Taking It All In: Masters of Taste 2018

May 25, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The Masters of Taste event is top-notch – obtaining only the most sought after chefs, restaurants, sweet makers, mixologists, spirits and wineries – and it’s only their third year holding the event. My mouth waters in anticipation just writing this out…

The Invite

Walk the field of the Rose Bowl and enjoy unlimited samplings from some of L.A.’s most eclectic chefs and restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, mixologists and more! 2,500 influential food and beverage enthusiasts from all throughout the Greater Los Angeles area are expected to attend this exciting festival which will include spectacular offerings from over 50 Culinary Masters and restaurants, an array of signature sweets prepared by L.A.’s finest Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 25 Beverage Masters which will include top cocktail bars, wineries, local craft breweries…

My Takeaways

It was a wee bit warm at the start of Masters of Taste, but soon clouds took over a good hour or so into it, and, as you will see from the photos I’ve shared, many people decided to take advantage of the weather and forgo the shaded tables just to lollygag on the grass – to eat, drink, socialize and even toss a football around!

This year the VIP end zones had chef and cocktail classes on one end as well as a Wolfgang Puck seated pop up wine-paired meal on the other. The four-course meal was absolutely inspired and fabulous, a real treat for VIP ticket holders.

Of course we drank and ate plenty, and had fun running into many friends including Liz and Bruce Pack, Joe Wehinger (for Daily Ovation), Adam Rubenstein (Viva LA Foodies), Danielle Salmon (Follow My Gut foodie blogger), Kevin Friend, Lee and Helen Williams (and their pack of helpers from Golden Star Vineyards), David Dinsmore (Ascension Cellars), Lawrence Moore (Lawrence Moore and Associates) and Anthony Duggan as well as making new friends on what proved to be a most memorable day.

Even with so many killer foods, drinks and desserts, the lines were more than manageable. This year they also challenged chefs to whip up something with Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Guests were given wooden chips to leave at the tables they wanted to cast a vote for. My fave was a chocolate Gelato with the Bourbon. (Come to find out the next day that they – Fatamorgana Gelato – won!)

We didn’t make it to every vendor, but of those we did make it to we enjoyed Fried Chicken n’ Beignets from Maple at Descanso Gardens, plant based “Lazy Sushi” at M Café, Dulce Vida Grapefruit Tequila, Deviled Turkey Salad Sandwich from Wax Paper, Mignon Chocolate Truffles, Crème Caramel, ZYR Russian Vodka, cocktails from The Raymond 1886, Chicken Pot Sticker from LiOrient, Spicy Baja Tuna Tostada from Pez Cantina, cocktails from Momed, Organic Tuscan Kale Salad from True Food Kitchen, a Salmon Belly Summer Roll from Garlic and Chives, Pad Thai Calamari from Bourbon Steak, Toasted Barley with Sugar Snap Peas (love this one!) from Derive, American Born Whisky, Carnitas Tacos from Mercado, cookies from Zooies, Burrata Stuffed Ravioli in a Red Beet Sauce from Celestino, Golden Star Vineyards, Wrath Wines, Hitching Post Wines and Ascension Cellars….

Culinary Vendors Include

Ardour Hospitality Chef Michael Hung (Los Angeles)

Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Travis Flood (Pasadena)

Ayara Luk Chef Vanda Asapahu (Westchester)

Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery and Claude & Co. Chef Claud Beltran (Pasadena)

Bistro Mon Cheri Chef Kimmy Tang (Pasadena)

Bone Kettle and Komodo Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Pasadena and Los Angeles)

Bourbon Steak Chef Kyle Johnson (Glendale)

Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago (Pasadena)

CHAYA Chef Joji Inoue (Downtown Los Angeles and Venice)

Church & State and Spring Chef Tony Esnault (Downtown Los Angeles)

Dérive Chef Shane Alvord (Pasadena)

Eat @ Rollin’ Joe’s Chef Mark Salazar (Los Angeles)

Fahrenheit LA Chef John McLellan (Los Aneles)

Garlic & Chives Chef Kristin Nguyen (Garden Grove)

Grill Em All Chef Ryan Harkins (Alhambra)

Gus’s Barbecue Chef Mike Stern (South Pasadena)

Jaffa Chef Anne Conness (Los Angeles)

Kato Chef Jonathan Yao (Los Angeles)

Li Orient Asian Bar & Restaurant and Triple 8 China Bar & Grill (Los Angeles)

Loquita Chef Peter Lee (Santa Barbara)

Lunasia Dim Sum House Chef Lee Hau Fu (Pasadena and Alhambra)

M Café Chef Atsushi Kenjo (Melrose and Beverly Hills)

Maestro Chef Elena Vega (Pasadena)

Maple at Descanso Gardens Chef Philip Mack (La Cañada Flintridge)

Mercado Chef Jose Acevedo (Hollywood, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica)

Momed Chef Alex Sarkissian (Beverly Hills and Atwater Village)

Montrésor and The FLATS Chef Paul Shoemaker (Studio City and Beverly Hills)

Nerano Chef Michele Lisi (Beverly Hills)

Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson (Downtown, Los Angeles)

Poppy and Rose Chef Michael Reed (Los Angeles)

Prince of Venice Chef Alberto Bertoncin (Los Angeles)

Ramen Tatsunoya (Pasadena)

Redbird Chef Neal Fraser (Downtown Los Angeles)

Sweet Greek Chef Christina Xenos (Los Angeles)

The Bellwether Chef Ted Hopson (Studio City)

The Raymond 1886 Chef Tim Guiltinan (Pasadena)

True Food Kitchen Chef Sebastian Pfleging (Pasadena)

Wax Paper Chef Peter Lemos (Frogtown)

Wolfgang Puck Catering (Los Angeles)

World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz (Burbank)

Sweet Masters

Butter Cake Shoppe, Chocolate Stars USA, Crème Caramel, Fatamorgana Gelato, Helados Pops, Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Porto’s Bakery, Sidecar Doughnuts, The Dolly Llama, Zooies Cookies and others.

Brewmasters

Angel City Brewery, Brewyard Beer Company, Indie Brewing Company, Iron Triangle Brewing, Lincoln Beer Company, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Mt. Lowe Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co. and State Brewing Co.

