Pez Cantina

Ethnic Food Stars in First taste OF PASADENA!

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(Content courtesy of Taste of Pasadena, Gerry Furth-Sides photos) Ethnic food cuisine takes front row and center as Pasadena magazine debuts the Taste of Pasadena 2023. A wide array of carefully curated culinary offerings plus handcrafted cocktails will be offered, along with live music.

The Raymond 1886 brings “old Pasadena sumptuous elegance to Taste of Pasadena 2023
The Raymond 1886 brings “old Pasadena sumptuous elegance to Taste of Pasadena 2023

This inaugural celebration will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C, running from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. With a community as elegant and as welcoming as Pasadena it promises to be perfect.

Pez Cantina will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 
Pez Cantina, famous for fresh fish and vibrant food will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 

Some of this year’s Taste of Pasadena 2023 participating Restaurants include Arth Bar + Kitchen, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine, //Celestino Ristorante, Champion’s Curry, Engine Co. No. 28, Farina Pizza, Granville, Great Maple, Lunasia Modern Dim Sum & Cuisine, KAVIAR,  //Pez Cantina, The Luggage Room Pizzeria & La Grande Orange, The Raymond 1886, Santa Anita Park, Twohey’s

Wildly delicious food and fun to match: The Celestino Ristorante family will be featured at the Taste of Pasadena 2023

2023 Desserts include Beard Papa’s Pasadena, (the super friendly) , //Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. Esther & Olivia BouqCakes, I Like Pike Bakeshop, Marsatta Chocolate, Ms. Rhonda’s Crack-N-Pop, and Nothing Bundt Cakes and more.

Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 

Wines will be poured by Adobe Road Winery (Sonoma County), Bernardus Winery (Carmel Valley), Bouchaine Vineyards(Carneros Napa Valley), Defiance Vineyard (Paso Robles), The Mill Keeper by Gamble Family Vineyards (Napa Valley), Tercero Wines (Santa Barbara), Vino Los Angeles (Mexico), Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards (Temecula Valley), and more.

Spirits, Cocktails, Beer, Music, and Special Experiences courtesy of Acqua Panna, Cerveceria Del Pueblo, Balcones, Corbin Cash Distillery, Casa Azul Tequila, Dough Ball Whiskey, Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers, Knox & Dobson, Mezcal 33, Old Hillside Bourbon, Rancho La Gloria Tequila, Shelter Distilling, and many more.

The unique cocktail mix, Knot & Dobson will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023

Ticket Information: The inaugural Taste of Pasadena will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and this is a 21+ event. General ticket prices are $85 ($100 at the door the day of the event). Early Bird Pricing is available for $60 until Friday, September 22nd, 2023. For more information and to get your tickets today, please visit //Pasadenamag.com/taste.

Follow Pasadena magazine for the latest updates on Facebook @PasadenaMagazine and Instagram @pasadenamag

Pasadena Magazine is a bi-monthly lifestyle publication covering the people, institutions, and businesses of Pasadena, and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. The publication covers food, arts, culture, real estate, design, and entertainment.

“The Taste of Pasadena is … a celebration of culinary excellence, culture, and community,” says Malina Saval, Editor-In-Chief for Pasadena magazine. “This event promises an unforgettable evening of delectable experiences, featuring unlimited tastings from top chefs and renowned restaurants encompassing the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.”

Special Partners and Sponsors: AbilityFirst, Pasadena Convention Center, Visit Pasadena, Sodexo Live!, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, and Viva LA.

Join Our Pez Friends’ “Havana Nights”

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Executive Chef-Owner, Bret Thompson of Pez Cantina invites you to the festive and first  Havana Nights on Saturday, June 22nd, 2023, and Saturday, July 29th, 2023. Chef Bret Thompson, renowned for his culinary expertise, is also one of the most hospitable and congenial chef in town. And he is only half the story!

PEZ CANTINA Executive Chef Bret Thompson
Pez Boss Lady Lucy Thompson-Ramirez, the other half of the story!

The festive event takes place on Pez Cantina’s outdoor patio, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.  Live music, specialty cocktails, and Executive Chef Bret Thompson’s mouthwatering dinner specials will be offered. The restaurant is already popular for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative coastal Mexican cuisine.

Specialty Cocktails will be crafted by Chris Mesa. On the list:   a Raspberry Mojito blending the sweetness of raspberries with classic mojito flavors, and a Hemingway Daiquiri, a delightful combination of rum, grapefruit juice, lime,and Maraschino liqueur.

A refreshing frozen margarita at Pez Cantina

Chef Thompson will be preparing delectable Dinner Specials that include his signature  Golden Pompano a la Cubana (Whole Fish), served with zesty Salsa Mojo de Ajo. The menu showcases Chef Thompson’s dedication to creating memorable dining experiences by combining coastal Latin flavors. The chef has been fishing off the San Pedro docks since he was seven and it shows off his knowledge of all things fish.

