Last Saturday’s “LA Street Food Festival” was the hot ticket in Los Angeles for die hard foodies and food truck followers. Street food is here for the long haul and this event proved that fact. Crowds turned out in droves for the event and as in the theory of Darwinism, “Survival of the fittest” was the name of the game.



As I write this, I am taking my hat off to the festival directors, Shawna Dawson(SauceLA) & Sonja Rasula(UNIQUE LA) for creating this event and promoting it to the masses through their social media efforts. VivaLAfoodies was fortunate to get in and get the scoop while experiencing the sheer foodie madness that comes with being a Mobile Food junky here in Los Angeles.



We had several great on and off truck interviews with vendors and highlights included meeting with Maxon Smith from TastyMeat(owner/chef), TK(owner) with Fishlips Sushi and Michelle Grant, “The Cheese Executive Officer” from The Grilled Cheese Truck. All provided insight into their operations, routes and more importantly provided us with samples of what they do best. All trucks are at different phases of operation, but they all have one thing in common and that is, a passion for their businesses as well as being a part of the mobile food vendor community in Los Angeles and bringing a quality product to Angelinos looking for tasty bites around town at their favorite venues. Stay tuned for “Food Truck Profiles” on the above trucks in my “Street Food LA” section real soon.













During our whirlwind endeavor, we saw our friends from “The Fry Girl“(Shelley Beals and Donnell Brown) in VIP and the sight of the donut cart brought back memories from our photo-shoot a few weeks ago. While we were in VIP we had a great chat with Alex Chu from the “Dim Sum Truck” and had a taste of what him and his team will be bringing to LA real soon.





It was also great to have some moments to chill out with some of our Foodie Friends and members of the VivaLAfoodies Crew. Without you guys we would just be a website without a pulse.









I couldn’t have captured the days events without my partner in crime, Zach Schueller from Zach Schueller Photography. His lens just about provides smell-i-vision and the images from the day capture the essence of this food movement and how some people will endure any line for a tasty bite. Keep in mind, these are not the “Roach Coaches” of yester-year. In fact, they are mobile diners for today’s modern on the go food fanatic.

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Last Sunday’s, “The Food Event” presented by Los Angeles Magazine at Saddlerock Ranch; home to Malibu Family Wines was the setting for a day of gastronomic debauchery with foodie sins a plenty, found around each and every corner. The event provided a perfect balance of food and wine with a few beers sprinkled into the mix along with food demonstrations from some of Los Angeles’ renowned chefs and mixologists, as well as visiting wineries.





DJ Richard Blade, a big contributor to the Los Angeles club scene in the 1980‘s and 90’s was spinning tunes from contemporary hits to classic throwback jams which provided a musical contrast to the serene grassy setting at the foreground of acres of endless vineyards.



The Cheese Impresario, Barrie Lynn educated and entertained guests on all things cheese including a tasting of artisan cheeses with one spreadable cheese notably dubbed “cheese sex” in the Karma Lounge.



Savory selections were all unique in there own respective rights and some of my favorites were the pork rillete on rustic toast with beet ketchup from the Saddlepeak Lodge, Grilled Steak Sandwich from Dakota Chophouse while Ivan Kanes “Cafe Was” executed several fantastic dishes that included a bacon wrapped braised fig. Other highlights worth mentioning came from Dominicks in West Hollywood with their Arancini stuffed with mushroom risotto and Zucchini fritters dusted with powdered sugar, while Lemonade Cafe in Los Angeles provided a refreshing sampling of flavorful salads and a unique cucumber lemonade that served as a wonderful palette cleanser between courses.













Sweet and sinful decadent creations were bountiful and were impossible to resist. Beso Hollywood served up their ever so popular Churros con Chocolate that literally melt in your mouth, while Swirls Cupcakes showcased their range of tasty cupcakes in a variety of flavors including the ever so popular red velvet, while heirloom chocolate truffles from Essential Chocolate Deserts rounded out the days sugar rush.





Beverages were flowing all day in the beer garden, featuring Stella, Hoegaarden, and Leffe and countless vineyards were debuting their signature wines. Some of my favorites were a Rose from the Hitching Post, Merryvale Pinot Noir and Malibu Family Wines,”The Malibu Vineyard-Pinot Noir.









When the day concluded I could truly say with confidence that I had experienced my first Foodiegasm. Thanks to LA Magazine and Saddlerock for making this epic event a success.

