Nothing excites me more than a food event especially something new and exciting like the OC Tastefest. What also makes it special is that it leads up to the OC Marathon and if you know anything about me running is my first true love. It’s almost too perfect so I thought I’d share this with you all.
This inaugural food, wine and entertainment celebration will take place May 4-5th at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa and it will showcase the global diversity of cuisine and culture in Orange County. This two day celebration will feature over 25 restaurants including Cucina Alessa, Port Restaurant & Bar, Marrakesh, Salt Creek Grille, Ten Asian Bistro, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Slater’s 50/50 and many others. Specialty vendors on site will be Cutco Cutlery (believe it or not – I used to sell their knives), Olive Oil & Beyond, and Wine Country Closet offering unique culinary and retail items for sale.
Aside from all the wonderful OC restaurant food you’ll get to taste, this inaugural event will also highlight some local talent with a special celebrity chef challenge that will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 2:30 – 5 p.m. The five challengers will be Raya Belna, Doug Stratton, Bridget Reilly, Stef Candy and Cheris Tzorin and they will be tasked with creating dishes inspired by health, raw, citrus, and chocolate. This event wouldn’t be complete without some OC star celebrities so watch for appearances from OC Housewives Fernanda Rocha, Lynne Curtin and Peggy Tanous who will be special guest judges at the chef challenge.
Both days of the festival will feature live performances and since the OC Tastefest is held in conjuction with the OC Marathon, all runners will receive one complimentary ticket. Advance admission fees are $12 for a one day ticket. General admission is $20 per day. Each general admission ticket includes 10 Tastefest coupons. VIP tickets are also available for $95 and $125. VIP entry includes preferred parking, VIP entrance, access to the VIP OC Tastefest tent, complimentary cocktails and wine, and seating at the stage for live entertainment.
Planning to attend? Hard on cash and not a runner? I’m offering a pair of general admission tickets for one day of the OC Tastefest!
Here’s how you can participate:
1.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following: “I want to win tickets to the @OCTastefest via @eatsukieat http://bit.ly/IdpgMN ”
2.) “Like” my fanpage and tag me in a status update with your intention to win tickets to this event and what aspect of the OC Tastefest you’re most excited about.
I will draw a winner randomly on May 2nd and contact you via Twitter or Facebook. Good luck!
2012 OC Tastefest
Dates and Times:
· Friday, May 4: 5 to 11 p.m.
· Saturday, May 5: 1 to 10 p.m.
· Sunday, May 6: OC Marathon, Half Marathon and Wahoo’s 5k
Location:
· OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA
Advance Tickets:
· http://octastefest.com
