Despite the struggling economy, the American Wine & Food Festival taking place this weekend has already sold out tickets for its Saturday festivities. Now in its 26th year, the event will take to the Universal Studios back lot and will benefit the Puck-Lazaroff Foundation and Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles.
The three-day event kicks off with a party dubbed "Red Hot" at Red Seven in the Pacific Design Center on Friday. Organizers added the party to the event lineup in 2007, and on the heels of its success, have brought it back for 2008. Planners expect the festival will draw 2,600 on Saturday, and will feature bands, a silent auction, more than 60 vintners, and samples from renowned chefs. Perrier-Jouet will provide a lounge with a dance floor and champagne after hours on Saturday.
The festival comes to an end on Sunday with the six-course Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner at Spago. Some of the confirmed chefs include Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa and Nobu, Matt Accarrino of Craft, and José Andrés of the Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, among others.
