by tony reverditto –
Only in its third year, the Pacific Wine and Food Classic (PWFC) has already garnered many accolades and made USA Today list as one of the 10 Best Food Festivals in North America. Other honors include International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association’s Top 10 Food & Wine Event in the World, as well as Orange County’s Best Event by Los Angeles Times 2018 and OC Weekly People’s Choice for Best Food Event in 2017 and 2018.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is proud to host this year’s event and delivers taste bites and the flavors of summer from more than 60 of Orange County’s top chefs, more than 100 wines from local and international vintners, local brews and hand-crafted cocktails from the region’s best mixologists.
Queen of Orange County culinary events, Pam Waitt is president of the Orange County Restaurant Association and founder of PWFC’s monumental event, also reigning over The Golden Foodie Awards, O.C. Restaurant Week and O.C. Burger Week.
The Rage Monthly caught up with Waitt to ask a bit about PWFC and her thoughts on why it has become the premiere event in the O.C.
“This irresistible event offers guests more than 100 taste experiences in a pristine coastal setting over two fun-filled summer days, enhanced with ocean breezes, bountiful amounts of food, wine, beer and spirits while basking in good energy and enjoyable music.”
Waitt went on to discuss some of the events latest features, she was especially excited about the Bubble bar: “All bubbly, all day, featuring G.H. Mumm, Scharffenberger Cellars, Argyle, Gloria Ferrar, Wilson Creek and Martini & Rossi! Then there is the debut of the Dole Whip (frozen treat) feature, designed to cool down those waiting to check into the event, and once you’re in, sexy slush beverages also await,” She explained.
“Aside from the KLOS Live on the Beach Party, The Fork Report and beach games, one the most entertaining components is the Celebrity Cruise Silent Disco: in which everyone wears headsets and dances to the latest and classic hits while onlookers get a great laugh watching but not hearing the music they are dancing to.”
New for 2019, experience the Pacific Wine & Food Classic and an extra element of luxury with the Luxe VIP Packages starting at $2,800 for a group of six. The purchase includes six VIP tickets for either Saturday or Sunday, including your own Private Luxe Lounge tent with comfortable seating on the sand overlooking the bay, a bucket of chilled bottled water and security to ensure privacy. A truly unique experience is included with the Lux VIP packages as well: a 30-minute bay tour of Newport Beach on a classic replica, 21’ Mahogonite, wooden bay cruiser for up to six people provided by Riva de Balboa on the day of the event (reservations are required). The excursion includes private wine tastings provided by the event’s owners, Jodi Teller Miller and fiancé Matt Beehler.
Luxe VIP packages are extremely limited, to inquire and/or purchase email at info@pacificwineandfood.com or go to rivadebalboa.com.
This year’s general admission delivers plates from some of the finest restaurants in Southern California: Adya, Atria, Back Bay Bistro, Bluewater Grill, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Bristol Farms, BXCR Wine Bar, Cambalache Grill, Chelas Mexican Grill & KVida Catering + Events, Chianina, Coastal Catering, CUCINA enoteca, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Descanso Restaurant, Ellie’s Long Beach. Filomena’s, Five Crowns/Side Door, Georgia’s Restaurant, Glasspar, Great Maple, Haute Productions, Haven Craft Kitchen & Bar, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, James Republic, Chef Jenny Ross, Maggiano’s, Melissa’s Produce, Michael’s on Naples, Miss Mini Donuts, Nirvana Grille, Oak Grill, Old Vine, Orange Hill, Pete’s Sunset Grill, Piccolino Ristorante, Playa Mesa, Puesto, Red O, Roe Seafood, Rothschild’s Restaurant, Rusty Pelican, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, Sol Agave, Sol Cocina, Solita, Sushi Roku, Tackle Box, TAPS, Ten Asian Bistro, The Attic on Broadway, The Blind Rabbit, The Country Club/Helmsman, The Dole Whip Guy, The Waterfront Resort: A Hilton Hotel, Toast, Urbana and Villa Roma.
In addition to the many food, beer, cocktail and wine tasting stations, check out PWFC’s latest, the Dacor Wine Lounge. Beautiful wine units offering a taste from their vast glorious offerings: Fleurs de Prairie Rose, Cave de Lugny Les Charmes, Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet, Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Joseph Carr Paso Robles Cabernet, Girard Sauvignon Blanc, Layer Cake Rose, The Calling Pinot Noir, Prescription Chardonnay, Lloyd Cellars Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, Starmont Carneros Rose of Pinot Noir, Starmont Napa Sauvignon Blanc, Merryvale Carneros Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong Rose, Upshot White Blend & Red Blend, Hunter’s Ridge Napa Ca, and Pacific Pinot. Presented by Pacific Sales.
Not quite ready to end the fun? Walk on over to Back Bay Bistro and enjoy a sunset Yacht Rock after party with Trinity Tribute Band & Groove Kitty, featuring the music of Journey, Foreigner and Styx, including Yacht Rock favorites.
The 2019 Pacific Wine & Food Classic takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, with proceeds benefiting the Golden Rule Charity. For tickets and more information, go to pacificwineandfood.com.