News Summary
The Pacific Wine & Food Classic returned to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, attracting a sold-out crowd of food lovers. With over 40 prominent chefs and restaurants from Orange County, the festival featured a delightful mix of culinary offerings. Attendees enjoyed a range of wines and innovative dishes, including those from noteworthy establishments like Sushi Roku and RISE Rooftop Lounge. The event’s highlight was the Destination Dessert Garden, and exciting plans for the 2025 festival are already underway.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic Draws Food Enthusiasts in Newport Beach
The Pacific Wine & Food Classic successfully returned to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort on Saturday, September 20, attracting a sold-out crowd of hundreds of food enthusiasts. The festival celebrated local culinary talent with over 40 prominent chefs and restaurants from Orange County participating in the vibrant event.
For a span of four hours, attendees mingled amid pulsing music and lively conversations, indulging in a diverse array of wines and gourmet bites. Among the standout features was the Dessert Garden, which garnered particular attention as a favorite spot for many participants.
Featured Restaurants and Special Highlights
Renowned dining establishments showcased their unique offerings during the festival. Notable restaurants included Sushi Roku, The Mayor’s Table, and Trevor’s at the Tracks. Noteworthy chef Christian Viau from Five Crowns & SideDoor introduced new culinary creations, including delectable dishes such as prime rib chili and bruschetta. Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria impressed with their innovative Mediterranean Chicken Taco, while RISE Rooftop Lounge presented a creative twist with their Mangonada Margarita Taco featured in the Dessert Garden.
In addition to culinary delights, the festival brought together venerated sponsors like Melissa’s, Infiniti, and Flecha Azul Tequila, enhancing the overall experience. Unique offerings included Katy Perry’s non-alcoholic apéritifs, allowing guests of all preferences to find something to enjoy. A massive 20-foot hand-crafted charcuterie board created by Lover Boards and Melissa’s Produce also added a striking visual element to the tasting experience.
Upcoming Features and Future Plans
Plans for the 2025 iteration of the Pacific Wine & Food Classic are already underway, with expectations to feature over 100 wine purveyors and more than 30 restaurants. Strong Water Anaheim, celebrated for their James Beard nomination, will also be participating, promising an even more impressive showcase. The reimagined festival will introduce a Mixology Masters Lounge where attendees can enjoy craft cocktails as well as a Bubble Bar highlighting an extensive selection of wines and beers.
To ensure an enjoyable experience, ticket sales are limited, preventing overcrowding and promoting a relaxed atmosphere for mingling and exploration. Guests attending the festival must be 21 years or older, with general admission tickets priced at $199, and early entrance tickets available for $250. Whether rain or shine, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic is designed to spotlight the exceptional culinary scene of Orange County.
Background Context
The Pacific Wine & Food Classic has become a prominent event in the area, fostering an appreciation for local culinary talent and providing a platform for chefs and eateries to connect with food lovers. By emphasizing local ingredients and innovative dishes, the festival has established itself as a celebrated highlight in the annual culinary calendar, showcasing the rich dining culture of Orange County.
Future events aim to enhance the immersive experience by introducing elements like the Paso Robles Lounge Experience, which will feature wines from the renowned Paso Robles Wine Country, further enriching the festival’s offerings and inviting even more culinary exploration for attendees in years to come.
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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
