents, and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Cooper Gray, a childhood cancer hero who was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor at age 4.

“I can’t believe it’s our tenth year. It seems like yesterday that we were introducing LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade to everyone here and now it’s a huge part of the Los Angeles experience.,” said co-founder Caroline Styne. “I’m so beyond thrilled to be part of such a worthwhile organization. And this day is by far my most favorite one of the year. Always.”

“We’re in awe of the commitment and generosity of Suzanne, Caroline and David, all the participating chefs, vintners, mixologists and guests of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “It is so special to celebrate an entire decade of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade! Every year we move closer to achieving Alex’s vision of finding a cure for all kids with cancer!”

For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Sara Moyer at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (610) 649-3034 or S.Moyer@AlexsLemonade.org

Become a fan of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ALSFCulinaryEvents Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @LALovesAlexs

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $175 million so far, funding nearly 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

Partial List of Participating Chefs

Chris Bianco (Phoenix) – Pizzeria Bianco

Gabriela Cámara (Mexico City, San Francisco) – Contramar, Cala
Michael Cimarusti (L.A.) – Providence
Josiah Citrin (L.A.) – Melisse

Eva Ein (L.A.) – McConnell’s Ice Cream

Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken (L.A.) – Border Grill

Michael Fiorelli

Neal Fraser (L.A.) – Redbird
Suzanne Goin (L.A.) – Lucques Group

Hedy Goldsmith (L.A.) – Sweet Hedy

Valerie Gordon (L.A.) – Valerie Confections

Sarah Grueneberg (Chicago) – Monteverde Restaurant & Pastifico

Timothy Hollingsworth (L.A.) – Otium, Barrel & Ashes

Bruce Kalman (Pasadena, CA)

Sara Kramer & Sarah Hymanson (L.A.) – Kismet, Madcapra

Adam Perry Lang (Hollywood) – APL Restaurant

David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach) – Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite

David Lentz (L.A.)

Donald Link (New Orleans) – Link Restaurant Group

Jenn Louis (Portland, OR)

Walter Manzke & Margarita Manzke (L.A.) – Republique

Kevin Meehan (L.A.) – Kali

Matt Molina (L.A.) – Everson Royce Bar, Triple Beam Pizza, Hippo

Dahlia Narvaez (L.A.) – Mozza Restaurant Group

Zoe Nathan (L.A.) – Huckleberry

Nancy Oakes (San Francisco) – Boulevard

Zachary Pollack (L.A.) – Alimento, Cosa Buona

Mark Rosati (Nationwide) – Shake Shack

Steve Samson (L.A.) – Rossoblu

Michael Santoro (Beverly Hills) – The Beverly Hills Hotel

Michael Schwartz (Miami) – Genuine Hospitality Group, Fi’Lia

Jon Shook & Vinny DiTolo (L.A.) – Jon & Vinny’s

Nancy Silverton (L.A.) – Mozza Restaurant Group

Jonathan Sundstrom (Seattle) – Lark

Suzanne Tracht (L.A.) – Jar

Marc Vetri (Philadelphia) – Vetri Cucina

Rocco Whalen (Cleveland/Charlotte) – Fahrenheit

Shiho Yoshikowa (L.A.) – Sweet Rose Creamery

***All chefs and vintners have graciously donated their time, food and talent to the cause for this event***

Vintage Eve Circa 4/2016: Masters of Taste 2016 Hits the Rose Bowl

July 16, 2019 by evebushman

Wowza! All the full-sized cocktails to tantalize any happy imbiber, paired with wine, beer and the most incredible food from LA’s best restaurants all while walking on the field of the Rose Bowl? Yep, add in complimentary massages in the VIP lounges, plenty of seating on the “infield” and every vendor dedicated to provide the best they have to offer, all to benefit the Union Station Homeless Services. Read on, and/or watch my 3-minute YouTube slideshow.

Ladies enjoying all of the festivities.

First, here’s the teaser:

The Invite

Masters of Taste, a luxury food and beverage festival, will take place on April 3, 2016 –rain or shine– on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl. All proceeds will benefit Union Station Homeless Services.

Guests will walk the field of the Rose Bowl to discover LA’s finest fare including 40 restaurants & 25 breweries, wineries, and spirits. Tiered ticketing will offer VIP’s and sponsors a premier experience, with private lounge seating and concierge dining service.

Master chefs, vintners, mixologists and brewers will be curated with the help of seasoned event producer Dennis Richardson (Taste LA, Taste Beverly Hills, and Wolfgang Puck Catering) and restaurant owner and businessman Rob Levy (The Raymond 1886, HomeStreet Bank).

A full listing of The Masters (I couldn’t get to them all!)

Food: http://mastersoftastela.com/the-masters/food

Drinks: http://mastersoftastela.com/drinks

Sweets: http://mastersoftastela.com/lifestyle

My Favorites

As soon as we started to descend from the bleachers onto the cool AstroTurf of the playing field I knew we were in for a real treat. Vendors circled the entire field, two large lounges marked the end zones, and on the field itself was innovative seating for all.

