LA FOOD | WINE

by dailykongfidence

DSC04089

There is something about food that brings people together. Whether it is the taste, the presentation, or deciphering that special ingredient, food is a vehicle for community. It is a time when people get together, share life stories, travels, hopes and dreams all over the course of a meal. Food just brings people together. Whether it is local or international, the phenomenon of great food has people willing to travel to get that savory bite and experience.

I had the amazing opportunity to attend the sixth annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival this year with Lexus, the founding partner of Food & Wine. This event was hosted by renowned chef, Tyler Florence, in DLTA where I was able to taste from 30 remarkable chefs and 50 prominent wineries. The venue was stunning as we nibbled and sipped amongst the cityscape of the Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, MOCA, The Music Center, and Grand Park. Surrounded by the extravagance of such celebrated food and wine, to the luxury Lexus vehicles that were available for viewing, I truly felt inspired. And adding to an already incredible night, De La Soul helped to enhance the festive and jovial ambiance with their energetic beats and lyrics.

Walking throughout the red carpeted venue, I was able to sample from California’s hottest restaurants and sip from many local wineries. My absolute favorite tasting hands down was from the host himself, chef Tyler Florence of Wayfare Tavern. His shrimp and grits just melted in my mouth. Pure and utter perfection. A close second was the freshly rolled pasta from Patina that was perfectly al dente and topped with crème fraiche. The most entertaining display came from Starry Kitchen, where chef Nguyen Tran served up crispy tofu balls in a banana suit and blowhorn. As far as wine goes, I had one too many to count, but I definitely enjoyed the rose sangria from Barcito, the private collection from Glenlivet, and the recently released Silveroak 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The food selection was phenomenal, but let’s not forget the desserts! They too were represented from Bree’s Cakes to Jon & Vinny’s Italian cookies. My personal favorite was the curried, sugar doughnut from ICDC which was fried to excellence with just the perfect hint of curry in the sugary topping. As a lover of ice cream, I also couldn’t pass up spending time at the Lexus lounge. There, in all one space, contained a variety of ice cream flavors from an adorable, vintage cart, adult ice cream floats from the fabulous Small Town Brewery bar, and delectable ice cream sandwiches from Sweet Lucie’s iconic blue truck. It was like my ice cream dreams had come true!

Despite the hours I spent tasting from booth to booth, there was still so much I didn’t get to enjoy. Fortunately these restaurants are located in California and I have the accessibility of simply getting into a car and driving to get my culinary food fix.

I came to the LA Food and Wine event knowing only my husband. Yet I left having met two friends – a stranger from the Bay Area and another blogger from Los Angeles. Two people who I not only exchanged phone numbers with, but exchanged pasts, present, and future plans with. That is the beauty of food. Regardless of culture, social economic status, or gender, we all need to eat. And when we eat, it tastes much better when it is shared.

Thank you to Lexus USA and the IW Group for allowing me this incredible culinary experience.

DSC04040

DSC04043

DSC04099

DSC04088

DSC04092

DSC04093

DSC04096

DSC04098

DSC04102

DSC04103

DSC04064

IMG_1236

DSC04072

DSC04081

DSC04071

IMG_1098

IMG_1237

DSC04108

You may also like

85 comments

Mel August 30, 2016 - 7:08 pm

The food in your post look absolutely delicious!

http://www.pennyanddash.com

Reply
sharon August 30, 2016 - 7:17 pm

Aww, Christine! This looks like such an amazing event with great bites and nibbles. Food definitely brings people together 😀 Thanks for sharing, I am totally drooling right now lol. I also love the outfit you wore, it’s so stylish and chic. I hope you have an amazing evening <3, Sharon

http://www.sharinaone.com/

Reply
Bernice August 30, 2016 - 7:34 pm

Absolutely mouth watering food! And you looked fabulous on that red carpet. Looks like an amazing event!

Reply
dailykongfidence August 30, 2016 - 9:25 pm

Thanks Bernice. The food was so delicious, I still am dreaming of it!

