Camarillo, CA – Local nonprofit Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families eyes successful return to in-person events after a two-year hiatus. The 8th Annual Yummie Top Chef Dinner will take place on Friday, September 24th followed by its sister event, the award-winning 28th Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on Sunday, September 26th. Both sold-out events will take place at CSU Channel Islands. All proceeds from the Dinner and the Festival benefit Casa Pacifica and their vital programs and services for foster and at-risk youth and their families.
Both events are taking extra safety precautions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, requiring all attendees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event. The Festival has also reduced its usual capacity by about 50% to promote safety and social distancing.
The weekend will kick off with Casa Pacifica’s 8th Annual Yummie Top Chef Dinner, featuring some of the top chefs in Ventura County, all past winners of Casa Pacifica’s Yummie Culinary Competition which takes place at the Festival. Participating chefs include Chef Alex Castillo, Private Chef; Chef Anastashia Chavez, Milo & Olive; Chef Jason Collis, Plated Events; Chef Jeff Downey, The Saticoy Club; Chef Andres Fernandez, The Copa Cabana; Chef Nic Manocchio, University Auxiliary Services CSUCI; Chef Alex Montoya, Water’s Edge, Waterside & Honey Cup; Chef Sarah Pritchett, Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters; Chef Abdu Romero, Slate Bistro & Craft Bar; Chef Julia San Bartolome, Sweet Arleen’s.
The seven-course Dinner also includes wine pairings featuring Brassfield Estate Winery, Magnavino Cellars, and The Ojai Vineyard. The 2021 Best in Fest Brew winner will also be on hand, Pedals & Pints will be pouring their winning Single Speed American Light Lager along with cocktails by M on High Restaurant. Former Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean will be the evening’s master of ceremonies.
The Cassar Family returns as Hosts of the Dinner along with other sponsors: Epicurean Sponsors – Tim Bradley; Roz Warner, M.D. & Michael Hogan, M.D. and Bill and Jewell Gerald Powell. Top Chef Sponsors – PODS; Procter & Gamble; and Ventura Rental Party & Events. Master Sommelier Sponsors – Susan and Ken Bauer; Finish Line; Montecito Bank & Trust; and S.L.Leonard & Associates, Inc.
The 28th Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival will take place two days after the Dinner on Sunday, September 26th. The Festival has grown into one of the largest food and drink events in California and has been voted Best Charity Event and Best Food & Drink Festival by VC Reporter readers ten years running. This year’s Festival will be a more intimate event due to the reduced capacity but will still offer an unbeatable array of delicious food samples from fabulous restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops, to the palette-pleasing tastes of fine wines, smooth brews, and specialty beverages from throughout the region and California. Live entertainment throughout the day will feature DJ and Master of Ceremonies Bruce Barrios, Benise’s Band of Gypsies, In Stone, and The Peter Michael Escovedo “All Stars”.
VIP guests will enjoy a champagne reception and early entrance at noon. The always popular VIP Lounge will feature Magnavino Cellars, Plated Events by Chef Jason, The Anheuser-Busch Belgium Beer Garden, and M on High Restaurant who will be pouring craft cocktails. VIP guests will also enjoy live music by Sound Effect and photobooth fun by Conejo Photobooth.
Other highlights of the Festival include an opportunity to sample the 2021 “Best in Fest” Brew – Pedals & Pints Single Speed American Light Lager. Pedals & Pints will be officially crowned “Best in Fest” on the main stage during the Festival. The Yummie Culinary Competition will also crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. The Competition is expected to be fierce this year with returning Savory champion Chef Abdu Romero of Slate Bistro & Craft Bar. The panel of esteemed Yummie Culinary Competition judges will include Celebrity Chef Eric Kopelow; Chef Nic Manocchio, University Auxilary Services at CSU Channel Islands; Chef Carson Peterson, Top Chef Jr. Season 2 contestant; Chef Kevan Lee, Chef and Owner of CKL Events; and Actress Denise Boutte, Co-Author of Southern Modified and CEO of Weeziana Girl Spices. Actor and Ojai local, Oded Fehr will be returning to emcee the culinary competition.
Casa Pacifica is humbled to have the generous support of their Festival hosts: The Van Huisen Family; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil; Mission Produce; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; SDI Industries; and Trans-Pro Logistics. For a full list of sponsors please visit cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.
Can’t make it to the Festival? You can still join in the fun and support Casa Pacifica by browsing and bidding at their large online silent auction! Shoppers will be tempted with must-have vacations, dining experiences, wine tastings, jewelry, and more. Preview the online silent auction and start bidding on Friday, September 24th by visiting hope4kids.givesmart.com. You don’t need to be at the Festival to bid or win.
For more details on the Yummie Top Chef Dinner or the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival, please visit www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.