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7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL CHAPÍN LOS ANGELES

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The 7th Annual Festival Chapin will return to Lafayette Park in Los Angeles on Saturday August 26 & Sunday August 27. The free festival celebrates Guatemalan culture and  its vibrant community via the country’s historic folklore, music, arts & crafts and gastronomy.

Chapín is a word that many Guatemalans use to describe their ethnicity with pride, and the history of the word dates back to the 15th century, when Chapines were a type of popular platform in Spain. The footwear f eventually disappeared but the name persists as an adjective for a person from Guatemala.

Metro Los Angeles is also home to several notable Guatemalans, including the prominent street artist Mauricio “Cache” Reyes, as well as a plethora of Guatemalan restaurants serving up delicious traditional dishes. Many of them will be represented at the Festival.  Food available for purchase will including the rich, traditional foods of Guatemala like  garnachas (similar to a Mexican ‘sope’), shucos (Guatemalan-style hot dogs), chicken pepian, enchiladas, and hilachas (stewed meat).

Footwear, pottery, jewelry, clothes, tablecloths, and traditional purses.  A health fair will provide health information from L.A. Care, Dignity Health, Molina Healthcare, Party Time Pediatric Dentist, Smile California Medi-cal Dental insurance, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs among others.

Musical Talent will include:

Marimba Orquesta “Alegría Chapina ” https://youtu.be/TzJprOGwLWE

Raúl Acosta y Oro Solido https://youtu.be/evPr3yjGa_w

Dennis Arana – Ganador del cuarto lugar de la Academia TV Azteca (2020)   https://youtu.be/fzmoioEZiDU

Las Divas del Swing, https://youtu.be/9zPSBlQu_rw

Los Miseria Cumbia Band https://youtu.be/XkpuxmiTtTE

Ballet Folklórico del Inguat https://youtu.be/Z5DiZOJQCEs

Juanko de Guatemala

Cesar Alvarado y International Match

The Central American country of the Republic of Guatemala historically formed the core of the Maya civilization, one of the most highly developed societies in the history of the Americas and the world. After being subjugated by Spanish rule, Guatemala became an independent republic in 1821. A decades-long civil war that began in the 1950s provided the impetus for generations of Guatemalans to seek a better life abroad, often in states like Florida, Texas, and California.

Metro Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Guatemalan populations outside of Guatemala. 

Communities with substantial numbers of Guatemalans include the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Palmdale, Inglewood, Paramount and the unincorporated communities of Lennox and Val Verde.

Chapin Summer Festival Inc. is a non-profit organization based in California that’s committed to promoting the art and culture of Guatemala abroad. Its mission is to offer resources to educational institutions in Guatemala that help to promote the education, health and well-being for children from less-advantaged homes in the country.

For more information, please visit www.festivalchapin.com

White Light White Night

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White Light White Night

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Walk With Sally hosted its annual fundraiser White Light White Night on August 19, 5:30 pm at Campus 2100 on 2100 E Grand Avenue, El Segundo.

Travis Van Winkle hosted the evening, introducing new CEO Tash Brooks.  The Youth of the Year award was presented to Heather Jenkins, and the Mentor of the Year award to Jenn Nguyen.

Supported by over thirty five corporate sponsors, the event featured 17  restaurants serving their signature dishes and cocktails.  They included Bettolino Kitchen, BOA, BuzzRock Brewing, Clarity Lounge, Eddie V’s, Hook & Plow, Japonica, Jimmy John’s, lil’Vegerie, Lobster & Beer: Coastal, Madison Brown, Nomad, Porterhouse Bourbon & Bones, Quality Seafood, ReadyFitGo, and Sushi Roku.

A live auction lead by seasoned auctioneer Letitia Frye and a silent auction featured  high-end fine art, wine, sports memorabilia and travel items.

Live music was provided by local band Identity Theft, as well as the Chargers Marching Band. Muralist Miriam Hellmann provided vibrant backdrops. 

The event was attended by over 700 attendees and over 100 volunteers were on hand for a night of unity and support. All  dressed in white,  the color universally associated with healing and referencing  a person’s own divine nature to heal one’s self  with this white light of healing and protection, as the community came together on a  beautiful, uniquely memorable summer evening  celebrating love, hope, and healing. 

Many of the volunteers were cancer survivors out there in support.  They included Kara, a survivor of two brain surgeries which took her sense of smell and removed memory on the right side of her body, making her unable to write.  About a year after surgery she realized that she could use my left hand instead, though her mom was insists that Kara not give up her right hand, and  continue to use it.  Kara now wears a brain pendant, volunteers for cancer organizations, and helps them raise money.  

Founded in 2004 by Nicolas Arquette, Walk With Sally’s mission supports children and families impacted by cancer providing them with care-centered one-to-one fellowships along with critical programs and services that include mentoring, mental health support, art healing, and financial empowerment.

