Localicious Gala Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Farmers Market
On September 16 I had the amazing privilege of attending the grand tasting gala of the year – the Localicious Gala Celebration. The event marked the 30-year anniversary of the Santa Monica Farmers Market. L.A’s top chefs were paired with farmers from the market and showcased the best of the season with signature creations and anniversary dishes. I enjoyed local wines, crafts, and champagne. I spoke to Conor Butuk with Family Farmed, which produced the Localicious Gala Celebration. The Annenberg Community Beach House sponsored the event.
I had the honor to meet several chefs from local restaurants and indulge myself with their creations. I’ve listed several items that simply need to be experienced.
Chef Jeremy Berlin of Church and State prepared a roasted tomato stuffed with eggplant, zucchini, and kalamata olive. Amazing texture and taste.
Savory Restaurant uses local vendors to make their signature yellow watermelon compressed soup with lemon verbena and thai basil.
Bean and Thyme prepared a lamb hotdog from Jinenez Farms with a caramelized yogurt sauce, sweetcorn relish, and a dab of sweet cabbage.
The chefs at A.O.C. Wine Bar prepared a tomato-eggplant jam on crostini with lamb sirloin and sliced throubes olives.
The Malibu Vineyard Pinot Noir Rambla Pacifico is produced from fruit grown on an acre and an half surrounding Micheal McCarty’s home in Malibu. On the palate, the strawberry hit me first with other earth senations like mushrooms.
The Library Alehouse prepared steamed mussels in witbier. The mussels were from Carlsbad Farmers.
The Lobster prepared amazing fried oyster, swiss chard, and fennel fritters with corn pudding.
I want to thank everyone who made this experience happen and thank you to all the chefs for allowing me to take more than one taste. All the best!!
