Great Taste Magazine

Top Chef Tour
www.bravotv.com/thetour

CuisineType : Other

Bravo hits the road again with the annual “Top Chef: The Tour” kicking off in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, May 17. The 15-city tour brings the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning, No. 1 food show on cable to fans and foodies nationwide. Back by popular demand, the tour features a show-down between two former chef’testants in each market who compete in a live, interactive cook-off in front of “Top Chef” fans with a panel of local judges, and audience members.

“’The Top Chef Tour allows our passionate and engaged Bravo fans the chance to be up close and personal with one of their favorite shows,” said Ellen Stone, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Bravo. “We provide a hands-on experience that takes them one step closer to being part of the show.” To date, “Top Chef: The Tour” has visited 82 cities, interacted with more than 44,000 “Top Chef” fans nationwide along the way and last year, the tour’s online ticketing for all cities sold out within hours.

The free event provides fans with a chance to meet and greet the Chef’testants they’’ve come to know and root for, hear “Top Chef” show “secrets,” and, for the first time ever, step into the judges shoes and rate their favorite Chef’testants’ food. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of on-site activities, including “Top Chef”-themed Cornhole Toss, Tip the Scale – where fans will be tasked with putting items in order of weight, and “Top Chef” Horseshoe Toss. Additionally, attendees can purchase Bravo and “Top Chef” merchandise on-site.

“Top Chef: The Tour” will be pulling up to a farmer’s market, mall or food festival.

To sign up for free admission and learn more about “Top Chef: The Tour,” visit http://www.bravotv.com/thetour.

Raleigh Studios
5300 Melrose Drive,
CA-90038
818-994-4661
www.lawinefest.com/wordpress/

CuisineType : Winery

LA WineFest 2012 is Los Angeles’ largest consumer wine event and is aiming to bring together even more wineries, vendors and food purveyors for this year’s incarnation. With multiple tastings and seminars, it’s a must for both established experts and those seeking to learn more about the world and wonders of wine. Featured wineries this year include Rosenthal, Darms Lane, Derby, Martian, Dalton, Inception, Reyes, and Regal.

Food trucks and vendors include Dogtown Dogs, No Tomatoes!, Raleigh Grill, Slammin’ Sliders, and Universal Hilton and vendors include The Chocolate Traveler, ValBeMar Coffee, Garlic Expressions & Almondina, Bistro Blends and more!

12:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday for trade ONLY

For more information, visit http://www.lawinefest.com/wordpress/

Santa Monica Festival
2600 Ocean Park Blvd. (Between Cloverfield Boulevard and 28th Street) Santa Monica, CA,
CA-90405

www.smgov.net/festival

CuisineType : Cal Coast, Food Trucks, Healthy, Tex-Mex

Celebrating the Connection Between the City’s Communities, Culture, Businesses, Environment and Art Featuring Music & Dance, Sustainable Workshops, Food Trucks, Cooking Demos, Community Resources, Fitness Classes, a Santa Monica Farmers Market “Chef Challenge” Cooking Competition & More

In the heart of California’s most beautiful beachfront city, the 21st annual Santa Monica Festival brings together the community while highlighting the dynamic connection between the City’s businesses, arts and environment, providing ideas and solutions for a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. The festival offers something for everyone with an array of interactive activities, live music and dance, fitness and food. Admission, parking and bike valet are free.

Festival highlights include performances by Dustbowl Revival, La Santa Cecilia, Lux Aeterna and Vaud & The Villains, fitness classes, eco-friendly workshops and a Santa Monica Farmers Market “Chef Challenge” cooking competition. In addition, festival attendees can learn about recreational classes offered by the City and how to incorporate fitness into everyday life, watch cooking demonstrations and discover local resources offered by a variety of Santa Monica, environmental and local non-profit organizations. “The City proudly presents this annual festival to celebrate and showcase the unique and progressive programs, businesses, culture and environmental initiatives of Santa Monica,” says Allison Ostrovsky, Cultural Affairs Supervisor for the City of Santa Monica.