For more information and tickets, please visit https://www.walkwithsally.org/wlwn

Concern Foundation’s  Annual Block Party

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Concern Foundation’s  Annual Block Party

Photo credit: Chad Villaflores 

Concern Foundation will host its 48th Annual Block Party  themed  ‘The land before time: the extinction of cancer’ Saturday July 8 on the back lot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The event is expected to draw 4,000 guests to raise $2 million dollars for cancer research.

The evening will honor the Kallick Family with the Lifetime of Giving Award and salute Cedars Sinai Cancer for its groundbreaking work on cancer. 

Food and beverage stalls lining the famous studio streets include long standing Block Party mainstays like Vibrato Grill Jazz, The Grill on the Alley, Factor’s Famous Deli, A.O.C., Fogo de Chao, Someone’s In The Kitchen, Dulan’s Soul Food, Nobu Malibu, STK, Porta Via, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, H & H Brazilian Steakhouse, Milagro Tequila, Deutsch Family, and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs.  Newcomers include Calajo Catering, Brique LA, The Breakfast Club, The Hideaway, Leona’s Sushi House, The Village and Firefly. 

Musical and interactive entertainment on multiple stages  include the Tom Nolan Band on the main stage, D’ City Sound & Events on the Yabba Dabba DJ Stage presented by the Hirsch Family Foundation and the Vibrato “Grotto” Grill Jazz stage.

Scattered over the venue, will be photo studios, lounges, casino style gaming, and beauty services by the Beauty Bus Foundation. 

Online silent and live auctions sponsored by Zacuto Group will feature items, packages and unique experiences that include  concert and event tickets, restaurants, staycations, and golf packages.

A staple for the last 17 years, The Best of LA 2023 on Los Angeles magazine’s street will feature lounges, photo booths, food stations, and DJ dancing. 

For more information about the Block Party, please visit: https://www.concernfoundation.org/block-party.html

Taste of the Nation

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One of the country’s premier culinary events, No Kid Hungry Taste of the Nation, will return to Culver City’s Media Park on June 11.  It will bring  LA’s top tastemakers, celebrated chefs and mixologists creating their signature dishes, curated drinks and surprise desserts for No Kid Hungry’s efforts to end childhood hunger in California and across the country.

Featured local chefs include Jackson Kalb (Ospi | Jemma | Jame,   Season 19 Top Chef),  Shirley Chung (Ms Chi Cafe,  Runner-up Season 14 Top Chef, Food Network’s Tournament of Champions), Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat Los Angeles, Cabra Los Angeles,  Food Network Iron Chef, (Winner, Season 4 Top Chef) and Jazz Singsanong (Jitlada, LA Times 101 Best Restaurants 2019).

Participating restaurants include: Ospi | Jemma | Jame, B Sweet, Big Big Boi, Jitlada, The Original Southern Thai Cuisine Hanchic, Angelini Osteria + Alimentari, Gasolina cafe, market and wine bar, Ms. Chi Cafe, Theía, Kali Restaurant, Qusqo Bistro & Gallery, Beachside Restaurant, Poppy + Rose, Guerrilla Tacos, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, The Attic, SALT, and more.

Also featured will be curated sips by celebrated local mixologists, winemakers, brewers and more. Live music, raffles and brand experiences round out the fun.

100% of event proceeds help Taste of The Nation fight childhood hunger in California and across the US by raising awareness and developing programs to give all kids healthy food to thrive. 1 in 8 kids in the U.S. lives with hunger, and No Kid Hungry has provided more than 1 BILLION meals to kids in need. 

No Kid Hungry is supported by national co-presenting sponsors Citi and Sysco, national partners Food Network and KIA as well as local sponsors  Breakthru Beverage, CoolHaus, Kerrygold, MacRostie, Ting, Topo Chico and Galdones Photography.


For more information and tickets, please visit https://events.nokidhungry.org/events/los-angeles-taste-nation/

MASTERS OF TASTE

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<strong>MASTERS OF TASTE</strong>

One of LA’s top outdoor, luxury food and wine festivals, the sixth annual Masters of Taste will return to Pasadena Rose Bowl’s iconic field on Sunday, April 2, 3:00 pm. 

A sold-out event last year, the event is expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts to sip, savor and celebrate from over a hundred establishments – signature restaurant tastings from Culinary Masters, sweets from the Sweet Masters, while top Beverage Masters handcraft cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and top cocktail bars, wineries, local craft breweries,  cold-pressed juices, and cold brew coffee.  Live entertainment  and other fun round out the afternoon.

A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm before  General Admission 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The 21+ event is completely outdoors, and as additional safety protocol, all guests will receive their own utensils and hand sanitizer throughout the event.

Hosting the event are Chef Michael Reed and his wife Kwini Reed. A classically trained chef and restaurateur, Chef Reed brings over 19 years experience at restaurants on both coasts.  He is Executive Chef and co-owner of two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose in Downtown Los Angeles, and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim. He and his wife Kwini Reed also operate an upscale catering company, Root of All Food. 

