Eat, Drink and be Merry at the 2nd annual Los Angles Times The Taste: Costa Mesa, at the cultural hub in Costa Mesa MET. Enjoy vibrant local cuisine from award-winning Orange County restaurants. There are three sessions: one on Friday, Oct. 18 and two on Saturday, Oct. 19. Admission to each event includes unlimited tastings from dozens of local restaurants, premium cocktail sampling, plus demonstrations from renowned chefs and wine experts.
The LA Times’ acclaimed food staff highlight culinary masters and rising stars that are making a mark on Southern California cuisine. Each day there will be informative cooking demonstrations, unlimited food tastings, and samples a variety of cocktails and beverages.
On Friday night from 7 to 10 pm., ticket holders will learn about the artistry behind Chef Maher Nakhal’s Syrian pastries of Le Mirage Pastry, spotlighting Middle Eastern desserts and French pastries, as well as bouza (Arabic ice cream). Also in the evening's program, critically acclaimed chef Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix) will showcase his eclectic style and Euro-Filipino flavors through a demo of one of his signature dishes, hosted by Times Features Writer Gustavo Arellano. Restaurants include: Filomena's Italian Kitchen, Outpost Kitchen, Puesto, Tackle Box, The Ranch at Laguna Beach and WAVE Gourmet Burgers.
Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Learn how and why Chef Carlos Salgado earned a 2019 Michelin-star at Taco María, while he prepares some of his contemporary, Mexican-influenced cooking with L.A. Times Cooking Columnist Ben Mims.
Take a wine tour through Monterey County with Rob Baker (Southern Glazer’s) as he presents Bordeaux-style wine from Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Winery. Restaurants include: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Mayors Table Pacific Pub & Kitchen, Mesa and Roba Noodle.
Later in the evening from 7 to 10 p.m. The Taste festivities continue with chef Wing Lam (Wahoo’s Fish Tacos) cooking up his legendary Baja-style fish tacos.
Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault (Knife Pleat) will demonstrate his modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French techniques with Times Senior Food Writer Jenn Harris.
Restaurants offering tastes include Bluegold, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, CUCINA enoteca, Georgia's Restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar and Toast Kitchen + Bakery.
Other standout participants this year include the culinary team from The Crack Shack, Terrace by Mix Mix. Knife Pleat, Roba Noodle, Delicato Family Winery and Puesto.
Travel Costa Mesa has partnered with nearby hotels to offer special packages that include a pair of tickets to The Taste with each night’s stay for a weekend “Eatcation” to explore more of the area’s diverse food and cultural scene.
Los Angeles Times The Taste, presented by City National Bank and co-presented by Travel Costa Mesa, is produced in association with Best Events. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is the event’s charity beneficiary.
Tickets range from $80 to $100, and a $10 discount is available exclusively to Times subscribers. Details, tickets and hotel packages: latimes.com/TheTaste. Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheTasteLA; share and search using #TasteCostaMesa.
