OCEAN AVE — Santa Monicans won't have to travel far to enjoy the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival.
Two events will be held this Friday, Aug. 10, in the city by the sea at the classic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows — Summer at the Shore and INDULGE.
"Santa Monica represents what makes coastal life so wonderful and our event[s] will provide an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to sip and savor from the top chefs in the area paired with nationally renowned culinary talent," said Robert Weakley, co-founder, Los Angeles Food & Wine.
People who attend Summer at the Shore, hosted by "MasterChef" judge Graham Elliott, will be able to stroll around booths and sample wine and food from some of Santa Monica's best chefs, including Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire, Michael's John Carlos-Kuramoto, Sonoma Wine Garden's Jeremy Grossman and many more.
The event is great for chatting and eating small bites.
However, if you'd prefer a more extensive menu, INDULGE may suit your taste. Located at Chef Ray Garcia's FIG Restaurant, this exclusive culinary experience features chefs Josiah Citrin from Melisse, Raphael Lunetta from JiRaffe and Joe Miller from Bar Pinxto and Joe's. The event will be composed of multiple courses and provide a distinct collection of wines from California and beyond.
"We are confident these events will give us the opportunity to increase Santa Monica's recognition as an international dining destination," said Misti Kerns, president, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, which is sponsoring the events along with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.
"Santa Monica restaurants offer some of the most unique dining experiences in L.A. and we are thrilled to be part of an event that captures the essence of Santa Monica's distinct culinary scene," said Laurel Rosen, president and CEO of the chamber.
Summer at the Shore tickets are on sale for $150 for general admission and $195 for VIP. INDULGE tickets are $350 per person. A package offering VIP access to Summer at the Shore and a reservation at FIG will be available for $450 per person. To purchase, visit www.lafw.com or call (855) 433-5239.
A chili Summer
Just because you don't live in Santa Fe doesn't mean you have to miss out on fresh, roasted chili peppers.
Head over to the Saturday Farmers' Market at Virginia Avenue Park and pick up a pound or two of fresh pasillas, jalapeños or red peppers.
The roasts will take place every Saturday throughout September at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (or whenever the chilis are gone.) Chilis sell for $2 a pound.
With late summer here, it's perfect time for a chili harvest and roast. Use the chilis in stews, sauces or simply slice them up, add some fresh mozzarella, some olive oil, salt and pepper and rest it on some fresh bread from Bay Cities Deli — easy and delicious.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
Amancai Biraben contributed to this report.
