MASTERS OF TASTE 2023
CHEFS MICHAEL & KWINI REED ANNOUNCED AS EVENT HOSTS
Without a doubt, one of my favorite events of the year—in both food and drink—is Masters of Taste, which will once again set up shop on the field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 3.
Come celebrate and be part of the Sixth Annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival will once again kickoff on the field of the Iconic Pasadena stadium. This event is always a surefire touchdown where one hundred percent of the proceeds directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.
This year, Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023, which also marks the sixth anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles, and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kwini Reed also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food.
Born and raised in Oxnard, California, Chef Michael Reed comes from a family with a passion for food. Thanks to his parents, Michael grew up around the barbeque and the smell of fresh, homemade pies. His family cooked every day, pulling ingredients straight from the garden, which went on to inspire Michael’s passion for food and hospitality. After starting down a collegiate path that was separated from the food industry at University of Santa Barbara, a track injury prompted Michael’s decision to make a change. Months later, Michael was enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in New York. While in culinary school, Michael Reed cooked at The Modern, the acclaimed restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. After graduating in 2008, Reed returned to Southern California and worked at David Myer’s Michelin-star rated Sona, as well Xiomara per a recommendation from Nancy Silverton at the age of 26. In 2011, Chef Reed and Kwini Reed jointly created high-end catering company Root of All Food, which specializes in high-end boutique catering, in-home cooking and events, and catering to Southern California. Some of Root to All Food’s previous clients have included Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, The W Hotel, and Sugar Ray Leonard. During the summer of 2014, Reed opened DTLA brunch darling, Poppy + Rose, a restaurant that specializes in classic American diner-fare made from scratch with a seasonal menu. He owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Kwini Reed. In 2021, Poppy & Seed opened, branching more upscale service and cuisine in a modern greenhouse setting. Located in the Anaheim Packing District, Poppy & Seed totes a menu of refined American fare.
Host Kwini Reed is a Southern California native, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She is the co-owner of brunch restaurant, Poppy + Rose in Downtown, Los Angeles, Anaheim dining destination, Poppy & Seed, and upscale catering company, Root of All Foods with husband and chef of these concepts, Michael Reed. Kwini Reed comes from a large family that values community, generosity, and a strong work ethic – traits that have helped her succeed in her career and personal endeavors. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she now has over a decade of experience in business, finance, and human resource management, having worked at companies throughout L.A., including The Standard Hotel, Band of Gypsies, and Brandy Melville USA. In her current day-to-day, she oversees operations of Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed, and Root of All Food, managing finances, strategizing new concepts for the restaurant, spearheading collaborations, and more. She and Michael Reed have received numerous accolades for these concepts, including Orange Coast Magazine's “Best New Restaurant” (Poppy & Seed); and CBS Los Angeles’ “Best All-Day Breakfast Restaurants in LA” (Poppy + Rose), among others.
Masters of Taste 2022 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The sixth annual Masters of Taste 2023 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and top cocktail bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2023 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing neighbors home. Committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives, Union Station works with unsheltered and very low-income adults and families across the San Gabriel Valley. Recently expanding into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, Union Station Homeless Services is the lead county agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities spanning from Pasadena to Pomona. Union Station Homeless Services' mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home. In the last five years, Masters of Taste has raised over $2.7 million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs.
Masters of Taste 2023 is a 100% outdoor event. Additionally, all guests will be receiving their very own utensils and hand sanitizer to use throughout the event.
Mark your calendars and save-the-date for the return of the sixth annual Masters of Taste 2023!
Masters of Taste 2023 will take place on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. This is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3pm to 4pm and General Admission will be from 4pm to 7pm. Tickets are on sale now.
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