Reply
molly August 30, 2016 - 8:08 pm

This looked like such a fun time! Your snaps were making me jealous AND hungry.

Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com

Reply
dailykongfidence August 30, 2016 - 9:27 pm

Hi Molly, it WAS a fun time! Sharing great food is always fun!

Reply
Sharon Wu of Style Lullaby August 30, 2016 - 8:39 pm

That asymmetrical dress is to-die-for, and you look AMAZING on the red carpet girl! Loved following along your tasting adventures on IG stories hehe 🙂 xo, sharon

http://www.stylelullaby.com/lifestyle/avoid-burnout-stay-inspired-blogger/

Reply
dailykongfidence August 30, 2016 - 9:27 pm

Thanks Sharon! I wish I could share the food over stories so everyone could get a taste!

Reply
Sister Tales August 30, 2016 - 8:43 pm

WOW, what an event! It’s beautiful! And the food is absolutely gorgeous…and you of course as well!
xoxo, simona and indre

http://www.sistertalessite.com

Reply
dailykongfidence August 30, 2016 - 9:28 pm

Thank you both! The presentation of the food was superb and the taste was even better! I am so grateful to Lexus for sharing the experience with me!

Reply
Marie August 30, 2016 - 8:54 pm

Omg you looked amazing age the food….I wish I could’ve tasted it myself!

Reply
dailykongfidence August 30, 2016 - 9:24 pm

Thanks Marie, I wish you could’ve tasted it with me too! You would loved it. But no worries, we can hit up these restaurants together!

Reply
Susanne - Bag at you August 30, 2016 - 9:28 pm

Wow, the food looks exquisite!! And you look also stunning!! Thanks for sharing babe!! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

Reply
Sofis August 30, 2016 - 9:46 pm

I had my first date with my boyfriend at LA food and wine restaurant… best way to catch a foodie, right? 😉 these pictures really brings back memories. Which I could have been there this year!

http://www.thegfbible.com

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 8:33 am

Awww how cute! Eating is definitely one of my fav things to do and there are so many amazing restaurants in LA!

Reply
Raysa Garcia August 30, 2016 - 10:01 pm

How awesome! It Looks like you had a good time. The food looks delicious. And you look divine in this white dress.
Xx, Raysa

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 8:33 am

Thanks Raysa! It was so much fun doing what I love – eating!

Reply
Thomas Falkenstedt August 31, 2016 - 1:02 am

Looks like an amazing event and you look stunning too! I love how you go to places not knowing anyone and then leave having a bunch of new friends with you. I’m like that myself as well! 😀
xoxo,
Thomas

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 8:35 am

Thanks Thomas! Isn’t that the best? Sharing stories and meeting people over a common passion (food in this case), is always a guaranteed fun evening.

Reply
Yuliya Oleynykova August 31, 2016 - 7:33 am

your dress is freaking awesome x
Yukova blog

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 8:41 am

Thank you Yuliya! I appreciate it!

Reply
aurela August 31, 2016 - 10:46 am

Wow, such an amazing event. Looks so fab and I bet the food was delicious. You look stunning as always. Love the shoes!

Aurela xoxo

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 10:45 pm

Thank you Aurela! It was a fabulous event and so yummy! Can’t wait to go again next year!

Reply
Christina Braccia August 31, 2016 - 5:00 pm

This looks like so much fun! You rocked the red carpet, Christine!

xo, Christina
http://www.christinabeex3.com/

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 10:45 pm

Thanks Christina you are so sweet! Hope you are having an amazing week!

Reply
Adelina August 31, 2016 - 8:45 pm

Lovely Christine, this post is exceptionally written and beautifully composed with delicious images of food, celebrations, and style! I am so proud of your work and this post is making me HUNGRY (and I just had dinner)! Love always, Adelina

http://www.thecharmingolive.com

Reply
dailykongfidence August 31, 2016 - 10:46 pm

Awww you are so sweet Adelina! Thank you for always being so supportive. Next time we need to go together!

Reply
Lauren August 31, 2016 - 10:57 pm

omg this looks like so much fun! Great outfit too haha. Your posts always have the best writing too, always so impressed with you.