All event proceeds directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services. Committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives, Union Station works with unsheltered and low-income adults and families across the San Gabriel Valley, recently expanding  to El Sereno and Eagle Rock. In the last five years Masters of Taste has raised over $2.7 Million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs.

For more information and tickets, Masters of Taste 2023, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

 LOS ANGELES TIMES FOOD BOWL RETURNS

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The Los Angeles Times’ month long Food Bowl returns this year September 1 – 30.   The festival celebrates Southern California’s dynamic food scene featuring the best of local eateries and notable chefs in a series of over 30 pop-up dining events across the city, while also highlighting issues of food access, sustainability and waste reduction.

The festival takes over the Paramount Pictures Studios’ backlot with Food Bowl’s Night Market tasting events for three days,  Sept. 23, 24 and 25. 

Food Bowl highlights will include: 

  • Food Bowl Opening Night at Grandmasters Recorders, Sept. 1

The launch party  Sept. 1 features guest chefs, food and drinks, live DJs and the presentation of The Times’ 2022 Restaurant of the Year and Gold Award.  The Times’ Restaurant of the Year will go to Anajak Thai and the Gold Award to Meals by Genet. 

  • Restaurant of the Year Dining Series with Anajak Thai, Sept. 2 & 3

Food Bowl will present two dining events in celebration of the Restaurant of the Year, Anajak Thai, chosen by Times Restaurant Critic Bill Addison. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi will serve up one-of-a-kind omakase dinners featuring 8-10 specially selected courses for 20 guests at a time. Tickets for both sessions are available now.

  • Gold Award Dinners with Meals by Genet, Sept. 9 & 10

In honor of this year’s Gold Award honoree, Meals by Genet, selected by Times Food General Manager Laurie Ochoa, Food Bowl will present two multi-course dinner sessions. Semi-retired chef Genet Agonafer will open her restaurant’s doors in Little Ethiopia once again to host all-inclusive family style dinners featuring her menu’s most popular dishes. 

  • Night Market at Paramount Pictures Studios, Sept. 23, 24 & 25

Food Bowl’s Night Market will take over the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot for three-days of outdoor food and drink tastings from more than 40 restaurants along with live cooking demonstrations, DJs and more. The all-inclusive events include Smoked Soirée, which will spotlight a themed street featuring BBQ and burger specialties from restaurants including Moo’s Craft BBQ, Heavy Handed Burgers and San Juan Capistrano’s Heritage Barbecue.  Saturday Night Flavor will highlight some of the city’s best international cuisine from Lunasia Dim Sum House, Tacos 1986 and Flavors from Afar among others.  Backlot Brunch will feature bites from L.A. icons like Jitlada, Ditroit, The Brothers Sushi and others. 

L.A. Times Food Bowl is presented by City National Bank and L.A. Regional Food Bank is the charity partner.  It also supports The L.A. Times Community Fund, which helps community nonprofits addressing hunger and food insecurity.  They include Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Project Angel Food, World Central Kitchen, No Us Without You, and others.Tickets are available at a discounted early bird price for a limited time. For tickets and  more additional information, including the festival’s public health and safety protocols, visit lafoodbowl.com. Connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LAfoodbowl (#LAfoodbowl).

FOOD BOWL LAUNCH PARTY

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The Los Angeles Times will host a Launch Party to kick off the Food Bowl – its month of celebration of the Los Angele food scene  at the Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood on Thursday, September 1, 7PM – 10.

The night will feature special tastings from noteworthy chefs like Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai,  John Yao of Kato,   Natalia Pereira of Woodspoon, and   pastry chef Nicole Rucker of Fat + Flour.   Cocktails, beer, wine, and a live DJ set from Francesca Harding (KCRW) round out the festivities.

The highlight of evening L.A. Times Food team General Manager Laurie Ochoa will present the Restaurant of the Year and Gold Awards.

Created by and named after former L.A. Times Food critic and editor, Jonathan Gold, the  2022 Gold Award will go to Chef Genet Agonafer of Meals by Genet. She is known for her vegetarian combination platter a color, a wheel of collards,  lentils,  split peas, cabbage and carrots, tomato salad and beets. Her doro wat chicken simmered with sharp, earthy berbere spices for two days. Although her Little Ethiopia restaurant these days offers only takeout, Genet will open her doors once again to all-inclusive family-style dinners on September 9th & 10th in celebration of the Gold Award. 

The Los Angeles Times 2022 Restaurant of the Year award will go to chef Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai.  His menu at Anajak Thai includes curries like his custardy haw mok steamed with dry-aged branzino and egg, stir-fries and grilled pork with fiery chile dipping sauce and sticky rice. Also popular is his Thai Taco Tuesdays set up in the alley behind the restaurant. Anajak Thai will host special dinners on September 2nd & 3rd in honor of the award.


For more information and to buy tickets to the Food Bowl Launch Party, please visit https://lafoodbowl.com. Tickets can also be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-times-food-bowl-2022-launch-party-tickets-361086598737