Over a three-day weekend in early March, the Santa Monica Pier was transformed into a culinary mecca and then some. With a lineup of over 90 chefs– including 16 culinary superstars laden with titles, competition awards and Food Network credentials.In addition, nightly celebrity DJ’s, live art installations, themed rooms: representing iconic LA neighborhoods–and unlimited food and drink–all made for a winning formula for gastronomic gourmandizing.
Each evening featured an array of unique dishes that showcased the culinary character of each chef presenting. On Friday, graffiti artist, John Parks began his mural and DJ Millie brought us lively musical vibes.
Some of Friday’s highlights included: Antonia Lofaso’s indulgent “Lobster Roll,” which was slathered in butter, with a hint of chili flakes, garlic, chives, dill and celery leaf captivated the crowd.
Iron chef Stephanie Izard’s “Chili Crunch Beef Short Rib, Pineapple, and Sweet Potato Noodles” provided an upscale, delectably comforting bite.
Bakery Chef Duff Goldman’s “Fried Banana Sundae” took the cake for dessert decadence.
Saturday’s lineup included: Food Network Star Geoffrey Zakarain’s “Tuna Tonnato with Crispy Capers, Pickled Shallots and Fresh Herbs,” which was a Saturday standout.
Alex Guarnaschelli’s “Ricotta Crostini with Warm Ratatouille and Basil” was a perfectly delectable appetizer.
Jeff Mauro’s “Juicy Italian Beef Sandwich” offered a quintessential taste of Chicago on a bun.
New to the LA restaurant scene is Saltie Girl with chef Kyle McClelland ‘s “Massachusetts Bay Scallop with Kaluga Caviar, Citron, Crème Fraiche and Green Onion” that proved to be a showstopper.
Sunday’s showcase included: a “Skewered Jumbo Shrimp with Mustard Miso Sauce” created by Andrew Zimmern was a taste sensation.
A “Peruvian Scallop bathed in Ginger Lemongrass Nam Jim” presented by Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai Restaurant was a gourmet highlight.
Besides the understandable goal to taste every dish, beverage purveyors were on hand to enhance each plate and to offer guests a variety of beverages. There was an array of specialty cocktails, beer and wines from Malibu, J. Lohr in Paso Robles, El Vino in Baja and Ramey Wine Cellars in Sonoma.
The food was varied and representative of the multicultural diversity of Los Angeles, the DJ music set the tone for energetic imbibing and grooving to the beat.
The graffiti artist’s mural aptly depicted the sense of place of the festival. The crowd was spirited and enthusiastic, eager to sample the culinary creations and pair them with their favorite beverages.
The first annual Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival was a great start to a tradition that will keep the City of Angels on the forefront of the culinary cutting edge. Stay tuned for more at lawineandfood.com
