Thousands come to support and enjoy Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival. Photos by Ana Baker
Sunday, June 5th, Casa Pacifica hosted its 29th Annual Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival. The sold-out Festival has established itself as Ventura County’s premiere Wine & Food event recently winning Best Wine and Food Event and Best Charity Event for the tenth year in a row. The Festival raises critical funds for Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families which must raise 15% of its operating budget annually, about $5 million this year.
As always, the Festival offered an unbeatable array of exhibitors offering delicious food samples, sips of fine wines, and smooth brews. This year’s “Best in Fest” brew – RX Pils by Institution Ale Co. was on hand and available for attendees to sample. “Best in Fest” honorable mentions: Topa Topa Brewing Company and Enegren Brewing Company were also in attendance. The Festival main stage, emceed by DJ Bruce Barrios, featured live music throughout the day by Benise’s Band of Gypsies and Wes Quave Live 61, which kept the dance floor packed.
VIP guests enjoyed a champagne reception and a bite from Mastro’s Restaurant before entering the event at noon. The Sponsor VIP Lounge featured Magnavino Cellars, Plated Events by Chef Jason, The Beer Garden featured Stella Artois, and M on High who poured craft cocktails featuring Bombay Sapphire, St Germain, and Martini & Rossi. Happy Place was also on hand to provide additional libations. The ever-popular Mission Avocado bar was also a highlight. Guests danced the afternoon away to music by Sound Effect and enjoyed photobooth fun by Conejo Photobooth.
Supervisor Matt Levere served as the emcee of the 13th Annual Yummie Culinary Competition, which showcased participating Festival exhibiting chefs’ dishes. The battle for the top prize was a delicious one! Judges eventually crowned winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece based on flavor, presentation, innovation, and quality. The panel of esteemed Yummie Culinary Competition judges included: Executive Chef Eric Kopelow, Vice President CedarLane Foods, Inc.; Chef Nic Manocchio, University Auxiliary Services at CSU Channel Islands; Tami Chu, Publisher and Editor of Edible Ojai & Ventura County; Kevan Lee, Chef and Owner of CKL Events; Actress Denise Boutte, Co-Author of Southern Modified and CEO of Weeziana Girl Creole Cuisine; and Michelle Hernandez of Chefs on a Mission.
Casa Pacifica and the Angels want to extend their gratitude to their generous Hosts: The Van Huisen Family; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil; Mission Produce; and SDI/TransPro Logistic. And a huge thank you to everyone who attended, we appreciate your support – and because of you, we are able to help change the trajectory of children’s lives!
For more information about Casa Pacifica, please visit www.casapacifica.org or check out the Festival’s website for pictures and more information at www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.
