Food & Wine Festivals/Conventions & Shows

Taste at the Beach in Hermosa Beach on August 19th, 2012 (Preview and Tickets)

TASTE AT THE BEACH—-SOUTH BAY’S TOP WINE, CRAFT BEER AND FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

CELEBRATES ITS SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY

The Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach is hosting their Seventh Annual Taste At The Beach Wine, Craft Beer, and Food Extravaganza on Sunday, August 19th from 3-7PM at the Hermosa Beach Community Center, (corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Pier Avenue).  This year’s beneficiary will be the South Park Playground Renovation Project.  As usual, the event will feature the finest wine, craft beer, and gourmet dishes from the area’s top restaurants, caterers and wine vendors, a live jazz band and silent auction.

 

“Guests can walk from table to table sampling some of the best dishes from the finest restaurants, caterers and vintners, while sipping their favorite wine and listening to great jazz.  “What could be better than great food and wine in a beautiful relaxed summer setting,” said event coordinator Paul Amarillas.  “Last year we sold out so better get your tickets early,” he added.

   

Photo Credit:  Howard Seeb
 

Delicious gourmet dishes served at past Taste Events include:  Vietnamese rolls, dolmades, shredded beef taquitos and small bean tostadas with homemade salsa, guacamole and sour cream,  spanikopita, Waldorf salad,  Gazpacho, ahi tuna salad, cups of paella, Atlantic Salmon cured with Grappa, dill and spices, assorted international cheeses with a variety of different breads, chilled pasta with sundried tomatoes, a variety of small pizza squares with assorted toppings, marinated summer fruit cups,  and a deliciously “hip” version of cupcakes with shaken ice vanilla lattes.

“One of my favorite dishes from last year was the Peruvian Bay Shrimp Ceviche,” said Richard Chertow, who has attended all six Taste Events with his wife, Julie.  “For foodies like us this is the best summer event in the South bay.  We always have such a great time, it is such a warm, friendly atmosphere, and we can enjoy an array of tasty dishes from our local restaurants,” he exclaimed.

Restaurant and vintners participating in this year’s Taste include:  Catering by Leslie Schirle, Mediterraneo, Hudson House-An American Pub, Delzano’s/Lunada Bay House, Java Man, Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ,  Phuket Thai, Kona Essence, Paciugo Italian Gelato, Fishbar, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Manhattan Beach Creamery, Hostaria Piave,  Buona Vita Trattoria, Pinkie’s BBQ, Club 705, Paul Martin’s, Firestone Walker Brewing Co.,  Stone Brewing Company, Pemberton Wines, Estrella Creek Wines, Battaglini Estate Winery,  Berardo Winery, Quady Winery, Strand Brewing Co.,  and Barefoot Wine and Bubbly.

Jan Brittain who heads the silent auction committee is very excited about this year’s selection.  “We have items at great bargains for everyone; individuals, groups and families.  I just might bid myself on the trip to Hawaii,” she added.

“What started out six years ago as a small wine and food tasting fundraiser to benefit the Hermosa Historical Museum has emerged as one of South Bay’s most anticipated Beach parties,” said Taste Chairman Bob McEachen.  “I can’t tell you how many people have told me they can’t wait until Taste At The Beach comes around each summer, they actually plan their calendars around it,” he added.

This year proceeds from Taste At The Beach will go to the South Park Playground Renovation Project which is the “brainchild” of the South Park Mothers Committee led by its Chairwoman, Jessica Guheen.  The Committee’s vision was to create an all natural, universally accessible Park and after five years long years, it is finally going to come true this year.

“We are so grateful to the Hermosa Kiwanis Club for helping to make our vision become a reality.  The children are so excited about it; we are pulling out elements of anything adventure-related, like tree houses and swinging bridges and lights built into the hills.  Anything that can help them play Swiss Family Robinson and pirates and explorers,” exclaimed Committee Chairwoman Gruheen.

    

Tickets can be purchased at www.tasteatthebeach.com or by phone: 310-386-7478.  Tickets are $65 per ticket and are tax- deductible.  Major credit cards accepted.