KAABOO DEL MAR ANNOUNCES FULL 2018 CHEF LINEUP INCLUDING MICHAEL MINA, MARC FORGIONE, AND MORE
San Diego, CA (May 1, 2018) – KAABOO Del Mar, the three-day live music and comedy, culinary, and lifestyle experience, just announced the full PALATE chef lineup for the 2018 event, along with the chefs competing in the 4th Annual Rock’n Chef Competition. The culinary programming will take place on the PALATE Stage, presented in partnership with San Pellegrino, from September 14-16th, 2018 in Del Mar, CA. The 2018 PALATE program will feature Michael Mina (Mina Group; International Smoke, Cal Mare), Marc Forgione (Food Network’s Chopped and The Next Iron Chef, Marc Forgione), Michelle Bernstein (MBC Michelle Bernstein Catering Company), Richard Blais (Bravo’s Top Chef and San Diego-based Juniper & Ivy), Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec, Petit Trois and Trois Familia), Brian Malarkey (Searsucker, Herb & Wood),Daniela Soto-Innes (Cosme, Atla), Jessica Koslow (Sqirl), Evan Estrada (MasterChef Junior),Troy Johnson (San Diego Magazine Food Critic), and Aaron Caddel & Rene Montelongo of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse.
Headlining Chef Michael Mina is an award-winning culinary great, known for bold dining concepts that have shaped his restaurant empire as world-class epicurean destinations across the country. Mina will be bringing his vision to KAABOO Del Mar with participation across the culinary platform, including a presence in PALATE and on the PALATE Stage, an exclusive AMPLIFY (VIP) experience, and will be making a public appearance as a judge for the Chef’s Roll Rock‘n Chef Competition.
“One of the many things that set KAABOO Del Mar apart from other festival experiences is the ability to engage all of the senses in an elevated and engaging way,” says KAABOO Chief Brand + Marketing Officer Jason Felts “Year after year, our PALATE program continues to push the envelope, taking the culinary experience to another level and we are thrilled to welcome such incredible talent from Southern California and across the country.”
Among the numerous Michelin-star and James Beard Award winning chefs participating in this year’s event, several are making their festival debut. “I’ve always wanted to be a rock star so I’m thrilled to be a part of KAABOO which lets me get up on stage alongside music legends,” added featured chef Marc Forgione. Jessica Koslow, owner and chef of the popular Los Angeles eatery, Sqirl, often stays behind the scenes, so KAABOO will be a rare opportunity for foodies to get a look at the master at work.
KAABOO is also excited to feature James Beard Award winner, Michelle Bernstein, who will be bringing the Miami heat to the PALATE stage for the first time. French chef and innovative restaurateur, Ludo Lefebvre, will undoubtedly bring his unique vision for the dining experience when he takes the main stage.
The 4th Annual Rock’n Chef Competition, presented in partnership with Chef’s Roll, takes place all day Saturday, September 15, on the PALATE stage where chefs compete head-to-head for a “winner-takes-all” prize. The 2018 chefs participating include Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins (El Jardín), Tu David Phu (Hawker Centre), Dakota Weiss (Sweetfin) and Joe Sasto III (Cal Mare). The finalists earned their spots through several qualifying rounds in regional competition throughout Southern California. Past winners have included Alexander Suástegui (2017) and Steve Brown (2016).
These chefs will be joining the previously announced music and comedy acts, featuring Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Robert Plant, and the Sensational Space Shifters, plus comedians Craig Ferguson, Iliza Shlesinger, Nick Offerman, Craig Robinson, and many more.
Passes for KAABOO Del Mar 2018 are on-sale now at www.kaaboodelmar.com. All guests have access to the HUMOR ME comedy club; Southern California’s largest on-site contemporary art fair in the indoor ARTWORK area plus daily viewings of live-action outdoor murals and installations; PALATE gourmet food and craft beverage tastings; CLUB ELEVATE, an on-site Vegas-Style nightclub (18+); and the ability to purchase a cabana or day pass to BASK Day Club, presented in partnership with MGM Grand’s Wet Republic, which offers a prime poolside panorama of the GRANDVIEW stage.
HANG LOOSE (GA) passes are currently on sale for only $249, while HANG FIVE and HANG TEN (VIP) passes are currently at $849 and $3299, respectively. HANG FIVE features premium stage viewing; exclusive culinary options for purchase;private restrooms; access to the Thursday night AMPLIFY Sneak Peek Party featuring Kool & the Gang; and more. New this year, KAABOO is offering the HANG FIVE+ (Drink Package) option which features the original three-day HANG FIVE package but with an additional private lounge serving guests included pass beverages. The HANG FIVE+ pass is on sale for $1249. HANG TEN includes all the features of HANG FIVE plus access to on-stage viewing; exclusive meet and greet opportunities withKAABOO performers; complimentary beverages and food provided; golf cart access; and more.
For those looking for an entirely immersive experience, KAABOO offers the ULTIMATE HANG pass. Get the full scoop at kaaboodelmar.com/ultimate-hang.
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