The Food Event ‘09: Simple, but big impressions

Okay, so it’s been nearly a month since Los Angeles Magazine’s The Food Event and I’m only writing it up now, but a) I decided to give myself a break and not attend as press (technically true) and b) the time lapsed makes me focus on the foods that made a real impression on me.

Moo! I love this hairy fella. He loved me back. Really, we bonded. He even tried to get out of the fence to reach me.

At the Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, where The Food Event took place, horses with odd little masks, this hairy type of cattle, running bison and even zebras dotted the drive to the large field where the food awaited us in rows upon rows of tables.

We each grabbed a wine glass at the entrance and made our way in.

Only the strong wind (I think I saw a teacup chihuahua hanging onto its owner for its dear, manicured life) marred the otherwise perfectly pretty day.

I actually tried lots of good foods here, but much of it was familiar — a red velvet Sprinkles cupcake, a carne asada taco from La Loteria Grill, ahi tuna from Lemonade, pulled pork sammiches, gelato, etc. Here a few I hadn’t tried before:

The first food I ate was also the best. Parker’s Lighthouse served up these very light but very crabby crab cakes with some sashimi.

Ivan Kane’s Cafe Was serves up fancy comfort food. The rustic homemade chips in the paper bag were a nice salty snack, although not all that crisp. I like seeing the bag’s grease spots, or as “The Simpsons’” Dr. Nick likes to call ‘em, the window to weight gain.

Although we were at the Malibu Family Wineries, I wasn’t feeling much wine that day. This Belgian Leffe, however, really hit the spot — you know, that alcoholic midday beer-swilling spot.

I did try a few whites that day though, and this Westerly Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc was the best by far. Light and crisp but not overly sweet, sort of grapefruit-y. I was already on my second round of food at this point, so a lighter wine was best.

I tend to stay away from the BBQ, especially since I saw Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ’s racks were smothered in sauce. The grillmaster heard my complaint though, and seeing how I was a Texas gal, offered to make me a special order with a dry rub. Also, I couldn’t say no since they went through the trouble of bringing this pig statue to display.

The were good. Seriously, I don’t know why people need the sauce. Without, it was meaty and tender, smoky and slightly sweet. Not Lockhart, Texas standards, but not bad for California.

The only downside to this BBQ setup was the smoke billowing downwind. Ugh.

Just as I was leaving, I happened upon the Hampton’s Four Seasons table. At first I wasn’t going to try these because it felt like every damn table was offering some sort of tuna.

But hey, these were cute. What’s one wafer thin cone filled with spicy tuna?

So glad I tried this. The cone was light and slightly buttery, and the tuna inside was light, not overly spiced or sauced. A good way to end the day before I had to expand my belt one more notch.

Lovely view on the drive out before I slipped into a stupor from all the food I ate. Perhaps next time when I actually am in the mood for wine, I’ll return for their tour.

Saddlerock Ranch
31727 Mulholland Hwy
Malibu, CA

Parker’s Lighthouse
435 Shoreline Dr. #1
Shorline Village
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-432-6500

Cafe Was
1521 N. Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-466-5400

Westerly Vineyards
690 Alamo Pintado Road
Solvang, CA 93563

Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ
Multiple locations

Hampton’s at the Four Seasons Hotel
Two Dole Drive
Westlake Village, CA 91362
818-575-3000