A Taste of Conejo

The “2010 Taste of Conejo” held on Tuesday, October 12th at the Westlake Village Four Seasons Hotel was a tasteful triumph. Nearly 1,000 attendees enjoyed the event sponsored by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

At the Westlake Village Four Seasons Hotel
(Photos by Maxx Wolfson)

A total of 92 vendors showcased their food, wine, fashion and service expertise. Arriving guests were greeted by chamber members and given a tasting plate, wine glass, beverage card and program. Vendor’s pristine food and beverage stations lined the hotel interior creating a scrumptious trail to a tent filled with more vendors and ending on the outside patio overlooking the waterfall. The Four Seasons Hotel’s own Hampton’s and Onyx restaurants outdid themselves at their station displaying not only their tasty appetizers but also gorgeous seasonal fall décor.

Wine flowed from the twelve beverage stations sponsored by local wineries and wine shops. Vintners poured as guests gathered, with glasses in hand, to swirl, sniff and sip. And while the wine offerings were wonderful, other beverages including a delightful, refreshing Limoncello from the Ventura Limoncello Company and ale from Ladyface Ale Company of Agoura Hills were also sampled.

The food tastings were countless; fresh fruits, specialty cheeses, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrée bites, fondue, sushi, Italian, Mexican and more. The restaurateurs, caterers and food representatives did a phenomenal job preparing and presenting tempting cuisine. The flavorful macaroni and cheese from Bogart’s Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks tasted like it was right out of the oven; which was quite an accomplishment given the limited space and kitchen access.

Tiers of cupcakes, plates of cake bites, tables of tiramisu were among the many desserts. The Secret Garden in Moorpark wowed many with a crème brule served in a chocolate shell cup. And Mastro’s Steakhouse, known for their steaks and towers of seafood, surprised discerning dessert connoisseurs with their delectable buttercake.

The Secret Garden (Moorpark)

The live entertainment for the evening opened with the California Lutheran University Honors Ensemble and ended with the very talented jazz vocalist, Jeanne Tatum accompanied by keyboardist, Jim Tauver.

The Director of Community Relations and Events for the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kelli Lighthizer, MBA said that the chamber was, “thrilled to be able to bring together the local business community to create an unforgettable evening for residents of the Conejo Valley and beyond.” She added, “Hope you’re looking forward to Taste of Conejo 2011.”