09 Apr Please The Palate Pick of the Week: 5th Annual Masters of Taste 2022 benefitting Union Station Homeless Services

After a two year hiatus, Masters of Taste returned last weekend for the 5th Annual Masters of Taste. Taking place on the field of the iconic Rose Bowl, more than 3000 food and beverage enthusiasts strolled across the 50-yard line, enjoying food and beverages from more than 100 vendors. With 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services, Masters of Taste is the Please The Palate pick of the week. The sun was not shining last Sunday but the sky was clear as I arrived at the Rose Bowl. I arrived a little before the gates were to open and a crowd had already formed. After a two year hiatus, people were excited to return to this wonderful event. Beyond the gates, food trucks and beverage vendors lined the entrance. We then walked through the tunnel and down the stairs onto the field which was filled with more food and beverage purveyors. Each year, Masters of Taste selects a Host Chef and for this year, the 2022 Masters of Taste Host Chef was Chef Vanda Asapahu, chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine. Ayara Thai Cuisine was named one of MICHELIN Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands and Chef Asapahu has been a part of Masters of Taste since  2016, the first year of the festival. For the VIP hour, Chef Asapahu was serving a scallop with glass noodles presented with a plastic cover. We lifted the cover off and beautiful smoky aromas swirled into the air. More than 100 restaurants served up an array of dishes, from fried chicken to pizza and pasta to fish tacos and more. In addition there were spirit brands, local craft breweries, wineries, cold-pressed juices and cold brew coffee vendors. And for the sweet tooth, there was plenty to be found. My sweet tooth was satisfied with the delicious brownie bites from Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. The best part of Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping men, women and children experiencing homelessness and helping to rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last four years, Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs. Mark your calendars for April 2023 for the 6th annual Masters of Taste. Between the location (Rose Bowl), the food and beverage purveyors, and the benefactor, Masters of Taste is an event not to be missed.