“Do you feel awkward traveling by yourself? My answer is always an instinctive,“No,” but I understand there are instances a solo traveler may feel out of place. A table for one or going to a movie alone might be times where you feel a little uncomfortable. The saying, “Great things happen when you step out of your comfort zone” is true but there’s one event in Southern California where even the shyest solo traveler won’t feel alone. The 2018 Pacific Wine and Food Classic is an event where the only friends you need are wine and good food. Fresh sunshine completes this trifecta in Southern California and exactly why you need to be at the Pacific Wine and Food Classic this year.
Come by yourself or bring everyone, but most importantly, bring your stretchy pants and treat yo’ self. The Pacific Wine and Food Classic is one of the top events in Southern California.
Courtesy of the Pacific Wine and Food Classic
The Adult Disneyland
I’m attending the Pacific Wine and Food Classic for the first time and just like Alice, my taste buds are fully prepared to experience pure delight as I embark in this foodie wonderland. This must be what the kids feel like their first time at Disneyland. I know I won’t be able to sleep the night before thinking about indulging in more than 100 food, wine, beer and cocktail stations. This is a mecca of culinary genius and what my dreams are made of.
As you might expect from Signature SoCal, fresh fish, Mexican food, and burgers are just some themes that are going to be present. Event goers will even have the opportunity to be one of the first to taste the Pacific Burger From Burger Boss! It’s a SoCal-inspired burger featuring an all-natural, grass-fed beef patty topped with a thick slice of pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato and avocado then smeared with house-made chipotle aioli and served on a classic white bun.
Courtesy of the Pacific Wine and Food Classic
Sun, Sand, and Good Vibes
Courtesy of the Pacific Wine and Food Classic
The Pacific Wine and Food Classic will be right on the sand of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. With food and beverages for even the most discerning palate, you’ll get your fill here and then some. These are just some of the world-renowned chefs and accomplished winemakers that will be there!
Baja Shellfish and Chef Pascal Olhats
I met Pascal at his restaurant by the same name in San Juan Capistrano. Originally from Normandy, Chef Pascal came to Orange County anticipating he would only stay a short while. The appreciation for his cuisine would mean he would be staying a bit longer. 30 years later, Chef shares the love for his craft with many throughout his establishments. With his passion for food, he’ll be representing as an ambassador of Baja Shellfish, a leader in premium shellfish production in Baja California. His talent is on my list to experience.
Chelas Mexican Grill
Chelas is Mexican cuisine with a fresh and modern twist. The story begins with Rosalia Vargas 50 years ago in Michoacan, Mexico. Executive Chef and owner Karla Vasquez carries Rosalia’s drive and passion for great food on, years later. Chelas’ recipes are made with love and understanding that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you compromise taste. They start their day bringing in the freshest ingredients for their customers. You can find traditional tacos and burritos on the menu along with one of my favorite dishes, Chile Verde. Chelas is truly authentic Mexican and a culinary delight you need to witness for yourself.
Filomenas
After a trip to Michoacan, Travel to Italy and visit Filomenas. When you have family recipes prepared fresh daily by Owner/Executive Chef, Linda Johnsen at their Orange County restaurant, you make sure you don’t miss them at the Pacific Wine and Food Classic. Their motto of “Cibo, Vino, Amici” translates to, Food, Wine, and Friends This is the motto everyone should live by!
Filomenas features menu items like Champagne Chicken. Organic chicken breast is pan-seared in a Champagne butter sauce served over savory risotto. This one dish alone helps you understand why they’ve been rated the top 75 places to eat in the OC three times in a row by the OC Register!
Concannon Vineyards
What would a playground of gourmet delights be without wine? That’s not a question I want the answer to. Luckily for you, when attending the Classic, it’s not one you need the answer to either.
Courtesy of the Pacific Wine and Food Classic
One of my favorite vineyards not to be missed is Concannon. Fortunate enough to visit last year in Livermore, California I’m excited beyond measure they’ll be a part of this event.
Concannon in ancient Gaelic means, “Wisdom without Compromise.” When it comes to this vineyard, it couldn’t be truer. Founded by James Concannon, this vineyard is steeped in over 130 years of history. Concannon’s lush estate vineyards have grown from its original 47 acres to the 182 acres seen today. Every detail of Concannon’s winegrowing is focused on bringing out the best in the terroir and fruit from each vineyard block. The 14 varieties planted at the estate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache Noir.
But Wait There’s More
The Pacific Wine and Food Classic really has something for everyone. Beer lovers unite with the legendary Stella Artois along with other local brewers. Or you can get crafty with signature cocktails from well-known premium liquor brands like Hornitos Tequila.
The lineup has you pretty impressed by now, doesn’t it? Just as you thought it couldn’t get better, your wine cup runneth over discovering that this event isn’t just about eating and drinking. The Pacific Wine and Food Classic actually gives back. Proceeds of the event benefit the Golden Rule Charity, an organization that helps out the hospitality industry in times of disaster.
Come and enjoy this event solo and leave with new foodie friends and stories. You can buy your tickets here and book your stay at the Fashion Island Hotel. They are offering free shuttle rides to the event so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy!
I’ll see you there! Cheers!
*Note: I’m attending the Pacific Wine and Food Classic as a writer for coverage of the event. All opinions are my own.
