Events

Pebble Beach Food & Wine – REVIEW

Published

9 months ago

April 19, 2024

Flip Sarrow

Discover the West Coast’s Finest at Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival.

April 6th -7th, 2024

South Floridians know their way around great food and drink, but the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival showcased the culinary prowess of the USA’s opposite coast. Held on April 6 and 7 near Monterey, California, this event isn’t for the budget-conscious. Ticket prices ranged from $475 for a single-day pass to a hefty $10,000 for the “Diamond” package, promising luxury at every turn.

Photo by Nic Coury

Stepping into the festival, guests were outfitted with their own wine glass and harness for hands-free sipping. The entrance opened into a sprawling courtyard flanked by two immense tents, immersing attendees in the elite social scene of the West Coast. A DJ and violinist serenaded the crowd, later joined by a bagpipe player for a unique musical experience.

The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)

Inside the tents, a feast awaited, with booths brimming with delicious delicacies and wines. From California wines to fine whiskeys and a dedicated section for port wines from Portugal, there was no shortage of libations to complement the diverse array of culinary offerings. Exotic fare like pig’s ear tacos and braised short rib tostadas tantalized taste buds along with scoops of caviar that you simply slurped up placed between your forefinger and thumb. However, desserts were equally delightful. My favorite was the sweet dreamlike Pandan Cream Cake. If you don’t know what pandan is, don’t worry, I didn’t know either. But I found out later that it was a southeast Asia tropical plant. Whatever it was, it was delicious. One can have a sensory overload of continuously sampling good food and wine, but I am definitely not complaining.

The event was well organized, ensuring minimal wait times for food and drink samples, with ample tables scattered throughout. While seating was scarce outside of the VIP area, the festival had a dynamic, on-the-go atmosphere, perfect for mingling and indulging in culinary delights.

From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)

Although South Florida chefs made an appearance, the event was primarily a showcase of California cuisine, with over 300 booths dominating the scene. Despite missing the chance to meet the Florida culinary talent, the sheer variety and quality of offerings left little room for complaint.

Lastly, the backdrop of the festival is simply gorgeous, with the opportunity to take in the stunning view along the iconic “17-Mile Highway” and experience Californias beautiful rocky coastline. While not the most budget-friendly affair, the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival is a culinary extravaganza set in one of the world’s most stunning locales, making it an experience worth savoring.

Photo by Nic Coury

The Burgers Burbon and Bordeaux during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Burgers Burbon and Bordeaux during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
Photo by Patrick Tregenza
during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
Photo by Nic Coury
Photo by Nic Coury
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)