Masters of Taste
Masters of Taste 2018 brings over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles to celebrate with fare from over 40 culinary masters and restaurants, sweets by L.A.’s top sweet masters, top beverage masters, 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line cocktail bar, wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices cold brew coffee, live entertainment and more. 100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2018 will benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community and offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last two years Masters of Taste has raised nearly $1 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2018 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include: Ayara Lūk Chef Vanda Asapahu; Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery and Claude & Co. Chef Claud Beltran; Bistro Mon Cheri Chef Kimmy Tang; Bone Kettle and Komodo Chef Erwin Tjahyadi; Bourbon Steak Chef Kyle Johnson; Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago; CHAYA Chef Joji Inoue; Church & State and Spring Chef Tony Esnault; Garlic & Chives Chef Kristin Nguyen; Gus’s Barbecue Chef Mike Stern; Kato Chef Jonathan Yao; Lost at Sea Chef Tim Carey; Lunasia Dim Sum House Chef Lee Hau Fu; M Café Chef Atsushi Kenjo; Mercado, Mercado Taqueria, Maradentro, Yxta Cocina Mexicana Chef Jose Acevedo; Momed Chef Alex Sarkissian; Nerano Chef Michele Lisi; Ramen Tatsunoya; Redbird Chef Neal Fraser; SOL Cocina Chef Deborah Schneider; The Bellwether Chef Ted Hopson; The FLATS Chef Paul Shoemaker; The Raymond 1886 Chef Tim Guiltinan; Twohey’s Tavern Chef Travis Limoge; Wax Paper Chef Peter Lemos; Welltopia Chef Lulu Cai; Wolfgang Puck Catering; World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz; and XO Chef Michael Hung (Mid-town Los Angeles). A select group of Los Angeles top sweet masters include Butter Cake Shoppe, Crème Caramel, Fatamorgana Gelato, Helados Pops, Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Porto’s Bakery, Zooies Cookies and more. Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for sampling throughout the event, including Indie Brewing Company, Iron triangle Brewing, Lincoln Beer Company, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co., State Brewing Co. and more. A specially curated collection of wine masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Cosentino Winery, Foris Winery & Vineyards, Hitching Post Winery, Y3 by Jax Vineyards, Kieu Hoang Winery, Lorimar Vineyard and Winery, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards and Wrath Wines to name a few. Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating craft cocktails, including Peter Lloyd-Jones of 1886, Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl, Colin Pflugradt of SOL Cocina, and Pasadena’s Magnolia House. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits will also include American Born Moonshine, Dulce Vida Tequila, Woodford Reserve and ZYR Russian Vodka and many more. A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate, such as Bai, Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Dry Sparkling, Groundwork Coffee, Immordl energy elixirs, cold-pressed juices from Nekter Juice Bar and Zico Coconut Water and more. $105+; Sunday, VIP Power Hour: 3-4 pm, General Admission: 4-7 pmPasadena Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.791.6677; info@MastersofTasteLA.com
Vegfest Los Angeles 2018
VegFest Los Angeles is a day filled with food, fun and inspiration. The combination of a delicious vegan international food court, great live music, empowering speakers on health, environmental, humanitarian and animal topics, kids’ activities, animal adoptions, an eco-marketplace with over 150 vendors, and more, make for an an unforgettable earth-friendly experience that is sure to be enjoyable for all! Sunday, 10:30 am – 6:30 pm; Woodley Park, 6004, 6076 Woodley Ave, Encino, CA 91316
Eat|See|Hear
Home to the largest screen on the West Coast, Eat|See|Hear celebrates its seventh year with a selection of 20 movies and music performances alongside 150+ rotating food trucks. This year, Eat|See|Hear will be setting up at The Autry Museum in Griffith Park, La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills, Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall, North Hollywood Recreation Center, the Santa Monica High School Memorial Greek Amphitheater, and Los Angeles State Historic Park. Going beyond the cinematic experience, you will have access to a variety of added features for select locations. The Autry Museum offers free museum entry, encouraging guests to explore the galleries. The events are also dog-friendly and upon entry, you and your four-legged friends are greeted with water bowls and biscuits to also enjoy the show. Eat|See|Hear celebrates its 6th year with Best Friends Animal Society-Los Angeles as an official nonprofit partner. This partnership has seen $40,000 donated to the initiative and over 75 animals finding forever homes, thanks to the summer events. $8-$21; Saturday, 5:30 pm; North Hollywood Recreation Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Rooftop Cinema Club
