Do you prefer to watch or participate? When it comes to culinary events, you can watch your food being made and have a taste. It just depends on where you're headed, and how much you're willing to spend. We found a couple of opportunities for you to decide. Not only do they benefit worthy causes, but you'll find both activities in Costa Mesa.
First up, we've got a Sous Chef Knock Out happening inside The Center Club. That's the joint where our fearless leader went for a drink earlier this year. A duo of kitchen warriors plan to duke it out, and you'll be watching from the sidelines. Your judges include Center Club Executive Chef Lewis Butler, Amar Santana of Broadway by Amar Santana and Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish Taco.
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At the mic, television personality and author Simon Majumdar will conduct a play-by-play of the “fight”. The cost for participating (wine and bites included) is $65, and proceeds will help benefit Center Club Cares, supporting causes in Orange County. If you're interested, RSVP by sending an email here.
Option number two involves one of our favorite locales: SOCO. The Uncorked event is brand new, but promises enough sensory overload to please everyone. Sample over 30 wines, plus tastes from many of SOCO's tenants. Those seeking a VIP experience may join in on either a seminar and wine tasting from Master Sommelier Peter Neptune, or a demo, food and wine pairing from ARC's Noah Blom. Project Hope Alliance will benefit from a portion of each ticket, which ranges from $80-$150. To learn more and to purchase tickets, you can follow this link. Guess what they say about Thursday being the new Friday is true.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.