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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

1MB This Weekend: Two Toasts on the Coast

It's only Tuesday, and I"m already thinking ahead to my next days off.  This weekend there are two notable seaside city food & wine events - both on Sunday.  How am I to choose?!

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Taste of Abbot Kinney

What: Abbot Kinney is one of my favorite streets in LA, with its boutique shops packed with one of a kind finds and the 'upscale neighborhood gems' of restaurants like Gjelina and Primitivo.  Taste of Abbot Kinney offers a chance to sample foods , cocktails and wines from some of its hotspots as well as access chef demos, a silent auction and raffle.

VIP Reception includes: chef demos, appetizer and cocktail tastings, event book with exclusive recipes, bios, and insider info from chefs and mixologists of Abbot Kinney, entry into 'opportunity drawing' and gift bag.


General Admission includes: tastes at all participating restaurants and event book.

When: Sunday. October 23, 2011 VIP reception: 3:00-6:30pm Tasting Tour: 4:30-6:30pm

Where: Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA

How much: VIP $100 Tasting Tour $60 (50% off tickets at Goldstar here)

Anticipated drool-worthiness?: 90% This event drew flak last year for running out of food and drinks early, so this year organizers have taken steps to address the main concerns, and also got Chef Joe Miller of Joe's Restaurant/ Bar Pintxo to chair the event to lend credibility. Gjelina, Primitivo, Lemonade (and Creme Caramel LA) are all participating, which would make the event (at Goldstar prices for budget foodies) worth it!  For Food Network fans, the VIP reception will be hosted by Adam Gertler, best known as host of the network's Kids in a Candy Store. Also, proceeds go towards a good cause - Inside Out which supports empowerment of at risk youth through the arts.

Event website: insideoutca.org

Los Angeles Magazine The Food Event

What: Sample food from some of LA's top restaurants, watch celebrity chef demos and participate in panels with the experts. All at a beautiful estate in the rolling hills of Malibu that will make you feel like you're on vacation: Saddlerock Ranch, home to Semler and Saddlerock wines (close to Malibu Wines, a venue I love!). "The ranch boasts acres and acres of natural beauty, vineyards, rolling hills, animals like llamas and zebras, and space to spread out and relax for a true escape from the city, but with just a short drive." (quote from event website)

When: Sunday, October 23, 2011 1-4pm

Where: Saddlerock Ranch 31727 Mulholland Highway Malibu, CA 90265

How much: $95 advance purchase up to 10/22 ($110 at door). Add $5 for 1 year subscription to LA Mag

Anticipated drool-factor?: 100% I love the grounds of Malibu Wines, great for a 'daycation' just a short drive up the PCH, and I expect Saddlerock Ranch to be very similar. I like that it's AYCE/drink for one price, and list of participating restaurants include some of my favs: Waterloo & City and Westside Tavern and some I've been wanting to try like Lukshon, Cleo, Mas Malo, Mo-Chica, Playa and Rivera. Plus it's a 21 or older event, so no unruly kids...

Event website: lamag.com/thefoodevent

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What will you be doing this weekend?

[For more upcoming foodie / fun events, check out my very creatively named Upcoming Food Fests & Fun Events page.]

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