The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftops of the historic Montalban Theatre and Level Downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy street food and drinks above the city while you watch films like I, Tonya; Dunkirk; Get Out; and The Godfather. $17-$28; Through May 31st1615 Vine St, Los Angeles; 888 S. Olive St, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF)
The 34th annual festival showcases the best in Asian Pacific American and international cinema. Check out screenings, conversations with artists, educational talks, special events and more across various Los Angeles venues. Through May 12th
Malibu Movie Under the Stars
Celebrate “May the fourth be with you” tonight and cuddle up under the big blue SoCal sky as Malibu Wines continues its film series with a screening of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Free; Friday; Malibu Wines, 31740 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA
HALL and WALT Wines New Adventurous Luxury Wine Brand
The next generation brand is led by the Halls’ daughter, Jennifer Brown, and winemaker, Alison Frichtl who has been part of the HALL and WALT winemaking team for the past seven years. To celebrate, the intimate launch event is invite only, with a limited number of tickets offered to the public. Come prepared to embrace the journey in addition to the destination, enjoying wines paired with experiences. The event will include live music, adventure-based activities and farm-to-table bites. The set of family owned wineries remains tight lipped about details of the event plans and brand, and is committed to ensuring that the event will surprise and delight guests in attendance. This highly allocated wine will be in limited release and available at the winery, on line and in select restaurants. $100; Saturday, 5– 8 pm; HALL St. Helena, 401 St. Helena Hwy. S, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707.967.2626
Welcome to Summer! Three Day Rule is hosting the biggest white party of the year. Join 500 guests at Viceroy Santa Monica to kick off your summer during an afternoon of poolside DJ beats, discounted cocktails, a Caribbean BBQ, pool floats, a floral wall/red carpet entrance, and fabulous people all wearing white. It’s the SundayFunday you won’t want to miss. The first 200 guests to arrive will receive white sunglasses to get you in the summer spirit. White attire politely requested. Sunday, 1 – 5 pm; Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Little Dom’s Turns 10!
In celebration of a ten years of service, the Los Feliz mainstay restaurant, Little Dom’s is giving thanks to you with food and drink specials. Executive Chef Brandon Boudet and Pastry Chef Ann Kirk will be reintroducing items from the original opening menu of the American Italian dining destination, such as the traditional dessert favorite, Torta della Nonna, featuring airy custard topped with pine nuts. Specialty cocktails will also be presented for those wishing to toast the next decade of the neighborhood hotspot. Friday-Sunday; 2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.661.0055
Effervescence
This celebration of Champagnes and sparkling wines! This event features master classes led by world-renowned experts at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in WeHo, gourmet pairings at acclaimed L.A. restaurants (Viale dei Romani, Kali, République) and bubbly tastings at the historic Avalon Hollywood. Dom Pérignon, Krug and Moët & Chandon are among more than 50 participating producers. A portion of the proceeds benefits the T.J. Martell Foundation and Heal the Bay. 21+. $125+; Friday & Saturday; Los Angeles, CA
Shop 20 beautiful brands for Mothers, by Mothers. One Colorado is delighted to be partnering with Fashion Mamas for their annual Mama Market. Saturday, 10 am-4 pm; 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Redondo Beach Police Department’s Surf Competition Supporting Special Olympics Athletes and Wonderful Heroes of America
Redondo Beach resident and Police Chief Keith Kauffman will be among the local officers who will swap his badge for a board to promote a positive relationship between locals and police. Beginners and first-time surfers will be assigned to teams of five alongside at least one Special Olympic Athlete, Veteran or Police Officer. The winning team will receive the coveted Golden Donut Trophy, a play on police officers’ favorite sweet treat. Please bring a surfboard, wetsuit, sunscreen, towel and whatever you need for a great day at the beach. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Free; Saturday, 7 am; Between Avenue I and Burnout, Redondo Beach, CA
Derby Day to Baltaire
