The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) announced the return of its fundraising event, “Tastemakers of Orange County,” which will take place on Wednesday, September 13th, running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event venue is the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, situated at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than twenty local chefs will be part of the celebration, where they will highlight the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage through the presentation of unique and delectable dishes inspired by these regions. The proceeds generated from ticket sales for this occasion will contribute to supporting OCAPICA’s diverse range of programs and services. These encompass mental health and health initiatives, youth development, housing assistance, policy education, and efforts to combat anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.
The list of chefs and restaurants involved consists of:
Shelly Register | A Market
Shachi Mehra | ADYA
Sonny Nguyen + Chad Urata | Artisan 7 Leaves Café
Sandro Nardone | Bello
Duyen Ha | Bondle Wines
Bill Bracken | Bracken’s Kitchen
Brewery X
Lisa Dang | Brodard
Allan Tea | Cali Dumpling
Tarit Tanjasiri | Crema Cafe + Crema Artisan Bakers
Rainer Schwarz | Driftwood Kitchen + Hendrix
Rich Mead | Farmhouse at Rogers Garden
Ed Lee & Linda Nguyen | Fill Bakeshop
Kristen Nguyen | Garlic and Chives
Fernando Basadre | Gavina Coffee
James Hamamori | Hamamori
Hanuman Thai Eatery
Lotus of Siam
Leslie Nguyen | Miss Mini Donuts
Henry Pineda | Modern Filipino Kitchen by Aysee + Lola’s by MFK
Nok Sayavong | Nok’s Kitchen
Dean Kim | OC Baking Company
Adam Navidi | Oceans and Earth
Desmond Boey & Jason Kuo | Paradise Dynasty + Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
Eddie Lai | Seafood Cove
Leonard Chan | Stowaway Tiki Bar
Ivan Calderon | Taco Mesita
Ross Pangilinan | Terrace by Mix Mix + ReMix Kitchen Bar
Amar Santana | Vaca
Apart from the culinary delights, attendees will have the chance to savor beverages provided by Brewery X and Bondle Wines. The festivities unfolding at Argyros Plaza will be enriched with entertainment, a silent auction, and an opportunity drawing, all adding to the enjoyment for the guests. Ticket options are accessible to the public, with VIP tickets priced at $250, granting early entry at 6 p.m. For those opting for General Admission, tickets are available at $195, offering access from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additional details and the opportunity to purchase tickets can be found at ocapica.org/tmoc.