My husband Peter and I arrived early to L.A. Magazine’s Third Annual Food Event. There were several wine booths set up at the beautiful Saddlerock Ranch, but honestly we were mostly there for the food!
This didn’t mean we didn’t drink our share of vino… just that we were more focused on the FOOD. Drinking alcohol in the early afternoon (mixed with the hot canyon sun) never works for me. If it weren’t for the tasty eats, I probably would have curled up under a tree half way through the event!
The first table we stopped at was Tra di Noi restaurant. Their three dishes were a fresh and delicious start to the afternoon…
Orecchiete Al Pecorino (Truffled Orecchiette with Pecorino Cheese). The presentation was just lovely, tossed in a bowl carved from a wheel of cheese. I remember Mario Batali doing this on an episode of Iron Chef. Very cool!
Tra di Noi’s Sformato Di Carote (Organic carrot and zucchini flan with micro greens).
Tra di Noi’s Carpaccio Di Polipo (Sliced Octopus Carpaccio with celery, cherry tomatoes and paprika aioli).
Hampton’s Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho.
Onyx Restaurant’s Hamachi Poke & Crispy Chips
Matthew Gladstone’s Jambalaya. Savory, spicy and lively… just like Chef Gladstone!
And our favorite bite of the day… MOUTH-WATERING, BELLY-PLEASING BBQ Ribs from our friends at Animal Restaurant! Jon and Vin took the demonstration stage at around 3:20pm and gave the crowd what we wanted (and were lacking)… MEAT!!!
Jon showing off a cut from Niman Ranch.
Jon & Vin getting ready to cook.
Vin making the BBQ Sauce.
co-host Merrill Schindler…
OH YES. IT WAS AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS HERE!!
More about ANIMAL Restaurant.
And a few Chef Photos!
Eric Greenspan, The Foundry on Melrose
Neal Fraser of Grace Restaurant.
Nancy Silverton, Mozza
Even though we didn’t stay through the end (blame it on that 1pm wine start!!), it was a beautiful event and all for a good cause. Proceeds went to the L.A. Regional Food Bank.
Lastly… I loved the Sweet and Spicy Chowder from Darrens Restaurant. I had two servings so quickly that I forgot to take a photo, but found one here taken at the restaurant!
Event Date: 10/26/08 More about the Food Event
Update 11/1/08
I just found this photo on the L.A. Magazine Website. Peter (my husband) is wearing the baseball cap in the background. Our pal Jon Shook of Animal Restaurant holding the ribs.
L.A. Mag Food Event
Wonderfully written, enjoyable to read and beautiful pictures…made us feel like we got to spend the day with you!
Keep up the great work!!