The Malibu Food & Wine festival was held recently at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu as a way to bring Malibu together over food, wine and music while raising money to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and support the community. But what came out of it was so much more than that.
The event, a brainchild of Lauren Rae Levy and celebrity chef Marcel Vigneron, was a passion project born in the months following the devastating wildfires and the hope was to create a much-needed sense of normalcy while also enjoying all the wine and food the celebrity chefs and vineyards who participated had to offer.
This included a Wally's lounge offering champagne, caviar, and truffles and an Aspen Vodka lounge that kept things fun and light with a bento box comprised of martini and fries as well as exclusive dinners with menus created by celebratory chefs such as Marcel Vigneron, Roy Yamaguchi, and Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.
"It was time for us to turn what started off as a husband and wife's dream, into reality," said Lauren Rae Levy in an interview. "Malibu is one of the most beautiful destinations with such magical energy and we wanted everyone we know to experience it."
Levy knew that with her husband's famous culinary prowess, as well as a network of chef friends as well as her PR contacts, they could make their dream a reality.
And, the result was even better than that original vision. "Malibu Food & Wine was a smashing success!" said Marcel Vigneron in an interview. "The feedback from the community, the chefs, CCAP, the musicians, the vendors, right down to our charity partner BCGM was all overwhelmingly positive with everyone saying that they hope to be back next year," said Vigneron, who recalls a fellow chef who frequents food and wine events telling him that he could tell this event was produced in part by a fellow chef and foodie, because of how well he was treated and how professional everything was. "From seeing all of the glowing faces under the oak grove at the VIP dinner experiences, to the smiles on kids' faces at the doughnut dipping station, the feedback exceeded all expectations! Can't wait to do it all again next year," said Vigneron.
"Our turnout was an absolute dream!" said Levy. "We had such great feedback, and the most important thing that we heard repeatedly was that guests were able to see how much intention and heart was put into all of our decision making, especially regarding the community components."
Levy shared that ultimately the event raised over $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. "In addition to being pillars in the community in Malibu for 25+ years with after school programs and no-cost mental health counseling, has shifted to serving as long term recovery for those impacted by the Palisades Fire. I am honored to be a board member, and for my husband and I to know we were a part of positively impacting our community, means more to us than words could ever express," said Levy.
For Vignernon, a highlight of the experience was supporting their community in a time of peril. "This is the year we decided to launch Malibu Food & Wine because of the fact that it has been a difficult time for so many people and businesses," said Vigneron. "During these tough times, is when we need to step up and come together as a community. With all the devastation that we have experienced in the last year, multiple fires in Malibu and the Palisades, there was still a lot to go through and process which is why we wanted to be with our community to support them," said Vigneron.
"Malibu Food & Wine was a wonderful experience," agrees celebrity chef Jet Tila. "Between the stunning venue, the collection of chefs and amazing wine and spirit vendors I've not experienced anything this focused in the Santa Monica and Malibu area. I partnered with my buddies at Herd & Grace to feature lamb from Australia to pair perfectly with this great event."
For the co-founders, this event was just about as much about community as anything else. "What better way to bring people together than with food and beverage in an iconic setting. For me food has always been the catalyst for community and togetherness as well as for economic growth," said Vigneron who shared that another highlight was helping chefs, businesses and families that need to work. "For us, this festival was a celebration of the community of Malibu and the spirit and flavors of California. I'm grateful we are able to experience things like this together again. Doing things like this is the best way forward. And the highlight for both my wife and I was most certainly helping the community," said Vigneron.
Levy shares that this year's event was not a one-off and they have already started planning for the next one. "While the ideas are fresh!" she said, who hopes that next year's too will offer a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs mixed with local Malibu establishments and vineyards. "Next year, we will host our VIP seated multi-course experiences with pairings on their own days rather than at the same time as the general festival. Otherwise we will continue doing what we do best -- bringing great humans together to connect in a meaningful way while experiencing SoCal's finest flavors from our country's best chefs wineries and spirits," said Levy.
And, yes, the venue will be back as well, they hope. "Saddlerock Ranch is such an iconic venue and was the perfect backdrop for Malibu Food & Wine. I always wanted our first food and wine festival to be at a vineyard, especially considering we chose September which is the prime time for all of the grapes on the vine," said Vigneron, whose last name literally translates to wine maker. "I've always been drawn to the vines."
Chef Joe Sasto of Tantos found it to be an incredible first year. "I was honored to cook at this debut event," said Sasto. "With so many moving parts, it all came together seamlessly."
Chef Jay Kumar of Michelin-starred restaurant LORE and DOSA in Park Slope, Brooklyn, actually traveled to Malibu for the week from across the country to support the cause. "Being part of the Malibu Food & Wine Festival and cooking alongside talented chefs was such an honor," he said. "After much devastation, it was beautiful seeing the Malibu community come together to celebrate life, try new things, and enjoy global flavors inspired by my roots in Mangalore. Marcel and Lauren put on such an incredible experience."