Michael Hepworth
NEWPORT BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS IN OCTOBER
TICKETS EXPECTED TO BE A HOT ITEM
By Michael Hepworth
Newport Beach(Perfect Meal Today)7/10/15/–Last year’s initial event was such a success that this year’s version will be eagerly anticipated by returnees and new visitors this year. The event will be held October 2-4 at the Newport Beach Civic Center, an excellent venue with plenty of free parking across the street, and the weather is a near certainty to behave at that time of year.
The event kicks off however on the Friday night at the Oak Grill & Aqua Lounge for a charity event with ticket prices going for $125. There is a cocktail party starting at 6.30 pm, live music and a seasonal menu prepared right in front of you by executive chef Marc Johnson on the outdoor grill. The Silent Auction proceeds and donations at the launch party along with the net proceeds from the weekend festivities will benefit Project Hope Alliance.
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The event kicks off however on the Friday night at the Oak Grill & Aqua Lounge for a charity event with ticket prices going for $125. There is a cocktail party starting at 6.30 pm, live music and a seasonal menu prepared right in front of you by executive chef Marc Johnson on the outdoor grill. The Silent Auction proceeds and donations at the launch party along with the net proceeds from the weekend festivities will benefit Project Hope Alliance.
The real action however kicks off on the Saturday at 1 pm with tastings from about 30 of Orange County’s top restaurants. The line up changes on the Sunday, but if last year is anything to go by, you will be trying some real delicious morsels. Ticket prices are $150 each day. A VIP pass which gets you in at 12.30 pm before the crowds will set you back $225, although you will get a swag bag. It also includes access to the VIP tent plus curbside valet parking. Let’s also not forget the almost 200 wine and spirits booths that will be on hand so you can drink as much as you can handle, so a taxi or designated driver might be a smart idea.
The real action however kicks off on the Saturday at 1 pm with tastings from about 30 of Orange County’s top restaurants. The line up changes on the Sunday, but if last year is anything to go by, you will be trying some real delicious morsels. Ticket prices are $150 each day. A VIP pass which gets you in at 12.30 pm before the crowds will set you back $225, although you will get a swag bag. It also includes access to the VIP tent plus curbside valet parking. Let’s also not forget the almost 200 wine and spirits booths that will be on hand so you can drink as much as you can handle, so a taxi or designated driver might be a smart idea.
Some of the celebrity chef’s that will be on hand to have cooking demonstrations include Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller and Rick Moonen. Sunday at 11 am will also be be the Riedel Glass Seminar and Tasting ($75), where guests will sip wines from different styles of Riedel Wine Glasses. At the end of this event, attendees will take home a 3 piece Veritas tasting set of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir wine glasses.
To refresh your memory about the chef’s, Bayless went head to head with Keller and Moonen to win the first Top Chef Master Title on Bravo in 2009. The chefs will mingle after their demonstrations for book signings. Other chef’s and restaurants participating include Yvon Goetz (The Winery), Craig Strong (Montage at Laguna), Luke Turpin (Pelican Grill), Nick Foegal (Mastro’s) and Imran Ali of Tamarind of London.
Daytime passes $150 each day
Weekend pass $250VIP
Launch Party $125
www.newportwineandfood.com 888-511-FEST
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
http://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman
