Embedded Files
October 11th - October 13th, 2024
KCRW is heading south for an all-out Champion weekend in Orange Country. The focal point: the 2024 Heirloom Bean Encuentro, a Rancho Gordo bean supper at Alta Baja Market helmed by Delilah Snell (wife of KCRW's Gustavo Arellano). Per Evan Kleiman's recommendation, this 5-course supper from some of SoCal's best chefs is a not-to-miss experience.
So why not make a weekend of it with fellow Champions? We'll bask in the glow of an a intimate dinner at the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat, access a pre-hours tour of OCMA with building architect Thom Mayne, and frequent the local haunts of Santa Ana on a Gustavo Arellano-led a walking tour.
There's so much to explore and learn in our Southern California playground - stay local with us!
*NOTE*: We recognize that parts of this weekend event occur during the Yom Kippur holiday. Please know that this scheduling was unfortunately unavoidable, and not intentional in any way. We sincerely apologize for those who are unable to be a part of this event, and wish an easy fast to all of our KCRW friends who observe.
Day 1 - Friday, October 11
Independent arrival to the OC
We'll have special rates at a couple of local hotels, if you need a place to stay for the weekend.
Intimate meal on Knife Pleat patio: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
An extra-special meal with Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmandi - the chef and restaurateur behind Michelin-starrted Knife Pleat (and fellow KCRW Champions!) Soak up the beautiful surroundings and the delicious fare, while mingling with KCRW friends. A four course meal with beverage pairing will be served.
Day 2 - Saturday, October 12
Morning tour of OCMA with building architect Thom Mayne: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
We'll catch Orange County's finest modern and contemporary art museum in the morning, before it opens for the general public. Building architect Thom Mayne (another KCRW Champion!), will give us the inside scoop on the design, and a museum educator will guide us through highlights of current exhibitions.
The rest of the day at your leisure
We've curated a thoughtful list of OC must-eats:
High-end
Hana Re: A Michelin-starred Omakase experience in Costa Mesa
Terrace by Mix Mix: small plates inspired by Italy. Right across the street from South Coast Plaza.
Moulin Bouillon: a classic French bistro in Newport Beach. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Casual
Bear Flag Fish Co: An easy spot for some of the best fish tacos and poke in SoCal. There are three locations in OC, but head to the one in Crystal Cove for some excellent ocean views (and the shortest lines).
Kean Coffee: it might be unassuming, but Kean was one of the first in the new coffee wave. Beans are roasted on-site and it's quietly one of the best cups of coffee in OC or LA.
Only in Orange County
Did you know that Anaheim has the largest concentration of Middle Eastern businesses of almost anywhere in the US? In 2022 it was officially recognized as Little Arabia. Check out Good Food's top 11 recs in the neighborhood.
Orange County is also home to one of the largest Vietnamese populations outside of Vietnam, which means that you can eat very well in Little Saigon. Head to Pho 79, Lynda's for banh mi, and Brodard for a little bit of everything.
Alta Baja Market and Delilah Snell are also hosting other events throughout the Bean Encuentro weekend. Check them out below. Please note that you'll need to purchase your own tickets separately for these events.
3PM: Baja Wine Tasting with Vinos Los Angeles
For details and tickets click HERE
3PM: “How to Taste a Tortilla” with Gustavo Arellano
For details and tickets click HERE
6PM: Mezcal tasting + comida @ Chapter One
For details and tickets click HERE
Day 3 - Sunday, October 13
Walking tour of Santa Ana with Gustavo Arellano: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Flanked by our trusty guide, Gustavo Arellano, we'll be led on foot through the urban anthropology of Santa Ana, an oft overlooked inland space rich with diversity and discordance. Through the lens of his book, A People's Guide to Orange County, Gustavo highlights the unique agricultural and suburban history, segregation and resistance to segregation, and the struggle for public space — painting a nuanced portrait of the OC beyond the post-card tourist gloss and into the heart of working-class immigrant struggle.
2024 Heirloom Bean Encuentro: a Rancho Gordo bean supper at Alta Baja Market: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
We'll experience a 5 course meal (and beverage pairing) from some of the best chefs in Southern California, featuring dishes from Diep Tran, Heritage BBQ, Carlos Salgado from Taco Maria, and Delilah Snell. Each chef will present a course spotlighting an heirloom bean. Read about last year's Bean Encuentro here.
Page updated
Report abuse