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f a l l 2 0 1 6 | 2 7 NEWPORT BEACH HAS ALREADY BEEN BLESSED with sunny weather and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, but it's getting an added bonus this fall with the Third Annual Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival. From September 29 through October 2, the festival, held at the Newport Beach Civic Center and at select restaurants around town, will host live cooking demonstrations, book sign- ings, wine and food tastings, music and more. "Newport Beach has quickly become a destination not only for its beautiful beaches and lifestyle, but also for its incredible culinary scene," says Founder & CEO Stefanie Salem. "We aim to bring together the best of our local food and wine masters, while also welcoming celebrity chefs from around the world, to create a four-day event that celebrates food, wine, culture and music." Well-known celebrity chefs will be in attendance, from Rick Moonen hosting the opening night kick off dinner at Ritz Prime Seafood to talks with Hubert Keller and a cooking demo with Rick Bayless. To sate your appetite, delicious bites are in abundance at the festival from many local restaurants, bakeries and hotels. There will even be a chance for attendees to participate in a competitive cook-off, with assistance from Top Chef judges Shirley Chung, Brian Huskey, Mei Lin and CJ Jacobson. One contender will win the title of the festival's first "Top Chef Home Cook", a high honor when surrounded by so many culinary luminaries. Salem adds, "Guests can get up close and personal with chefs and Master Sommeliers at our new series, Taste Around Town in partnership with SCANPAN, enjoy enhanced VIP experiences such as Champagne, caviar and 100-point wine tastings, while also enjoying gourmet bites and fine wines in our beautiful Grand Tasting Pavil- ions during the Daytime Festival." Wine and spirits are essential when indulging in so many gourmet tastes, and the Newport Festival has that in spades. Over 60 wineries will pour more than 200 different varietals (sparkling too!) and Stella Artois, Duke Bourbon, Hornitos Tequila and Toki Whisky will also be on hand to make cocktails and offer beer tastings. Six Master Somms will be on hand to lead panels and tastings, including Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, who is in charge of the wine program. Whether you want to learn more about Willamette Valley or find "Hidden Jewels of Santa Barbara County," there's something for every wine amateur or aficionado. An additional bonus to having a great time is that the proceeds will benefit the Project Hope Alliance, an Orange County–based charity that provides support to homeless youth. Learn more about the festival and buy tickets at www.newportwineandfood.com. Some of the tasty bites from last year's Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival: bone marrow, lobster rolls and seared scallops. Chef Hubert Keller at a book signing at the festival in 2015. Chef Rick Moonen giving a cooking demonstration at last year's festival. Beach Bites THE THIRD ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL WINES AND DINES WITH THE BEST IN THE WEST by Jesse Hom-Dawson / photos courtesy of PencilBoxPhotos.com ■cr