No Comments | In: Festival Fare | tags: DJ Richard Blade, Los Angeles Magazine, Saddlepeak Lodge, Saddlerock Ranch, The Cheese Impressario, The Food Event. | #

Hey Everyone, If you like to drink and sample Champagne than this event is for you.

Our friends at Drink:Eat:Play are supporting this event and we at VivaLAfoodies are helping them put the word out.

October 17: Grand Champagne Event in Hollywood

Bubbles Galore! K and L Wine Merchant is throwing its annual fall Champagne Tent Event on Saturday, October 17th at the Hollywood store from 3pm until 6pm in conjunction with the Hollywood Police Activities League (PAL). A group of SEVEN of our artisanal grower/producers will be flying in from France to present their wines exclusively to K&L guests. They will also have many of the big name producers on hand to present their selections. More than 50 Champagnes to taste in all including, 1998 Clicquot “Grand Dame,”1998 Pommery “Louise,” 1998 Nicholas Feuilatte “Palmes d’ Or,” 2000 Perrier Jouet Fleur, 2000 Dom Perignon, and Krug Grand Cuvee. Some small bites will be available to go with the Champagne. A portion of ticket sales will benefit PAL. The event will also feature a silent auction with 100% of the proceeds going directly to PAL. Come support this worthwhile organization! $100 advance ticket price.

*********
Go to http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1048699 to purchase your tickets and enter “drinkeatplay” to get $25 off the $100 admission. The discount will be applied when K & L will process your credit card.

to find out more…visit the facebook page for the event:

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Cheese, Pizza, Canollis and Zeppolis are just a few items that made my mouth water during the 8th Annual Precious Cheese, Feast of San Gennaro last weekend here in Los Angeles.





Don’s and bella Donna’s were all around offering up tasty selections from their restaurants ranging from home made Arancini(deep fried rice balls with meat or vegetable filling) to Pizza, Zeppoli’s(Italian Fried Doughnuts) to Gelato and Cannolis. Biscotti and Italian cold-cut subs were also hits at the festival.







Between eating Bruchetta, and other Italian staples we watched Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel work their magic on stage auctioning of sports and music memorbilia and travel packages just to name a few. All proceeds support the San Gennaro foundation and as a result the foundation provides a vehicle to assist “resource challenged” children by providing mentorship programs and scholarships to those in need.





We could definately sense a feeling of pride and family and witness a community within a community here in Los Angeles. This was evident in the vendors that provided food and beverages to the patrons and volunteers.



This has been my second Feast of LA and I can guarantee that it will not be my last. Thanks to everyone who made this event such a success. Grazie!

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Last weekend was the return of the 16th Annual Dive & Surf Redondo Beach Lobster Festival at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach, CA. One thing that I have learned after going to enough festivals is that you will never go hungry. The main event meal is always worth getting, but it is all about the auxiliary vendors that provide a smorgasbord of dining options.







After our visit last-year we decided to get the “small” lobster meals because we wanted to make sure that we could have room for some of the many selections from food vendors ranging from Roasted Corn, Kettle Corn, Sausage Sandwiches and a thing called a “Burgerito,” a hybrid combination of a burger and burrito. All in all selections were vast and there was something for everyone’s taste buds.









Live music was provided courtesy of “Joe’s Band” and after our marathon eating session it was nice to unwind with some classic cover songs and some dancing to burn off some of the calories that we consumed.



The festival outdid itself from last-year and I can say without hesitation that the lobster was amazing . Is it next-year already?

Comments Off | In: Festival Fare | tags: Body Glove Dive N Surf, Burgerito, Redondo Beach Lobster Festival, Seaside Lagoon. | #

This past Saturday will stand out in my mind for a long time as a day to remember. Septemberfest sponsored by the folks at Drink|Eat|Play.com and under the direction of Dan Silberstein outdid itself in our eyes.





With over 100 brews on tap and unlimited pours I had a hard time keeping my souvenir tasting mug empty. From the moment we all entered we were inundated by micro-brews from the continental US as well as some international showings from our neighbors to the South and Europe.





The consensus from the crowd and the theme of the event was celebrating Americana and what a better place to host this venue than Paramount Studios in Hollywood where American film-making was pioneered and continues to thrive. Rock music was provided courtesy of Dave Matthews cover band, Stepping Feet & Tom Petty/Johnny Cash tribute band “Petty Cash.”