Wineries

Ascension Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Foris Winery & Vineyards, Golden Star Vineyards & Winery, Hitching Post Winery, Jax Vineyards, Kieu Hoang Winery, Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, Navarro Vineyards, Riboli Family Wines, Rutherford Ranch Winery, and Wrath Wines.

Bars

Ann-Marie Verdi of The Bellwether, Cameron Masden of 1886, Dan Garvin of Magnolia House, Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl, Feisser Stone of CHAYA Izakaya and world-class Barman Payman Bahmani.

Spirits

American Born Moonshine, Buzzbox, Dulce Vida Tequila, SelvaRey Rum, Smirnoff Spiked Sparking Seltzer, Woodford Reserve and ZYR Russian Vodka and many more.

Non-Alcoholic Bevvies

Bai, Boxed Water, Califia Farms, Dry Sparkling, Groundwork Coffee, Honeydrop Beverages, Humm Kombucha, Immordl, Nekter Juice Bar and Zico Coconut Water

Vintage Eve Circa 3/15: Several Firsts at Celestino Ristorante & Bar

May 8, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Where does one begin after their first dining experiences at Celestino Ristorante and Bar? The seasonal mushroom menu that included my first experience tasting truffles? Meeting Partner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago? Tasting “only three percent of the menu” but possibly the best as recommended by our server? Pairing Italian Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian Syrah with a meal that began with Sicilian rice croquet and ended with Panna Cotta vanilla custard and strawberries…wait, that dessert was served with a small glass of chilled Italian Moscato dessert wine. Egads, lets just get started!

The Dishes and Wine Pairing

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Photo from Celestino Facebook page.

As is our custom in a restaurant that is new to us, we asked our server for advice on their best dishes and wines (in this case he offered them to us by the glass) for each. We began with an item not on the menu: Sicilian Rice Croquet paired with a 2011 Vitiano Cabernet Sauvignon. Our waiter said not to “judge at first page, like a book” and see how the wine worked with the food (as we all know Italian wines are made for food).

The wine was not as big and bold as a domestic Cabernet and paired with the soft, warm and inviting creamiest of provolone cheese in the croquet – it subtly complemented it. My husband Eddie said the wine opened up more with the oil and fat in the dish, I found it to be a pleasant palate cleanser.

Then we made a selection from the Seasonal Mushroom and Truffle Menu: Veal Carpaccio with Shave Fresh Truffle and Pecorino Cheese, paired with the same Vitiano Cabernet. Neither of us had had Veal Carpaccio or Truffle before. This was a treat! I picked up the aromas of the dish from at least a foot away, though no one item overpowered the other in flavor once I dived in – except the capers of course! Having no point of reference on what truffle tastes like (and no, for my food 101ers, it’s not chocolate) this root, this mushroom, had the strength of flavor of the finest cured meat, and against the firm cheese and delicate veal it was simply a wonderful discovery.

Next we moved over to main dishes, that we had split so we could try each other’s dishes. We ordered the Ossobuco all Milanese with Saffron Risotto and Risotto with Fresh Porcini Mushroom (our waiter exchanged the Risotto with Homemade Wide Pappardelle noodle so we didn’t have too much Risotto) both paired with a 2012 Adesso, made from the Nero d’avolo grape our waiter said was “an ancestor” to the Syrah grape.

Trying the wine on its own I noted great spice and dark fruit, yet very balanced with low acid and good tannin structure.

(This is where I must take a breath. When you look over the photo album on Facebook, you will see a shot of tricolored drying pasta. The Pappardelle noodle was cooked perfectly al dente, I had to wonder how they could do this. Eddie figured it’s because the noodles don’t need to be rehydrated, and cooks faster. But still, 90 seconds or 100 seconds, they have it down to a science.)

Now, back to noodle nirvana. Starting with the Pappardelle I thought it was comfort food at its finest: creamy, milky, buttery and meaty too, courtesy the flavorful mushrooms. Yet we were told that the only liquid in the sauce was white wine. There was NO cream in the dish. What made it taste like this? Our waiter came to our aid again and said that when made with fresh Porcini mushrooms it’s the mushrooms alone that makes the dish creamy.

Now, if you’re keeping up we have one more – and incredible – main dish and then dessert. Try to hold on because here comes Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Risotto paired with 2003 Cersus 100% Sangiovese. Our waiter had asked if we wanted a domestic wine or a big Italian, we chose the big Italian because we had enjoyed the others so much before this. On its own I got aromas of dirt, blackberry, cigar…and dare I say mushroom? The taste was all blue and black fruit, balanced pepper, firm tannins and a staggeringly long finish.

Now, onto the tenderest of veal framed by an equally tender risotto. Both were creamy, and both gave into the wine cutting right through them, making you want to dive back into the dish over and over again even if…you are getting a tad full.

So here it is, dessert: Panna Cotta Vanilla Custard Over Strawberries paired with a chilled Italian Moscato dessert wine. Our waiter said there was a great selection of desserts, but this one, the Panna Cotta, would not be found anywhere else. Reminded me of a vanilla bean in fresh whipped cream though denser, custard though softer, a crème Brûlée without the hard shell. The flavor of the vanilla and strawberries against the orange in the Moscato was something to relish and linger over. And that we did.

The Atmosphere

We were early diners so we could select a booth or table, and we chose a spot close to the kitchen to watch things. At one point we were quietly serenaded in Italian as workers went about their business. Nice.

I took a tour around and was pleased to fine more than one dining room and a beautiful outdoor patio complete with an arbor, lights and a young boy that wanted to be in my photos.

At one point our waiter announced, “The Capitan, Senior Drago is here” and we watched as Partner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago went from table to table to greet his guests, making the evening that much more special for all. And yes, we got another photo.

In Conclusion

We want to try more Italian Cabernets, we want to try the other 97% of the menu, and we want to go back for my birthday.

The Details

Celestino Ristorante & Bar – 141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 – 626.795.4006 –

Website: http://celestinopasadena.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelestinoOnLake

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CelestinoOnLake

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 guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. 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

Vintage Eve Circa 2/15: Flavor, Color and Texture at The Raymond 1886

May 1, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Although The Raymond 1886 is well known to many, my husband and I had our first experience via a multi-course meal, cocktails and dessert, that brought our level of culinary education up a notch…or three.

Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan has a way with food. It appeared to us, right off the bat, that he had designed his plates to delight a diner with three things: flavor, color and texture. It went like this:

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From The Raymond’s Facebook page

Our Menu

Steamed Blue Mussels, angry lady sauce, Chinese sausage, Thai chili served with toasted bread.

What a wonderful batch of flavors, from the subtle tang of chili, the meaty and spicy sausage, to the tender flavorful mussel nestled inside. The toasted bread served on the side was the perfect accompaniment to sop up all of the juices nestled at the bottom of our bowl. I actually wrote down, “finger licking good” and labeled the dish an “Eve’s Pick.”

Micro-Farmed Massachusetts Oyster, Tim’s Habanero Horseradish Hot Sauce.

Cool, clean, crisp, refreshing with a hint of salt – and then with one drop of Tim’s orange-colored sauce and our oysters were spiced up just enough to make them that much more interesting to savor. (Ed liked two drops.)

Hand Harvested Scallops, Oregon black trumpets, grapefruit, English peas and vanilla-bean potato.

I took some time to savor the colors before diving into my scallops: the green peas, bright grapefruit segments, the blackest of Oregon black trumpets and slightly golden and glistening scallops. Dear me, the taste did not disappoint and I ate all five.

Short Rib-72-hour braise, liquefied potato, haricot vert, radish-onion-carrot slaw.

An extremely tender, smoky and juicy short rib was surrounded by a blend of colorful vegetables cooked al dente. And again, the colors, red, brown, green, orange and white, added to our pleasure. Eddie thought the dish worked in perfect balance.

“Chocolate Hazelnuts” Dark chocolate cremeaux, coffee soil, milk chocolate hazelnut praline crunch, espresso ice cream.

In the dessert, the crescendo of our meal, Chef Tim Guiltinan again used flavor, color and texture to tantalize our taste buds. We loved breaking up the sweet crunchy hazelnut praline and then dipping into the cool and creamy espresso ice cream. Simply decadent.

More menus can be viewed online. (We asked our server for recommendations as we think that’s a good bet the first time we visit a restaurant.)

Cocktails and Wine List

“Pimms #6” – Russian Standard vodka, Pimms, mint, cucumber, citrus and carbonated lemonade. I could see right away why this was a signature drink. It refreshed the palate perfectly between bites of appetizers with its fruit, mint and cucumber. Definitely something I could imagine sipping on over brunch in the patio – next time.

“Rye Reverse” – Templeton rye, Rittenhouse 100, dry Vermouth, Maraschino cherry, a drop of curacao, stirred and served over large rock with lemon and orange peels. Ed ordered this one and loved it. From the presentation to the taste, this was a perfect aperitif.

This is just a sample, there are a lot of cocktails to choose from, so have fun selecting your own!

Wine List

As we had a single cocktail we didn’t order wine as well, but we did note these favorite wineries had found their place on The Raymond’s multi-page list (I’m sure you’ll find some of your favorites there too): Ramey, Pahlmeyer, Joseph Phelps, Robert Craig, Turley, Schramsberg, Veuve Clicquot, Rocca, Frank Family, Ancient Peaks, Stolpman…to name just a few.

Conclusion

What do you think? Heading back for brunch in a week to enjoy the patio and all that Chef Tim Guiltinan has in store for diners again!

Facebook album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204937099854660.1073741900.1455706632&type=1&l=04cc16796d

In its heyday, The Grand Raymond Hotel was an East Coasters’ winter respite celebrating the finer things in life. Though the hotel is gone, its original caretaker’s cottage remains and houses The Raymond | 1886 Bar. With beautiful patios, gardens, fireplaces, and one of the top cocktail and wine programs in the U.S., The Raymond | 1886 Bar provides a comprehensive experience that marries gorgeous atmosphere, top notch drinks, and innovative American cuisine inspired by international technique. (read more from Discover Los Angeles)

The Raymond 1886 – 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 – 626.441.3136 – http://www.theraymond.com

Find on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaymondPasadena

Discover on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRaymondRestaurant

Website: http://www.theraymond.com/

3rd Annual Masters of Taste: L.A.’s Top Tastemakers Celebrate the Finer Things On Field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl – Introducing the 2018 Masters! (Sunday, May 6th, 2018)

April 30, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the 3^rd Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6^th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl! (Editor’s note:$10 off when you use code EvesWine18! Yes, you can SHARE THE CODE!)

Masters of Taste 2018 will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 40 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 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 2018 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 Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. The nonprofit agency offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last two years Masters of Taste has raised nearly $1 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2018 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include:

Ardour Hospitality Chef Michael Hung (Los Angeles)
Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Travis Flood (Pasadena)
Ayara Lūk Chef Vanda Asapahu (Westchester)
Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery and Claude & Co. Chef Claud Beltran (Pasadena)
Bistro Mon Cheri Chef Kimmy Tang (Pasadena)
Bone Kettle and Komodo Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Pasadena and Los Angeles)
Bourbon Steak Chef Kyle Johnson (Glendale)
Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago (Pasadena)
CHAYA Chef Joji Inoue (Downtown Los Angeles and Venice)
Church & State and Spring Chef Tony Esnault (Downtown Los Angeles)
Dérive Chef Shane Alvord (Pasadena)
Eat @ Rollin’ Joe’s Chef Mark Salazar (Los Angeles)
Fahrenheit LA Chef John McLellan (Los Aneles)
Garlic & Chives Chef Kristin Nguyen (Garden Grove)
Grill Em All Chef Ryan Harkins (Alhambra)
Gus’s Barbecue Chef Mike Stern (South Pasadena)
Jaffa Chef Anne Conness (Los Angeles)
Kato Chef Jonathan Yao (Los Angeles)
Li Orient Asian Bar & Restaurant and Triple 8 China Bar & Grill (Los Angeles)
Loquita Chef Peter Lee (Santa Barbara)
Lunasia Dim Sum House Chef Lee Hau Fu (Pasadena and Alhambra)
M Café Chef Atsushi Kenjo (Melrose and Beverly Hills)
Maestro Chef Elena Vega (Pasadena)
Maple at Descanso Gardens Chef Philip Mack (La Cañada Flintridge)
Mercado Chef Jose Acevedo (Hollywood, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica)
Momed Chef Alex Sarkissian (Beverly Hills and Atwater Village)
Montrésor and The FLATS Chef Paul Shoemaker (Studio City and Beverly Hills)
Nerano Chef Michele Lisi (Beverly Hills)
Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson (Downtown, Los Angeles)
Poppy and Rose Chef Michael Reed (Los Angeles)
Prince of Venice Chef Alberto Bertoncin (Los Angeles)
Ramen Tatsunoya (Pasadena)
Redbird Chef Neal Fraser (Downtown Los Angeles)
Sweet Greek Chef Christina Xenos (Los Angeles)
The Bellwether Chef Ted Hopson (Studio City)
The Raymond 1886 Chef Tim Guiltinan (Pasadena)
True Food Kitchen Chef Sebastian Pfleging (Pasadena)
Wax Paper Chef Peter Lemos (Frogtown)
Wolfgang Puck Catering (Los Angeles)
World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz (Burbank)