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:53 pm

Hi Lauren, yes it was so fun and so yummy! Aww, thanks for the compliments! xoxo!

Reply
Katrina Fernandez September 1, 2016 - 2:56 am

Ohh my gosh! The food are so delicious and of course you are always look awesome. So beautiful just like a super model. I totally adore your style.

Check out my blog post about Wishlist
xoxo, Katrina | Instagram: @katrinaisha

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:53 pm

You are so sweet, thank you. I love your style too Katrina!

Reply
emily September 1, 2016 - 7:54 am

Omg! My mouth is watering at all that delicious looking food.. ESPECIALLY the ice cream! Sounds like my kind of place! You look amazing too, I love that dress!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:54 pm

Yes, the food was to die for, I wanted to eat more and more. And who can resist dessert right? Thanks Emily and have a great weekend!

Reply
Gina Diaz September 1, 2016 - 10:22 am

Amazing post!
xo, Gina

http://www.artsyrunway.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:54 pm

Thanks Gina! Have a fabulous weekend dear!

Reply
Katharine September 1, 2016 - 11:10 am

Fantastic event seems to be! great report. 🙂 kisses
Katharine-fashionisbeautiful

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:56 pm

Thank you Katharine, yes it was a delicious event!

Reply
Heidi September 1, 2016 - 12:51 pm

What an amazing event and stunning photography! Looks like you had a great time and so cool that you were able to meet some new and interesting people as well.

Heidi || Wishes & Reality

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:56 pm

Thank you Heidi! It was so fun and yes, I made two new friends that I will for sure keep in touch with!

Reply
Aliya September 1, 2016 - 7:49 pm

What an amazing event & I love all of the wonderful photos you captured! Loving your look as well!! 🙂
XOXO, Aliya
http://www.aliyapatrice.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:56 pm

Hi Aliya! Thank you so much. Have a great weekend love!

Reply
Cece Lam September 1, 2016 - 7:52 pm

YES girl!! living up life. I LOVE this post!!!

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:57 pm

Thanks Cece, I gotta always feed this hungry belly!

Reply
Sarah September 1, 2016 - 10:41 pm

That food looks gorgeous! It’s so true, food does bring people together, I love how you can meet new people and find out new interests just by being curious and giving out happy vibes to people, food can is a common thread to start a conversation off (especially good food ) xx

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:57 pm

Totally agree Sarah! Food is a great common denominator and gives people so much to talk about!

Reply
Joti September 1, 2016 - 11:02 pm

Food definitely brings people together! Can I just say, you’re rocking that red carpet!

http://www.stylebymemory.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:58 pm

Yes, food is such a great way to bond isn’t it? Thank you so much Joti!

Reply
Kandja Sylla September 2, 2016 - 1:07 am

I super envy you babe! The pics here made me wish I was there too. Food from remarkable chefs and wines from prominent wineries are perfect combo. You look fabulous as always. Thanks for sharing babe! xx

http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/how-to-style-the-dashiki/

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 12:59 pm

Thanks Kandja, it was seriously the perfect venue and pairing of wine and food.

Reply
Sophie September 2, 2016 - 3:14 am

How lovely. Must have been so much fun and your outfit is great as well.
http://sophieatieno.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 1:00 pm

Thank you Sophie! Have a fab weekend babe!

Reply
Julia (The Velvet Runway) September 2, 2016 - 4:55 am

This sounds like an amazing event – what a great way to enjoy food and wine and meet new people! The food photos are really making my mouth water!
You are stunning as always and I love that dress!!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 1:00 pm

Thank you Julia! It was a great night and the food was unbelievable!

Reply
Adriana Boho September 2, 2016 - 8:21 am Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 3:39 pm

Thank you Adriana! xoxo!

Reply
LINDSEY of THE NOMIS NICHE September 2, 2016 - 11:15 am

This looks like an amazing event – and I absolutely LOVE your outfit! Looks like you had a great time 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!

Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 3:40 pm

Awww thanks Lindsey! It was a blast and I can’t wait to go again next year!

