FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Vanessa Showalter
PR Director
949-748-0542
vanessa@tasteofoc.com
Taste of Orange County™ - A Five Star Culinary Event Is Here To Stay
IRVINE, Calif. – June 20, 2012 – This past weekend’s premiere food, wine and
entertainment festival - The Taste of Orange County™ - was a huge success as excited
attendees sampled food and wine from more than 40 restaurants and wineries. Located at the
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, Calif., this lifestyle event brought together all-star talent
from OC chefs and restaurants to celebrate the food, wine, beer, cocktails, art and music in
Orange County.
“Considering this is the first event in 16 years, we couldn’t be happier with the terrific
turnout and support from the local community, “ said Judy Gray, co-event producer of the Taste
of Orange County™. “This was not your ordinary street food fair. This truly was a five star
culinary event that offered a unique combination of tastings for all to enjoy.”
During the event, patrons had an opportunity to learn trade secrets from top OC chefs
during cooking demonstrations. Participating chefs included: chef Shachi Mehra of Tamarind of
London, executive chef Rob Wilson from Montage - Laguna Beach, chef Louis Jocson of Red
Table, chef Matt Briggs of Mastro’s Ocean Club, chef Greg Daniels from Haven Gastropub/Taco
Asylum and chef Kevin Jerrold-Jones of Cory Martin Events. The chef demos were hosted by
celebrity chef Jamie Gwen of KFWB News Talk Radio 980.
The sold out Great OC Farm to Table Dinner™ was the hit of Saturday night as patrons
were treated to the best in local, organic and sustainable fare with premium wine pairings from
Townley Wines. Some of the proceeds of this event were donated to the Culinary Liberation
Front (founded by chef Patrick Glennon of Santa Monica Seafood) - a growing group of Orange
County chefs that come together to share their craft and exchange ideas of a restaurant industry
that leaves the least environmental footprint possible while teaching nutritional education to the
less fortunate. Participating “Farm to Table” chefs included: chef Paddy Glennon a co-founder of
the Culinary Liberation Front, executive chef Rob Wilson from Montage - Laguna Beach, chef
Craig Connole of K’ya Bistro/House of Big Fish, chef Ryan Adams of 370 Common, chef Justin
Monson of Vine/St. Roy’s Chefs Pub, chef Paul Hancock of Future Foods Farms, chef Dean
Kim of O.C. Baking Company and chef Michael Doctulero of Scott’s Seafood -- all orchestrated
by chef Paul Buchanan and his Primal Alchemy Catering team. Food for the Great OC Farm to
Table Dinner™ was donated by Santa Monica Seafood, Vintage Natural Meats, Santa Barbara
Berkshire Company, Carlsbad Aqua Farms, Newport Dory Fleet, SeaStephanieFish, Future
Foods Farms, Schaner Farms, Hopkins Farms, Weiser Farms, Tamai Farms, LBC Urban
Farms, Melissa's Produce, AquaHydrate Water.
After sampling amazing food, wine lovers had a chance to “Taste Wine Like A Master
Sommelier.” During a special seminar, Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, Michael
Jordan from The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon - Anaheim, led a “blind tasting” adventure
focusing on recognizing the clues hidden within a glass of wine. Another signature event was
the Dos Armadillos Premium Tequila sponsored “Tequila & Food Paring” with Mezcalier Julie
Harrington-Griffin.
In addition, attendees had a chance to view artwork from more than 50 OC artists
featuring, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and mixed media. Art á la Carte™ was
sponsored by LagunaART.com.
The Taste of Orange County™ participating restaurants included: 118 Degrees, A
Restaurant, A Market, Clay Oven, Cory Martin Events, Famous Dave’s, Haven Gastropub,
House Of Big Fish, Hunter Steakhouse, K’ya Bistro, Europa Sausage/LinX, Mastro’s Ocean
Club, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Mr. P’s Espresso Italiano Caffé, Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice, Olive
Oil & Beyond, Pizzelle’s Bistro, Primal Alchemy Catering, Red Table, Slapfish, Sweet Lilikoi
Patisserie, Taco Asylum, Tamarind of London, Splashes at The Surf & Sand, Tap House, Tap
Shack, Bubba Sweets and TenQ Asian Bistro.
The two-day event was sponsored by JEEP, Pacific Enterprise Bank, Stella Artois,
Group ISO Merchant Services, Sub Zero-Wolf, Renwes, LagunaART.com, Cory Martin Events,
Dos Armadillos Tequila, VIP Limousines & Coaches, Vectus, Saddleback Golf Cars, Veytia
Group, Melissa’s/World Variety Product, Inc., Whole Foods, Duarte Group, Troo Mobile.
Media sponsors included Cox Communications, Coast Magazine, OC Register, OC
Metro Magazine, OC Menus, OC Family Magazine, Greersoc.com, Great Taste Magazine,
OCSocialScene.com, LIVE Orange County, Newport Mesa Magazine, The Local DISH
Magazine, The Home Magazine and OC Healthcare News.
Some of the proceeds from the Taste of Orange County™ benefited the Orange County
Food Bank and The Culinary Liberation Front.
About the Taste of Orange County™
The Taste of Orange County™ is Southern California’s premiere food, wine and entertainment festival
featuring over 40 restaurants and wineries. This two-day event will showcase OC's burgeoning and
dynamic culinary scene. In addition, this event will include everything from local restaurant tastings to
cooking demos from Orange County’s top chefs. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the
finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food, wine, beer and spirits, the
“Taste of OC” will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palate. Topping off the weekend
will include a variety of art, entertainment and music events showcasing the unique culture and lifestyle
that has made OC a world-class destination. For more information, please visit www.tasteofoc.com or call
855-298-6696 ext. 769