MOT photo by Elise Thompson
Monique A. LeBleu contributed to this post.
This Sunday, Masters of Taste, one of our favorite events, is happening at The Rose Bowl. More than 2500 guests will stroll the grassy field while enjoying tastes and treats from over 95 Culinary Masters and restaurants, Sweet Masters, and Beverage Masters. It’s always a gorgeous event, never too crowded, with plenty of food and drink from exciting chefs and mixologists.
Rob and Leslie Levy, owners of the Raymond 1886, proposed the concept of Masters of Taste five years ago as a fundraising idea when Rob served on the board of Union Station for six years.
“About five years ago we proposed the idea for this crazy event,” said Rob Levy. “The goal was to make a great event, And the by-product was that it would serve a great organization. It has become something so much more than we ever imagined. So much more impactful, and one of the critical pieces that makes it so unique is that 100% of all the proceeds go to the organization. There isn’t another event like it. ”
Last month Masters of Taste held a preview night where we enjoyed countless dishes from chefs who will be presenting dishes on Sunday, including Coctel de Camaron from Executive Chef Jonathan Aviles of Salazar, and a N.Y. Strip Steak with a classic “French bordelaise sauce,” along with a tartlet of pea greens from Executive chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower, who is the Masters of Taste Host Chef this year–the very first one. In addition, we were treated to a New Orleans-style seafood gumbo pot from Sammy Monsour of Preux & Proper, which was paired with O’Melvaney Red Ale.
Many of this year’s participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants are Pasadena locals, like Chef Erwin Tjahyadi of Bone Kettle, Chef Calogero Drago from Celestino Ristorante, Chef Florent Courriol of Alexander’s Steakhouse, Chef Mike Stern of Gus’s Barbecue, and Lunasia Dim Sum House Maestro Chef Elena Vargas.
Some of our other LA favorites serving are Ayara Thai Chef Vanda Asapahu, Eagle Rock Brewery Public House Chef Jerry Su, KASS Wine Bar + Kitchen Chef Christophe Émé, Rappahannock Oyster Bar Chef Wilson Santos, Sticky Rice Chef David Tewasart, The Arbour Chef Ian Gresik, Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, Porto’s Bakery, and Lark Cake Shop.
Participating Beverage Masters include Brewmasters such as Indie Brewing Company, Los Angeles Ale Works, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., and Arcadia’s first microbrewery, Mt. Lowe Brewing Co. You can look forward to pourings from Ascension Cellars,Golden Star Vineyards & Winery, Hitching Post Winery, Kieu Hoang Winery,Wrath Wines and many more.
Enjoy signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars as you stroll the field. A “50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar” will feature mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations–including Cameron Masden of The Raymond 1886, Ned Kirby of Magnolia House, and Katie Putterlik of Otoño. Fine spirits showcased will include American Born Moonshine, KI NO BI Dry Gin, SelvaRey Rum, and Wild Roots Organic Vodka. Teetotalers need not worry. There will be non-alcoholic Beverage Masters there to wet your whistle, like Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Honeydrop Beverages, and Zico Coconut Water.
100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a nonprofit organization “committed to helping homeless men, women, and children rebuild their lives.”
Masters of Taste 2019 will take place on Sunday, April 7th, 2019 at Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. General Admission will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 21+ and over. Masters of Taste suggest that you take Uber or Lyft because of the cocktails being served, and I second that. Delicious cocktails and wine flow freely at this event. Complimentary parking is also available at the Rose Bowl.
General admission tickets are only $105. Get yours here!
