If Los Angeles magazine’s Food Event is not our favorite food festival of the year, it is definitely in the top three. The bucolic setting of Saddlerock Ranch in the Malibu Hills is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some of the best of LA. The Event celebrates the release of LA magazine’s annual “Food Lover’s Guide” issue. The theme this year revolves around the world cuisine available in our city and will feature a special Taste of the World Tent with hand-picked restaurants such as Lukson, Malo/Mas Malo, Matteo’s, Mezze, and Waterloo & City. Premiere coffees, cocktails, beers and wines will quench your thirst in style. Ooh, and we can also try bites from newcomers Playa and Fonuts!
This year television personality and cookbook author Candice Kumai will be hosting the many activities along with Max Paul of NBC’s Today Show. Cooking Demonstrations by celebrity chefs are always a highlight, and panels with experts in the Voss Conversation Lounge are cozy and intimate. Add cupcakes battles to the mix and things get really interesting. Bouchon’s Rory Herrmann, Montage Pastry Chef Richard Ruskell, Mo-Chica’s Ricardo Zarate and Lesley Bargar Suter are some of the personalities presenting.
In spite of the location you don’t have to worry too much about hats and blankets as there is ample shade and lots of comfortable places to sit, as well as modern restrooms. Do wear flats, but avoid sandals, as it is grassy and you may have to park in a pasture. Watch out for the camels, and people, I cannot stress enough the importance of a healthy appetite.
The event is held at Saddlerock Ranch, home to Semler and Saddlerock Wines from 1pm-4pm. Directions. Price: Tickets are $95, $100 with subscription (all demonstrations, food, beverages, and parking, fees included). $110 at the door. The best $100 dollars you ever spent.
