The 2012 Los Angeles Epicurean Festival

The 2012 Los Angeles Epicurean Festival

by Rob Taylor

 

The 2012 Los Angeles Epicurean Festival was a grand success. The festival founders Kora Kroep and Bruno Laclotte broughtg together a winning combination of gourmet products, wines, spirits and other beverages. The exhibitors are hand-picked with an eye to keep attendees abreast of new ideas in the market place. This year’s event was held on Sunday, August 26, 2012, at the historic Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.

 

Due to the success of the 2011 event, this year’s festival was held during two sessions in order to accommodate all. Both sessions were well attened by eager connoisseurs.

  

•The first session was be held from 3-6pm.  Demonstrations from talented chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists launched the afternoon session. Gourmet purveyors educated attendees on the fabrication of their offerings while providing tastings. The Epicurean Cup features three teams of six contestants each. Together they must create a salad, main course and dessert from a mystery basket and pair these with a beverage. Judges Chef Michael Richard, Chef Bradley Ogden, Tasting Panel editor Meridith May and Master Sommelier Will Burtner decided the winning pairings, including the best cocktail and the best dish overall. Mini seminars were  conducted by industry professionals.

 

 •The second session was be held from 7-10pm and featured in addition, a DJ spinning late into the evening, while celebrated mixologists participated in the High Roller Vodka Olympic Mixer as they create sexy drinks for guests. More Mini seminars were conducted.

 

As you can see, there were ample be wine tastings, gourmet foods  and the opportunity to learn about the upcoming trends in food!