2024 Masters of Taste

Review by Stacey Anapolis (Guest Writer) – Stacey here from EatTravelGo.com – Kathy asked me to review the 2024 Masters of Taste event. Of course I said yes. She has attended every year since it began. While this was my first time. I have heard that it is one of the best foodie festivals in LA. MOT literally gives every single cent to Union Station Homeless Services. Kathy wrote extensively about the organization in previous year’s review – CLICK HERE to read. Here are my top ten foodie picks.

2024 Masters of Taste

1. I would be remiss if I did not first tell you about the hosts – Chef Bret Thompson as well as Lucy Thompson Ramirez owners of Pez Cantina. When I entered the stadium, PEZ Cantina along with Santa Monica Seafood provided a beautiful spread of all types of food to choose from and then walk through the festival. Then straight back on the field, PEZ Cantina had a second booth serving up Chicken Tinga Tacos as well as Campion Shrimp Diablo Tacos. The chicken was tender with a yummy cilantro salsa. While the shrimp tacos situated on top of a squid ink tortilla provided a spicy kick. CLICK HERE to read about the two owners.

2. Mercado also provided two dishes. An interesting taco made of crunchy jícama also featured panko-crusted shrimp, with a chile de arbol aioli. In addition, for all you gluten lovers, a flour tortilla with tender slow cooked pork, Oaxaca cheese, avocado and more was also available. This dish was called Gringas.

3. I tasted the most amazing ribs at the Yardbird booth. The housemade BBQ (hickory smoked) was outstanding, and fell off the bone. I also swiped a Key Lime Tartlet for a pop of sweetness.

Best Thai Food

4. Emporium Thai is a favorite West LA restaurant. CLICK HERE to read ETG’s review of this popular Thai staple. Owner John Sungkamee had his team handing out the most delicious Southern Thai curry and rice. The rice sopped up all that velvety golden sauce. This vegan dish won my heart, and I am a huge meat eater.

5. The West Hollywood Uchi Restaurant brought us Hama Chili Yellowtail. This came with slices of orange, as well as thai chill, and ponzu. The mix of ingredients created a light yet spicy and also tangy flavor all in one bite. Uchi Restaurant has additional locations as well.

Amazing Southern Cuisine

6. Georgia’s Restaurant is known for its Southern cuisine. The fried catfish was out-of-this-world – both supple fish inside and also a crunchy ambrosial outside crust. The candied yams were so sweet, and offset the catfish. I loved this savory and sweet offering. My taste buds were happy. The owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado was a sweetheart, so down to earth.

7. Arth Bar & Kitchen is another ETG favorite. CLICK HERE to read the restaurant review on EatTravelGo.com. One can never be disappointed with Butter Chicken & rice or the Chickpea Curry from Arth. The flavors are so unique and piquant. These were exceptional.

Fantastic Sushi

8. Mama M Sushi out did themselves providing two delectable dishes. The Crispy Tuna Bliss, and also Salmon Du Soleil were delicately delicious. The tuna seared on the edges was beautifully displayed on top of crispy chips with a sweet and spicy pontu sauce. The second dish consisted of fresh salmon with a strawberry salsa, in addition to balsamic karashi sauce. Both were exquisite.

*Mama M Sushi rep offering Crispy Tuna Bliss, and also Salmon Du Soleil*

9. I found Soulmate, another West Hollywood restaurant smack in the middle of the Rose Bowl field. The Hamachi Crudo was served with Blood Orange, and an unusual orange Miso, as well as a citrusy olive oil. These ingredients unified the dish creating multiple layers of flavor.

10. I just could not leave out Gus’s Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken. This crispy tasty chicken had a consistent long line. But oh boy, it was worth it. CLICK HERE to read the ETG restaurant review.

My favorite sweet delights came from Portos Bakery & Cafe, Gooey Center Bakery (the BEST cinnamon buns).

Many other great restaurants were featured on ETG’s Instagram. So be sure to follow ETG @EatTravelGo

I recommend that you add next year’s Masters of Taste to your calendar. And order your tickets early, as this festival always sells out. https://mastersoftastela.com