One of the more popular wines that I serve and enjoy is Sutter Home Moscato.  In my opinion, its the crown jewel in Sutter Home's line of more than 13 wine offerings.

Its true that the sweetness is the main character of the wine, but its so much more than a dessert wine.  It goes well with many different foods (just about anything I cook, in my opinion) and is well suited for drinking on its own.

Of course, I could wax on and on about the character of of this wine but I'll spare you.  Instead I'll let the the folks at Sutter Home tell you all about their Mosacato with this cute video I nabbed from their website.

Sutter Home Mosacto is reasonably priced at about $6/750ml bottle and $12 for a magnum.  You can find it in liquor and wine stores around the US and grocery stores here in California (yes!).

Cheers!

Modeled after other convoy style truck meet ups, this collection will feature six trucks including the convoy leader The Munchie Machine (@MunchieMachine1) which features grilled sandwiches, fries, and their signature s'mores.

In a Daily Breeze article announcing the event, the line up was reported to include:

• Cafe Con Leche, specializing in Cuban cuisine
• Big Swirl, the world's first self-serve yogurt, sorbet,and gelato truck
• Frysmith, serving fries that eat like a meal.  Check out our Food Truck Friday review for more details.
• Papa's Tapas, Spanish style tapas along with paella and soft tacos
• White Rabbit Truck, fusion blending Filipino, American and Mexican foods

In the same Daily Breeze article, Munchie Machine owner Rob Grier mentioned that this will be an ongoing event, much like Lomo Arigato's Thrusday night Din-Din-A-Go-Go at K1 Speed.

Personally, I'm glad that food truck owners are taking note of the demand for their cuisine in the South Bay.  While we might not get the late night traffic like other areas, the lunch and dinner time sets seem to be a good fit for the trucks and the street-food-hungry diners that track them down. 

Along with Tuesday's LAX Truck Lot on Century Blvd and K1's Din-Din-A-Go-Go, Dinner Under the Stars at Alpine Village is likely to be a big hit for the South Bay.

Dinner Under the Stars at Alpine Village
Wednesday nights beginning September 8, 6-9 PM

Alpine Village (@AlpineVillageCA)
833 W. Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA (map)

In addition to the recognition we give California wines during the rest of the year, we're going to take this week in September to talk about the California wines and vineyards that we love.  It'll be like a South Bay Foodies Wine Week in celebration of California Wine Month.

For starters, we're taking a look at all the events that the California Wine Institute has lined up for the next few weeks.  If you're in one of the wine producing regions like Temecula, Paso Robles, or Napa, there's plenty going on.  If you're in LA, you're going to have to fork over some cash for a road trip or head over to the free Bottle Rock for a Napa Vinters Tweet Up on Tuesday, September 21.

Whatever you decide to do, raise your glass — I'm sipping a Carlo Rossi Sangria at the moment — and join us as we celebrate California Wine Month.  Salut!

California Wine Institute
http://www.discovercaliforniawine.com/

Napa Valley Vintners LA TweetUp Tasting
Tuesday, September 21 at Bottle Roc
1050 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA
http://bit.ly/LA-Napa-Wine-Tweet-Up

Twitter: @cajunonwheels

The Truck:

The Food:

This week on Food Truck Friday we catch up with the Ragin Cajun truck, another truck representing LA on the Food Network show The Great Food Truck Race.  Five teams from LA rolled into the first season and I'm doing my best to visit them all.

Catching up with Ragin Cajun has been difficult.  Their twitter feed has been quiet and the schedule on their website doesn't go out very far.  I've seen them near my office but was always on my way somewhere and didn't have time to stop.

Fortunately the very capable and forward thinking Nicole of Skinny People Do spotted the truck, stopped them, and asked them where they would be parking in the coming week.  Armed with that intel, I made plans to sample their Cajun cuisine.

I'm so glad I did!

Arriving at the truck, we were greeted warmly and offered samples of the Bayoo Bowls, authentic Cajun stews served over rice.  All of them were good.  The Chicken Sausage Bisque ($6) was the winner though, with its toothsome chunks of meat and a smooth, creamy sauce.  I ended up ordering the bisque which came in a large tub with a generous portion or rice.  It was enough to compliment my sandwich and have some leftover.

Speaking of sandwiches, I had the Fried Shrimp Po Boy ($7).  OMG!  It was very tasty.  The shrimp was fried nicely; crispy and seasoned on the outside while moist and tender on the inside.  I got all of the trimmings — lettuce, tomato, and a seasoned mayo — along with the accompanying shrimp sauce.  All of it came together in an explosion of flavor and texture that was tremendous and filling.