The restaurant is hosting its annual Kentucky Derby Viewing party with a DJ, and live stream of the main event on several large projector screens throughout the restaurant, bar, and lounge. Let your preppy Southern style shine with wide-brimmed hats, blazers, and bowties fit for the Churchill Downs Millionaires Row. Baltaire will host a contest and award gift cards to guests with the best hat and overall outfit. Classic Derby cocktails will be served alongside Executive Chef Travis Strickland’s favorite Southern dishes, including: Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich made with toasted brioche with house smoked turkey breast, roasted Campari tomatoes, roasted garlic cream sauce, white cheddar, and braised pork belly; and Choose Your Julep with a choice of bourbon, gin, rum, rye, tequila, or vodka. Baltaire has partnered with No Kid Hungry for this event and will sell raffle tickets with proceeds benefitting No Kid Hungry. Saturday, 1-4:30 pm; 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049; 424.273.1660
Hecho in LA: Taco Madness 2018
Back for a second year, celebrate the taco lifestyle with a curated selection of tacos from the city’s food trucks and restaurants. Wash it all down with micheladas, local craft beers, cocktails from Jägermeister or a premium cocktail from Partida Tequila. Free, $25/VIP; Saturday, 5 pm-midnight; La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St, Los Angeles, CA
Panxa Cocina’s Casa Noble Tequila Week
One of LA’s only dedicated Southwestern restaurants, Panxa Cocina is serving up a killer tequila and mezcal program. This weekend, Casa Noble Tequila Ambassadors will be at Panxa handing out tasters in the bar, alongside festive music and party vibes. Saturday, 12-3 pm; 3937 E Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803; 562.433.7999
The party is taking over The Wilshire, the brand new Gramercy (formally Tacoteca) and the parking lot in between the two! The party will have headlining DJ’s, tequila tasting, mariachi, and bottle/table service, while the fully turfed parking lot will have food trucks, a 30′ beer and liquor bar, games like life size Jenga & corn hole and plenty of shade! $20; Saturday, 2-8 pm; 2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Annual Two-Night Cinco de Mayo Engagement from Lucha VaVOOM
Los Angeles’ longest running, most celebrated action-packed variety show has electrifying Mexican masked wrestling, burlesque and comedy. This weekend, they won’t disappoint. Expect tequila, tamales, minis, mariachi, Aztec dancers, aerialists, folkloricos, hula hoops, low riders, comedy and more at this year’s “Cinco de Mayan Gigante!”. Plus, the incredible Mexican singing sensation Amandititita and electro cumbia wizards from Guadalajara, Los Master Plus, are confirmed to perform. $48.50; Friday & Saturday, doors: 7 pm, show: 8: – 10:30 pm; The Mayan Theater, 1038 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA
Cinco de Mayo at The Morrison
Celebrate with food specials like beef or chicken tacos, chicken flautas, chicken fajitas, ceviche and tres leches cake. Drink specials include Adios Amigos made with Corralejo Blanco Tequila, triple sec, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and bitters; No Way Jose made with Corralejo Blanco Tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, lime juice, and an orange twist; Como Chingas made with Corralejo Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau juice, and lime juice; Tipsy Piñata made with mescal, lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec; Michelada made with Modelo Especial, bloody mary mix, worcestershire sauce, and Tajin seasoning; and Mexican beers. Saturday; 3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90039; 323.667.1839
Cinco de Mayo at Tallula’s
This is Tallula’s first Cinco De Mayo, so they’re opening two hours early to get the party started! Spend a day at the beach, then walk across the street to celebrate over rounds of Blood Orange Margaritas and Palomas, signature snacks like Organic Chicken Wings, Nachos Sencillo and a special Cinco De Mayo XL Taco. Saturday, 2 pm; 118 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402; 310.526.0027
Cinco de Mayo at Casa Vega
They are celebrating all day with menu specials! The restaurant will be decked out with festive Mexican décor and furnishings. Drink specials will be all day and night include $7 Casa Vega Margaritas, and the restaurant will also be serving a Pink Senorita cocktail for one day only, made with Patron Silver, fresh grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice, garnished with fresh mint. In the evening, enjoy music from a live mariachi band. Saturday; 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; 818.788.4868
Sixth Street Tavern’s Cinco de Mayo
The popular neighborhood bar in DTLA, is changing things up for Cinco de Mayo with a pop-up menu for the day offering vegan and non-vegan menu options, cocktails and more! For the day, the existing menu will turn over and instead, dishes like Build Your Own Nachos ($9- $12) with options like vegan or dairy cheese and shredded beef, grilled chicken or spicy impossible meat will be available! Other options include Choriqueso ($7) a chorizo and cheese dip, Ceviche Mixto Tostadas ($8), Avocado Salsa ($6) or A la Carte Tacos ($2). Cocktails will follow suit featuring a variety of margaritas and Palomas in addition to various beer options! Saturday; 630 W. 6th St, 116-B/C, Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.614.1900
Ocean Prime’s Cinco de Mayo
The modern American seafood-centric steakhouse located in the heart of Beverly Hills, has a signature Spiced Tequila Cocktail on the menu with Maesto Dobel Diamonte Tequila, Picante Infused Simple Syrup, Hand Squeezed Lemon Juice and Regan’s Orange Bitters ($16) for an ultra-high end twist on the classic margarita for Cinco de Mayo! Saturay; 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.859.4818
Birds & Bees’ Cinco De Mayo
The underground 1950’s themed mid-century modern cocktail bar in DTLA will be featuring a special cocktail for Cinco De Mayo that deviates from the standard drinks that are so often associated with Cinco de Mayo, while highlighting ingredients found in Mexico. Over Margaritas and tacos? Birds & Bees is doing a little bit more with what Mexico has to offer with a Cactus, Mezcal, Tequila, and fresh fruit inspired cocktail. The Nopalito Especial ($13) cocktail features mezcal, Repo tequila, nopalito syrup, vanilla oregat, lime, pineapple juice, all spice and a dash of house made fire tincture, garnished with cactus and pineapple. Saturday; 207 S Broadway, B, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.537.0510
Gracias Madre’s Cinco de Mayo Pop-Up Margarita Garden
Join West Hollywood vegan hotspot as it hosts a Pop-up Margarita Garden Party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! The plant-based Mexican eatery will be serving up street tacos ($5 each – BBQ Jackfruit Taco, Mole Mushroom Taco), Purista Margaritas & Micheladas ($10), and beer ($5), all courtesy of Executive Chef Chandra Gilbert and Beverage Director Maxwell Reis. Free; Saturday, 12 – 10 pm; corner of La Peer and Melrose Ave, 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.978.2170
Herringbone Santa Monica’s Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Ocean Ave at ocean-to-table restaurant Herringbone Santa Monica. The restaurant will be featuring its JaléBerry cocktail ($8) with strawberry jalapeño infused tequila, lime and agave, in addition to its crowd favorite Ceviche Tostada ($11), featuring serrano, red onion, cilantro, lime, radish and guacamole (available 4pm-close), courtesy of Executive Chef Timothy Sanders. Saturday; 1755 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA; 310.971.4460
Cinco de Mayo at Casita Del Campo
Casita Del Campo, a family-owned Mexican restaurant celebrating 56 years of business in Silverlake is serving up some of Los Angeles’ best Mexican fare in five colorful dining rooms and two outdoor patios. With a Margarita in hand and Mexican Mariachi classics blaring, enjoy a limitless margarita line-up featuring the classic La Gritona! comprised of premium La Gritona Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, and Triple sec, or a fun Frozen Fruit Margarita, with a choices such as Strawberry, Peach, Watermelon, Mango, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Melonor Ginger. As for food, enjoy “The Fiesta Platter” which is perfect for sharing a variety of Taquitos, Quesadillas and a Casita Special, which are small crispy tortillas topped with chicken, beef, beans, guacamole, and sour cream, or the tender Carnitas plate with orange and garlic-simmered pork, served with guacamole and freshly made rice and beans. Saturday, 11 am – 2 am; 1920 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.662.4255
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day at Horse Thief BBQ
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a Texas twist at Horse Thief BBQ in DTLA’s Grand Central Market. Enjoy Horse Thief’s famous breakfast tacos all day long! These tacos inspire a cult following and feature homemade tortillas that are filled with potato, egg, and cheese with the option to add Horse Thief’s succulent brisket or bacon. The tacos are topped with either house made mild green salsa, made from fresh tomatillo, or spicy red salsa made from roasted Roma tomatoes, pasilla chili and chili de arbol. Cinco De Mayo wouldn’t be complete without a boozy complement! Enjoy house made Red or Green Micheladas ($8), or sip on a refreshing Dos Equis draft beer ($5) while celebrating in style with Dos Equis swag. Horse Thief BBQ will also be showing the Kentucky Derby! Grab a beer and some tacos and enjoy the races from Horse Thief’s beautiful outdoor patio. Saturday; 324 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.625.0341
Madre’s Cinco de Mayo
Join in an all-day fiesta featuring live music, margarita pitchers and more. They have over 265 bottles of mezcal (the largest selection in all of Los Angeles). Saturday; 1261 Cabrillo Ave, #100, Torrance, CA; 310.974.8005
Petite Taqueria
For Cinco de Mayo, Petite Taqueria is offering 1/2 off margaritas! Saturday, 11 am – 11 pm; 755 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
