Masters of Taste 2026: A Culinary Celebration with Chef Thomas & Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb

Join us for Masters of Taste 2026 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl with hosted chefs Thomas & Vanessa Tilaka Kalb. Celebrate food for a cause!
MOT - Better Together Sweets

Mark Your Calendars for Masters of Taste 2026

Los Angeles food enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable experience! The Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival, returns for its eighth annual event on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Set on the iconic field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium, this event promises to be a highlight of the culinary calendar.

From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, over 3,000 food and beverage aficionados will gather to celebrate an afternoon filled with impeccable tastings, live entertainment, and a mission that transcends delicious food.

MOT - MASTER LOGO Guide

Meet the Host Chefs: Culinary Excellence at Its Finest

We are thrilled to announce that the esteemed husband-and-wife duo, Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, will host this year’s event. Known for their refined, ingredient-driven approach, the Tilaka Kalbs have significantly influenced Pasadena’s modern dining landscape.

Their restaurant, celebrated for its Californian comfort food rooted in classic American cooking, emphasizes a seasonal, farm-to-table philosophy. Their commitment to sourcing from the region’s best farmers and makers sets them apart, making them a perfect fit for Masters of Taste.

Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb at Agnes Restaurant

MOT - Better Together Sweets

A Feast for the Senses: What to Expect at Masters of Taste 2026

Following the immense success of Masters of Taste 2024, which sold out and received widespread media attention, expectations are high for 2026. Attendees can look forward to tastings from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, featuring:

  • Delectable desserts from L.A.’s top Sweet Masters
  • Signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands
  • Local craft breweries and select wineries
  • Cold-pressed juices and cold brew coffee
  • Live entertainment to enhance the festive atmosphere

With such a diverse offering, Masters of Taste 2026 promises to be a culinary adventure that showcases the best of L.A.’s vibrant food scene.

MOT - Brenna Turner and Joey Labes of Sake High

Supporting a Noble Cause: Union Station Homeless Services

What makes Masters of Taste even more special is its commitment to giving back. Every dollar raised directly benefits Union Station Homeless Services, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Los Angeles. With a remarkable 97% success rate in permanently housing individuals, Union Station has become a beacon of hope for countless families.

Over the past seven years, Masters of Taste has raised over $3.5 Million, helping to provide secure housing and support services to those in need. Their mission not only addresses temporary shelter but also focuses on long-term solutions through comprehensive community integration.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful event. Masters of Taste 2026 will be a 21+ event, with a VIP hour from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and general admission from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Early Bird Tickets are currently available exclusively through the official Masters of Taste App on the AppStore and Google Play.

Join us in celebrating one of Los Angeles’ most significant culinary events of the year while contributing to a noble cause!

MOT - Maker's Mark

Join the Conversation

Are you excited for Masters of Taste 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know which chefs you are looking forward to seeing and what dishes you can’t wait to try. Together, let’s make this an event to remember!

Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.

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