Santa Monica Culinary Scene Makes Waves

The reputed birthplace of "California" and "fusion" cuisine, Santa Monica has become a treasured home to innovative chefs from around the world. As creative as Santa Monica's chefs get in their kitchens, they find much of their inspiration from the beautiful settings and sustainable community that surrounds them. Santa Monica's chefs don't just work and live in town; they personify the local emphasis on an active, healthy lifestyle where great food plays a central role. Santa Monica chefs are often seen surfing the waves, bicycling to and from their restaurants and connecting with growers at the Santa Monica Farmers' Market. Named the best in the country by Travel + Leisure, the farmers' market definitely sets the tone for Santa Monica dining. With nearly 200 different growers and food purveyors at the beach city's four weekly farmers markets, Santa Monica continues to attract famous chefs who value locally grown food and the celebrities and the foodies who want to explore the diverse culinary offerings.

"Santa Monica has so much to offer with al-fresco dining, ocean views and a diverse range of international dining options that truly reflect the many cultural influences of Southern California," said Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) President/CEO Misti Kerns, CDME, CMP. "From organic, vegetarian fare and California fusion to fresh seafood and award-winning burgers, Santa Monica offers the top echelon of dining experiences with the freshest ingredients and most innovative chefs."
To celebrate the flavor and personality of Santa Monica, two culinary events will be held on August 10, 2012 to feature a selection of Santa Monica's most celebrated chefs teaming up with star power from around the country for an evening of pure deliciousness at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. INDULGE, a multi-course decadent dinner and SUMMER AT THE SHORE, an unforgettable strolling reception and tasting, are part of the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, in partnership with Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB).

"We're thrilled to bring the Second Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival to Santa Monica," said Robert Weakley, Co-Founder, and Los Angeles Food & Wine. "Santa Monica represents what makes coastal life so wonderful and our event will provide an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to sip and savor from the top chefs in the area paired with nationally renowned culinary talent."
SUMMER AT THE SHORE will be hosted by Graham Elliott, and participating chefs from Santa Monica area restaurants include: Nyesha Arrington, Wilshire, Collin Crannel, The Lobster, Ann Gentry, Real Food Daily, Jeremy Grossman, Sonoma Wine Garden, John-Carlos Kuramoto, Michael's, Silvano Mestas, Ocean Avenue Seafood, Gianfranco Minuz, Locando del Lago, Mark Mollica, La Vecchia Cucina, David Plonowski, Bar Pinxto, Laurant Saussy, Brick + Mortar, Nick Shipp, Upper West, and Beth Stockwell, Beachy Cream.

INDULGE will be an exclusive culinary event highlighting the flavor and personality of Santa Monica, at FIG Restaurant. Renowned local chefs; Josiah Citrin, Melisse, Raphael Lunetta, JiRaffe, Joe Miller, Bar Pinxto and Joe's, and Ray Garcia, FIG will come together to create a distinct dinner and features the best of Santa Monica and a distinct collection of wines from California and beyond.

For more information on the festival, and tickets to individual events please visit www.lafw.com or call 855.433.5239.
About Santa Monica Convention & Visitors BureauSanta Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the prom