East LA Meets Napa 2016, LA

Photo: Average Socialite

Affair: East LA Meets Napa 2016

When: Friday, July 15, 2016 @ 6-9PM

Hot Spot: Downtown LA’s California Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

Deets: California’s largest community health organization, AltaMed, is excited to announce the return of its signature fundraiser, East LA Meets Napa, on Friday, July 15th. The annual celebration of food and wine will bring the best Latino-centric restaurants in Los Angeles and Latino-owned wineries in Napa together in Downtown LA’s California Plaza for the largest event of its kind, to raise money that will support essential health programs in underserved communities. This year, chefs and vintners from around the world will also participate alongside local, family-owned favorites as part of a “World Tour” theme, creating a one-of-a-kind tasting journey that juxtaposes Californian and international homages to Latin cuisine.

“The growth of this event over the years continues to amaze and inspire me,” said AltaMed CEO Castulo de la Rocha. “California Plaza will be our largest venue yet, and we are excited to host more guests, more chefs, and more vintners with the goal of raising money to fund essential programs at our health centers throughout the state.”

New and returning restaurants, many of whom have roots in East L.A.’s historic Hispanic community, will offer guests an unforgettable experience that highlights the richness of local Latin cuisine and culture. Participants include chefs like Top Chef-alum Katsuji Tanabe of MexiKosher, known for his creative, kosher take on Mexican cuisine; James Beard award-winning Socorro Herrera of beloved Los Feliz taco stand Yuca’s; and Gilberto Cetina of Chichen Itza, the award-winning, family-owned eatery that specializes in authentic Yucatecan food traditional to Southeast Mexico, among others. Additional restaurant highlights include popular local favorites Casa Oaxaca, Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen, and Portos Bakery & Café.

This year, East LA Meets Napa will expand its scope globally by welcoming renowned chefs from around the world who share a connection to Latin cuisine. Ingrid Hoffmann, the host of Top Chef Estrellas, Cooking Channel’s Simply Delicioso, and the woman behind the Cocina line of meal kits and spices, will bring her passion for the flavors of Colombia to the festivities. Additionally, Doreen Colondres, Puerto Rican chef and bestselling cookbook author will take part in this year’s event. Colondres is a level two certified sommelier and has studied at the Ecole du Vin in Bordeaux in France, expanding her knowledge of fine wine on a global scale. The two women have played an integral role in the international culinary world and will be recognized for their contributions during the festivities.

Complementing the array of flavorful bites will be sips from members of the Mexican American Vintner Association (MAVA) in Napa along with Baja-based Latino vintners, highlighting their contributions to winemaking in both regions. Visiting winemakers include Rolando Herrera, who worked in construction at various vineyards before pursuing a college degree in viticulture and opening Mi Sueno Winery, and Lupe Maldonado, who spent years working the area’s vineyards before purchasing a ten acre plot now

home to the eponymous Maldonado Vineyards. A curated selection of varietals from the up-and-coming Baja wine region will include Alximia Vino Elemental, Baron Balche, and Bodegas de Santo Tomas, providing guests with a unique glimpse into the tastes evolving from the peninsula.

While experiencing the authentic food and exquisite wines, guests can enjoy music from Grammy award-winning music director Jose Rizo and his 15-piece ensemble, Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, as well as Mexican-American conguero Poncho Sanchez.

About AltaMed: AltaMed Health Services is the largest independent Federally Qualified Community Health Center in the U.S. and delivers more than 1,000,000 annual patient visits through its 46 sites in Los Angeles and Orange County. Through fundraising events like East LA Meets Napa and OC Meets Napa, AltaMed is able to sustain their mission of providing quality health care without exception to underserved communities throughout Southern California. Follow East LA Meets Napa on Facebook @EastLAMeetsNapa, Twitter @LA/OCMeetsNapa, and Instagram, @FoodWineFestival for updates on participating chefs, vintners, ticket sales and more.

Who You May Spot: Ana Quincoces, Ingrid Hoffmann, Doreen Colondres, Katsuji Tanabe

Hint For The Average Socialite: General admission tickets ($225) will go on sale starting May 16th and can be purchased online.

What's Trending: @LAOCmeetsNapa #EastLAMeetsNapa @elcholopas

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