The Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, a fresh addition to the city’s culinary calendar, made its debut under the expert curation of IMG, the team renowned for orchestrating global sensations like Taste of London, and Taste of Paris. From March 1st to the 3rd, this event unfolded against the scenic backdrop of Santa Monica, near its famed pier, housed beneath a vast tent showcasing a curated selection of LA’s top restaurants and wineries.

Attendees had the pleasure of experiencing culinary creations from a diverse range of establishments, including Holbox, Bé Ù, Chifa, Camphor, Pizzana, and Bridgetown Roti. The festival’s lineup of chefs, featuring names like Andrew Zimmern, Ben Ford, and Timothy Hollingsworth, ensured a captivating rotation of talent each day. Among the standout dishes were Timothy Hollingsworth’s delicately crafted Russet Potato Gnocchi, The Surfing Fox’s refreshing Hamachi Crudo, and the spicy tacos from Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best of LA” winner, Hotville Chicken. For those with a penchant for indulgence, Lady & Larder’s Cultured Butter and Roe Caviar bites were a decadent delight, while Andrew Zimmern’s Poached Shrimp with Mustard Miso skewers offered an eye-poppingly generous portion with a harmonious blend of flavors. Complementing the culinary offerings were cocktails crafted with finesse, courtesy of Lobos 1707 tequila. Notable among them was a well-balanced coffee and hazelnut concoction that was as much dessert as libation.

For those who missed this gastronomic extravaganza, fear not. Mark your calendars for next year’s iteration and consider indulging in the VIP pass, a golden ticket enabling early access to the premises and exclusive VIP areas, so you can savor the delights at your own pace.

— Dhalla / Riobo

More information at  lawineandfood.com or @lawinefoodfest on Instagram.