Sweet Masters: A select group of Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as the deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes from Butter Cake Shoppe, Chocolate Stars USA, Crème Caramel, traditional and wildly creative gelato flavors from Fatamorgana Gelato, homemade premium sorbets from Helados Pops, Chocolatier to the stars Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Porto’s Bakery, Sidecar Doughnuts, The Dolly Llama, Zooies Cookies and more.

Some of this year’s participating Beverage Masters include:

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites Angel City Brewery, Brewyard Beer Company, Indie Brewing Company, Iron triangle Brewing, Lincoln Beer Company, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Arcadia’s first Microbrewery Mt. Lowe Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co. and State Brewing Co..

Wineries: A specially curated collection of Wine Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Foris Winery & Vineyards, Golden Star Vineyards & Winery, Hitching Post Winery,Y3 by Jax Vineyards, Kieu Hoang Winery, Lorimar Vineyards and Winery, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, Roboli Family, Rutherford Ranch Winery, and Wrath Wines.

Bars & Spirits: Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails, including Ann-Marie Verdi of The Bellwether, Cameron Masden of 1886, Dan Garvin of Magnolia House, Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl, Feisser Stone of CHAYA Izakaya and world-class Barman Payman Bahmani. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits will also include American Born Moonshine, Buzzbox, Dulce Vida Tequila, SelvaRey Rum, Smirnoff Spiked Sparking Seltzer, Woodford Reserve and ZYR Russian Vodka and many more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate, such as Bai, Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Dry Sparkling, Groundwork Coffee, Honeydrop Beverages, Humm Kombucha, Immordl energy elixirs, cold-pressed juices from Nekter Juice Bar and Zico Coconut Water and more.

Sponsors: Masters of Taste 2018 is made possible through the generous support of our Sponsors, which include HomeStreet Bank, Judith L Chiara Foundation, Western Asset Management, Woodford Reserve, Kaiser Permanente, US Bank, Capitol Group, Universal Studios Hollywood, Kauffman Wealth Management, Westport Construction, Bank of America, MUFG Union Bank, HKG LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Pasadena Tournament of Roses and California Linens.

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2018 will take place on Sunday, May 6^th, 2018. 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 to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over. For more information on Masters of Taste 2018 or to book your tickets directly, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com/Tickets.

Location: Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services – Masters of Taste 2018 Community Partner Lyft is offering (20% off rides to and from the event with this special code MOT2018), Uber, Taxi, etc. – since this event does serve alcoholic beverages. Complimentary parking is also available

Perlis Picks: Family Winemakers of California [Part Two]

April 21, 2018 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

This year’s Family Winemakers event, held at the Pasadena Convention Center, had about 70 wineries presenting their finest bottlings to an appreciative crowd of trade, media and consumer attendees. Yes, I said 70. Obviously, I couldn’t taste everything, but I think I made a pretty good dent. Here are some of my favorites…

Ascension Cellars – specializing in Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, this was one of several wineries at the event representing Paso Robles. Enjoyed the Rose, the Soul Shaker Cab/Syrah blend as well as the dessert Primitivo.

Bokisch Vineyards – a Lodi winery focused on Spanish varietals, I was excited to see they also produced a Zinfandel from the Kirschenmann Vineyard. This vineyard is owned by Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars. Turley, of course, makes a zin from this vineyard as do a few other wineries. This version was about as pure an expression of the vineyard as I’ve had.

Brecon Estate – I’ve been wanting to try this Paso Robles winery since they were named winery of the year in Doug Wilder’s Purely Domestic Wine Report. Both the Forty-Two red Rhone blend and the Petite Sirah were excellent.

Cass Winery – what can be said about this Paso Robles winery that hasn’t been said? Great white and red Rhones with Ted Plemons providing the entertainment.

DRNK – the name of this Russian River Valley winery is made up of the initials of family members. The “K” is for winemaker Ryan Kunde – yes, that Kunde family so you know the winemaking pedigree is there. Great Pinot Noir and Malbec.

Frog’s Tooth – this winery serves as a great reminder that well-priced high quality wines can be found when you expand your wine search into the Sierra Foothills. Especially liked the Sauvignon Blanc and the Petite Sirah.

Pech Merle – based in Geyserville, this tiny winery is producing some really good juice. I really liked their Zinfandel.

Petrified Forest Vineyards – Ken and Susan Piters are making excellent Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from their vineyard in Sonoma County’s Knight’s Valley.

Pride Mountain Vineyards – speaking of Cabernet, just a big “wow” for the one from this winery that overlaps the north end of Napa and Sonoma counties.

Sobon Estate / Shenandoah Vineyards – consistently one of my favorite Amador County wineries, the reserve Zin was my pick at this table.

Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery – pouring a wide range of mostly Rhone inspired wines, there was a lot to enjoy at this table. Favorites for me were the Cinsaut and the Cabernet Franc.

Treasure Island Wines / Kohler & Frohling Wines – I had planned on visiting this table anyway and I was especially intrigued when I got an email reminding me of an article that hit The Daily Beast early in 2017. Kohler & Frohling was originally founded in the 1850s in Los Angeles and has now been recreated by the great-great grandson of the founder Charles Kohler. The wines are made by the same winemaker as San Francisco’s Treasure Island Wines, Jim Mirowski. I really enjoyed the Rose wines at this table, my favorite being the K&F Rose of Pinot Noir, which struck me as a pretty serious version of a Rose.

Eve’s article already listed all the wineries that poured at this event, so I won’t bother listing them again. But, I highly recommend you watch our site for more events in the future, both from Family Winemakers and other great organizations.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Perlis Picks: Family Winemakers of California [Part One]

April 14, 2018 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Since I have not written about Family Winemakers of California in a while, I feel some backstory may be in order.