Reply
Ally September 2, 2016 - 11:36 am

I loved following along with your Insta-stories! You looked gorgeous! xo- ally

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 4:08 pm

Thanks Ally, the stories were so useful to actually show you the food and have you right there with me! Wish you could taste it through your phone too. Haha.

Reply
JASCHEN September 2, 2016 - 2:53 pm

The food looks absolutely phenomenal!! And love love love that white dress! Such a special cut and so chic!

xoxo,
http://www.mysuitcasejourneys.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 2, 2016 - 4:14 pm

Hi Jaschen! Thank you, I love an asymmetrical hem. The food was so tasty and love that I got to try from all different restaurants. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Reply
Konstancja September 2, 2016 - 9:42 pm

The food looks soooo delicious, I’m super jealous you got to try it all! 🙂 XO
https://vogue-ish.com/

Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:43 pm

It was so yummy Konstancja!

Reply
Nicole September 2, 2016 - 10:22 pm Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:44 pm

Thank you Nicole. It was definitely a nice evening and the food and Lexus vehicles made for a glamorous event.

Reply
Jenn Hanft September 3, 2016 - 8:32 am

All of the food looks amazing! I hope you had a wonderful time! You looked stunning!!!! That dress is breathtakingly unique 🙂

XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:44 pm

Thanks Jenn, it was all delicious and yes, I had a fantastic time. Thank you!

Reply
Monique September 3, 2016 - 9:06 am

Ohhh I really love the pictures, seems like you had a lot of fun and the food is so delicious!

Happy Saturday
Monique xx

MOD – by Monique

Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:46 pm

Hi Monique and thank you! I hope you are having a lovely weekend!

Reply
Mandy Arisa September 3, 2016 - 2:59 pm

Christine you literally had me drooling at all your food pics oh my goodness!! You also look so so stunning in your outfit and those sexy heels might I add! Such a great share, much love from Sydney Australia!

X Mandy

http://www.ministryforstyle.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:48 pm

Thank you Mandy! I know the food in Australia is amazing too but LA has lots of fabulous hot spots and glad I was able to try some of them. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Reply
Gabrielle September 3, 2016 - 8:01 pm

YES girl!! living up life. I LOVE this post!!!
http://www.2016handbagustore.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 3, 2016 - 10:49 pm

Thank you Gabrielle! If eating good food is living up the life then I definitely enjoy my life since I love to eat. =)

Reply
Simona September 4, 2016 - 3:15 am

Aww everything looks fantastic!!! Love LA! <3
http://www.simimaus.blogspot.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 4, 2016 - 7:42 pm

Thank you Simona, I know, LA is so fun isn’t it!

Reply
Mercy September 4, 2016 - 5:24 am

The food looks endlessly amazing. It must feel so nice to be part of it. Love your style girl!

http://www.busyandfab.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 4, 2016 - 7:43 pm

Hi Mercy! Yes, it was pretty endless as were the drinks. =) Thank you so much!

Reply
vanessa September 4, 2016 - 5:45 am

your blog is soo good! i meant, beyond amazing

vnssachn.blogspot.com

Reply
dailykongfidence September 4, 2016 - 7:43 pm

Thank you Vanessa, you are too kind!

Reply
Floortje September 4, 2016 - 11:57 am

The photos are amazing such as your looks!

Xx,

|| FLOORTJELOVES ||

http://www.floortjeloves.com
http://www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

Reply
dailykongfidence September 4, 2016 - 7:44 pm

Thank you for the sweet compliments!

Reply
Adi September 4, 2016 - 1:36 pm

Looks like a lot of fun!! The food looks Amazing!
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

Reply
dailykongfidence September 4, 2016 - 7:46 pm

Thanks Adi, the food WAS amazing. I can’t wait to try more!

Reply
Hadasah October 27, 2016 - 6:57 pm

So pretty! Love everything about this look!
Much love, Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com

Reply
dailykongfidence October 30, 2016 - 6:47 pm

Thank you so much Hadasah!

Reply

Leave a Comment