Whole fish at Pez Cantina

Pez Cantina’s Havana Nights will feature Live Music performances both evenings.  Azucar will perform live from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, July 22. , and on Saturday, July 29th, La Picante will take the stage from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

We have loved everything about Pez Cantina since we first met Executive Chef Bret Thompson and his wife Pez Boss Lady Lucy Thompson-Ramirez at a fundraiser event, Masters of Taste. They bring as much dedication to the LA community as they to guests in their restaurant.

Pez Cantina has earned a reputation for its fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Its of coastal Mexican seafood dishes are filled with vibrant flavors inspired by Latin American cuisine. .

For more information or reservations, please visit www.PezCantinaLA.com or call Pez Cantina directly at 213.258.2280.

For more of the story, please see: Pez Cantina on Facebook @PezCantinaLA and Instagram @pezcantina

Masters of Taste 2023 Promo!

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) People always ask me where to go and eat and here it is with a PROMO CODE! The event: the sixth annual better than perfect Masters of Taste,  on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 at the iconic Rose Bowl field! And here’s the deal: You experience so many of the best places at one time yourself and decide and meet the chefs, bartenders and owners!

Masters of Taste is introduces Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 which also marks the 6th Anniversary of this celebrated event. 

Executive Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed, Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 (photo courtesy of Masters of Taste)

The cause: 100% of the proceeds directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors. Click the link to find out more!

Masters of Taste 2023 with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Union Station Homeless Services (photo courtesy of Master of Taste)

The place: THE ROSE BOWL FIELD! Iconic! Worth the price of admission on its own.

Walk up the ramp to the sky at the Masters of Taste 2023
And the view of Masters of Taste 2023 will take your breadth away. I promise you.

Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed 2023 Hosts Chef Michael Reed & Kwini Reed – Downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim

Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed 2023 Host Chef Michael Reed

Angelenos’ Wood Fired Pizza Chef Carmen Samaniego – Los Angeles

Arth Bar + Kitchen Chef Mihir Lad – Culver City

Arth Bar + KitchenChef Mihir Lad – Culver City

Ayara Thai Chef Vanda Asapahu – Westchester

1212 Santa Monica Chef Luca Maita – Santa Monica

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery Chef Thomas Kalb – Pasadena

Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Richard Archuleta – Pasadena

Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Richard Archuleta – at Pasadena at Masters of Taste 2023

Casa Cordoba Chef Rebelino Villalta – Montrose

Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago – Pasadena

Celestino Ristorante The brilliant, charismatic Drago brothers! – Pasadena at Pasadena at Masters of Taste 2023

Champion’s CURRY Chef Yoya Takahashi – Downtown Los Angeles

Chili John’s Chef Stephen Hager – Burbank

City Club Los Angeles Chef Victor Munoz – Downtown Los Angeles 

Fat Boys Chef Michael Gray – Pasadena, Los Angeles

Gabi James Sarah Gabriele & Adam Aro – Redondo Beach

Georgia’s Restaurant Nika Shoemaker-Machado – Anaheim, Long Beach

Georgia’s Restaurant – Anaheim, Long Beach at Masters of Taste

Great Maple Chef Scott Floyd – Pasadena, Anaheim, Newport Beach, San Diego

Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken – Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles

Hank’s Chef Isaias Peña – Pacific Palisades

Hank’s wonderful Chef Isaias Peña – Pacific Palisades at Masters of Taste 2023!

Interstellar Chef Angie Kim – Santa Monica

La Bohéme Chef Atsushi Kenjo – West Hollywood

Lunasia Chef Lee Han Fu – Pasadena, Alhambra, Cerritos

Marlou Chef Louis Huh & Chef Marcos Spaziani – Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown

Mercado Chef Jose Acevedo – Hollywood, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica

Per L’Ora Chef Courtney Van Dyke – Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson – Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina Mrs. Bret Thompson – Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson – Downtown Los Angeles

Ramen Tatsunoya Chef Ryuta Kajiwara – Pasadena, Silver Lake

Santuari Restaurant Chef Seth Greenburg – Toluca Lake 

Smoke City Char Bar Chef George Huynh – Downtown Los Angeles

Soulmate Chef David Joyce – West Hollywood!!

Soulmate Chef David Joyce –Our new favorite Spanish place in West Hollywood!!