They also had a line of sauces available for condiments.  I tried the garlic sauce and enjoyed its vinegary tanginess.  On the sweeter side, a cheesecake with caramel praline sauce was available for dessert.  I'll save that one for next time!

In all, I enjoyed the Ragin Cajun truck's authentic Cajun cuisine.  I'm looking forward to trying some of the other bowls and that cheesecake.  Oh, Nicole says they have bread pudding too.  Gimme some of that "2 Geaux"!

Whatever the case, Labor Day is a long weekend so we get one more day to forget about work, school, and anything else Tuesday might bring.  Here are a few things to help you while the time away. Enjoy!

First Thursday and Fiesta Hermosa

Hermosa Beach is packing a one-two punch this weekend.  The monthly First Thursday series kicks off the long weekend with deals and specials at vendors and restaurants all over town. 

Without event missing a beat, Fiesta Hermosa — Southern California's largest arts and crafts fair — picks up on Friday and runs all weekend long.  You can read our past review here.  If you don't read it, here's all you need to know: Beer Garden!

• Thursday, 9/2 for First Thursday
  http://www.facebook.com/FirstThursdays
   
• Friday – Sunday, 9/4-6, 10 AM – 6 PM for Fiesta Hermosa
  http://www.fiestahermosa.com
   

Leimert Park African Art & Music Festival

Just up the road from the South Bay, another arts, crafts, and music festival is taking place.  Leimert Parks's African Art & Musics Festival takes place from Saturday to Monday.

With an emphasis on community and family, this festival features free entertainment, including jazz, reggae, blues, R&B, and spoken word.  There's also an International Food Court featuring cuisine from Africa and around the world.

• Saturday – Monday, 9/4-6, 10 AM – 6 PM

  http://leimertparkfestival.blogspot.com/

2nd Running Of Conquer the Bridge, San Pedro

On Monday morning when most of us will be sleeping in — either recovering from Sunday night partying or sleeping in because we don't have to work…..or both — hundreds of runners will be racing across the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro.

Conquer the Bridge is a 5 mile race from San Pedro to Terminal Island and back again all via the third longest suspension bridge in California.  Driving across is one thing, but walking or running across must be tremendous!  You'd have plenty of time to enjoy the views of Long Beach, the harbor, and (if the skies are clear) maybe Catalina.

Unfortunately, entries are closed so running across might not be an option. You can still go down to cheer the runners on and afterward sample some cuisine around San Pedro or Long Beach.  Stop by San Pedro Brewing or perhaps Yard House in LBC.

• Monday, 9/6, 8 AM
  http://www.conquerthebridge.com

Twitter: @tropshaveice

The Truck:

The Food:

Aloha! The Tropical Shave Ice truck provides a perfect taste of the classicHawaiian treat known as shave ice.  If you've never had traditional shave ice — yes, "shave" ice; No "d" — then this is an ice cold refreshment you must try.

First, its anything BUT your average snow cone.  You might guess that the main component of shave ice is…the ice!  However, Hawaiian style ice is much fluffier and lighter than what one might expect, especially compared to the more granular ice of a snow cone.

The flavoring is also a key component.  The syrups are rich and bold, yet pleasingly sweet.  My favorite is Tiger's Blood, a potent mix of watermelon, strawberry, and coconut.

Finally, shave ice goes above and beyond the call of duty for an average snow cone…by going over and under.  On top of the ice, be sure to get a snow cap: a drizzle of sweetened, condensed milk.  Underneath, get a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream.  The combined creaminess of the two takes the sweet icy treat to another level of textures and flavors.

Tropical Shave Ice has a list of flavors you can choose from to make each dish unique.  If you have a problem making up your mind, go for the popular "808", flavored with Vanilla, Melona, and Tigers Blood.

You'll usually find the Tropical Shave Ice truck rolling in a convoy with other trucks like Lomo Arigato.  If you're thinking of filling up on lomo saltado, be sure to save room for dessert!

Mahalo!

OC Foodie Fest

http://www.ocfoodiefest.com
Saturday, August 28 11:30 AM – 7 PM
Honda Center of Anaheim (Map)

LA did it.  Long Beach did it.  Why not OC!?  This weekend, foodies in Orange County are flexing their appetites and charitable goodness for the OC's first gourmet food truck meet up.

According to the event organizers, "The one-day event will be the ultimate foodie destination, featuring the best in popular mobile eats combined with a unique forum to showcase local entertainment & shopping to help support local charities."

With 50 trucks lined up to show (check out the list here), there is sure to be something for everyone.  To keep diners busy while they wonder what to eat next, there will also be shopping and live music.

Best of all, the event will benefit charities for kids including Pretend City, Child S.H.A.R.E., Cart for a Cause.

