Cultural Dining Tour 2006 Wrap Up and Future Contact Info (3/6/06)
The Inaugural 2006 Los Angeles Cultural Dining Tour takes a step towards Unifying Angelinos
Nirvana Chef Sahai
Los Angeles, CA March 6, 2006 – With the anticipation of honoring the participating restaurants, sponsors and appreciation of the community’s embracing support, the intensity of the rain did not deter guests from joining the Cultural Dining Closing Night Ceremony at Oasis on February 27th, 2006. As guests arrived they entered a room filled with live world music, dancers and various cuisines of the Dining Tour chefs. It was as if the rain added a special essence in the celebration of culture and cuisine that one could only imagine made the night a huge success.
Rita, Luigi & Giuseppe from Vivoli Cafe
Around every corner of Oasis there were guests who represented various media associations, such as African Times, Indian Times, the Hollywood Chamber, etc. Guests were able to mingle with sponsors, such as Corazon Tequila and experience rare teas and exotic potions, courtesy of Tea Garden and Herbal Emporium. Some attendees were even awarded with raffle prizes from the Cultural Dining Tour’s premier sponsors, including JetBlue travel vouchers, 24 Hour Fitness annual memberships and Angels Baseball tickets.
The much anticipated Cultural Dining Tour "Cook-off" footage was released to the public with much enthusiasm. The shoot featured six restaurants (Greek Island, La Velvet Margarita Cantina, Messob, Nirvana, Tibet Nepal House, and Vivoli Cafe) facing off at the Hollywood Kitchen Academy serving 6 diverse chicken dishes that represented their culture. Cook-off judges included Lee Reherman from that Yin Yang Thing and Juan Carlos Cruz the Calorie Commando from the Food Network. As the footage concluded, the Italian opera singer Anita Vasan serenaded Vivoli Cafe as the 2nd price winner, and an Indian Bollywood dancer, Achinta McDaniel had the crowd dancing as she announced the 1st place winner of the Cultural Dining Tour Cook-off Restaurant of The Year going to Nirvana. The Arabian night fittingly ended with various belly dancers showcasing their talents.
With over 65 participating restaurants in the Tour, special awards were given to those restaurants which best exuded their cultural cuisine. Winners were determined based upon online surveys, secret diner reviews and internal votes. Tibet Nepal House and Messob Ethiopian both won awards for displaying the Best Cultural Events during the Tour. The Best Cultural Showmanship awards went to Havana on Sunset and Monsoon Café. Best Food Presentation was claimed by Chakra. The Best Service award was given to Off Vine and the Healthiest Cuisine award went to The Boiling Pot.
The 2006 L.A. Cultural Dining Tour started off as a small vision that slowly grew into a celebration of culture supported by restaurants, the local media, city councils, etc. Spunka Inc., would like to send out a special thank you to everyone who took part in the 3-week long celebration of cultural cuisine and events, displaying the music, art and traditions of the cultures making L.A. the melting pot it is. Not only were restaurants able to share their love of culture with the community, but also give back to the underprivileged in L.A. The proceeds raised benefited two local charities: the Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness and COPE Health Solutions.
With a mission of "connecting people, supporting local businesses and giving back", Spunka Inc. is heading towards the right direction in making a name for itself as a social cause events company. Spunka, Inc. President, Suzanne Canon and Vice President Michael Kao announced to the crowd that after completing the inaugural year, they look forward to the Cultural Dining Tour becoming a staple Angelino holiday that continues year after year celebrating the various cultures that co-exist in Los Angeles.
Contact:
Spunka, Inc.
Suzanne Canon, President
Tel: 310-566-7342
Oasis Belly Dancers
Fax: 310-566-7343
Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.spunka.com or www.CulturalDining.com