HUNDREDS ENJOY STELLAR FOOD & BEVERAGE BOOTHS AT VALLEY CULTURAL CENTER'S FOOD, WINE & MICROBREW FESTIVAL; ANNUAL WOODLAND HILLS BENEFIT A BIG SUCCESS

event report by Don Rose

On May 15, 2008, the Valley Cultural Center held its 9th Annual Food, Wine & Microbrew Festival at Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills - another big success for VCC. And we mean BIG! Hundreds of happy foodies and wine/beer buffs attended, braving the raving heat to eat, drink, be merry, and bid on great live and silent auction items. Dozens of exhibits (thankfully enveloped in a giant air-conditioned tent in part of the mall's parking lot) showcased a wonderful array of food and libations, including many faves of The LA Report, such as Ruby's (super shakes and mini-burgers), Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (thank God for their Ice Blended creations, in mocha and vanilla, yum!), BJ's (excellent pizza and pasta), Trader Joes (terrific truffles and other chocolate desserts), Follow Your Heart (vegetarian food that tastes great while being good for you), Coca-Cola (giving out Cokes, water and logo-branded T-shirts), and many many more booths, all manned (or womaned) with friendly folks eager to serve. We highly recommend you attend next year. For more information about VCC and their events, visit valleycultural.org.

MAY 15: VALLEY CULTURAL CENTER'S ANNUAL FOOD, WINE & MICROBREW FESTIVAL, WOODLAND HILLS

Summer fun has officially begun when the VCC's excellent epicurean event spotlights dozens of Food, Wine and Microbrew vendors and a great silent auction in a festive atmosphere

posted by Don Rose

This Thursday, one of The LA Report's favorite annual events returns to Woodland Hills. Experience the ultimate in dining indulgence at Valley Cultural Center's 89th Annual Summer Food, Wine & Microbrew Festival. The event will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Westfield Promenade (corner of Erwin St. and Topanga Canyon Blvd.) in Woodland Hills. This year’s festivities will take place under a 25,000 square-foot luxurious venue which is now climate controlled for your enjoyment.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample delectable and taste-tempting items from over 27 food vendors including; BJ’s Restaurant, Breeze (An American CafÈ at Warner Center Marriott), Calitalia Italian and California Cuisine, Cena to Go, Charlie G’s Prime Steak House, Cornucopia Caterers, Dandy Don’s Homemade Ice Cream, Fleming’s Prime Steak House and Wine Bar, Follow Your Heart, Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ, Holiday Inn – Woodland Hills, Kate Mantilini – Woodland Hills, La Finestra, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Nicola’s Kitchen, Nothing bundt Cakes, Pomodoro Cucina Italiana, Poquito Mas, Red Fish, Ruby’s Diner, Ruth’ Chris Steak House, Sierra’s Restaurant & Mission Burrito, Spark Woodfire Grill, The El Paso BBQ Company, The Rack – Woodland Hills Promenade, Trader Joes – West Hills/Woodland Hills and Whole Foods Market.

For wine and other beverages there will be over 24 vendors including Caymus Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Duke of Bourbon, Giessinger Winery, Henry Wine Group – Wines from Spain and Argentina, John Alan Winery, Krupp Brothers Estates, Louis M. Martini Winery, Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards, Inc., Maddelena Vineyard Brands, Riedel Crystal, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Schramsberg Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars, Villa Spalla Vineyards/Winery, Anheuser Busch, Fireman’s Brew, Firestone-Walker Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, The Great Beer Company Inc., Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Company, Coca-Cola, Maui Wowi Hawiian Coffee & Smoothies and Rocky Roaster Coffee.

“Each year since 2000 our Food, Wine & Microbrew Festival has continued to expand and grow beyond our expectations. We anticipate another very successful fun-filled evening this year of experiencing the ultimate in dining indulgence including the tasting of fine wine, great beer and a mix of virgin beverages. Live music will be on hand with a wonderful live & silent auction. This pinnacle was achieved because of the incredible support of our board members, event committee, volunteers and the contributions made by our sponsors and auction donors. We would also like to thank local business leaders, families and friends who attend this event,” said Lois Curran-Klein, Chair of this year’s event.

Said Sarah Richardson, Marketing Director of Westfield Topanga and Promenade: “Westfield is a proud supporter of Valley Cultural Center and we are delighted to host VCC’s Food & Wine Festival at Westfield Promenade each year. The strong partnership between Westfield and Valley Cultural Center has always been a natural fit as we are both consistently seeking to identify opportunities to enrich our local communities. The Food & Wine Festival
is a phenomenal event that gets better every year. It is an evening of food, drink, auctions, raffles, entertainment and networking that we look forward to sharing with VCC and our neighbors in the San Fernando Valley.”

Westfield returns as the event’s Presenting Sponsor in addition to A-Rental Connection, Coca-Cola, Duke of Bourbon, Universal Services of America and Valley News Group as sponsors of the event. Net proceeds directly benefit the Valley Cultural Center, which produces FREE community programming such as Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Dennis P. Zine’s July 4th Extravaganza and Monday Morning Concerts for children, just to name a few.

Ticket Info

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Group rates are $45 per ticket when purchasing 10 tickets or more. Tickets can be purchased at the Duke of Bourbon (20908 Roscoe Blvd, Canoga Park) Valley Cultural Center (21550 Oxnard St., Suite #470, Woodland Hills), and at Westfield Topanga or Promenade (6100 or 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.) at the Concierge Desk. You may also order tickets via the telephone with your credit card by calling (818) 704-1358 or by visiting us on the internet at www.valleycultural.org.

About Valley Cultural Center

Founded in 1975, the Valley Cultural Center serves the greater San Fernando Valley as the prominent resource in promoting the performing and visual arts. With the active support and participation of the community, our mission is to entertain, enrich and educate current and future generations. We offer diverse programs and events as well as recognize outstanding achievements in the arts. For more information, please call (818) 704-1358 or visit www.valleycultural.org. If you enjoy the VCC's programs and special events, you may want to explore the perks of becoming a member.

Valley Cultural Center, 21550 Oxnard Street, Suite #470, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. 818-704-1358. www.valleycultural.org ; vcultural@sbcglobal.net .