Substantial Funds raised for programs serving Ventura County Children and Families in Need
CAMARILLO, CA June 12, 2015 - The 22nd annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival took place on Sunday, June 7th, 2015, and though a final number is still being determined, it is estimated that the Festival raised over $450,000 (net) to support Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families’ valuable programs serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties’ abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families. Casa Pacifica would like to thank its returning hosts - the Zarley Family, the Van Huisen Family, and Union Bank; the VIP Lounge sponsor, Wells Fargo; the Entertainment Sponsors – Luners Professional Sound & Lighting, and Darvik Productions; as well as all of the other generous sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, who not only made the day possible, but such a great success!
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the guests had an excellent day immersed in the Festival’s exciting atmosphere and enjoying the best food, wine, and brews the region has to offer. The Main Stage’s live entertainment featured fabulous performances by always-a-crowd-favorite – Benise - and the very popular multi-decade cover band Wes Quave. The dance floor couldn’t hold all the Festival guests boogying down to the excellent music. Bruce Barrios – the best DJ in Ventura County – once again served as the Master of Ceremonies and DJ. And, the VIP guests hanging out in The VIP Lounge were treated to perennial favorite band, Sound Effect who had its own crowd of happy dancers. In addition, Festival-goers bid on the extensive silent auction’s fantastic themed baskets through a new-this-year mobile bidding system. And of course, guests were treated to a huge sampling of delicious sweets, savory treats, wines, brews, and specialty drinks from the finest restaurants, caterers, bakeries and specialty shops from throughout the Central Coast with 85 fabulous food exhibitors and 185 renowned wines and brews to choose from – including this year’s “Best in Fest” Brewery competition winner, The LAB Brewing Company and its brew master Roger Bott (operating out of the Twisted Oak Tavern in Agoura Hills) for its barrel-aged oatmeal stout.
The 5th annual Yummie culinary competition showcased participating Festival exhibiting chefs’ entries, which were judged in either a Savory or Sweet category and based on flavor, presentation, innovation, and quality. The Festival was thrilled to have celebrity Chef Duff Goldman of the Food Network join the Yummie panel of judges this year (comprised of local chefs, a Master Chef Junior competitor, and a food columnist) to taste exhibitor entries and judge which chef’s dish they felt was the “Yummiest.” Celebrity Oded Fehr, of “The Mummy” movies and other film and television productions, was also on hand to lend his wonderful skills as the emcee of the Yummie competition. In addition to his judging role, Chef Duff and his Charm City Cakes West staff created a life-sized cake of Casa Pacifica’s beloved therapy dog, Archie, commemorating his 10th birthday and all the love, patience and slobbery kisses he’s provided the children over the years. The cake was auctioned off in the silent auction to be donated back to Casa Pacifica for the children to enjoy.
The 2015 Yummie Top Chef Award Winners in the Savory category were 1st place – Café Firenze’s Chef John Paolone, for his House-Cured Pancetta, with smoked charred shallots vinaigrette, frisee, and pepper pecorino; 2nd place winner Chef Gabe Garcia of Tierra Sur (his third win a row at the Yummies) with his Ancho Braised Beef Cheek Nugget, pickled onion, jalapeno jam, and corn mash; and placing 3rd in the Savory category was Chef Brandon Worrell of The Cave Restaurant who entered a Bacon Jam Canapé, with bacon jam, whipped brie cheese, compressed sour apple, and whole grain toast.
The Yummie winners in the Sweet category included 1st place to now two-time winner Barry Davis, owner of Scoops in Camarillo Village Square for his Mojito Sorbet, created with white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water, and mint; 2nd place was Chef John Paolone of The Cave Restaurant – yes, the competition’s first winner in both the Savory and Sweet categories in the same year – for his Butterscotch “Anti-Griddle” Ice Cream with French toast sticks, chocolate cookie crumble, and vanilla bean whipped cream ; and placing 3rd in the Sweet category were Mark and Theresa Delgado of I Would Rather Be Baking for their Chambord Black Raspberry Cupcake. All the Yummie winners, and the “Best in Fest” brew winner were awarded their prizes on the main stage.
As a prelude to the Festival, the 2nd annual Yummie Top Chef Dinner was held on Friday, June 5th. Hosted by The Cassar Family once again, and presented by Pacific Western Bank, the evening featured a nine course dinner specially prepared by master chefs who were previous winners of the Festival’s Yummie culinary competition. Each course was deliciously paired with an excellent local wine, with one course paired with the “Best in Fest” brew winner. Each chef and winemaker shared about their creation with the dinner guests during the course it was served, and Ventura County’s Sheriff, Geoff Dean, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.
Roadrunner Shuttle & Limousine provided a Safe Ride Program which was available for guests to travel to and from their homes ensuring that festival enthusiasts could enjoy their time at the Festival and arrive home safely.
For more information about Casa Pacifica, please visit www.casapacifica.org or check out the Festival’s website for pictures and more information at www.cpwineandfoodfestival.com.
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About Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families
Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and along with its campus-based programs administers a number of community-based programs which are designed with the intent to strengthen families and keep children in their homes. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.