The festival is presented by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, Community and Cultural Services Department, and Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE) and is produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS). Event Highlights Include:

OCEAN STAGE: Diverse music and dance performances including Venice-based jazz collective Dustbowl Revival, merging old school bluegrass, gospel, jug band and swing, the South American rhythms of La Santa Cecilia combining cumbia and bossa nova with Afro-Cuban percussion, rock and jazz, LA’s premiere dance-theater company Lux Aeterna, combining urban dance and circus theater, and 19-piece New Orleans orchestra and cabaret band Vaud & the Villains. The stage will be hosted by Natalie J. Forte, who is producer and co-host of Be Green, Santa Monica CityTV’s Emmy nominated eco-friendly show and the popular lifestyle show Get Out!.

FOOD SALON: A culinary stage with a chef challenge, cooking demos, and cookbook workshop focusing on how to cook sustainable and affordable meals using Farmers Market produce, as well as ways to incorporate Santa Monica’s adoption of the “Meatless Monday” movement. The culinary stage includes a new addition this year, the Santa Monica Farmers Market “Chef Challenge” cooking competition featuring Nyesha Arrington, executive chef at The Wilshire and contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 9 and John-Carlos Kuramoto, executive chef at Michael’s. They will face off to create dishes that are quick, easy and affordable using Santa Monica Farmers Market ingredients. Cooking demos will be offered for both adults and children. Attendees can also select from over fifty healthy recipes from Santa Monica chefs and design their own cookbook.

FOOD TRUCKS & CARTS: Over a dozen food trucks and carts will serve a variety of healthy fare and tasty treats, including Border Grill, Coolhaus, India Jones, The Bun Truck, Go Chew Truck and Gastrobus. For a complete list visit www.smgov.net/festival.

MARKETPLACE: Guilt-free shopping featuring earth-friendly, artistic wares, jewelry and crafts from top independent, local artists and vendors.

ECO ZONE: Fun, interactive booths and activities promoting environmentally smart solutions for your home, garden and daily living. Sustainable Works will be offering Vermicomposting, Solar Cooking and Non-Toxic Cleaning workshops.

ACTIVE SANTA MONICA: The hub for all things active. Get moving with Zumba, belly dancing, martial arts, gymnastic, and yoga demos throughout the day. Learn about City classes, recreational programs and how to incorporate fitness into everyday life. Active Santa Monica aims to enhance the wellbeing of the Santa Monica community through fitness, recreation and healthy lifestyle choices. A Taste of Summer with the Annenberg Beach House will offer cardboard yacht building and stand-up paddleboard and volleyball demos.

TOWN SQUARE: Meet the people committed to making Santa Monica shine from organizations such as the American Red Cross, Santa Monica Fire Department, The Broad Stage, Santa Monica Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Santa Monica Conservancy and many more.

WORKSHOPS: Be inspired and get crafty at one of the many creative workshops. Create spoke cards for your bicycle with the Santa Monica Museum of Art, contribute to an interactive installation with 18th Street Arts Center and make a rocket ship or planet with orbiting objects with the Santa Monica Public Library as part of their Summer Reading theme “Dream Big.”

BIKE ZONE: FREE bike valet is available on 25th Street at Ocean Park Boulevard. Bikers receive a free raffle ticket for participating. Learn do-it yourself bicycle repair, maintenance and safe riding tips from Bikerowave. Santa Monica Spoke will have over 30 bikes on view and will showcase the adaptability of bikes as well as have interactive talks on “bike fit” and education on “confident city cycling.” The City of Santa Monica’s Planning & Community Development and SM Bike Center present a bike rodeo and skill zone where participants of all ages can practice bicycle handling.

ZERO WASTE: The Santa Monica Festival supports the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainability by following zero waste principles to reduce its impact on the environment and community. All electricity used at the event is renewable. Vehicles driven to and from the event are carbon-offset. Zero Waste stations will be set up throughout Clover Park to minimize trash going to the landfill and to maximize recycling and composting. All utensils are either compostable or recyclable. In addition, the Water Resources Division of Santa Monica will supply the festival with chilled water stations and the Westside Food Bank will be selling reusable water bottles for a $2 donation that will provide food to social service agencies in West Los Angeles.

The Santa Monica Festival is free to the public and takes place on Saturday, May 19 from 11am – 6pm in Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., between Cloverfield Boulevard and 28th Street. Parking and bike valet are free. The Santa Monica Festival is sponsored by Chobani Greek Yogurt, Intelligentsia, Izip, KCRW 89.9 FM, Santa Monica Mirror, Yelp.com, Santa Monica Place, West LA Takeaway, Farm Fresh To You and Local Yocal.

