THE REASON Foodies, oenophiles, chefs, confectioners, vintners, brewers, distillers and restauranteurs throughout Los Angeles joined together for Masters Of Taste 2016, a benefit for Union Station Homeless Services, on Sunday, April 3rd.
THE REVELERS On hand for the festivities were Chris Serrano, Susann Edmonds, Darlene Ford, Chef Claud Beltran (Bacchus Kitchen/Claud & Co.), Bobby Roshan (Demitasse), Chef Evan Colter and Chris Mangandi (Magnolia House), Chef Greg Schroeppel (Nighthawk), Robert Shahnazarian (Noor), Leslie and Rob Levy (The Raymond/1886 Bar), Patrick Doherty (Sadie Kitchen & Lounge) and Chef Chris Crary (Top Chef/Hyde Sunset).
THE RECAP The inaugural event was held on the field of the Rose Bowl. VIP guests enjoyed a private pre-event happy hour and elegant VIP lounges at each end zone sponsored by Western Asset and Homestreet Bank. Blue skies and Summer-like weather set a the perfect mood for libation testing. Favorites of the day included Desmadre Tequila’s classic margarita, Sadie’s Zico Coconut & Snow Leopard Vodka cocktail, Diama Sparkle Proseco, 2014 Jamieson Ranch Valley Cabernet, 1886 Bar’s rum/whiskey creations, the Loring Wines and everything at Demitasse.
Delicious bites were abundant at Nighthawk, Sadie Kitchen & Lounge, Claud & Co., Haché LA, Alexander’s Steak House, The Raymond, The Perfect Bite Co., and Hyde Sunset (it doesn’t hurt that Chef Chris is just as delicious as his food). The Spicy Larb Salmon in Squid Ink Cones from Ayara Thai was genius! Butter Cake Shoppe and Alique Toffee caused culinary love affairs. And, as the sun dropped tasters and masters closed out the event like they would a great meal, dancing in large clusters or exiting in caravans of laughter.
For more information, visit www.unionstationhs.org or www.mastersoftastela.com.
