San Diego Hosts the Largest Latin Food, Wine & Spirits Event in the U.S.
By Wendy Lemlin
It has passion, it has flavor, and it has sass. You could say it’s downright sexy. Latin cuisine is super hot in the culinary world these days, and we’re not just talking about the chiles that give heat to so many of the dishes.
Here in San Diego, we tend to think of Latin food as “Mexican”. The Latin world, however, is a big one, and the food of Spain is very different from the food of Peru, while Puerto Rican cuisine differs markedly from Argentinean.
To showcase the full diversity of flavors from Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, on September 11-13, the 2nd annual ¡LATIN FOOD FEST!’s culinary extravaganza will take place in downtown San Diego, featuring some of the world’s best chefs, distillers and vintners, as well as the region’s top Latin restaurants. ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! will once again educate palates and entertain patrons in high style at six events, including an Opening Party, Educational Seminars, Cocktail Parties, Chef Dinner, Chef Demonstrations on the Celebrity Cooking Stage, Silent Auctions, Culinary Grand Tasting Event, and Wine Reception.
The Grand Tasting Village, Presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, will be held on September 13 at the Embarcadero Marina Park North, San Diego Bay and feature 100 tasting tents, cooking demonstrations, a live music stage, book signings and thematic brand hosted pavilions, including “Latin Wines of the World” Presented by Henry Wine Group, “VIP Playa” Presented by Stella Artois, “Spirits of the Americas” Presented by Constellation Brands and “Taste Baja” Presented by Mexico Tourism Board.
“We are very happy to participate in ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! once again,” said famed Mexico winemaker, Hugo D’ácosta of Aborigen. “It has been a challenging journey to be able to introduce our wines from Baja California to the states but we now we are looking forward to introducing new and original tastes to California tables.” Amado Garza of Viñas de Garza added, “For a few years now GuadalupeValley wines have been very popular within the Mexican community and this year with the help of our friends from ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! we will be crossing over our concepts and introducing them to a new market.” Cava Aragon 126 owner, Victor Segura, adds, “We are so thrilled to have an opportunity to participate in this year’s ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! and show the San Diego community a little taste of what our beloved Baja has to offer.”
“There are over 200 wines, distillers, food companies, chefs and restaurants represented at this year’s ¡LATIN FOOD FEST! San Diego – with some of the biggest names in the culinary industry,” said Richie Matthews, executive director of ¡LATIN FOOD FEST!. “Our guests immerse themselves in the wines, food and spirits of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal.
Renowned chefs, authors and culinary personalities will conduct culinary demonstrations, including the world renowned chef Richard Sandoval, who is one of the top restaurateurs with over 40 concepts spanning the globe, including Venga Venga in Chula Vista. Other participating super-star chefs and participants include Javier Plascencia,Roberto Alcocer, Martin San Roman, Sara Polzynski, Alicia Maher, Drew Deckman, Zella Palmer Cuadra, Abe Botello, Ignacio Garcia, Felipe Raul Lopez-Torres, Fransico Perez, Jose Bossuet Martinez, Mario Medina, Adrian Cruz, Bruno Domingos, and Chef Giovanni.
In addition to the tastings, the festival also delights in other senses with live music by QUATTRO, an art show and a silent auction of culinary supplies and memorabilia, which will benefit Feeding America San Diego.
Pamper Your Palate + Fight Hunger. Tickets for “GrandTastingVillage” Presented by The Lincoln Motor Company can be purchased online at www.latinfoodfest.com/taste or by calling 858.461.1970 (phone sales are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST). Stay up-to-date with the excitement by following the Fest at