As I made my rounds (at least three times) and snapped photos for you, I enjoyed a little me time with these vendors:

Two different milk-based cocktails, one with rum and one with bourbon, from Nighthawk Breakfast Bar.

Crispy Pork Belly, Crostini with Fava Bean and Radish from BierBeisl.

Dark chocolate toffee from Alique Toffee Company.

A coconut Citrus Salad from Toca Madera.

The wine line up from Vinemark Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Four Brix, Spin the Bottle Wine Studio and Anglim. (Sorry to have missed some others though!)

Compressed Pork Shoulder with Andouille, Braised White Beans and Pickled Onion served up from Noor.

Refreshing Margaritas at Sol Cocina made with Des Madre tequila.

A killer tuna presented by Pasadena’s The Osawa.

Hyde Sunset made a Braised Beef Cheek with Pea and Sunchoke Puree, Crispy Shallots and Pea Vines.

My new favorite sipping Whiskey, no water needed, is now Kikori. Wonderful in both an Old Fashioned and, best drink of the day, the Blood Orange Sour.

Birch made a great foie gras and pâte dish with crostini for dipping, expertly served up by Chef Brendan Collins, and it was my favorite bite of the day.

The Hooch APP table, for an outstanding cocktail made with ginger beer and Brugal rum.

Sliders form Hache LA seemed to be a favorite for many.

The “Green Arrow” dink from Demitasse Coffee Roasters with Vermouth, muddled mint, Kyoto iced coffee and honey cream. Both a pick-me-up and dessert!

Chef Claud Beltran kept his line moving from Claud and Co. and Bacchus’ Kitchen and Eatery.

The perfect cocktails crafted by the experienced bartenders from Alexander’s Steakhouse Pasadena and The Raymond 1886 in the VIP areas.

Meeting the talented mixologist-gone-rogue Adam Seger of Balsam Spirits and trying his drinks made with Amaro and Shrub.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Region This August

July 8, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Curd nerds and growler geeks can now find fulfillment as they travel with Cheese Journeys on its inaugural adventure to northwestern Vermont, August 8-13, 2019, to some of America’s favorite creameries and breweries, including award-winning Jasper Hill Farms & Cellars and the “Best Brewery in the World,” Hill Farmstead Brewery. The journey will aptly include an exclusive experience at the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at historic Shelburne Farms on August 11, 2019.

Officially kicking off the tour in the city of Burlington, food trippers will enjoy a convivial signature cocktail featuring a local spirit and brew, followed by a short introduction to food photography before heading to a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

The next day travelers head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to visit renowned Jasper Hill Farm, one of America’s most innovative and successful artisan cheese businesses. An exclusive visit to the creamery with founders and brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, will not only include tasting some of the most prized cheeses in the US and abroad, but will also provide an opportunity to learn about their philosophy of cheesemaking, affinage, and sustainability. A stop at Jasper Hill’s Randi Albert Calderwood Cropping Center, the Farm’s state-of-the-art hay drying facility which allows the company to produce much of their herd’s own feed, contributing to the true taste of Jasper Hill’s products, underscores the meaning of “terroir.”

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Burlington Farmers Market will offer an overview of many of Vermont’s best artisan producers of cheese, meats, cider, and even veggie fermenters. Mad River Distillers and Lake Champlain Chocolates are just two of the several specialty food makers that will be visited. During an exclusive Vermont Cheesemakers Dinner, including cheesemakers (naturally) and the director of the Vermont Cheese Council, Tom Bivens, guests will learn about the Vermont cheese scene in more depth.

At the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, idyllically located on the shores of Lake Champlain, travelers will enjoy VIP admittance as they meet up with nearly fifty cheesmakers as well as local wine, craft beer, and numerous other food and beverage purveyors in attendance. Presentations about farmstead and artisan cheesemaking, cooking demos, workshops, and educational seminars are all awaiting at the festival.

A return to Shelburne Farms with a cheese-tasting and tour of the grounds, as well as a stop at Shelburne Vineyards to enjoy their award-wining wines will add to the appreciation of this region’s agricultural heritage and diversification.

Finally, no cheese venture to Vermont would be complete without a stop at Vermont Creamery, one of the country’s best-known goat dairies. Company president, Adeline Druart, will reveal how co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, developed their highly-acclaimed fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and other European-style dairy products 35 years ago.

Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will lead this adventure throught the back country of Vermont, accompanied by two co-hosts: Tenaya Darlington, author and academian who goes by ‘Madame Fromage,’ and Jeff Roberts, author and one of Vermont’s food-scene experts. Believing in the importance of cheese education, Curds & Co (Brookline, MA), The Cheese Shop (Concord, MA), and Fairfield Cheese Company (Fairfield, CT) are collaborating with Cheese Journeys on this trip. FREE travel to and from Burlington, VT is available at each of these three locations.