Meat lovers are in for a sizzling good time thanks to a new food festival that’s packed with respected chefs who will be showing off their significant grilling skills.
The inaugural Asada Fest is set to take place July 13 in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the classic carne asada dish.
“This is los mero meros de la carne asda (the best of the best). This is an event that will have some of the most renowned chefs and the best taqueros in Southern California for an event that’s going to have some really great food,” said Jhosimar Rivera, director of marketing for Anaheim-based Northgate González Market.
The Hispanic supermarket chain, which runs more than 40 stores in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, is organizing the new festival.
“For many families, ‘la carne asada’ is more than just a meal; it’s a time-honored tradition that brings everyone together, creating lasting memories over delicious food, lively music, and fun conversations,” said Oscar González, Northgate’s co-CEO in a statement.
While the exact menus have yet to be finalized, the festival will include a who’s-who list of Latino chefs such as Michelin-starred Chef Javier Plascencia, as well as former “Top Chef” contestant Claudette Zepeda. Other chefs cooking meaty dishes include Yesenia Rios from Tijuana’s Culinary Arts School, and Chef Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue, a San Juan Capistrano institution that’s known for its hourslong lines, traditional Somora, Mexico-based chef Nereida Vejar, who appeared on Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles,” and social media chef Robegrill.
“Everyone loves carne asada and this is an opportunity to have the best carne asada from the best chefs right here in L.A.,” Rivera said.
The festival will also feature famous taco makers such as Sonoran-style asada taco slingers Mochomitos from Whittier, Tacos La Rueda, which specializes in the juicy asada style of Ciudad Obregón, Mexico, and East Los Angeles’ Tacos Don Cuco de Tijuana.
And since it is a festival, of course there will be live music from Mi Banda El Mexicano de Casimiro, plus DJs, a Selena tribute band and lucha libre matches. Plus people will get the chance to take pictures with the legendary luchador Hijo del Santo.
Asada Fest
When: 4-10 p.m. for general admission, 2-10 p.m. for VIP July 13
Where: 1005 Mateo St., Los Angeles
Tickets: $75 for general admission, $100 for VIP. This event is for ages 21 and older only.
Information: theasadafest.com
