There are only a few events that sincerely steal my heart each year, and AltaMed’s “East LA Meets Napa” is one of them. I love this awesome event for a number of reasons, but the one that really stands out to me is the fact that they donate all proceeds from the event to my local community to help support with health insurance and other services.

AltaMed has been a lending hand in my neighborhood (East Los Angeles) since as far back as I can remember. I have seen their clinics pop up around town, and it gives me great comfort to know they are there if I or any of my neighbors should ever need them.

Then 9 years ago AltaMed started having this annual celebration of bringing delicious food from the East side of Los Angeles and pairing it with some of the best vineyards from Napa Valley. East LA Meets Napa was born, and has been growing every year. This premiere food and wine fundraiser event is one I really enjoy. It is a night of live entertainment, dancing, and of course all the food you can eat and all the wine you can drink! Oh AltaMed how I love you!

A few days ago I had the privilege to preview a few dishes that will be served at the event along with a couple glasses of wine. My tastebuds danced with excitement as I bit into Chichen Itza Restaurant’s panucho , a fried corn tortilla smeared with black bean puree, and topped with turkey and pickled onions. I washed down the meal with homemade aguas de guanabana and chaya! I knew these tastes were just the tip of the iceberg, for the actual event is going to be loaded with many other great dishes as well. With plates being featured from Rivera, Seta, Chalio, Loteria Grill, Portos Bakery, Rocio’s Mole De Los Dioses, and many more.

Here is a little collage of the preview tasting.

This year the event is going to take place on Friday July 18th, 2014 at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. It promises to be a beautiful evening and I’m going to be there!

Get your tickets for AltaMed’s East LA Meets Napa here! Hope to see you there!