Three esteemed local chefs will be judging the annual Culinary Contest at Taste of Arcadia 2015 on Sept. 28 at the L.A. County Arboretum.
And a People’s Choice judging contest has also been added this year for the 1,500 attendees to cast their own votes during the event on ballots provided in gift bags handed to every attendee as they enter. People’s Choice ballots must be submitted at one of three Arcadia Chamber of Commerce information booths at the event, with results announced later that week.
Taste of Arcadia 2015 tickets here for members of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce and non-members.
- Best Dessert
- Best Savory Dish
- Best Presentation
- Most Innovative Dish
- Best of Show
Several winners from recent years will be returning to try to repeat as champions. Culinary Contest 2014 winners here. Culinary Contest 2012 winners here.
Chef Bill Yee
This year’s chef judges:
Chef Bill Yee – President Le Cordon Bleu Alumni Association
Chef Bill Yee wears many hats, including President of the Le Cordon Bleu Alumni Association, Sous Chef at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA, Owner and Executive Chef of L.A. Omelet Bar and Chefs A Team catering support service, Culinary Recruiter and Trainer for Culinary Staffing Service, Chef d’Omelette at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, and Artistic Director of the Alhambra Performing Arts Center. He is on the Advisory Boards of several culinary schools in the LA area and a judge for several culinary competitions. He was born in New York City and holds an associates degree in Hospitality & Restaurant Management from Le Cordon Bleu.
Chef Alex Reyes
Chef Alexander Reyes – founder/owner Saute Culinary Academy
(150 E. Colorado Blvd, Monrovia Ca 91016; 626-429-2323)
A passion for food and a love of service inclined Chef Alex Reyes to pursue a career as a professional Chef. Having an interest in all aspects of the hospitality industry influenced Chef Reyes to surrender to his passion of cooking.
As a graduate of the world famous Le Cordon Bleu, College of Culinary Arts, Chef Reyes has over 23 years of experience in the restaurant business as a Chef. Chef Reyes started Arcadia Chamber of Commerce member Sauté Culinary Academy in the summer of 2012 and is passionate about teaching his students strong techniques and helping them visualize and manifest sound careers as future Chefs.
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Chef Scott Storms
Chef Scott Storms – co-owner of Sauté Culinary Academy
Chef Scott Storms’ love for food began at an early age as he prepared his own meals after school with anything and everything he could find. He realized that making good food was always possible, even with limited ingredients. This love for food continued through adulthood as Chef Storms worked in multiple southland restaurants in order to pay his way through college. Ultimately earning a culinary arts diploma, two teaching credentials, and an M.Ed., Chef Storms realized that he had two great passions—food and education. As a chef and an educator, who has worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years, Chef Storms has taught at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Five Keys Charter School, and is now co-owner of Sauté Culinary Academy, which offers attainable culinary education to San Gabriel Valley residents.
On the heels of what most described as the best Taste of Arcadia ever, the 2015 event has been set for September 28 at the lush Los Angeles County Arboretum.
Returning Gold Sponsors of the city’s signature event are Westfield Santa Anita, Methodist Hospital, and BMW of Monrovia. Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary is once again sponsoring the Business Showcase at the Taste.
Last year’s outdoor event drew a record crowd of more than 1,500 attendees and more than nearly 100 vendors and entertainers.
Tickets may be purchased here in Shop area of Arcadia Chamber web site, by calling 626-447-2159, or in person at the Chamber office at 388 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, 91007.
In addition to a showcase of America’s Most Unique Vehicles presented by Professional Advisory Services, returning this year is the Hollywood premiere-style Red Carpet Experience presented by Printing Control with Arcadia’s Selfie Selfie photo studio sponsored by Century Rooter Service & Plumbing as well as Hart, Mieras, & Morris. Also returning will be the popular Arcadia High School drum line performing at the main gate before the show begins and then leading the first arrivals down to the venue in a marching band parade style.
The popular VIP Reserved Tables for ten guests offering exclusive seating around the picture-esque fountain, can be purchased by Arcadia Chamber members for $599 ($750 for non-members of the Chamber). The limited number of VIP tables are nearly sold out, so get your order in right away.
For a little extra, you can reserve the Peacock Package for $999, which gets you the same VIP Reserved Table for 10 and your logo and name in event publicity, as well as the option to provide an item to be included in 1,500 gift bags at the event.
The Business Showcase is sold out with 40 vendors and five new car dealers, including first-timers Tesla Motors and Cadillac Concierge.
Contact the Arcadia Chamber if you would like to be a sponsor – 626-447-2159 or Info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
Returning Silver Sponsors this year include:
- City of Arcadia’s Shop Arcadia and Arcadia Transit
- Foothill Credit Union
- Hotel Constance / Singpoli
- Wells Fargo
- Professional Advisory Services — Silver Sponsor, America’s Most Unique Vehicles
New Silver Sponsors:
- Southern California Edison
Returning Bronze Sponsor:
- Century Rooter Service & Plumbing
Additional sponsors:
- Monday Night Football Lounge: Pro Image Sports
- Red Carpet Experience presented by Printing Control & Selfie Selfie:
Century Rooter Service & Plumbing and Hart, Mieras, & Morris - Ticket Sponsor: Foothill Gold Line
- Tram Sponsor: Arcadia Association of Realtors
Returning Peacock Package Sponsors:
- Southern California Gas Company
- Minuteman Transport, Peter Amundson
In-Kind sponsors:
- Arboretum venue and facilities provided courtesy of L.A. County Arboretum
- Overflow parking via shuttle, and promotional banners courtesy Santa Anita Park
- Table linens by California Linen Services
- Parking lighting and support services provided by Jan’s Towing
- Trash recycling courtesy of Waste Management
- 1,500 gift bags courtesy of Methodist Hospital / Vons
- 1,300 bottles of water from the Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District
- VIP table centerpieces provided by Joanna’s Floral Expression & Gifts
- DirecTV broadcast for Monday Night Football Lounge provided by Bandwidth Options, Inc.
- Big-screen TV donated by T.G. Metzger State Farm Insurance
Other sponsor opportunities remaining
- Silver Sponsor – $2,500
Logo with all event publicity now till event
— including web site, printed fliers, media releases
Branding on signage at event
Full page ad in event printed program
optional item in gift bag for 1,500 attendees
1 VIP reserved Table for 10
1 Reserved Parking (1 vehicle)
Contact the Arcadia Chamber if you would like to be a vendor or a sponsor – 626-447-2159 or Info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
