Los Angeles Food & Wine Makes Grand Entrance For Third "Epic-curean" Extravaganza, August 22-25, 2013

The most celebrated culinary talent in the country converge on Downtown Los Angeles - one of the world's most prominent cultural meccas - over a three-night, four-day food and wine celebration

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Los Angeles Food & Wine

Jun 26, 2013, 12:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Luxury Management, the producers behind Pebble Beach Food & Wine and Harvest Farm-to-Table, announce the third annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival taking place August 22-25, 2013. Set in the heart of the country's premier cultural destination in Downtown Los Angeles, amid the majestic Walt Disney Concert Hall and boasting views of distinguished marquee landmarks including the Music Center and City Hall, the culinary world's most storied luminaries will come together for festivities that will take over the heart of the city for a three-night, four-day epicurean extravaganza. "It has been a pleasure to witness the success of this event first hand", Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. "The size, scope, and quality of the festival only add to the momentum Los Angeles has experienced as a place where culinary enthusiasts from around the world should visit frequently."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130626/SF38167)

Cuisine and culture collide with the closure of Grand Avenue between 1^st and 2^nd Streets featuring live culinary demonstrations highlighting Jenn-Air Master Class Series and tastings from world-class wineries, marquee events, the LEXUS Grand Tasting, book signings, mixology seminars, activations from returning sponsors including The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Delta, and after parties, all paired with performances from nationally recognizable artists. Guests will enjoy delicious cuisine from over 100 celebrity and world-class chefs, and over 200 wines curated from prestigious wineries as participants stroll along Grand Avenue for an extraordinary experience. "The city of Los Angeles is one of the most prominent destinations in the world for art, travel, entertainment, and cuisine, and is home to the most respected cultural institutions in the world," says CLM Co-Founder David Bernahl. "There isn't a better place than Los Angeles to celebrate the gastronomic talents of this city as well as the biggest names in culinary history."

Locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Los Angeles's culinary scene within this inclusive event setting, paired with the star-studded talents of celebrity chefs the likes of Giada De Laurentiis, "Iron Chef" Morimoto, Top Chef Masters' Curtis Stone, Grant Achatz, Tyler Florence, Michael Chiarello, and Rick Bayless, to name a few. An exclusively curated schedule of dynamic and exciting festivities will feature diverse cuisines and personalities, including:

Festa Italiana – Thursday, August 22, 2013, 7:00-10 p.m.
Hosted by beloved television personality and culinary talent Giada De Laurentiis, the opening-night celebration will embrace all things Italian including authentic Italian food, beer, and cocktails. Joined by chefs including Scott Conant, Celestino Drago, and SPQR's Matthew Accarrino, the kick-off is poised to be a "buona sera" to remember.
Asian Night Market – Friday, August 23, 2013, 7:00-10 p.m.
"Iron Chef" Morimoto hosts a unique take on the Asian Night Market featuring cherished fine dining establishments alongside mom-and-pop neighborhood eateries. Over 30 restaurateurs including David Myers, Ricardo Zarate, and David Lefevre, handcrafted cocktails, and traditional spirits will be showcased at this celebratory event.
Live on the Avenue – Saturday, August 24, 2013, 7:00-10 p.m.
Top Chef Masters' Host Curtis Stone welcomes guests to this unbelievable strolling reception culminating in a show-stopping performance set against some of L.A.'s most iconic buildings and architectural landmarks, featuring luminary talent that includes Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, and many more.
Lexus Grand Tasting – Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25, 2013, 12:00–3 p.m.
Enjoy one of the nation's most decadent walk-around tastings featuring 30 celebrity chefs, 200 coveted wines from top-name wineries, and opportunities to interact and photograph the food world's most lauded names—all under one roof.

Additionally, events will take place throughout the city during the four-day celebration —from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica—as participants have the opportunity to partake in themed lunches, and events featuring prominent chef collaborations and one-of-a-kind experiences with details forthcoming. "Los Angeles Food & Wine has become one of the most anticipated events of the summer," says Giada De Laurentiis. "I'm excited to return and cook alongside many of my closest friends, fellow chefs, and some of the most amazing talent I truly admire." Tickets are currently available and can be purchased at http://www.lafw.com including full- and half-day packages, as well as specialty ticketed events throughout the city.

ABOUT LOS ANGELES FOOD & WINE:
Now in its third year, the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival is a four-day epicurean event showcasing the finest in food and drink culture throughout Los Angeles and culinary personalities from throughout the country. Based amid one of the country's foremost cultural destinations along Grand Avenue, the event spans the city and offers guests the chance to sample the cuisines and products from some of the most prominent epicurean influencers, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the entertainment industry's brightest talents. The star-studded lineup has included celebrated chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Daniel Boulud, Tyler Florence, Scott Conant, Michael Chiarello, and local favorites Rory Hermann, Michael Voltaggio, Matsuhisa Nobu, and Sang Yoon. For more information, please visit www.lafw.com/.

ABOUT COASTAL LUXURY MANAGEMENT, LLC.:
Coastal Luxury Management, LLC (CLM), founded and managed by David Alan Bernahl II and Robert Weakley, is a fast growing company focused on identifying and creating unique opportunities in the hospitality, entertainment, and event sectors. CLM produces Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, both recognized among the top epicurean events in the country, known for bringing together the highest caliber of culinary and wine talents to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In 2010, CLM launched the first of three restaurants in Monterey, CA: Cannery Row Brewing Company, a family-friendly destination in the heart of the historic Cannery Row District, as well as home to the largest draft selection of beer in Northern California. One year later, the team opened Restaurant 1833, earning national recognition including a 3-star review from the San Francisco Chronicle as well as a 2011 "Best New Restaurant" nomination from the James Beard Foundation. In the fall of 2012, CLM partnered with the famed Stonepine Estate in Carmel Valley, CA, to serve as the property's exclusive catering and large-scale event producer. This partnership then spurred the launch of CLM's catering company, Coastal Luxury Catering. In the summer of 2013, CLM plans to open its third restaurant concept in Downtown Los Angeles called Faith & Flower. For additional information about Coastal Luxury Management, please visit www.coastalluxurymanagement.com.