In between rounds, we indulged on food from the various food vendors ranging from brats and burgers to gourmet tacos from the Border Grill Taco Truck. Highlights from Border Grill included a trio of tacos loaded with flavor. Our exotic taco selection kept us satisfied from the Yucatan Pork, Carne Asada & Potato Rajas tacos. In between sips, we were able to pass around the Poblano and Carne Asada Quesadillas before going back for more beer samples.





Some of my favorite beer samplings of the day were Oskar Blues: Mama’s Little Yella Pils & Gordon Ale, Stone Brewing Companies: Arrogant Bastard and a banana clove embodied Hefeweizen by Einhorn Beer Company courtesy of Skyscraper Distributing in El Monte, CA.





After the 3 hour beer tour was over you could see the remnants that the event was a success. The kegs were dry, people were feeling good and the Paramount lot cleared out and went from being packed to a ghost-town.







I am already looking forward to next years event and can’t wait to see what the folks at Drink|Eat|Play.com have up their sleeves.

No Comments | In: Festival Fare | tags: drinkeatplay.com, Los Angeles beerfest, paramount pictures, septemberfest. | #

Attention Foodies……..The 14TH ANNUAL DIVE N’ SURF REDONDO BEACH LOBSTER FESTIVAL is finally here. Mark your calendars for this weekend, September 25-27, 2009(Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

12,000 LOBSTER LOVERS VISIT CALIFORNIA’S PACIFIC SHORES
FOR A ROCK N’ LOBSTER WEEKEND OF “MUSIC, FOOD, FUN & SUN”
HIGHLIGHTING DIVE N’ SURF BEACH WEAR, BODY GLOVE WAKE SHOW
& FIRE DANCING

WHO: Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

WHAT: “14th Annual Dive N’ Surf Redondo Beach Lobster Festival,” one of the
South Bay’s most exciting events and a signature event for the Redondo
Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
The Festival will feature 10,000 freshly prepared lobsters flown in directly
from Maine; a “Barefoot” Casino with blackjack, roulette, craps tables,
chips, dealers and prizes; live music from several local and tribute bands;
models showcasing the latest Body Glove and Dive N’ Surf active beach
wear; Body Glove team of pro wake boarders, including Aaron Aubry, Jeff
McKee, Daniel Doud, and Shelby Kantar; a karaoke bar; and a kid’s area
with a 72-foot inflated obstacle course and slide. The event culminates
with “Aloha Sunday,” featuring a spectacular fire-dancing troupe in the
evening.

WHEN: Friday to Sunday, September 25, 26 and 27, 2009

TIME: Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: On the ocean at Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: Savor one of 10,000 Maine lobsters or other great menu options,
including clam-chowder, fish tacos, BBQ and full beverage service.
Participating restaurants include Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ, Ruby’s and many
more TBD.

WIN: Festival goers have a chance to win thousands of dollars in American
Express gift cards during the three-day event.

ENTERTAINMENT: Local South Bay bands will include Couchois Brothers, John
Brown Band, Joe’s Band and great Beach Boys, Beatles, and Motown
tribute bands.

SPONSORS: Title sponsor Dive N’ Surf in addition to Ford, Anheuser-Busch Inc.,
Laughing Cow Cheese, Time Warner Cable, and Redondo Beach
Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.

COST: $12/General Admission, $5/Ages 3–12, children under 3 are free. Tickets
can be purchased online.
$2 coupons are downloadable online at www.LobsterFestival.com.

PACKAGES: Lobster packages available online at www.LobsterFestival.com (small
package: $30; large package: $50) Admission tickets available for
purchase at the gate.

ABOUT: The 14th Annual Dive N’ Surf Redondo Beach Lobster Festival is a
premier event for the South Bay and a signature event for the Redondo
Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. The beautiful Seaside
Lagoon in the Redondo Beach Marina provides a scenic ocean-view
setting for the annual event that is expected to attract over 12,000 people.

