Southern California’s top food and wine festival is set to take place on October 11 and 12 in Manhattan Beach, hosted at Manhattan Village. This inaugural event is brought to life by founder Shelby Russell and Event Host Chef Neal Fraser, bringing together over 25 of their preferred culinary talents for the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival.
This two-night gastronomic extravaganza will present an array of savory and sweet delights, featuring prestigious wineries showcasing their finest selections, craft brewers providing their beers, and spirits experts mixing up innovative cocktails.
The All-Star Opening Night and Grand Tasting will highlight a selection of distinguished male and female chefs from Southern California, each preparing award-winning offerings for guests to sample. The event creates a welcoming ambiance where attendees can watch their favorite chefs at work and meet them personally.
Notable female chefs participating in this culinary festivity include Sherry Yard, known for her roles on The Great American Baking Show and Iron Chef, from Bakery by the Yard, and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, SOCALO, and Alice B., celebrated for her appearances on the Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales and Top Chefs Master.
James Beard award-winning chef Suzanne Goin of A.O.C., who frequently appears on Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef, will prepare a signature dish. Nyesha Arrington, also known as ‘The Ninja’ from Native By Nyesha and a contestant on Next Level Chef and Top Chef, will showcase one of her favorite recipes, while Stephanie Garofano will whip up a sweet creation from Malibu Meringue.
Chef Antonia Lafaso, famed for her role at Black Market Liquor Bar, Dama, and Scopa Italian Roots as seen on Top Chef, will also present a special dish. Her impressive portfolio includes participation in Food Network competitions like Tournament of Champions, Supermarket Stakeout, and Guy’s Grocery Games.
Chef Sandra Cordero, a James Beard WEL Fellow and a Co-Founder of Regarding Her, will represent Codero’s Tapas Bar Xuntos in Santa Monica. Additionally, Chef Elizabeth Falkner will be at the Opening Night, known for her experience on Top Chef, Next Iron Chef, and Tournament of Champions.
Dominique Crenn, the only female chef in the U.S. to be awarded Three Michelin Stars and the former Executive Chef at the Manhattan Beach Country Club, will make an appearance during the Grand Tasting. She also holds the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the West.
General Admission tickets for this 21+ event begin at $294.95 per person. Tickets for the Opening Night on Friday, October 11, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, October 12, 2024, are still available.
A special VIP Power Hour will take place one hour earlier from 6 to 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $454.85 per person. General Admission will start at 7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. A two-day Regular Admission pass can be purchased for $577.43, while a two-day VIP pass is available for $897.23.
This festival is also a platform for a meaningful initiative, benefiting the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to workforce development, providing underserved youth with opportunities for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
Each year, C-CAP offers culinary job training and life skills in 186 schools across the nation, influencing young lives from Arizona to Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington D.C.
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