For more information and a complete list of events, please visit www.smgov.net/festival.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SantaMonicaFestival
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SantaMonicaFest<br

Sapphire Culinary Group & Sapphire at School
31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675,
CA-92675

www.sapphirellc.com/

CuisineType : American, Eclectic

Chef Azmin Ghahreman, together with Sapphire Culinary Group and Sapphire at School, is holding its Sapphire Food Fare on April 28 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano. Sapphire Food Fare is a farmers market and culinary experience. It’s a collection of fine foods and produce for sale including: farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, artisanal breads, cheeses and chocolates, organic grass-fed beef, fresh seafood and local varietals of honey. Chefs will be on-hand to demonstrate recipes and provide samplings while nutritionists will be available to share advice on how to buy better and eat healthier as families. Last year’s Food Fare attracted more than 1,000 visitors. VISUALSKids cooking with chefs, chef demonstrations, local vendor and farmer booths, families enjoying the market, plant sale, activities for children, tours of the school garden.

VENDORS
The following local farms, purveyors, and artisans will be at Sapphire Food Fare (please note: this list is not finalized, and will continue to grow): Local Farms: Jaime Farms, Pudwill Berry Farms, Rockview Farms, Weiser Family Farms, Tutti Frutti Organic Farms, Snake River Farms, Gourmet Specialty Farms, Garcia Organic Farms, Diestel Turkey Ranch; Meat/Seafood: Santa Monica Seafood, Newport Meat Company, Open Space Grass-Fed Meats; Specialty Foods: Sapphire Pantry, Picket Lane Bakery, The Chocolate Soldier, Temecula Olive Oil, Sweet Lilikoi Patisserie, Scott B’s Hot Sauce, Picket Lane Bakery, Perricone Juices, Pasta Mia, Lily’s Eggs, Jidori Chicken, It Begins In The Garden, Harry’s Berries; Organizations: Sapphire Nutritional Board, The Ecology Center, California Produce Wholesalers, Absolute Green Electronics Recycling; Other: Tae Kwon Do Jang, Sili Squeeze, The Seed Project (from SMES).<br

The Balboa Bay Club & Resort
1221 West Coast Highway,
CA-92660
(949) 645-5000
www.balboabayclub.com

CuisineType : Cal Cuisine, Seafood

9th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival®
May 25th – 27th 2012

Please join us as we embark on a celebration of fine wines, spirits and epicurean delights at our 9th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival® over the Memorial Day weekend. Our idyllic waterfront setting at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort provides the perfect backdrop for exciting food and wine events celebrated over three days. The Festival will begin Friday evening with an elegant and fun Sommelier Dinner. Guest Chef’s will prepare amazing cuisine paired with delicious wines. The Newport Beach Wine Festival® features many exciting events scheduled throughout the entire weekend. Acclaimed winemakers, award winning chefs, Master Sommeliers and noted experts will serve as the guides, captivating festival-goers with educational seminars and wine events with endless tasting tables. The pinnacle of the weekend will be the magnificent Grand Tasting held in The Balboa Bay Club’s Grand Ballroom. Featuring wines from over 50 vineyards and top-notch cuisine ranging from fine cheeses to scrumptious barbeque, The Newport Beach Wine Festival® is surely an event not to miss.

The Newport Beach Wine Festival® is a proud Sponsor of The Balboa Bay Club 1221 Club Scholarship Fund which raises funds throughout the year for exemplary local high school students who are college-bound.

To book one or more of the Newport Beach Wine Festival® events, please call 949-630-4146 or visit BalboaBayClub.com for more information.<br

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway,
CA-90802
8587555411
westcoastbbqclassic.com/

CuisineType : American, BBQ

Whose barbecue style reigns supreme? That question will be answered the Queen Mary presents the first-ever West Coast BBQ Classic – a full day of finger lickin’ good competition with pitmasters from around the country battling for the title of Ultimate Pitmaster.