From the FWC website:

Family Winemakers of California is an “organization that reflects the small producer’s point of view.” With nearly 5,400 licensed wineries in California, someone needs to consistently speak for small, family wineries in the fight for more access to markets, protecting individual freedom from government over-regulation, and fostering aspirations to make the best wine. Our beginnings are humble. Family Winemakers was founded in 1990 after the wine market order extension was voted down in a true grassroots campaign. Industry growth and public policy on a myriad of issues begged for input from small producers. One man, one vote is the bedrock principle behind Family Winemakers that guides our views on legislation, regulation, litigation and business practices. We’ve spent 25 years and counting working to loosen up the post-Prohibition restrictions in California law and broaden access to domestic markets.

The organization has always held a special place in my heart. Many years ago, long before I began writing for Eve’s Wine 101, I received in the mail [yes, the real mail] an invitation from a Northern California winery to attend a trade tasting of FWC wineries at the LAX Hilton, along with two guests. Not being sure how I had achieved this honor, I contacted the FWC offices and was assured that if I had been given the invitation that it was legitimate. Of course, my first guest was my wife Karen. Secondly, as I had been working with a client business right down the street from the venue, I invited one of their executives.

As the date of the event drew near, I received the dreaded notification from that Northern California winery telling me that I had received the invitation in error. Oops. Well, I contacted the FWC offices, pleaded my case and was granted the exception to attend based on their previous commitment. And was I glad I did. Dozens of wineries were pouring their latest releases and the ability to hang out with the people in the wine biz just made it that much more special. This one event really helped to feed my developing passion for wine.

Since writing for Eve’s Wine 101, I’ve tried to make a point of attending FWC tastings as frequently as possible. They hold an annual event in San Francisco [which I’ve never made it to] and typically one in Southern California, most often in Del Mar but in recent years sometimes in Pasadena [although not for a while]. We have made the trek to Del Mar and once to Pomona for this event, but I was very happy when FWC announced that this year the So Cal event would be back in Pasadena at the Convention Center, with the trade event starting at noon and the public tasting beginning at 2 PM. Consumers did have the opportunity to purchase VIP passes to enter with the trade – I highly recommend doing this when the opportunity presents itself.

Next week, I’ll tell you which wineries stood out for me at this year’s event.

L.A.’s Best “Happy Hours” Guaranteed to Make You Smile As You Sip, Savor & Save This Spring!

April 7, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Get out of your comfort zone Santa Claritans and check out these great Happy Hours from Beverly Hills to Venice!

Casita Del Campo - Classic Margarita _preview

Casita Del Campo: Casita Del Campo Margarita. Photo Credit: Three-Fold Agency

For over 50 years, Casita Del Campo has been serving up exceptional Mexican cuisine in Silver Lake, in a party atmosphere with two outdoor patios and a beautiful dining room. With a lively nightly Happy Hour, guests may enjoy a wide selection of margaritas including the Casita Classic prepared with tequila, fresh squeezed lime, triple sec, Fruit Margaritas comprised of strawberry, peach, banana, watermelon, mango, ginger, pomegranate, and guava, and a Smoky Margarita made with Cazadores Reposado Tequila, mescal, triple sec, and fresh squeezed lime. Bartenders also serve up Pina Coladas, Tequila Sunrises, Palomas, and Mojitos. Appetizers include Quesadillas Con Rajas two corn tortillas prepared with a combination of cheeses and mild green chile strips, the Casita’s Special includes six crispy mini tortillas topped with chicken, beef, beans, guacamole and sour cream, and the Sweet Corn Tamales which include two delicately sweet tamales filled with raisins and jack cheese. Every day is a fiesta at Casita Del Campo during their nightly Happy Hour!

Casita Del Campo is open for Happy Hour Monday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1920 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.662.4255; www.CasitaDelCampo.net

CHAYA Downtown:

CHAYA Downtown offers a wide selection of Happy Hour cocktails, wines, beers, and bites that will take the edge off after a long day at the office and satisfy tourists in need of a rest after exploring Downtown Los Angeles. Choose from a selection of specialty cocktails for $8.00 including the Russian Blues, prepared with lemon-infused Crystal Palace vodka, house-made spritzer and fresh blueberries, the Bourbon Mash mixed with Jim Beam bourbon, passionfruit purée, orange juice, and mint, or the Bahama Mama comprised of Cruzan Coconut Rum, pineapple, orange juice, fresh sweet & sour, and garnished with an orange slice. If wine is more to your liking, guests can enjoy a selection of including Castle Rock Sauvignon Blanc, Castle Rock Chardonnay, Mouton Cadet Rosé, and the Castle Rock Pinot Noir. Guests of CHAYA can also opt for a nice cold beer like Sapporo Premium Draft Pale Lager, Kirin Light Pale Lager or the Estrella Damm Euro Pale Lager. Finally, a tasty beverage should not be left without delicious small bites, so guests can enjoy a Spicy Shrimp Crunchy Roll, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds, Shrimp Hushpuppies with Karachi mustard dip, and Salmon Belly Skewers with yuzu pepper miso as well.

CHAYA Downtown is open for Happy Hour every Monday through Friday 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.236.9577; www.TheChaya.com

CHAYA Venice:

Chaya Venice offers a respite to long days spent plugging away in Silicon Beach, or for a drink and some nosh after a fun day at the beach. Choose from a selection of specialty priced snacks, cocktails, sake, beer, and wine in the CHAYA Venice bar. Enjoy a variety of small plates including a Yuzu Spicy Tuna Roll, the classic California Roll, and Ramen made with creamy chicken, pork belly, and Casamigos Reposado. Choose from a variety of Happy Hour Cocktails that are sure to tantalize the palate including the Pear Pressure mixed with Shochu, pear purée, lemon and ginger, and the Blood Orange Sour prepared with gin, blood orange, and soda. Of course, if cocktails do not strike your fancy, sake flights are always an excellent choice at CHAYA Venice, along with an ice-cold beer or specially selected glass of wine.

