From Oct. 18 – 19, The Taste Costa Mesa returns to The MET. The Taste Costa Mesa is a gourmet food and beverage event hosted by the LA Times. In addition to food and beverage tastings, attendees will be able to watch cooking demos and experience live music. The Taste Costa Mesa leverages its success from its inaugural event in 2018.
Last year, The Times hosted three events over three days. This year, they consolidate the three events over two days, Friday through Saturday.
- Friday, Oct. 18, 7 – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 19, noon – 3 p.m. and
- Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 – 10 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18, 7 to 10 p.m.
Popular Gus’s Fried Chicken returns for a second year. Last year, Gus’s lines remained long the entire time I was there. One of LA Eater’s best pasta restaurants, Jame Enoteca will be present this year. They are known for their scratch-made pasta dishes.
Driftwood Kitchen from Laguna Beach is known for their breathtaking Pacific view, but also for its fresh seafood, steaks, hand-shucked oysters and craft cocktails.
One restaurant, Roba Noodle, caught my attention. This is an Asian noodle and skewer concept using udon noodles with housemade sauces such as mentaiko, shiso, and garlic as a base. They also feature robata using prime beef, pork, and chicken, seafood or vegetables. The robata is skewered and prepared over charcoal.
L.A. Times Cooking Editor Genevieve Ko will host the opening event featuring Syrian pastry chef Maher Nakhal (Le Mirage Pastry) as he reveals the handcrafted artistry behind his authentic Middle Eastern desserts and French pastries.
Some of the other restaurants present on Friday include Chori-Man, Driftwood Kitchen, Jame Enoteca, Filomena’s Italian Kitchen, Las Brisas, Outpost Kitchen, Puesto, Tackle Box, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Verde Kitchen, and WAVE Gourmet Burgers.
Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday’s line-up introduces some new interesting establishments as well as some restaurants returning from opening day. Italian food lovers will appreciate the addition of Cafe Barilla, Cucina Enoteca, and Ellie’s Long Beach.
Since I like Chef Tin Vuong’s cooking from Little Sister, I’m definitely going to check out the LSXO booth. Vuong’s LSXO menu veers closer to his Southeast Asian roots, but with a more contemporary look and feel.
Chef Carlos Salgado of Michelin-starred Taco María will discuss his contemporary, Mexican-influenced cooking with L.A. Times Cooking Columnist Ben Mims. Also, Rob Baker (Southern Glazer’s) will lead a presentation on Bordeaux-style wine from Carmel Valley’s Bernadus Winery.
Other additions on Saturday include 2145 Pizza, Georgia’s Restaurant, Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub & Kitchen, Mesa, OLEA, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, and Toast Kitchen + Bakery.
Some of the wine vendors attending include Bernadus, Color, and Delicato. Karl Strauss has the exclusive on the beer. Cocktails and spirits will be served from Revel Spirits, Mule 2.0. Koval
Details, tickets and hotel packages: extras.latimes.com/taste/ Connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TheTasteLA; share and search using #TasteCostaMesa.
Note: All events at The Taste Costa Mesa are 21 years and older and all sales are final.
The MET, 535 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
extras.latimes.com/taste/