Taishi Hainan Chicken Chef Theo Shio – Redondo Beach, Long Beach

The Green Room Chef Czarina Sico – Burbank

The Peppered Goat Chef JohnPaul Arabome – Van Nuys, Las Vegas

VCHOS Wendy Centeno – Los Angeles

West Side Bahn Mi/Street Kitchen Chef Jack Ourfalian – Los Angeles

World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz – Burbank

Yardbird Chef Eduardo Osorio – Los Angeles

Yuca’s Restaurant Socorro “Mama Yuca’s” Herrera – Pasadena

Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as Bertha Mae’s Brownies, handcrafted pudding from Better Together Sweets, Creamy Boys Ice Cream, plain funnel cake from Drizzle, custom cakes and desserts from Butter Cake Shoppe, French macarons and gourmet cookies from Etoile Filante Patisserie, I Like Pie Bakeshop, Läderach Chocolatier Suisse,deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes and cupcakes from Lark Cake Shop and Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nomad Ice Pops, Pazzo Gelato,Porto’s Bakery & Café, and more.

Porto’s Bakery at Masters of Taste 2023!

Some of this year’s participating Beverage Masters include:

Bars & Spirits: Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails and top brands showcasing their finest spirits at Masters of Taste will include Amaro Angeleno, Beam Suntory, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress 1908 Gin, Knox & Dobson, Krafted Spirits, Maker’s Mark, Maple Block Liquor Bar, Mario’s Hard Espresso, Mezcal 33, Mi Piace, Neft Vodka, Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal, Qué Padre, Raicilla La Reina,Smoke Lab Vodka, Tequila Juegos Mexicanos, The Raymond 1886, Xoloitzcuintle Tequila, and  Woodford Reserve.

The Raymond 1886 will be at Masters of Taste 2023!

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites 14 Cannons Brewing Co., L.A.’s All Season Brewing, Arrow Lodge Brewing, Arts District Brewing Company, Pasadena’s Cerveceria Del Pueblo, Downtown’s Homebound Brew Haus, Juneshine, Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Beer, LFG Seltzer, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Arcadia’s first Microbrewery Mt. Lowe Brewing Co., Native Son LA, Over Town Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co., and Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.

Wineries and Sake: A specially curated collection of Wine and Sake Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including Akagisan Sake, premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Bodegas de Santo Tomas, CRŪ Winery, Golden Star Vineyards, Hitching Post Wines, I Love Wine Collections, Moraga Bel Air Vineyards, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, Sake High!, Tercero Wines, Veso Aperitifs, Vincola Casta de Vinos,Warson Wine Company, and more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate with All Phenoms, Yerba Mate from Erva Brew Co., Humm Kombucha, fresh juices from Summit Juice Co., and boba milk tea fromSunright Tea Studio and Bearology, and more.

Please read about Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed  and his wife and co-owner, Kini Reed Root of All Food in our chef spotlight!

Masters of Taste 2023!

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) The sixth annual Masters of Taste premier outdoor food and beverage festival is on Sunday, April 2, from 3 to 7 p.m. promises to be as exciting as ever this year! Just look at the Media Preview below!

Please see www.MastersofTasteLA.com for details and tickets. General Admission opens from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $155. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (626)791-6677.

The “priceless” event Rose Bowl venue for Master’s of Taste 2023!

The stage for this one-day event in the historic Rose Bowl stadium features 100 culinary and beverage masters. The hosts for the 2023 Masters of Taste are chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed, known for their two restaurants Poppy + Rose in downtown LA, and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim.

Michael Reed and Kwini Reed of Poppy + Rose in downtown LA, and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim.

The restaurants and wineries are each unique and “put out a spread” to impress and delight guests. Below Chef Richard Archuleta of exciting Alexander’s Steakhouse; Chef Isaias Pena from Hank’s;  Event Host and Chef Michael Reed of Poppy + Rose, DTLA, Poppy + Seed, Anaheim;  Paul Watson of Moraga Winery, Bel Air off the 405, (shown here with Philip Dobard, Center for Culinary Culture

Masters of Taste 2023: Los Angeles’ finest chefs and wineries including chef Michael Reed, David Joyce of Soulmate WeHo, chef Isaias Pena from Hank’s and chef Richard Archuleta of Alexander’s Steakhouse.

Sample culinary delights from Pez Cantina. Owners Lucy and Bret Thompson’s spirits alone are worth the ticket!

Owners Lucy and Bret Thompson of Pez Cantina previewing Masters of Taste 2023

More than 25 spirit brands are participating, and a premier 50-yard-line cocktail bar will offer select wines, local craft beers, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee and live entertainment.

Know & Dobson front and center at Masters of Taste 2023!

In the last five years Masters of Taste has raised over $2.7 million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs. The event continues to provide 100% of the proceeds to Union Station Homeless Services to help rebuild homeless lives and provide housing.

The pied piper who sparks the media get the Masters of Taste 2023 word out, Lawrence Moore.  

Guests will receive their own utensils and hand sanitizers will be provided throughout the event. This 21+ event has a VIP Power Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. General Admission opens from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $155 at mastersoftastela.com. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (626)791-6677.

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