September 4, 2025

Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Costa Mesa

News Summary

The ninth annual Tastemakers of Orange County event will take place in Costa Mesa, celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander culinary talents. Organized by OCAPICA, the gathering features nearly 30 chefs presenting gourmet dishes in an all-you-can-eat format. VIP and general admission tickets are available, with proceeds supporting community initiatives. The event includes entertainment by DJ MoJoe and artist Masin, fostering a festive atmosphere and promoting culinary diversity.

Costa Mesa will host the ninth annual Tastemakers of Orange County event on September 24, celebrating the diverse culinary contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander chefs. Organized by the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), this highly anticipated culinary gathering will take place at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza in the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature nearly 30 chefs showcasing a variety of gourmet bites in an all-you-can-eat setup.

The compilation of talent at this year’s event includes notable chefs such as Leonard Chan and Dominic Iapello of Stowaway Tiki Bar, Shachi Mehra of Adya, Allan Tea of Cali Dumpling, Henry Pineda of Lola’s by MFK, Ed Lee of Toast Kitchen & Bakery, and Amar Santana of Vaca. Other participating restaurants include Nok’s Kitchen, Hamamori, Paradise Dynasty, Taco Mesita, Smoke Queen BBQ, Garlic and Chives, A Market, and Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens.

Tickets for the event are available in two categories. VIP tickets are priced at $250 and grant early entry beginning at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $195 and are valid from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support OCAPICA’s wide range of community programs, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the lives of local residents.

As part of the entertainment, DJ MoJoe will perform, along with a live musical act by Hawaii-born artist Masin. She will present songs from her new project, She, The Album, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Founded in 1997, OCAPICA serves approximately 80,000 people annually, advocating for the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Orange County. The organization provides essential programs, including multilingual mental health services, job training for underserved residents, housing stability initiatives, and youth leadership development. Additionally, OCAPICA is dedicated to protecting immigrant communities, addressing threats such as ICE raids and hate crimes.

The Tastemakers of Orange County event aligns with OCAPICA’s mission to cultivate healthier and stronger communities through the appreciation of culinary diversity. This celebration not only showcases the rich flavors brought by Asian and Pacific Islander influences but also serves as a platform for community building and support.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through ocapica.org/tmoc. With a diverse lineup of chefs and a commitment to social good, this year’s culinary event is poised to be an engaging and impactful evening for all who participate.