INTERVIEW OPS: Producer, Pete Moffett
Redondo Beach Mayor, Mike Gin
President of King Harbor Association, JoAnn Turk
Owner of Dive N’ Surf, Robbie Meistrell
Marketing Manager of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce &
Visitors Bureau, Ashley Atkins
SPOKESMAN

DAY OF EVENT: Producer Pete Moffett – (Cell Phone)
(310)801-2202

MEDIA CONTACTS: Maris Somerville/Somerville Associates, cell (310) 701-6872
Susan Bejeckian/Somerville Associates, cell (626) 232-3040
Ashley Atkins/Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau,
cell (310) 449-9245

http://www.lobsterfestival.com/

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Septemberfest :: America’s Answer to Oktoberfest

Mark Your Calendars for Sept 19th, 2009

Beer|Food|BBQ|Rock Music are just the beginning.  Join us and our friends at DRINK|EAT|PLAY for a day of fun at Paramount Studios in Hollywood benefiting a great cause; Animals(Noah’s Bark Animal Rescue)

August 31st, 2009, Los Angeles – Septemberfest can be best defined as America’s answer to Oktoberfest. Having felt shorted for years by German food, Polka music, and Lederhosen, America finally claimed its own tradition of BBQ, Rock music, and Daisy Dukes. The one constant? Beer.

Septemberfest will feature over 150 beers, bbq, live entertainment, and all in all, a celebration of everything that’s great about American culture. Music will be provided by “Stepping Feet”, a Dave Matthews tribute band, and “Petty Cash”, a tribute to Tom Petty and Johnny Cash. Food will be provided by the Border Grill Taco Truck as well as burger and sausage vendors, and a Best Buy lounge featuring Rock Band and broadcasts of various live college football games. Admission is $40 and includes unlimited pours, but keep in mind that the event will sell out early and tickets will not be available at the door. If you don’t purchase your tickets, you’re only letting the terrorists win. Proceeds from the event will support Noah’s Bark Animal Rescue.

To purchase tickets and for more information, please go to www.drinkeatplay.com/septemberfest. Tickets will NOT be available at the door.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/73638

Contacts: Dan Silberstein (310) 902-6955 or contact@drinkeatplay.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Links:

http://noahs-bark.org/

http://www.drinkeatplay.com/

Photos from past events:

OC Beer Fest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15305690@N06/sets/72157616842276982/
LA Beer Fest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15305690@N06/sets/72157622248408604/

No Comments | In: Festival Fare | tags: america's answer to Oktoberfest, drinkeatplay.com, paramount studios, septemberfest, www.vivalafoodies.com. | #

It was a beautiful day in Long Beach; our neighboring city on the water. We enjoyed an amazing Lobster meal courtesy of Bristol Farms and the Long Beach Lobster Festival Committee, as well as some traditional festival fare.





The smell of Roasted Corn, Funnel Cakes and Hops permeated the crisp Long Beach air. Hundreds of satisfied Lobster fanatics were chowing down on small and large Lobster meals and festival food from local vendors.




Sierra Nevada was there offering two draft selections: The Blonde and the Pale Ale. Both were refreshing, but the Blonde complimented the buttery and rich texture of a Maine Lobster. The best part of all of the vendor selections was the Roasted Corn provided by Taj’s Roasted Sweet Corn. A bountiful selection of condiments at the “build your own ear of corn” bar provided all accompaniments ranging from mayo to chili con limon, lemon pepper and queso fresco.





A.J. Gibbs, The Mydeco Dance King was teaching the “Electric Slide” and other contemporary dance moves to festival-goers set to the tunes of today’s hip hop and R&B. A Mardi Gras theme complete with stilt-walkers, Mardi Gras beads, music and food provided additional flavor to this annual event.





We are going to make this an annual outing because how else can you spend a September weekend indulging your inner foodie with these Crustacean delights complete with all the fix-ins.

No Comments | In: Festival Fare | tags: A.J. Gibbs, Long Beach Lobster Festival, the original long beach lobster festival. | #

8th Annual Precious® Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro LA Returns To Hollywood September 25 – 27, 2009

Assistant Chief Sharon Papa

Los Angeles Police Department

Honored at Prima Notte 2009

Community festival celebrates Italian culture with three days of music, food, wine, rides and games

Hollywood, August 27, 2009 – The San Gennaro Foundation kicks off October’s Italian Heritage Month, a celebration of everything it means to be Italian, with their annual street festival in honor of Italian culture. Back for its eighth year, the Precious® Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro, Los Angeles will once again take over Hawthorn Ave. (between Highland and Orange) in Hollywood.

“The Feast of San Gennaro is something my family and I look forward to every year,” Jimmy Kimmel said. “I have no doubt that our eighth year will be a great one.”

