This Weekend: Food & Wine Festivals From LA to OC

With all the food and bev events coming up this weekend, its enough to have a foodie double- or even triple-booked!

Most of these events are fundraisers that support organizations and efforts focused on children.  Just think:  as you’re enjoying your wine or bidding in a silent auction, you’ll also be doing your part to help our future. Thanks in advance!

Taste of the Nation Orange County; Friday, April 23 (Coming to LA in June)
http://strength.org/orangecounty
The Island Hotel, Palm Garden
690 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

• General Admission $75 Price at the door is $85.00.
• VIP $125 (early entry, private champagne reception with the chefs, first peek at the silent auction items, and an upgraded swag bag of fabulous treats.) Price at the door is $135.00.

Savor the finest food, spirits and wine with the OC’s hottest chefs and mixologists, who will donate their time and talent to helping end childhood hunger. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to feeding Orange County’s hungry children.

5th Annual Riordan Wine Gala; Saturday, April 24, 6 – 10 PM
http://riordanfundraising.com/gala.html
Beverly Hills Country Club
3084 Motor Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

• Standard ticket – $50 – Event Admission
• Premium ticket – $75 – Event Admission, plus complimentary two-week membership to the Beverly Hills Country club, free 1-hour personal training session, and free 30 minute massage

The Gala is an annual charity event that directly benefits the Riordan Scholars Program, which supports college-bound high school students interested in learning more about business and developing leadership skills. You’re invited to join us for an evening with a purpose filled with wine tasting, lively music, interactive entertainment, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will go to the Riordan Scholars Program.

Orange County California Wine Festival Grand Finale; Saturday, April 24, 2010 1 – 4 PM
http://www.californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html#Danatickets
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629-2923

• $59 in advance.
• $75 at the gate.
• Limited to 3,000.

Your ticket buys unlimited wine and food sampling!  Hit the grassy, palm-lined Doheny State Beach to experience the quintessential California wine tasting event at our Orange County California Wine Festival grand finale. Indulge in this heady, springtime ‘right of pleasure’ and join the afternoon-long celebration — Unlimited tasting of fine wine & foods, plus sun, sea and music. Sip hundreds of vintage California wines, sample dozens of hot and cold gourmet appetizers, artisan breads and cheeses, fresh cut fruits, and for a change of taste, sample local and regional craft brews too.

Honda For Our Children Food and Wine Festival; Sunday, April 25, 2010, 1:30 – 5 PM
http://www.sandpipers.org/events/focmain.html

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Headquarters
1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance

• General admission is $150 prior to event and $175 at the door.

Honda presents the 25th annual For Our Children Food and Wine Festival, partnering with Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation and Sandpipers. The Festival is held at the headquarters of American Honda Motor Co, Inc. in Torrance. Guests will experience incredible gourmet foods and fine wines from over 90 restaurants and wineries. The spectacular silent and live auctions feature unique gift items, sports tickets and memorabilia, dining, entertainment and exciting travel packages. Proceeds benefit Providence Little Company of Mary children’s programs and Sandpipers philanthropic programs.  Their Scholarship Program supports 11 new local high school graduates and 28 continuing students with college scholarships totaling $150,000.

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