In search of a new food-and-beverage event for a new experience, I discovered the Los Angeles Wine…read more& Food Festival at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA, and immediately purchased two VIP tickets for the Saturday Bite Club. The event was from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and using my better judgment, we took an Uber to and from the location.
Arriving about a half hour before the doors opened, the line was quite long for the VIP entry, but once the doors opened, we entered in a matter of five minutes, and the festivities began. The vibe was Pop Culture with patrons of all flavors, and everyone was sporting their personal fashion statement and personality. The place was filled with the non-stop grooves played by the resident DJ, and everyone grooved to the beats as they savored the numerous delicious chef-created bites and chased them with the various whiskeys, tequila shots, cocktails, and brews available for consumption. Notable offerings:
King Hawaiian - Soft Pretzel Bites
Lior Hillel - Mediterranean Street Corn; and a Pilpelchuma Prawn
Uyen Le BBQ Pulled Pork Banh Mi
James Bailey - Smoked Pork Lettuce Wrap
Javier Lopez - Yellowfin Tuna Tostada; and Compressed Pineapple
Michael & Bryan Voltaggio "Voltaggio Brothers" - Wagyu Sloppy Joe; and Matcha Zeppole
Rose Previte Maydan - Hummus with Roasted Lamb Shoulder
Juan "Billy" Acosta - Carnitas El Momo
Okay Inak "Sora Craft Kitchen" - Icli Kofta
Kat Turner "Highly Likely" - Shaved Celery Salad
Irene Verceles "The Surfing Fox" - Mango Pork Belly
Gino Pineda "Dialog Cafe" - Miso Salmon with Miso Butter
Lindsay McDonald "All About the Cinnamon" - The Big Poppa Cinnamon Roll
Julia Tokarz & Gregory Lay "East Side Cheesecakes" -Cider & Silk Cheesecake Shooter
Michel Reed "Poppy & Seed" - Smoked Beef Short Rib Pastrami
David Kuo "Fatty Mart" - Chili Wontons; and Pork & Shrimp Dumplings
Beverages provided by: Coke, Santa Cruz Mountains vineyard, Germain/Robin Distillery, Argonaut Brandy, Icelandic, Bernardus Winery, Pinhook Distillery, Cyrus Noble Bourdon Whiskey, Knob Creek, Frey Ranch, Peroni Beer, Magna Carta Winery, Lerner Project Winery, Alto Canto Tequila, Coyote Chief Winery, The Vice Winery, Grillin' Time Cocktails, and
Brushwood Distillery
In addition, lots of swag and discount cards were distributed. Items such as gift bags, bottle openers, pins, shot glasses, canned beverage covers, ballpoint pens, bottle sauces, t-shirts, and even a piercing studio in the VIP area!
During the evening, the music played, wine, beer, and cocktails flowed, and the food was abundant.
Everyone in attendance was in great spirits, friendly, and on their best behavior. I will definitely attend the coming year.