September may be almost over but there's some great food and wine events coming up in October, and with the temperatures finally heading downwards there's no better time to get out and about for an afternoon of some of OC's best bites and drinks!
Taste of Lake Forest Saturday, September 28th
For more info, see the webpage: https://lakeforestbusiness.com/269/Taste-of-Lake-Forest
Taste of Laguna Beach
Thursday, October 3rd 6-10pm
This local favorite in OC has been going on for several years, and I have to say it's one of my personal favorite events in OC!. One price gets you in the door for all you can eat from a fabulous representation of all Laguna Beach has to offer, and if you're a foodie you know that LB has some of OC's best places to dine. There's also lots of fun photo ops and a different live band every hour too - all of which makes for a really fun evening! Drinks are also available for purchase at the event but not included in general admission.
Tix are $ 85 for general admission, $150 for VIP which gets you in an hour early, gives you access to the VIP bar and viewing area, AND includes two drink tickets.
Get your tix and see the list of participating restaurants here: https://www.tasteoflagunabeach.com/
Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival
Thursday, October 3rd - Sunday, October 6th
This annual event has gotten bigger and better every year - with multiple events offered throughout the weekend. You better hurry though cuz a few are already sold out!
What's unique about this event is the caliber of talent it attracts - you'll not only see OC's best Chefs and restaurants represented here but don't be surprised if you see some of your favorite TV Chefs as there's always a large representation of Top Chef talent as well as national talent. There's also some impressive Chef Demo's and Wine Tastings scheduled for this year so hurry over to see who's cooking! Prices vary by event but head to their website to see the calendar and prices: https://www.newportwineandfood.com/
Taste of Santa Ana Saturday, October 5th
This is a smaller and newer event that's only been going on for a few years but when last year when I attented, it was a really fun time! They had lots of local restaurants, a great VIP area with full size cocktails and super fun live music with a dancing area! Also, the price is a really reasonable $40 for all you can eat!
$40-$65
LA Times' The Taste OC Friday, October 18th - Saturday, October 19th
This is the 2nd year the LA Times has ventured south to put on an OC version of their iconic The Taste festival that has been happening in LA every Labor Day weekend for the past decade. This year they have quite a great line-up including some really intriguing cooking demos featuring some OC Rockstar Chefs, including Chef Ross Pagnilian from Mix Mix Kitchen and several others. Another great thing about The Taste is that it gives you your pick of $ and times - with two evening events and one daytime. Prices start at $80. Get tix here before it sells out: https://events.latimes.com/taste/costa-mesa/
Whichever festival you go to have a great time and remember to tell them OCFOODIEGIRL sent you! ;)