Buy your tickets ($12) now, though. Day-of ticket purchases may not be an option!

13th Annual El Segundo Main Street Car Show

Saturday, August 28, 10 AM – 4 PM
Main St, El Segundo (Map)

A walk down Main Street in El Segundo is like taking a trip back in time.  This Saturday, you'll be able to get the cars to match!

On Saturday, August 28 from 10 Am – 4 PM, The El Segundo Police Officer's Association presents the 13th Annual El Segundo Main Street Car Show.  On display will be hundreds of restored and customized classic cars, all with model years prior to 1976.

If you're interested in getting your hot rod into the line up, fill out a registration form and present it between 8 and 10 AM.

For more information, call 310-524-2262 or 310-524-2215

Samba's 3rd Annual Brazilian Summer Beauty Pagent

http://www.braziliansummerbeauty.com
Saturday, August 28, 7 PM – 1 AM
Samba Restuarant, Redondo Beach (Map)

If looking at food trucks and classic cars isn't your idea of fun, this might be a better activitiy for you!  Saturday night, Redondo Beach's Samba restaurant will host its 3rd Annual Brazilian Summer Beauty Pagent. 

While The beauty pageant is the centerpiece for the event, the event will also include live Brazilian music, an authentic Samba Show with dancers and drummers, and of course Brazilian food.

The purpose for this event is also a chartiable one.  The event producers report that "the goals of the pageant are to promote Brazilian culture in the US and to raise awareness to the world of the difficulties faced by children in Brazil". 

To that affect, funds raised by the Pageant will be donated directly organizations that work with Brazilian orphanages.

Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 at the door.  A dinner and admission package is available for $50 per person.  Check out this video for highlights from last years pageant!

Here's a quick look back at the event along with some pictures.  Be sure to check out the details that follow for a chance at some cool swag!

The Venue

When I arrived at the location around 1 PM, checking in was a breeze.  There were no lines at will call so a quick look up of my name had me wearing my bracelet and in the door in no time. 

All attendees were given a cute little tasting glass to use during the event.  Kudos to the organizers for keeping the event green — no trash from paper cups! — and for adding a branded souvenir to take home.

As advertised, the event took place at Aviation Park in Redondo Beach near the corner of Aviation and Manhattan Beach Blvds.  In reality, the set up was next to the park in the parking lot of the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.  This wasn't a big deal for me as there was plenty of space just the same.

In fact, space was never an issue.  The tasting booths were spread out evenly and there was plenty of room for people to walk around to get their pours.

The Vendors

More than 40 local and national brands were represented at Beer Fest.  In an attempt to be thorough, I did my best to try all of them!  I was glad to see some old favorites (Blue Moon, Woodchuck Cider) and taste some new ones (Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas).  I wanted to pick a best in show but it was tough; there were too many good beers there to pick just one.

The Food

Even though this was a beer drinking tasting, it was expected that some good food would be on hand to wash down the beer.  Silvio's Brazilian BBQ of Hermosa Beach was there to cover that aspect, dishing up bowls of seasoned fries and plates of BBQ sandwiches.

While I was there during the first session — there were two sessions, 1-4 PM and 4-8 PM — Silvio's was the only option for grubbing.  I was hoping there would have been more, though, just to have one or two more choices.  There may have been more options later as food trucks rolled in (I saw the Big Swirl truck arriving as I was leaving).

The Music

For the attendees listening pleasure, Upstream played some great reggae and soca music.  It was a perfect fit for the laid back, beachy vibe of the event.  The afternoon session was attended to by Whispering Pines.

Thank You, Sir. May I Have Another?

Getting feedback from the folks at the event, there seemed to be a general consensus that Socal Suds Beer Fest was a success; an event done right.  My friends and I left happy that we came and hopeful that there will be another, similar event sometime soon.

You can help bring Beer Fest back, by letting me know right here!

Share Your Thoughts and Get Entered For a Beer Fest Swag Bag

There was no official swag bag for this event.  Everyone — even the VIPs — came on the same terms and were treated just as well as the person next to them. There were vendors giving out goodies though, and I managed to scoop up a few to take home.

Fortunately for you, I'm giving these goodies away!  Leave a comment below and I'll enter your name to win some Beer Fest swag including an XL-sized tee shirt from Four Loko, various bottle openers, and some beer-themed refrigerator magnets.  Here's the deal:

1. If you went to Beer Fest, let me know what you liked and what you didn't like about the event.  Would you go back again?  What would you take away or add?
2. If you didn't go, tell me what you were drinking last Saturday afternoon.  Was it beer?  If it wasn't, why not!?
3. Seems like everyone wants a Twitter option with a give away so here ya go.  Follow this link to send a tweet for one extra entry.
4. If you'd rather have an anonymous entry, send an email to info@southbayfoodies.com or use the contact form.