Over 5,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural event which will be held at the Queen Mary Event Park and feature over 30 barbecue experts from Memphis, Kansas City, the Carolinas, the Lone Star State and elsewhere. Fun seekers should come hungry and early to taste as many dishes as their appetite can handle before casting their vote for the People’s Choice award. The Ultimate Pitmaster will walk away with $9,000 in prizes awarded by a panel of judges sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. In addition to the cook-off, the all-American food fest will feature live music performances and BBQ eating competitions as well as a kids’ zone and Jack Daniels lounge for guests 21+. For those in need of more to eat, a variety of vendors will be on hand with non-barbecue foods and sweet treats.

General admission to the West Coast Classic is $10 and includes one tasting ticket. Attendees may purchase one additional taste for $2; six tastes for $10; or 13 for $20. Children 12 and under are free; admission to the kids’ zone is $5. Parking is $12.

Guests who book the Queen Mary’s Grillin’ & Chillin’ hotel package for Saturday night will enjoy overnight accommodations, free parking, two general admission tickets to the West Coast BBQ Classic and 13 additional tasting tickets. Rates start at $199 based on double occupancy.

Il Fornaio
18051 Von Karman,
CA-92612
949-261-1444
ilfornaio.com

CuisineType : Italian

You’re invited to join our monthly culinary expedition through the diverse regions of Italy. As we traverse the country, we celebrate the various types of food found in each unique area. This month, we visit Puglia with Chef Guiseppe DiMola

ZUPPE E ANTIPASTI

Zuppa di Lenticchie alla Rustica Lentil soup with farro, barley, carrots, onions, celery and tomato (vegan) 4.99 cup 5.99 bowl
Burrata di Andria Burrata cheese with sliced vine-ripened tomatoes, oregano and baby arugula; drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil (vegetarian) 12.99
Zucchine alla Parmigiana Thinly sliced zucchini, lightly fried and layered with mozzarella, tomato sauce, Parmigiano and basil, baked in the oven (vegetarian) 9.99

PASTA

Penne al Forno Pasta tubes with meatballs, tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, topped with grated Parmigiano cheese and finished in the pizza oven 16.99
Orecchiette Fave e Cicorie “Little ear” pasta with fava beans, dandelion greens, garlic, peperoncino and aged ricotta salata (vegetarian) 16.59
Spaghettoni con Salsiccia e Rapini Spaghettoni with sausage, broccoli rabe, tomatoes, garlic, basil, peperoncino and pecorino cheese 17.99
Risotto del Gargano Imported carnaroli rice with scallops, shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, peperoncino and arugula 19.99

SECONDI

Petto di Pollo ai Carciofi Boneless, free-range chicken breast sautéed with fresh sliced artichokes, white wine, garlic, butter, lemon and fresh mint; served with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and broccolini 22.99
Spiedini di Carne alla Pugliese Skewers of grilled Italian sausage, beef tenderloin, chicken breast, bell peppers, rosemary, sage and onions; served on sautéed dandelion greens 26.99
Merluzzo alla Barese Wild cod filet roasted with grilled zucchini, sundried tomatoes, potatoes, olives and herbs, topped with crispy breadcrumbs 25.99
Grigliata di Pesce Misto Mixed seafood grill of salmon, petrale sole, giant prawn, scallop and calamari topped with lemon olive oil; served with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and sautéed broccolini 27.99

DOLCI

Torta alle Mandorle Warm chocolate-almond cake with crème anglaise, rum chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream 7.99

Vini della Puglia

Chardonnay del Salento, Tormaresca, 2010 This elegant white wine is produced from 100% chardonnay and is a great example of Italian chardonnay at its best and brightest. It has layered aromas and flavors of citrus fruit and vanilla and a long-lasting finish, making it a perfect match with the Zuppa and Petto di Pollo. $4 half glass $7 glass $28 bottle.
Roycello Fiano, Tormaresca, 2010 Produced from 100% fiano grapes cultivated on the Salento peninsula, this medium-bodied white is wonderfully aromatic with crisp, fresh apple and floral aromas and smooth, nutty complex flavors on the palate. It is an excellent match with the Orecchiette and Grigliata. $6 half glass $11 glass $43 bottle.
Neprica, Tormaresca, 2010 This medium-bodied, rustic red is named for its blend of grapes – Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon (a 40-30-30 blend). It is rich and concentrated with aromas of cherry and spice complemented by warm ripe plum flavors and a smooth, spicy finish which makes it an excellent pairing for the Zucchine and Spiedini. $5 half glass $9 glass $35 bottle
Salice Salentino, Castello di Monaci, 2010 Salice Salentino, a medium-bodied red, is produced from a blend of 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia. It is supple and smooth with a bright and balanced finish and makes a nice match with the Penne and Spaghettoni.$5 half glass $9 glass $35 bottle
Primitivo, Botromagno, 2009 Primitivo, thought to be identical to the full-flavored Zinfandel grape of California, is a full-bodied, complex red. It has an intense bouquet of violets with luscious berry flavors, is big and bold with long-lasting flavors and has a spicy-peppery finish that make it a great complement to the Spaghettoni or Spiedini. $6 half glass $11 glass $43 bottle

Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza
3333 South Bristol Street,
CA-92626
949-653-2900
FeedOC.org

Cuisine Type : American, Fine Dining, Seafood, Steak

Hosted by South Coast Plaza, “The Summer Food & Wine Event” features fine wine and food at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s from 6-9pm. More than 25 renowned wineries will pour their best vintages, accompanied by Chef Seakyeong Kim’s sumptuous tastes. Over 100 wines from Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the Central Coast and France will be sampled. Entertainment provided by KCRW’s Jason Bentley. All proceeds from the event and silent auction benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County’s ongoing efforts to fight hunger. Advance tickets: $75, $100 at door. Call 949-653-2900 x 131 or visit: FeedOC.org

Strata Tustin Center
14081 Newport Ave.,
California-92780

www.stratatustincenter.com/

CuisineType : Eclectic, Other

Enjoy world food, live music, children’s activities, and more. Free admission. Food booths and performers to be announced later. Proceeds go to the Tustin Public Schools Foundation and individual schools and school groups.

Pebble Beach
95 Prescott Ave.,
California-93940
866.907.3663
www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com

CuisineType : Winery

The Fifth Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine takes place April 12-15, 2012. The signature West Coast culinary event brings together more than 75 prominent chefs and 250 acclaimed wineries and distinguished winemakers from around the world at the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, CA for a four-day, first-class display of epicurean splendor and unrivaled access. In addition to cooking demonstrations led by the most talented chefs from around the globe and vertical tastings from the world’s top wine producers, unique experiences added each year make this a must-see annual event for culinary enthusiasts and wine aficionados the world over. Ticket prices per person range from $100 for a single event pass to $4,750 for a VIP four-day pass, with access to all events and exclusive after-hours parties with the chefs and winemakers. To purchase tickets to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, or for more information on ticket packages and a full line-up of events, visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com or call 866-907-FOOD (3663).

OC Tastefest
88 Fair Drive,
CA-92626
(714) 330-8048
www.octastefest.com

CuisineType : American

OC Tastefest!

Come join the 2 day’s of fun.

May 4th, 5pm-11pm

May 5th, 1pm-10pm

Event Includes:

- Food and Wine Showcase

- Live Entertainment (Local Bands)

- Cook Demonstrations

- Area for Children

Participating Eateries:

- Cucina Alessa

- Salt Creek Grille

- Wahoo’s

- Slaters 50/50

- Port Restaurant

- Wing Stop

- Marrakes

Event Cost:

Regular- $12

* Get your tickets today for half off.

Taste of Orange County
8800 Irvine Center Drive,
CA-92618
(949) 419-6969
www.tasteofoc.com

CuisineType : American, Winery

The Taste of Orange County is Back!

Enjoy Two days of fun:

June 16th: 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm

June 17th: 12:00pm- 8:00 pm

Event Includes:

-Variety of Entertainment and Music

- 50+ of Orange County’s top restaurants

- 75 Premium Wineries

- Restaurant Tasting

- Wine Tastings

- Wine Auction

– Cooking Demonstrations

Kimera Restaurant and Lounge
19530 Jamboree Rd.,
California-90680
949-955-7940

CuisineType : Other

KIMERA RESTAURANT TO HOST SPECIAL RED CARPET PARTYTO BENEFIT THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF ORANGE COUNTY

23 OC Restaurants
1550 Superior Avenue,
CA-92627
(949) 270-2134
www.shareourselves.org

CuisineType : Other

Now in its 19th year, Wild & Crazy Taco Night has become one of the most popular events in Orange County! Get ready for a fun and festive evening where 23 of Orange County’s finest chefs and restaurants each prepare an unusual and unique taco. The chefs’ creativity is endless and the food leaves guests talking for the rest of the year!

