Masters of Taste Wows the Rose Bowl

Masters of Taste just celebrated its second year, but it has already become a staple event for LA’s foodie community. Taking place on the field in Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl, Masters of Taste brought together restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, wineries breweries and other purveyors that have truly mastered their craft. 

Quaint picnic tables and barrel-bar tables weren’t quite put to use as expected due to a torrential downpour during the event, but luckily the rain was short-lived, and the skies cleared to have the festival end with the same shining sun from which it started. Thankfully the massage tables [yes…massage tables!] were covered and operating all the way through.

Nearly 50 restaurants covered an artistic palette of flavors from across the globe. Venice Whaler’s crab and shrimp rolls and Miro’s paté and fusion empanadas were absolute highlights. Spire Works Doner American Style, Prince of Venice and Bone Kettle joined the savory favorites as well. On the sweet side, Dulce’s maple bacon and fruity pebble donuts paired amazingly with their blueberry green tea milk tea while Mignon Chocolate’s chocolate fountain and sea salt cups saw lines of smiles. 

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Asian flavors were particularly prominent as well. Ramen Tatsunoya was an overwhelming crowd favorite with its namesake dish. Mama Lion, Michael Hung’s new Koreatown spot, spared no expense with its use of uni. Hamasaku, Kato and Hoke Poke [gotta love that name] were among the long list of Far East establishments cooking up a storm. 

Drinks really ran the gamut of wine, beer, light onto dark spirits, coffee and other nonalcoholic treats. Wineries such as Navarro Vineyards and San Antonio Winery, as well as breweries including Bootlegger’s Brewery and Three Weav3rs Brewing Company, were joined by novel additions such as Kombucha Dog and Philz Coffee. Kikori Whiskey, Plymouth Gin and Dulce Vida Tequila were just a few brands to mix excellent cocktails.

The 2018 Masters of Taste is already highly anticipated. For more information, visit MastersofTasteLA.com

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