Chaya Venice serves Happy Hour every Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 110 Navy Street, Venice, CA 90291; 310.396.1179; www.TheChaya.com

Church & State:

After a long day at the office, or an early evening out with friends, look no further than visiting one of Downtown L.A.’s most beloved restaurants, Church & State, for a Happy Hour filled with small bites and drink specials to liven the evening. Enjoy a daily selection of $1 Oysters paired with lemon and mignonette, along with the Le Cachat, a lavender herbed goat cheese on crostini, the Foie de Volaille(chicken liver mousse on crostini), or the Deviled Eggs with paprika, lardon, and chives. For cocktails, enjoy a crisp Craft Cocktail prepared with gin, lemon, Pimm’s, Aperol, and mint. With all the delectable choices at hand, guests can easily let the hectic day slowly slip away, as they sip their drink of choice.

Church & State is open for Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm; 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.405.1434; www.ChurchandStateBistro.com

Spring:

Come unwind for Happy Hour in the Springside Lounge at Spring in Downtown Los Angeles after a long work day and enjoy specialty libations and appetizers every Tuesday through Friday right at the Springside Bar from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Nibble on an array of snacks such as the Marinated Olives, Herbed Goat Cheese on Crostini, Beef Tartare, and the true pearl of the menu, the $1 Oysters, which are served with fresh lemon and mignonette, all while enjoying a glass of wine or one of Spring’s perfectly balanced cocktails.

Spring serves Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 257 South Spring Street; Los Angeles, CA, 90012; 213.372.5189; www.SpringLosAngeles.com

The FLATS:

You may not think of going to Beverly Hills for Happy Hour, but with the recent opening of The FLATS restaurant, you now have a spot to go for a refreshing cocktail and tasty bite after a day of shopping or a tough day at the office. Come enjoy featured Happy Hour cocktails created by Head Barman Shaun Summers including the Old-Fashioned prepared with whiskey, aromatic bitters, and Demerara sugars, the Margarita comprised of tequila blanco, house Curacao, and fresh lime juice, the Daiquiri prepared with white rum, sugar, and fresh lime, along with other popular classics that are sure to please the palate. After a long day, pair your drink of choice with delicious Small Platesincluding Fried Olives, Crispy Hen of the Woods Mushrooms with tempura, garlic water and Fresno chili, Fresh Cut Fries with rosemary aioli, or the delicious Brussels Sprouts made with brown butter, pickled dates, and cured egg yolks. And, don’t forget about Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker’s fresh, artisanal Flatbread Artisan Pizzas including the Margarita with organic tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, and the Pepperoni with organic tomato sauce, mozzarella, and smoked pepperoni. Of course, what would Happy Hour be without sliders? Choose between the Honey Boo Boo Sliders with whipped honey butter, bacon, and gruyere cheese or the Baby Calibamma that is sure to deliver a kick, prepared with Calibamma hot cabbage slaw, red jalapeños and pickles. With food this amazing, the only thing up for debate during Happy Hour at The FLATS is what cocktail to order next?

The FLATS is open for Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Late Night Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 11:00 pm to 12:00 Midnight (cocktails only); 8400 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 310.909.7549; www.TheFlatsRestaurant.com

The Raymond 1886:

With a Happy Hour this good, The Raymond 1886 is the place to be after a long day at the office or a day out with friends. Guests of The Raymond 1886 can enjoy 50% off Well Drinks and Bar Snacks, 50% off Wines by the Glass, $4 Craft Beers, and $7 Daily Featured Craft Cocktails! Pair the drink of your choice with a variety of tasty bites like the Tater Tots served with The Raymond 1886’s homemade Ketchup, Suckling Pig Tacos Al Pastor with pineapple, avocado, and salsa roja, Mac-n-Cheese baked with Irish cheddar and gruyère, and the Salmon Creek Pork Belly with pickled and roasted Cipollini, fried apple purée, fennel. Sip on a cocktail (or two) and indulge in some of Pasadena’s finest food as you lounge the rest of the day away at The Raymond 1886!

The Raymond 1886 is open for Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

Twohey’s Tavern:

Pasadena’s newly opened Twohey’s Tavern is the place you want to be when Happy Hour is this good! Wind down with after a long day with delicious small bites created by Executive Chef Travis Limoge that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Start with the Deviled Eggs topped with Ellie Shaft 2yr. blue cheese, Fresno Red Hot, and orange zest, or the Fresno Wings with fresh horseradish, blue cheese dressing, and carrots. Then, there is the Burger & Beer with caramelized onion, blue cheese, bread & butter pickles, and garlic aioli all paired with a beer of your choice for just $15. And of course, don’t forget to pair your favorite bites with any $6 Well Cocktails, rotating $5 Draft Beers, and White andRed Wines by the glass for under $7. Sip and savor the end of the day at one of Pasadena’s finest new dining and drinking destinations – Twohey’s Tavern!

Twohey’s Tavern is open for Happy Hour every Tuesday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; 2835 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107; 626.449.2337; www.TwoheysTavern.com

How To Learn: Family Winemakers of California

March 30, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

“Excuse me, are you Eve Bushman from the Wine Down show? (Over 15k views so far of my episode Wine Immersion for Beginners!) I’m at this event because of you, and how you said the best way to learn about wine is to attend tastings like Family Winemakers…” Yes, apparently I do have a fan! Made my day! Now, where was I learning about wine:

Our first tasting was held on November 12, 1991, in the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Family Winemakers had 71 member wineries back then, and 47 of them poured that night for about 350 members of the wine trade. We’ve grown. We have over 375 members today and many of them pour at one or all of our tastings: Bay Area, Del Mar and Pasadena. We’ve grown, and so have our tastings, but some things haven’t changed. The wineries are just as dedicated as they were in 1991 to producing the finest wines they can, the winemakers are just as passionate about the right soil, the right grape, the right microclimate. And Family Winemakers is just as committed to presenting our member wineries and their wines at tastings that showcase the breadth and depth of winemaking in our state. Family Winemakers … Great Wine a Family Tradition!

Tasting

Thanks to my editor Michael Perlis I first learned about this event quite a few years ago. Every time they do have the tasting in Pasadena I make an effort to cover it. This year we both did so look for his coverage on this website too – just use our handy search button.

At the event I was in the mood for Rhônes, Zinfandel and Bordeaux varietals so if I have bolded a winery below, and didn’t note the specific wine I liked, it would definitely be in one of those categories! (The multi-page program included a handy “varietal map” for those that also were in the mood for a certain type of wine.)

