One of Southern California’s premier food and wine festivals is scheduled for October 11 and 12 in Manhattan Beach at Manhattan Village. The festival, which is being launched by founder Shelby Russell and Event Host Chef Neal Fraser, will feature over 25 of their favorite chefs for its inaugural Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival.
This two-night culinary showcase will offer a variety of savory and sweet tastings, with renowned wineries presenting their selections, craft brewers serving their beers, and representatives from various spirits creating inventive cocktails.
The All-Star Opening Night and Grand Tasting will showcase some of the most notable male and female chefs from Southern California, each crafting award-winning dishes for attendees to sample. This event fosters a friendly atmosphere where ticket holders can watch their favorite chefs in action and greet them personally.
Prominent female chefs set to participate in this culinary celebration include Great American Baking Show and Iron Chef alum Sherry Yard from Bakery by the Yard, along with Susan Feniger of Border Grill, SOCALO, and Alice B., known for her appearances on the Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales and Top Chefs Master.
James Beard award winner Suzanne Goin of A.O.C., who is a regular on Hell’s Kitchen and Top Chef, will be preparing a special dish. Nyesha Arrington, nicknamed ‘The Ninja’ from Native By Nyesha and a star of Next Level Chef and Top Chef, will present her favorite recipe, while Stephanie Garofano will be crafting a sweet treat from Malibu Meringue.
Top Chef’s Antonia Lafaso, known for her work at Black Market Liquor Bar, Dama, and Scopa Italian Roots, will serve a special dish as well. In addition to her work on Top Chef, she has competed on Food Network shows, including Tournament of Champions, Supermarket Stakeout, and Guy’s Grocery Games.
Chef Sandra Cordero, a James Beard WEL Fellow and a Co-Founder of Regarding Her, will represent her Santa Monica gem, Codero’s Tapas Bar Xuntos. Additionally, Chef Elizabeth Falkner will make an appearance on Opening Night, boasting a résumé that includes stints on Top Chef, Next Iron Chef, and Tournament of Champions.
Dominique Crenn, the only female chef in the U.S. to earn Three Michelin Stars and former Executive Chef at Manhattan Beach Country Club, will be present at the Grand Tasting. Crenn also holds the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the West.
General Admission tickets for this 21+ event start at $294.95 per person. Tickets remain available for Opening Night on Friday, October 11, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
A special VIP Power Hour will open an hour early from 6 to 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $454.85 per person. Regular Admission will kick off at 7 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. A two-day Regular Admission pass is available for $577.43, while a two-day VIP pass costs $897.23.
This festival also supports a worthy cause, benefiting the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP). This nonprofit organization focuses on workforce development, offering underserved teens pathways to careers in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
Each year, C-CAP provides culinary job training and life skills in 186 schools across the country, impacting young people from Arizona to Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City & Long Island, Newark, Philadelphia, suburban Maryland, and Washington D.C.
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