Back by popular demand is the pre-event VIP Party! Participating guests will enjoy early admission into the event and will have the opportunity to meet all of the chefs and sample their tacos before the general event begins. The VIP Reception has sold out each year.

The event nets approximately $35,000 which supports the SOS Orange Aid Project (SOS Food Pantry), feeding more than 275 Orange County families each day.<br

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway,
CA-90802
(800) 437-2934
www.queenmaryscottish.com

CuisineType : Cal Coast

Annual Scottish Festival & Games Return to the Queen Mary Feb 18-19

Navigate through a sea of Scottish plaid and entertainment as the ship honors its heritage during one of Southern California’s largest celebrations of all things Scottish

With bagpipe bands, Scottish clans, Highland dancing, athletic games, sheepherding, evening concerts and much more, the Queen Mary will celebrate its heritage during the 19th annual Scottish Festival & Games on Feb. 18 and 19 in Long Beach. Scottish Fest BagpipeBand

The most famous ship built on the River Clyde, the iconic Queen Mary exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of Scotland.

The two-day Scottish extravaganza features sheepherding demonstrations, Highland athletics and dancing competitions, dart tournament, full pipe band, historical reenactments, firing demonstrations, as well as Scotch whisky tastings and plenty of authentic Scottish foods and ales.

A colorful grand parade on both Saturday and Sunday will include Scottish clans, massed pipes and drums, as well as special guest Grand Marshals.

During the outdoor festival, visitors can not only walk the decks of the Queen Mary, they can talk ancestral history with members of more than 40 Scottish clans and browse Scottish and Celtic merchandise. An interactive kids’ zone will provide wee lads and lassies the opportunity to get acquainted with Border Collies and other sheepherding breeds.

Ticket Prices:
One-Day Pass: Adult – $18 online / $22 at the event; Seniors/Military – $16 online / $20 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $12 online / $15 at the event
Two-Day Pass: Adult – $24 online / $28 at the event; Seniors/Military – $22 online / $26 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $16 online / $20 at the event

Admission includes a Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour and access to the ship’s historic exhibits. Parking is an additional charge. Regular festival hours are Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Outside of regular hours additional activities abound. On Friday, Feb. 17, festival goers 21 and up can join Scotch master Ray Pearson for a single-malt Scotch whisky tasting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Also on Friday, guests may enjoy a concert featuring the Scottish and Irish music and humor of Men of Worth. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $15 per person. On Saturday, Plaidpalooza featuring the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band will commence at 8 p.m. in the Queen's Salon. This event is free to the public. On Sunday evening, stop by the ship’s famed Observation Bar for a cocktail and informal Ceilidh Piping Competition. Starting at 8 p.m., this is when pipers let down their hair after the formalities of the weekend!

Scottish Festival overnight packages are available for those who wish to stay aboard the Queen Mary for a night or the weekend. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For more information, visit www.queenmaryscottish.com or call (800) 437-2934.

Old Ranch Country Club
3901 Lampson Ave,
CA-90740
9496773404
www.ocfwc.com

CuisineType : Continental, Winery, Other

On Saturday afternoon, April 21st, Guests will spend a Saturday afternoon sampling premium wine and delicious hors d’ouvres. Purchase wine tasted at special prices. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the fabulous grounds of Old Ranch Country Club. Sunday evening, April 22nd, a dining extravaganza takes place, with 15 leading Orange County Chefs & Restaurants. Guests will savor a sumptuous five-course gourmet meal paired with fine wines, prepared tableside by one of our premier chefs. The event also includes musical entertainment (Sam Curo and Inferno) and an extensive upscale live and silent auction, showcasing rare & exotic wines and featuring adventures throughout the world.

Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Road,
NV-89109
866-692-2066
www.ncbshow.com

CuisineType : Other

Like a bartender tapping a fresh keg of a beloved brew, registration has begun for all features (education, workshops, tours, expo hall, and parties) of the 27th annual Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show (www.ncbshow.com), America's biggest and most important bar, nightclub and beverage event of the year.

