The 6th Annual Masters of Taste is returning to the Rose Bowl on April 2nd 2023! Yes, I am writing about something that is upcoming but that is because I recently attended a media preview for the 2023 event and am looking forward to it, as should you! I have attended three of the five Masters of Taste events since 2017 and each time it has been the Please The Palate pick of the week. So, while the event is a few weeks away, it is this week’s Please The Palate pick of the week! And, it can be yours too!
Masters of Taste takes place ON the field of the iconic Rose Bowl. More than 100 vendors serving food and beverages participate and past events have had more than 3000 attendees. What is better than enjoying food and drink for a good cause while standing on the 50-yard line, and all for a great cause!
100% of the proceeds of Masters of Taste 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.
Each year Masters of Taste features a Host Chef. Past Host Chefs have been Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai Cuisine (2022), Host Chef Michael Hung, M Cafe (Chef Atsushi Kenjo) (2019), Kato (Michelin Star Chef Jonathan Yao), The Bellwether, (Chef Ted Hopson & Ann-Marie Verdi), and Porto’s Bakery and Café (Chef Tony Salazar). The Host Chefs for Masters of Taste 2023 are Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed. Together, they are the co-owners behind Poppy + Rose in downtown LA and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim. In addition, Michael and Kwini also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food. And they are in the process of developing a nonprofit to help convey the importance and potential of food to younger generations by coordinating lessons with local chefs, internship programs, and more.
Masters of Taste 2023 will showcase 42 restaurants and 48 beverage brands (wine, beer, and spirits). Some of these Culinary and Beverage Masters were at the media preview, giving us a taste of what we might expect at the event.
West Side Bahn Mi / Street Kitchen
Salmon Crudo from Chef David Joyce of Soulmate
Land and Sea Duo from Chef Richard Archuleta from Alexander’s Steakhouse
Duck Confit Taco from Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed of Poppy & Seed
Black Truffle Lobster Risotto from Chef Isaias Pena of Hanks Palisades
Chocolate Cake with Blue Cheese Ganache and Salted Caramel from Chefs Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
The media preview of Masters of Taste 2023 definitely got me counting down until the actual event. General Admission Tickets are $155 and VIP Tickets are $255 BUT I am excited to share a $10 discount with the special code PALATE.
Mark your calendars for April 2nd 2023 for the 6th annual Masters of Taste and get your tickets! Between the location (Rose Bowl), the food and beverage purveyors, and the benefactor, Masters of Taste is an event not to be missed.