It was a day of art, music and farm-to-table delicacies at The Lumberyard on Saturday, May 21st for the second annual installment of Foodie Fest Encinitas. Featuring a who’s who of San Diego chefs highlighting sustainable, locally sourced produce, foodies gathered to enjoy an unprecedented selection of gourmet bites and sips courtesy of North County restaurants and local purveyors. Attendees also enjoyed live cooking demonstrations, featuring Teri McIllwain of Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge, Erik Lobner of URGE Gastropub and Whiskey Bank, Samantha Parker of Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen, Stephen Reyna of Privateer Coal Fire Pizza and more.
Prior to the event, family-owned and operated Coral Tree Farm & Nursery hosted a VIP Dinner on Friday evening, which featured an array of delicious dishes from Chef John Gonzales of Bottaro Wood Fired Pizza; Chef Sonia Tryhane of Foodiesbysonia; Chef William Eick of 608; Chef Alex Carballo of MotoDeli, Kate O’Hara of Brothers Provisions, and chocolates by Gourmet Mediterranean Chocolates.
Paired libations came courtesy of La Jolla Brewing Company, Boochcraft, Robert Young Estate Winery and Half Pint Ciders. Guests departed with schwag bags filled with foodie goodies from Bamboo 2 U & Tikis Too, Cultures for Health, Equinox, Frazier Farms, Gogobot, Gourmet Culinary, The Lumberyard Tavern, Nibble Chocolate, Nii Foods, Outlets of San Clemente, Sweetaly Dolceria, and Wabisabi Green.
“BEST OF THE FEST COMPETITION”
The event also featured a Best of the Fest Competition, with chefs going head-to-head for the title of best chef, including Willy Eick (608); Daniel England (Solace & the Moonlight Lounge); John Gonzales (Bottaro Wood Fired Pizza); Gregory Kroll (Green Dragon Tavern & Museum); Steven Lona (Tasting Room Del Mar), and John Miller (Bistro West).
Points were awarded by a panel of esteemed judges, including James Montejano (Seaside Market); Jarnard Sutton (Nardcast); Ryan Jubela, Masters Kitchen and Cocktail; Andrew Spurgin (Andrew Spurgin, LTD); and Catt Fields White (San Diego Weekly Markets). Chef Gregory Kroll clinched victory, walking away with a grand prize gift basket from Chefs’ Toys.
Menu Standouts Included:
Bistro West
Marinated Ahi Cube with Seaweed Salad
& Mango Tajín Sorbet
Masters Kitchen & Cocktail
Goat Birria: Goat Leg Braised in Reposado Tequila & Chiles
served with Pickled Cabbage & Ranchero Sauce in a Corn Gordita
Wrench & Rodent
Seared Albacore, Cyclops Farms Strawberry BBQ Sauce
& Frilly Mustard Greens
Local Tap House
Deviled Eggs
Living Tea Brewing Company
Kombucha
Vendors in the lively Barefoot Bar included Mason Ale Works and Brothers Provisions, who provided a delectable beer-cheese pairing. While Amy Burkman of Pulse! Art with Heart provided live painting demonstrations, and world class musicians Jimmy and Enrique entertained the crowds. Prestigious local companies who sponsored the event include FishBone Kitchen, Frazier Farms, Gourmet Culinary, and Wabisabi Green.
The media buzz was tremendous too, with the festival receiving coverage on CW6 TV, Lick the Plate and Food for Thought radio, in addition to the San Diego-Union Tribune, DiscoverSD, The Coast News, DiningOutSD, Pacific San Diego, The Reader, Encinitas Magazine, Osider Magazine, Seaside Courier and more. Foodie Fest Encinitas raised close to $20,000 in donations and art, all proceeds of which benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Organizer Jolee Pink volunteered a year of her time putting Foodie Fest Encinitas together. Any and all proceeds from the live auction, multiple silent auctions, “Bid for a Cure,” charitable financial donations, art and Percent Day Program benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information about the Foodie Fest Encinitas, visit foodiefestencinitas.com. Keep up to date on all things Foodie Fest Oceanside Saturday, April 29, 2017, by following them on Facebook.
All event photography by Rob Forsythe.