I'll use Random.org to pick the winner at 5 PM PST on Friday, August, 21.  US Residents only, please.  I'll contact the winner via email for a mailing address for shipping.

Cheers and good luck!

[UPDATE: The give away is closed! ]

Twitter: @nanaqueens

The Truck:

The Nana Queens brightly colored truck, sporting a badge from the Great Food Truck Race.

The Food:

Nana Queens lemon pepper wings.

After keeping the Nanaa Queens truck on my radar for several weeks, I finally managed to rendezvous with them at K1 Speed last week. I had visions of puddin’ and wings dancing in my head so I was really excited to try their dishes.
Arriving about two hours after they started serving, I was nervous.  I had heard tale and witnessed tweets about the pudding running out all too soon. Without a doubt, I got the last or maybe next to last scoop of pudding they had, a banana-oreo-cookie pudding. A tweet from Veggie 101 had my mouth set for the banana-caramel pudding but I was happy to get what I could!

Taking advantage of a deal on wings (10 wings + 1 side + 1 soda for $10), I also ordered 5 lemon pepper wings and 5 pineapple rum BBQ.

The lemon pepper wings were a big hit with Nicole and the kids back home.  They said they were seasoned well albeit a little on the dry side. I’m glad they liked the lemon pepper because I was licking my fingers over the pineapple rum BBQ wings.  It was a perfect mashup of flavors with a smokiness from the BBQ sauce, sweetness from the pineapple, and a very small kick from the rum.  I’m guessing they soaked the pineapples in rum because the flavor was reminiscent of eating a pineapple upside down cake, complete with chunks fo pineapple on the chicken.

Pineapple rum BBQ wings from Nana Queens. The flavor is like eating a pineapple upside down cake...but with BBQ sauce...on chicken.

After sampling the savory, it was time to try a bit of the sweet.  Living up to their namesake, the pudding did not disappoint.  In fact, the banana-Oreo pudding was tremendous.  The pudding was very creamy and not too intensely banana flavored.  The addition of the Oreos — a substitute for vanilla wafers? — was a welcome diversion from traditional banana pudding.  I only picked up one serving ($5) so it was tough sharing it between three people.  The portion was fairly generous — I think two people could split one — but my greedy side came out after I tasted it.

Banana-Oreo pudding from the Nana Queens truck. I was luck to get just one!

Nana Queens has had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the Food Network show The Great Food Truck Race.   They competed against six other gourmet food trucks to have the highest sales over the course of a couple days.

Unfortunately, the Nana Queens were the first team to be sent packing up their truck and heading home.  A mishap and a risky gamble led to their loss in the first round.  I was hoping they would take their pudding and wings further, but I’m glad they got the chance to share their cuisine with a nationwide audience.  Besides, its so much better eating their pudding than watching it on TV!

Stay tuned for the next Food Truck Friday.  I’ll be tracking down another Great Food Truck Race competitor.  Cheers!

Saturday: Red Bull Flugtag, Long Beach

http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/LongBeach2010
Saturday, August 21, 11 AM – 4 PM
Rainbow Harbor,  Long Beach (Map)

Long Beach has been graced with being selected as a site for a 2010 Red Bull Flugtag (German for “flying day”).  Watch as teams of brave souls defy gravity — if only for a few seconds — in their man-powered flying machines.

Gates open at 11:00 am (free admission) with the first flight scheduled for 1 pm.  My money is on the Coast Guard team!  Watch the video below for details.

Saturday: SoCal Suds Presents Beer Fest, Redondo Beach

http://www.socal-suds.com
Saturday, August 21, Noon – 8 PM
Aviation Park, Redondo Beach (Map)

Starting a tradition is a great thing…especially when it involves beer!  This Saturday, SoCal Suds is presenting their inaugural Beer Fest, featuring tastes of more than 40 different beers ($40 admission). 

Check out our exclusive interview with one of the event coordinators for an inside look.  Buy tickets online ($40) before you go;  Tickets sales at the event may be limited or unavailable.

Sunday: Taste at the Beach, Hermosa Beach

http://www.tasteatthebeach.com
Sunday, August 22, 4 – 8 PM
Hermosa Beach Community Center, Hermosa Beach (Map)

After giving thanks for a great Saturday, spend Sunday evening breaking bread with the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis and more than 30 local restaurants at Taste of the Beach.

Along with great food and wines, this event features a silent auction and live music.  Proceeds go to support Hermosa Schools’ Libraries Programs so don’t feel guilty!  You’ll be eating for a cause.  Purchase tickets online via PayPal ($60…tax deductible!) before the event.