The sold-out 13th annual Taste of Malibu event took place last Friday night in the banquet hall at Duke’s Malibu. The popular event was sponsored by the Malibu Chamber of Commerce and presented by the Malibu Wine Trail Tour — a collection of local vintners and hospitality groups that belong to the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.
Mark Persson, CEO for the Chamber, said in a phone interview, “We were very happy with the attendance, and the guests and vendors were extremely happy. It was a very successful event on all fronts.” He said that 250 ticketholders plus 50 vendors and judges filled the room to capacity.
The Chamber limits the number of tickets sold to ensure that the room doesn’t become overcrowded and uncomfortable, and it also allows them to give an advance headcount to the participating food vendors and vintners.
“I think we have a good balance of food and wine,” Persson said. “We like to focus on [Chamber] member restaurants and vintners, and it’s important for people to know where this food and wine comes from, and to know that Malibu food and wine is served beyond the borders of Malibu.”
One of the attendees reported that it was “a very well-attended event that seemed to be even bigger than before, with a lot of really good food and wine, and a lot of people seeming to have a lot of fun.” Some of his personal favorite bites were the tri-tip sandwiches from Farm & Flame Catering, Lomi Lomi salmon from Duke’s Restaurant and tri-tip sliders from Vintage Markets.
Even though this is the 13th year the event has been held, the Chamber kept it fresh with new additions and events.
This is the first year that the Chamber partnered with various Malibu nonprofit organizations that were invited to join in, bringing informational tables and silent auction items to the event. Those benefiting included Callie’s Cause, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Malibu Rotary Club and the Malibu Optimists Club.
Another addition to the event was bringing in guest judges for “Best Bite” and “Best Sip.” Whereas last year the VIP ticket holders were the judges, this year, they brought in the professionals: Terry Heller, owner of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (several L.A. locations); Bonnie Magid of Los Angeles Magazine; Dorothy Reinhold, food blogger for shockinglydelicious.com; Shawn Burgert, wine blogger (wanderingwine.com) and radio host, and Ryan Sarmiento with “All Things Malibu.”
Carol Hoyt of Hoyt Family Vineyards said in a phone interview that they were “really excited” that their Chardonnay won the “Best White Wine” award for the third year in a row.
“They always put on a really nice event,” she said. “It’s nice that Malibu continues to showcase the Malibu wines so well.”
A $40 ticket was good for unlimited food and wine tastings, as well as live jazz and the silent auction. Guests were treated to wine tastings from local vintners that included Dolin-Malibu Estate Vineyards, Hoyt Family Vineyards, The Malibu Vineyard, Colcanyon Estate Wines, South Slope, Vinemark Cellars, Cielo Farms, Malibu Coast Vintners and Grape Growers Alliance.
Bites were provided by Duke’s Malibu, Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, Four Seasons Hotel-Westlake Village, Farm & Flame Catering of Westlake Village, Gourmet Blends balsamic vinegars and olive oils, Zuma Valley Exotic Fine Fruits, LUKE Bar & Restaurant, Health Essentials and Vintage Grocers.
