Camarillo, CA – Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 - Casa Pacifica hosted its silver anniversary in style! The ever-popular Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival has established itself as Ventura County’s premiere Wine & Food event and their much-anticipated 25th Anniversary Festival did not disappoint. Though the final numbers are still being determined, it is estimated that the Festival raised over $575,000 (net) toward the $3.2 million budget-gap Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families must raise each year to support its valuable programs serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties’ foster and at-risk youth and their families.
As always, the Festival offered an unbeatable array of exhibitors offering delicious food samples, sips of fine wines, and smooth brews. Over 175 vendors came to donate their food, wine, and brews to the cause. The new and exciting Ultra VIP Experience by Union Bank was a hit with the lucky guests that were able to experience it. A lady draped in a hanging chandelier greeted Ultra guests and poured a glass of champagne from high above. Next guests got to enjoy treats from Bread Basket Cake Company, Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections, Santa Barbara Popcorn Company, and The Joycup Co. Nonna’s Restaurant poured cocktails featuring Hanger 1 vodka through a custom ice luge. Amusematte Photobooth was also on hand to add to the swag.
A celebratory cheers on stage that included the Festival hosts, Casa Pacifica staff, and longtime volunteers was a high note that was punctuated by silver confetti cannons. The Chainsaw Chicks also delighted the crowd with a live ice carving on stage. Extra entertainment included a living fountain and living vines walking the Festival grounds. The 25th Anniversary Celebration Station featured Bread Basket Cake Company’s special 25th Anniversary Casa Pacifica Festival cake and a custom Wine, Food & Brew ice sculpture.
Actor Oded Fehr returned as the emcee of the 8th Annual Yummie Culinary Competition, which showcases participating Festival exhibiting chefs’ entries. The battle for the top prize was almost too close to call this year – with over 25 exhibitors competing. Judges eventually crowned winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece based on flavor, presentation, innovation, and quality. A wonderful Yummie panel of judges included Celebrity Chef Eric Kopelow; along with Chef Masa Shimakawa, Chef de Cuisine of ONYX at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village; Master Chef competitor, fashion stylist, and creative consultant, Olivia Crouppen; Lisa McKinnon, food columnist for the Ventura County Star; Season 7 Winner of MasterChef & Author of My Modern American Table, Shaun O’Neale; and Chef Nic Manocchio of University Auxiliary Services – California State University Channel Islands.
The 2018 Yummie Top Chef Award Winners in the Savory category were 1st place, for the third year in a row – Chef Alex Castillo of Twenty88 Gourmet Fusion for their “Jalisco” style short ribs; 2nd place winner – Chef Becky Blosser of Barrelhouse 101 for their Puerco’s nachos; and placing 3rd in the Savory category was Chef Richardo T. Carreto of Rhumb Line for their toasted focaccia with house cured salmon, wasabi cream, and guava jam.
The Yummie winners in the Sweet category included 1st place to the owners of Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, Shawn and Sarah Pritchett for their vegan nitro float; 2nd place was Chef Julia San Bartolome of Sweet Arleen’s for their assemble-yourself an “Old Fashion” dessert; and placing 3rd in the Sweet category was Chef Becky Blosser of Barrelhouse 101 for their churrones. All the Yummie winners, and the “Best in Fest” brew winner - Topa Topa Brewing Co. were awarded their prizes on the main stage.
Casa Pacifica and the Angels want to extend their gratitude to their generous Hosts, The Zarley Family; The Van Huisen Family; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil & Mission Produce. Thanks to Wells Fargo for sponsoring the VIP Lounge. Also a special thanks to our Safe Ride Program partner Roadrunner Shuttle. Thanks for providing a way for guests to enjoy the Festival to the fullest and also arrive home safely. And most of all, a huge thank you to everyone who attended, we appreciate your support - because of you we are able to help change the trajectory of children’s lives.
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.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.
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Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for foster children, youth with complex emotional or behavioral issues, 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 administers a number of community-based programs designed to strengthen families and keep children in their homes and communities. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.