Each year the event brings more than 31,000 industry professionals together to meet with suppliers, network, learn and have fun. The 2012 event will run March 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Nightclub & Bar Show will feature its signature events including the Welcome Kick-Off Party at Caesars Palace, three Platinum Parties this year planned at XS, Marquee (venue for the NCB Top 100 Party exclusively sponsored by Malibu Rum) and 1OAK, the Shake It Up bartender competition, the club pass offer, celebrity appearances and so much more. New in 2012 are happy hour club specials each night of the show, tasting sessions in the classrooms and new conference tracks including sports marketing.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with more than 600 companies representing the hottest new products, spirits, beers, wines, POS and inventory control systems, games and other innovations. Companies and brands including Heineken, MillerCoors, Pernod Ricard, Malibu, Coca-Cola, TurboTap USA, AMI Entertainment Network, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Modern Line Furniture and many more are participating.

Those interested in attending the Nightclub & Bar Show can register at www.ncbshow.com.

Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue,
CA-92802
866.458.4935
newhope360.com/events/tradeshow

CuisineType : Gluten Free Items, Healthy

(Jan. 2012) Natural Products Expo West is where new products turn into record profits, relationship building and ROI is always high and brand awareness builds momentum with each better business practice. Join in an experience with over 3000 exhibits from over 1,800 different companies showcasing the newest products in natural and specialty foods, organic, health and beauty, natural living, supplements and pet products.

Nowhere else can you get your products in front of so many buyers within the natural and organic products industry.

Join over 58,000 professionals and peers in an experience guaranteed to help your business grow.

Being part of the world’s largest natural and organic products tradeshow is the best investment your company can make. Transform your business by generating new sales leads and acquiring new customers at an event where doing business just comes naturally.

Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard,
CA-90802
203-878-2577
www.latravelshow.com

The 7th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure ShowTM Packs Heat with an International Fiery Foods ChallengeNew demos and competitions at the Culinary Stage announced Any travel experience would be far from complete without exploring the destination’s cuisine. Accordingly, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show TM, taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center on January 14-15, will feature delicious, interactive demonstrations at the Culinary Stage. The International Fiery Foods Challenge invites guests to take their taste buds to the limit, sampling mouth-watering recipes from around the world. Guests can also participate in a high-stakes cooking competition and learn travel tips for foodies.

The International Fiery Foods Challenge brings together local chefs representing destinations found at the show. From familiar cuisine to the exotic, all dishes will have a delightful kick. The demonstrated foods are Frikadelle (a sort of German meatball), Spicy Tequila Marinated Prawns, Rendang Padang (Indonesian Caramelized Beef Curry), and Medjool Dates with chorizo, mascarpone and Tunisian harissa (a chili sauce). Participating chefs are Kai Loebach of CurryWurst, Amir Thomas of Duo Dishes, SriAdriani 'Jenny' Martono of Indonesia Tourism, and Tracey Augustine of Cashmere Bites. After tasting, guests can vote for their favorites and take home the recipes to recreate them.

The Mark DeCarlo Interactive Cooking Class and Competition will follow the Fiery Foods Challenge. Three lucky audience members will be picked from a drawing to prove their kitchen skills right on the spot, recreating a dish of Mark’s choosing. The audience will vote for the best cook, who will win an all-inclusive Yucatan vacation. The Culinary Stage has good eats for Sunday’s show-goers as well. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau will hold a “Taiwan Popcorn Chicken” demonstration with Chef Frances Lee of the Mighty Boba Truck. Then, Ventura based Chef Jason Collis will host “Farm to Table—Luscious Lemon and Avocado Taste Sensations from 120-year-old, Sustainable Limoneira Ranch.” And, see a top Herradura Tequila ambassador demonstrate Tequila pairing tips. Following this demo, attendees can meet the brand ambassador and taste samples at the Herradura Tequila bar next to the Los Angeles magazine booth. Also not to be missed is “Travel for Foodies – Tips, Trends, and Tools for the Culinary Traveler,” with food and travel experts Michael Cervin, Linda Kissam, Dr. Kathy Gruver, and Chef Allan Cragg.

