Drink Up! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
It may have been one of the heaviest rains the great city of LA has seen in the past 10 years. However, a little hail and rain didn't stop the masses from attending The Masters of Taste! Held at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium the 2nd Annual Masters of Taste brewed up quite an impressive culinary lineup for attendees.
Redefining #SundayFunday guests strolled the stadium while devouring the many flavors of Los Angeles. From the finest fare, handcrafted cocktails, to savory desserts and fruitful full-bodied wines the event had lined up the best of the best on a silver platter.
Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Dining for a good cause, 100% of the proceeds from the event were to benefit the Union Station Homeless Services, a network of human services agencies in Los Angeles County to assist individuals in rebuilding their lives while hoping to put an end to homelessness. Since 1973, Union Station has helped rebuild the lives of thousands of formerly homeless men, women and families.
Entering the grounds felt like pure foodie heaven! The gates opened and delivered a palette wrenching time that is indescribable. The first stop we made was The Prince of Venice Food Truck! Known as 'the first artisanal handmade pasta' food truck in LA surprised guests with a sample of their pasta Bolognese. Trying this dish made me feel as if I was in Italy. It was light, yet full of flavor using the finest ingredients.
Bite-Size Decadence! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
"We were very happy to be part of Masters of Taste at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and to have the public taste our fresh homemade pasta, states Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia. "We immediately said yes to this charitable initiative and are proud to have helped the Union Station Homeless Services."
Magnolia House - THE Best Meatball You'll Have! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Sticking with the Italian flavors, Magnolia House produced its signature meatball. Not your average meatball, the dish is a mix of lamb, pork, and beef served on rustic bread with marinara and pecornino! Delicious burgers, that were too beautiful to eat were served by Hache LA! Venice Whaler is known to be a hot spot when it comes to Sunday Funday! With its bustling rooftop and fresh finds, how could it not be. At the Masters of Taste the Venice 'cool kids' spot served its lobster roll! A nice blend of lobster engulfed in creamy goodness with a surprising hint of pickle - made this bite pretty memorable.
I'll Have TEN! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Staples in the dessert department such as Nothing Bundt Cakes and Sprinkles were onsite, however it was a few fresh innovations such as MagPies and Helado Pops Ice Cream that caught my attention. Despite the questionable weather, toting around the field with the exclusive coconut sundae from Helado Pops Ice Cream made you feel as if the backdrop of a tropical paradise was mere steps away!
Although the term 'moonshine' carries a punch, American Made Moonshine makes it as easy as pie. Sampling its 'apple pie' moonshine at the event, the brand seamlessly created an nice beverage that should easily be added to list of cocktails for your next gathering. Dulce Vida Tequila is all organic and uses pure agave - NATURALLY it's a must try. Onsite guests were able to try it's low-carb lime and low-carb grapefruit tequila.
Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Jardesca is known for being 'the perfect opening drink,' and I couldn't agree more. Jardesca greeted guests to The Masters of Taste, with class, balance, and pure deliciousness. Composed of a blend of 3 sweet and dry white wines from California, Jardesca is mixed with a double distilled, fine, grape eau de vie, that’s enlivened with 10 botanicals. You can drink it over ice or consider adding a sprig of mint, lime, or grapefruit for a different taste.
No Shortage of Flavors Here! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Attendees had the chance to taste what a 'clean' vodka taste like - nothing. The easy-to-drink, triple distilled vodka by Zyr Vodka was served over ice with a blue cheese olive or a blueberry. Simple yet distinguished.
Three Weavers LA had three of it's beers on tap. The brand has mastered the taste of a 'light' IPA with citrus undertones. Light and refreshing and perfect for higher temps!
Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
There were plenty of non-alcoholic beverages as well:
You don't need cream or sugar with delicious coffee from Philz Coffee! Nektar sampled two of their most popular juices, The Toxin Flush and The Buzz! Full of nutrients, Nektar was nice to have on site to refuel and reenergize.
You Can See The Layers of Flavor! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Other notable attendees included: Bone Kettle, Belly Bombz, Celestino, Hoke Poke, Little Beast, Kato Restaurant, and many more.
So Many Delicious Options at The Masters of Taste! Photo Credit: Kimlai Yingling/EatinAsian.com
Thanks to all of the sponsors for assisting in making this year a success! Sponsors for The 2nd Annual Masters of Taste include: HomeStreet Bank, Judith L Chiara Foundation, Western Asset Management, Capital Group, Floe Financial Partners, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Bank of America, Femino Family Foundation, Goldstar, HKG LLP, Kauffman Wealth Management, MUFG Union, Tournament of Roses, Wells Fargo, Westport Construction, Citizens Business Bank, Hahn & Hahn, LLP, Hybrid Foundation, Massage Envy, Tsan Tsun Memorial Foundation, Westmount Asset Management, RE/Max, Arroyo Insurance Services, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Individual FoodService, and California Linen Services.
Hundreds of guests didn't let a little rain get in the way of attending the highly sought after event! One thing that sets The Masters of Taste apart is its depth. The participating restaurants delivered an array of flavors that were pretty incomparable.
