By Robin GOLDSWORTHY
The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Rosso Wine Shop hosted the 15th Annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Park. Perfect weather kept the crowds comfortable as they traveled from booth-to-booth to sample tastes of 16 different food vendors and sips from 18 wine vintners and distributors.

“Each year [Annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting] seems to get better. We had a beautiful day, with 350-400 attendees who really enjoyed the fabulous food and wine that was presented by our gourmet food presenters and the wonderful wines from Rosso Wine Shop,” said Mary Gant, member of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada and co-chair of the event. “We had local and state politicians who attended as well as our next door neighbors who enjoyed the afternoon. Another successful event put on by our many hard working Kiwanis and community volunteers and the best premium wine silent auction ever! All accompanied by live, soft jazz in the background.”

The premium wine silent auction was new to the event this year and caught the attention of wine aficionados and those who take pride in serving quality products to their guests.

Among the food vendors was Leticia Velazquez of Maple at Descanso Gardens.

“Maple rotates its menu every few weeks, though our staples are constant,” she said. Among its offerings was a tomato and strawberry gazpacho with balsamic reduction. Velazquez added that Maple will be open during the Enchanted Forest display at Descanso Gardens.

“And we’ll be offering hearty comfort food as we go into the cooler season,” she said.

Pat Anderson, president & CEO of the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce, echoed Gant’s thoughts.

“This was our 15th year to offer the Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting event and it was the best ever, primarily due to the perfect weather,” said Anderson. “It is a wonderful venue to meet friends, family and neighbors and so many opportunity to meet new friends. It is also a great way to connect with our local restaurants and the Rosso Wine vendor. Plans are already in the works for next year’s event. Mark your calendar: Sept. 30, 2018.”

  robin goldsworthy