In addition, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will feature talks by some of the world’s most beloved travel personalities, including Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern, Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, Mark DeCarlo, and Patricia Schultz. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances and participate in a variety of activities including scuba lessons from Beadiver.com, a 25’ rock climbing wall, zip line, and children’s activities area. The five-acre show floor will be packed with more than 400 destinations, tour operators and travel professionals providing one-on-one consultations on visiting destinations as near as Catalina Island and as far as Indonesia.

The 2012 Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show’sTM Presenting Sponsor is the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Supporting Sponsors include Air Berlin/Visit Berlin, Guam Visitors Bureau, Indonesia Tourism, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office. Los Angeles Magazine, NBC4 LA, Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel (LACOT), Press-Telegram, KABC-AM and KLOS-FM are the flagship Media Sponsors. The event, produced by Unicomm, LLC, will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center Saturday, January 14th and Sunday, January 15th, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; travel trade may enter the show on Saturday, January 14th at 9:30am for an advance preview or attend during regular show hours. Tickets are $12 at the door or $9 online in advance with Promo Code: LAPR; children age 16 and below admitted free with paid adult. Ticket purchase information, a current schedule of speakers and more details are available at www.latravelshow.com.

(Dec. 2011) Every Wednesday Food Truck Fare – After Dark.

5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Offering food trucks and a cash bar. Event features a rotating roster of gourmet food trucks, free parking and entry, ample seating and restrooms. Food prices vary per truck. Trucks subject to change. Enter through gate 1 off of 88 Fare Drive, Costa Mesa CA.

Dec 28 trucks:

• Baconmania
• SOHO Taco
• The Burnt Truck
• Dogzilla
• Spudrunners
• Panfiniti
• Piaggio on Wheels

OC Fairgrounds
88 Fair Drive,
CA-92626
714.708.1500
ocfair.com

CuisineType : Food Trucks

The 2012 Taste of Huntington Beach

When: Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12 Noon to 4 PM

Where: HB Sports Complex; 18100 Goldenwest (at Talbert) across the parking lot from the HB Public Library

Why: Proceeds benefit the Children's Department of the HB Public Library

Questions? Email info@TasteHB.com
 
What to do : For one all-inclusive ticket price, you can:
Feast on unlimited tastes of food from your favorite local eateries
Sip on samples of wine and beer from premium California wineries and craft breweries
Meet new people and catch-up with fun-loving old friends!
Bid on silent auction baskets filled with goods and services from local businesses
Listen and dance to our top-notch live entertainment all afternoon
Buy tickets to win one of our great raffle prizes
Stop by the sponsor and vendor booths and talk to our Taste supporters
 
Since 2002, The Friends of the Children's Library and the HB Restaurant Association have helped the Taste raise over $300,000 for the HB Children's Library!

Taste of Huntington Beach
18100 Goldenwest,
CA-92646
www.tastehb.com/index.html

Sexy Burger, Various Food Trucks
88 Fair Drive,
Ca-92626
(714) 708-1500
ocfair.com/blockparty

CuisineType : American, Burgers, Food Trucks

OC New Year's Eve Block Party

The OC Fair New Year's Eve Block Party will feature a variety of gourmet food trucks to keep party goers rocking and rolling all night long, including:

• Bacon Mania
• The Greasy Winner
• Calbi
• Sexy Burge

rFor more information visit: ocfair.com/blockparty

New Years Eve Celebration (Saturday, December 31)

Ring in the New Year in three time zones while enjoying food stations featuring culinary delights from around the world. A live orchestra playing rock & roll to Broadway classics will be on hand and a Champagne toast is included in the $85 per person cost. For reservations call (949) 729-1144.

Newport Dunes Resort
1131 Back Bay Drive,
CA-92660
949-729-3863
www.newportdunes.com/

CuisineType : Eclectic, Sm Plates

THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR PRESENTS ITS INAUGURAL TRUFFLE WEEK!

The Winery Restaurant’s Executive Chef Yvon Goetz Kicks Things Off with Decadent DinnerThe Winery Restaurant will allow guests to indulge in one of the world’s most treasured foods during its inaugural TRUFFLE WEEK celebration November 17th through 23rd.

Executive Chef/Partner Yvon Goetz will offer a special three-course menu of dishes featuring truffles, including a decadent dessert ($80 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity).

The Winery Restaurant
2647 Park Avenue,
CA-92782
714.258.7600
www.TheWineryRestaurant.net.

CuisineType : Fine Dining