Inspired by the 78-year old New York City tradition, the Feast celebrates Italian culture, entertainment and cuisine, and throughout the weekend will feature great food, music, genealogy research, a Kid’s Corner, bocce, bingo, carnival rides, games and more. Surprise celebrity guests will join the cooking team, as they demonstrate Italian recipes on the Precious® Cheese La Cucina Italiana Cooking Stage with special guest, Precious® Cheese’s very own Chef Marco.

“We have been bringing Italian culture to the heart of Hollywood for eight years running,” said Frankie Competelli, President of The San Gennaro Foundation, Los Angeles. “We are thrilled to, once again, celebrate tradition, family, and great food with the community.”

The fun-filled weekend commences Thursday, September 24th with the opening night gala, “Prima Notte 2009,” which raises funds for The San Gennaro Foundation’s charitable programs benefiting underprivileged children, families and homeless in Los Angeles.

Continuing in their commitment to honor prominent Italian-Americans in the community, The San Gennaro Foundation will pay tribute to Sharon Papa, Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Hosted by event co-founder Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, Prima Notte is a star-studded fund-raising gala featuring some of the city’s most prominent Italian-Americans and dignitaries joining together in support of The San Gennaro Foundation.

Sharon Papa will receive the San Gennaro Foundation “Humanitarian Award” and Master of Ceremonies Mark DeCarlo will introduce special performances during “Italian American Bandstand”, featuring Italian artist’s music from the 50’s and 60’s. The evening’s charity auction will feature: a “Kobe Bryant” (2009 NBA Champion & MVP) autographed Lakers Jersey, a “Terry Bradshaw” (4-Time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Hall of Fame) and “Ben Roethlisberger” (2006, 2008 Super Bowl Champion Quarterback) autographed Pittsburgh Steelers Pro-line Helmet, “Eagles” and “Aerosmith” autographed Guitars, various luxury vacation packages to Italy, London, Paris, Hawaii, Mexico, Chicago, and tickets to “Oprah Winfrey”, “Blue Man Group”, “Cirque de Soleil” and New York’s famous “Macy’s Day Parade”. Local auction items include Gondolier rides and a family-style dinner hosted at the “Los Angeles Fire Department” Hollywood Firehouse.

Tickets for the opening night gala are available online at www.feastofla.org and are $100 each for VIP Admission, $50 each for General Admission or $2,000 for a reserved table for ten guests.

“Precious® Cheese is proud to be presenting sponsor again this year helping to bring authentic Italian culture, entertainment, food and fun to the Los Angeles area,” said Jessica Ruth, spokesperson for Precious® Cheese. “The San Gennaro Foundation’s commitment to preserving Italian-American heritage resonates with the Precious® Cheese brand and we look forward to continuing to raise funds for the organization and its programs.”

The festival venue is conveniently located across the street from the Hollywood and Highland complex, directly behind the Jimmy Kimmel Live Theater at 1651 N. Highland Ave. Hosted by co-founder Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, the Feast will be held September 25-27, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. General admission is $5 and kids under 12 are free. All proceeds benefit the San Gennaro Foundation, established to provide aid to children and families in need in Los Angeles.

For more information about the Precious® Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro, Los Angeles, please visit www.feastofla.org or call (818) 508-0082.

About Precious® Cheese

Precious® is a brand of cheese brought to you by Lactalis Retail Dairy, Inc. LDRI is part of Groupe Lactalis, one of the largest dairy companies in the world. Lactalis produces a wide array of all-natural cheese products included among the leading brands of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, string and stick cheese sold in the United States. Our wide variety of specialty cheese is available to retail, foodservice and industrial customers. More information on Precious® cheese may be found at www.preciouscheese.com.

About The San Gennaro Foundation

The San Gennaro Foundation is a 501(3)c non-profit created by celebrity Jimmy Kimmel and producer Douglas DeLuca, along with some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-American citizens, to benefit underprivileged children and homeless in Los Angeles, as well as to provide entertainment and cultural enrichment to the community through its non-profit, cultural outreach program.

The Foundation’s mission is to uphold the principles established by St. Gennaro, patron saint of Naples who worked tirelessly to help people in need. In addition to fundraising, the group seeks to perpetuate cultural identity and solidarity within the Italian American community. All events are intended to embody the attributes of generosity and goodwill that define the Italian spirit. While some efforts celebrate Italian culture, the Foundation and its programs are not limited to Italian Americans and are supported by diverse individuals.

For more information, please contact Caitlin McGee at cmcgee@mprm.com or

Lisa Bustamante at lbustamante@mprm.com or 323.933-3399

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