As is the case in a walk around tasting, it’s not always convenient to make a lot of notes without a crowd building up behind you at the tasting table. (Some tables I missed due to crowds too.) I did however, try to note every wine, vintage year and varietal of most:

Wineries

Amizetta Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Angwin Estate Vineyards with a deep and dark Cabernet Sauvignon

Ascension Cellars all good especially the “Soul Searcher” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

AvinoDos Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a Zinfandel.

Blair Estate

Blue Farm

Bokisch Vineyards

Brecon Estate

Brutocao/Bliss Family Vineyards

G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery

Cass Winery

Collier Falls

De Novo Wines

Dewitt Family Wines 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Donum Estate

DRNK Malbec (DRNK are the initials of the four owners, all family members.)

Fiftyrow/Smokescreen

Frisson Wines

Fritz Winery

Frogs Tooth Vineyards Barbera

Frostwatch Vineyard and Winery

Gordenker 2013 and 2012 Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Cabernet Franc.

Greyscale Wines 2015 Merlot.

Hagafen Cellars

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

Hearst Ranch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2015 Petite Sirah.

Heritage Oak Winery

Hook & Ladder Winery

Howell Mountain Vineyards

Huge Bear Wines this was probably my pick of the day: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, their current vintage.

Inspiration Vineyards & Winery

Rickards Winery

Keenan Winery

Kieu Hoang Winery

Meeker Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and “Frozin” dessert wine.

Murder Ridge Winery 2015 Zinfandel and 2015 Red Blend.

Navarro Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards

Oakville Cross Wines 2007 (thank you!) and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Opolo Vineyards

Parmeson Wines

Pech Merle Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Zinfandel.

Petree Cellars

Petrified Forest Vineyards

Pierce Ranch Vineyards

Pine and Brown Winery

Pride Mountain Vineyards everything they poured: 2016 Chardonnay, 2015 Merlot and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Petit Verdot and Merlot.

Quady Winery

Rack & Riddle Winery

Robert John Vineyards 2010 to 2014 vertical tasting of their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Saddleback Cellars

Scotto Cellars

Shadow Ranch Vineyard

Silkwood Wines

Sobon Estate/Shenandoah Vineyards

Sojourn Cellars

Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery had a huge lineup and a sign mentioning many of their 90+ scores from Wine Enthusiast. I enjoyed the Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cinsault.

Tablas Creek Vineyard both of their white and red Rhône blends.

The Farm Winery 2013 Cardinal Cabernet Sauvignon and “Touchy Feely” Grenache.

Treasure Island Wines 2010 Big Game.

Trione Vineyards & Winery

Uncorqed

Velvet Bee LLC

Vineyard {511} 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vino Noceto Zinfandel.

WesMar Winery

Windrun Vintners

Woodenhead

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards

3rd Annual Masters of Taste – L.A.’s Top Tastemakers Celebrate the Finer Things On Field of The Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

March 18, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(Los Angeles, CA) – Come celebrate and be part of the 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Masters of Taste 2018 will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 40 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 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 2018 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 Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community and offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last two years Masters of Taste has raised nearly $1 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs

Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2018 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include:

Ayara Lūk Chef Vanda Asapahu (Westchester)
Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery and Claude & Co. Chef Claud Beltran (Pasadena)
Bistro Mon Cheri Chef Kimmy Tang (Pasadena)
Bone Kettle and Komodo Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Pasadena and Los Angeles)
Bourbon Steak Chef Kyle Johnson (Glendale)
Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago (Pasadena)
CHAYA Chef Joji Inoue (Downtown Los Angeles and Venice)
Church & State and Spring Chef Tony Esnault (Downtown Los Angeles)
Garlic & Chives Chef Kristin Nguyen (Garden Grove)
Gus’s Barbecue Chef Mike Stern (South Pasadena)
Kato Chef Jonathan Yao (Los Angeles)
Lost at Sea Chef Tim Carey (Pasadena)
Lunasia Dim Sum House Chef Lee Hau Fu (Pasadena and Alhambra)
M Café Chef Atsushi Kenjo (Melrose and Beverly Hills)
Mercado, Mercado Taqueria, Maradentro, Yxta Cocina Mexicana Chef Jose Acevedo (Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Brentwood, Studio City, Downtown Los Angeles)
Momed Chef Alex Sarkissian (Beverly Hills and Atwater Village)
Nerano Chef Michele Lisi (Beverly Hills)
Ramen Tatsunoya (Pasadena)
Redbird Chef Neal Fraser (Downtown Los Angeles)
SOL Cocina Chef Deborah Schneider (Newport Beach and Playa Vista)
The Bellwether Chef Ted Hopson (Studio City)
The FLATS Chef Paul Shoemaker (Beverly Hills)
The Raymond 1886 Chef Tim Guiltinan (Pasadena)
Twohey’s Tavern Chef Travis Limoge (Pasadena)
Wax Paper Chef Peter Lemos (Frogtown)
Welltopia Chef Lulu Cai (Hollywood)
Wolfgang Puck Catering (Los Angeles)
World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz (Burbank)
XO Chef Michael Hung (Mid-town Los Angeles)

Sweet Masters: A select group of Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as the deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes from Butter Cake Shoppe, Crème Caramel, traditional and wildly creative gelato flavors from Fatamorgana Gelato, homemade premium sorbets from Helados Pops, Chocolatier to the Stars Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Porto’s Bakery, Zooies Cookies and much more.

Some of this year’s participating Beverage Masters include:

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites Indie Brewing Company, Iron triangle Brewing, Lincoln Beer Company, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co., State Brewing Co. and more.

Wineries: A specially curated collection of Wine Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Foris Winery & Vineyards, Hitching Post Winery, Y3 by Jax Vineyards, Kieu Hoang Winery, Lorimar Vineyard and Winery, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards and Wrath Wines to name a few.

Bars & Spirits: Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails, including Peter Lloyd-Jones of 1886, Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl, Colin Pflugradt of SOL Cocina, and Pasadena’s Magnolia House. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits will also include American Born Moonshine, Dulce Vida Tequila, Woodford Reserve and ZYR Russian Vodka and many more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate, such as Bai, Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Dry Sparkling, Groundwork Coffee, Immordl energy elixirs, cold-pressed juices from Nekter Juice Bar and Zico Coconut Water and more.

More Culinary Masters, Sweet Masters and Beverage Masters to be announced.

