A2‘s final rating: √ MARK YOUR CALENDAR √
THE BASICS:
WHAT: Los Angeles Magazine presents The Food Event 2016 (their 11th annual, so they got it down).
WHEN: When summer turns fall in the afternoon.
WHERE: Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu.
THE DISH:
THIS LOCATION THOUGH: You’ll feel like you’ve entered wine country when really you’re only a few miles off the 101. Driving in you’ll see rolling hills, grapes on grapes (aka vineyards, duh) and zebras, llamas and water buffalo. It’s oh-so-pretty and memorable and I want to go back right now. You can also visit the ranch and animals all year long on a Malibu Wine Safari- which we highly recommend.
WHO YOU’LL SEE: STANLEY the retired Hollywood star giraffe is there for photo-ops!! Apparently he was in Water for Elephants and The Hangover 2, so seriously A-list. We also saw the actor who played Steve Urkel in Family Matters and although in real life he is more like the character’s much cooler alter ego Stefan; we we’re still more excited to see Stanley.
WHO TO BRING: An EDDR dad got to come along this time, so it was a family affair. Because this is one of the classiest events of the year; we say bring someone special. This would be such a fun outing for the family or your crew who wants to work on “adulting”.
AN IMPORTANT DEET: 21+ only. Although most LA mommas have no shame in going wine tasting with their kiddos literally strapped onto them; leave them with the nanny this time.
WHAT TO WEAR: The usual to these types of events- comfy and flowy, but still lookin’ fly. You will be walking in grass, so keep that in mind when deciding between heels or wedges.
FAVS OF THE DAY: Our FAV bite came from Chef Antonia of Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market and it was a steak frites cone- simply delish, but not simple at all. It was easy to hold and eat while standing and trying to balance your wine glass as well– all bites should be like it. Other top bites were Miro’s pate and, shockingly, 800 Degree’s pizza slices (we’ve only ever had 800 after Bungalow-ing it up, sooo ya…). And lastly, Bottega Louie’s macarons always hit the spot.
$$$: $125 for GA… and worth it.
THE PARTY DON’T STOP: The party continues across the street at Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch for the official after party. What do we love more than a good party? A good after party… that ends by 2AM because nothing good happens after 2AM.
EDDR LIFE LESSON: Don’t drink 5 bottles of Veuve the day before you’re going to spend an afternoon in the sun, standing and wine tasting with your dad. When will I ever learn and accept the fact that I’m not 21 anymore? I’ll shoot for next year. And thanks for the memories, yet again, VC Polo Classic 2016…
A2 FINAL THOUGHT: LA Mag has done it again! When we started going to LA Mags events this was THE event we were most excited to attend, for obvious reasons, and it EXCEEDED the high expectations set. If we had an EDDR rating scale for “Happenings” this event would get the highest ratings in all fields: ambiance, food & drink, service and likeliness to return. At first we thought the “THE” in “The Food Event” was pretentious, but they’ve earned it. And thanks again, Dad, for the amazing Daddy/Daughter day!
I miss my new friend Stanley already,
Alex
