
1. American Wine & Food Festival
On September 25, 2,700 food and wine enthusiasts are expected on the Universal Studios back lot for tastings accompanied by live music, dancing, and a silent auction. Since it began in 1982, this Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation event has raised more than $15 million for Meals On Wheels programs in Los Angeles.
2. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Los Angeles
The Food Network, Sysco, and American Express were among the sponsors at the June 6 benefit to end childhood hunger. The tasting event took place at Media Park in Culver City, and included samples from 40 of L.A.’s top chefs and restaurants, who donated their time and resources.
3. San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
The sixth annual festival took place November 18 to 22 and drew a crowd of more than 9,000—a 15 percent increase in ticket sales over the previous year. The weeklong festival included more than 170 wineries and spirit companies and 60 chefs and restaurants. The 2010 festival runs November 17 to 21.
4. Extravaganza for the Senses
This benefit for the Saban Free Clinic will move to a new location at Sunset Gower studios on July 17. The event typically draws more than 1,500 attendees and offers samples from 30 restaurants and 80 wineries.
5. Great Chefs of Los Angeles
The 23rd annual incarnation of this food event took place November 8 at the CBS Studio Center. Ann and George Lopez served as honorary co-chairs, and the chefs of honor were Neal Fraser of BLD and Grace, and Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill and Ciudad. The theme was “Go Green, Go Organic.” Details of this year’s event were not available at press time.
6. Savor the Season
Break the Cycle’s tasting gala, “Savor the Season 2010: Cooking for Love,” is set to serve wine and drinks paired with food from top chefs on October 10 at Global Cuisine by Gary Arabia at the Lot Studios in West Hollywood. The event raises funds to end teen dating violence.
7. Western Food Service and Hospitality Expo
This trade show produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions includes a broad slate of education and related events with about 500 exhibitors. The show moved from the Los Angeles Convention Center to the San Diego Convention Center in 2009 but will return to L.A. in 2010, taking over the convention center from August 14 to 16.
8. Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 21st annual Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters event was held May 15 and took place, for the third straight year, on the Midwest and French streets back lots at Warner Brothers Studios. The event drew about 1,300 guests to sample wine from more than 65 California wineries and food from more than 45 celebrity chefs.