OC Second Harvest Food Crusade

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

This was about the 8th or 9th event I have attended for this charity group. They usually have 2 events a year, one in June which features wineries and one in the fall that features beers.

It has always been held at the "Crystal Court" at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

This year an organization named "Learn About Wine" got involved and I have a real swing of emotions about this. They brought in a stellar line up of wineries. "The Starts Of Santa Barbara" which was a great group of wineries . But they decided to have it at the Bridge of The Gardens which was between Nordstrom's and Macy's. It was outside which was nice for the evening but when it got a little dark you could not see well. Could not read what was on the labels, etc. They also crammed 37 wineries and 10 eateries into a very small space. It was way overcrowded. The tables to sit at were down a very narrow path in a back area. I don't think they had to wash too many tablecloths. No one seemed to know they were there. Also they had shoved about 6 wineries and 2 eating stations back in no man's land. They were not visited by too many people.

It area was also on 2 levels with a stream flowing between them. One of the eating stations moved their equipment next to the stream to prevent anyone from falling in.

I got to maybe 10 wineries and 3 food stations. Personally I thought the whole venue sucked.

I really hope that enough people complain (I heard many) so that next year it is back in the Crystal Court area where they is an abundance of room.

What I did taste and eat was very good but somehow the whole experience was not enjoyable. The ticket price was much higher but that was not an issue because of the quality of the wines and it also goes to charity. Maybe next year.