Masters Of Taste 2017 VIP Kick-Off

By Effie Cacarnakis, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief on April 6, 2017

The Ladies of Birds & Bees serving Up Mysterious & Mouthwatering Concotions

A gorgeous evening under the stars set the backdrop for the invite-only event in anticipation of the 2nd annual Masters Of Taste, in the “Rose Garden” on the field of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, on April 29.

Guests enjoyed tastings from a select few of the many culinary, sweet and beverage masters in this year’s line-up for the main event: 118 Degrees, Spire works Bone Kettle and Komodo, Mama Lion, Cafe Dulce, 1886, Birds and Bees, Hall Winery, Trinchero Winery and Indie Brewing Company.

This year’s Masters of Taste is expected to attract over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 40 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 30 Beverage Masters, including L.A’s top bartenders and cocktail bars, local California wineries and craft breweries.

Highlights among the tastings included the spectacular oxtail from Bone Kettle, a delightful spit-roasted sandwich from Spire Works, a mysterious fruity cocktail from Birds & Bees and the gin “Slinky” from 1886. The big crowd pleasers of the night were the “7th Street Saison” from Indie Brewing, and the crazy cool donuts from Cafe Dulce paired with the Bravium Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

“The kind of services and the kind of changes we’re making are going to change the way of homeless services and the way our homeless population is served here in Pasadena. You may or may not know but about five years ago, our homeless count was in the 1200s, this year is 575. We are going to end homelessness in this area. And I’m really proud that we are not just serving Pasadena, we are in the whole San Gabriel Valley,” said Union Station’s Chief Executive Officer John Brauer.

In 2016, the event raised nearly half a million dollars; 100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives.

Masters Of Taste 2017 takes place on Sunday, May 7th on the Rose Bowl field. Tickets are still available! For more information, visit www.mastersoftastela.com.