Sponsors: Masters of Taste 2018 is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, which include HomeStreet Bank, Judith L Chiara Foundation, Western Asset Management, Woodford Reserve, Kaiser Permanente, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Kauffman Wealth Management and Zonin USA.

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2018 will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018. 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 to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over. Masters of Taste 2018 Early Bird Tickets will be available for purchase until Thursday, March 1st, 2018. For more information on Masters of Taste 2018 or to book your tickets directly, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com/Tickets.

Location: Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services – Lyft, Uber, Taxi, etc. – since this event does serve alcoholic beverages. Complimentary parking will also be available at the event

The All-Events Column

February 9, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I used to do a round up of upcoming events, ones that I’ve been to and some that were new to me, nearly every year. Not sure why I stopped but, honestly, my wine world has grown so much – with more events than even I can ever go to – I think I just got busy! Let’s rectify that today. These are events coming up that you may just want your own “taste” of:

better horizonal view newhall refinery valentine

“The Cellar” is transformed into this romantic setting for Newhall Refinery’s Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Newhall Refinery 2/14: Once again Chef Dustin Boole is creating a 4 Course dinner, accompanied by a Beer or Wine Flight, Candlelight, Live Music, and Complimentary Valet. $195 Per Couple. Menu and wines can be seen here in the discussion portion of the event page on Facebook. This is their third year I believe and our favorite.

Lodi in Los Angeles in Marina Del Rey 2/21: wineLA has teamed up with LoCA – The Wines of Lodi, California to showcase some of the best wines, wineries, and winegrowers of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2015 Wine Region of the Year. Held at the Marina City Club in Marina del Rey, this event will feature a wide variety of wines to taste, and a large assortment of foods to pair with! See many more events and classes on their website here: http://www.winela.com/

World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara March 2-3: The annual World of Pinot Noir event gathers the planet’s foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers and leading wine scholars in a weekend-long seaside celebration of this delicious and storied wine.

Family Winemakers in Pasadena March 17: The Saturday tasting is a one day event of award-winning small, family-owned wineries that create wines from many of the state’s fabled wine growing regions. Imagine the opportunity to taste over 500 wines offered by over 125 wineries. You’ll find upwards of 40 different varietals or blends from 60 of California’s famed appellations. If you can’t get to the wine country let them come to you! Whether you’re adding to your wine list, retail shelves or your private cellar, this is an opportunity to Taste California!

Vintage Paso March 16-18: Once a year Paso Robles toasts our heritage variety, Zinfandel. The 3-day celebration features events at more than 100 wineries, a Zin seminar, and the Z After Party, pairing Zin with dessert and live jazz. For more events in Paso Robles check out: https://pasowine.com/events/

Santa Ynez Winter Pass ends 3/31/18: With the pass, you’ll receive one tasting flight at each of our 15 Association winery tasting rooms for just $45. Your pass will expire when all 15 tastings have been used, or on March 31, 2018, whichever occurs first. Reservations are not required and passes are valid every day except February 16-19, 2018. (This pass has been extended, as the 101 is now open + more events in Santa Ynez area wineries can be found here)

Universal Whisky Experience April 4-7 at Wynn Las Vegas: The Nth 2018 will be a spectacular whisky master event, showcasing the best whiskies and brands in the world. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savour, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. During this 4-day destination event in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights.

The Wine Affair Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds April 15 at Westfield Valencia Mall: This event benefits the work from our local Soroptimists of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, aka SIGSCV. Stay tuned to their website for updates.

Hospice Du Rhone in Paso Robles 4/26-28: Three days in the late spring have been reserved for an exclusive weekend surrounding all things Rhône. A palate provoking weekend embracing the enchantment, history and tastes of the twenty-two Rhône varieties. Throughout the weekend, tip your glass with international Rhône wine producers, journey through the largest collection of Rhône variety wines on the planet and savor exceptional Rhône cuisine all while taking in the inspiring and spirited Rhône community.

Wine Under the Stars is slated for 5/17 and brought to you once again by Yours Truly and the Wish Education Foundation: Welcome to “Wine on the Roof,” which will be held atop the new Laemmle Theatre parking garage now under construction at the corner of Lyons Avenue and Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The city has guaranteed that we will be the first group to host an event in what will be a very popular space…Read on for more of our latest out of the box idea:

Eve has secured Steve Lemley as our co-host for this unique never-before-seen event. Lemley is a well-respected SCV winemaker that co-owns the SCV Custom Crush Services. Lemley will curate our wines from his local facility that houses over twenty different wineries – most if not all will be making their debut that evening – and we will have a winemaker at each table to allow for interesting and knowledgeable discourse. Local restaurants are providing the incredible, multi course meal that will be paired exclusively for you.

Wine in the Pines in Pine Mountain 6/9: The Village of Pine Mountain Club has hosted wine festivals in June of each year beginning in 2003, and this year is no exception. Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of June each year for Wine in the Pines in Pine Mountain Village. From 1pm to 4 pm (with VIP entry starting at noon), you’ll be able to taste exciting wines from throughout California’s top wine-growing regions, with dozens of premier wineries to choose from. If you need a break from fine wines, there will be many craft breweries to choose from. And then there’s the food: some of Kern County’s, Santa Clarita Valley’s, and our own local (Pine Mountain) favorite restaurants will be on hand to serve you everything from classic European finger food and gourmet pizza to good-ole western barbeque. There’s nothing like pine-scented air and the shade of tall pines to complement the taste of good wine and equally good food, unless it’s live music—loud enough to set the mood, but smooth enough not to ruin it. Wine-themed art will also be on display to round out the afternoon.

Wines Around the World wine tasting dinners at Newhall Refinery is ongoing.

Quick links from the Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter: World of Pinot Noir 3/2-3, Family Winemakers 3/17, Vintage Paso 3/16-18, Santa Ynez Winter Pass ends 3/31/18 (Pass has been extended, 101 now open + more events in Santa Ynez area wineries can be found here), the Universal Whisky Experience 4/4-7, The Wine Affair 4/15, Hospice Du Rhone 4/26-28. Ongoing: Bev Mo on the Old Road Friday 4-7pm tastings, Events locally at Reyes Winery, Wine House events in WLA, LA Wine Tasting, Monopole Wine events in Pasadena and Eve does Wine Themed Parties.