Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the flavors, traditions, and artistry of Italian cuisine at Malibu Food & Wine's Italian Night, hosted by Adam Richman, best known as the host of Man v. Food. Curated by Marcel Vigneron, Culinary Director, and Lauren Rae Levy, Partnership Director, Malibu Food & Wine is the vision of a husband-and-wife team united by a shared passion for exceptional food, meaningful partnerships, and philanthropy. Marcel Vigneron first rose to prominence on Season 2 of Top Chef and most recently was crowned Last Chef Standing on Food Network's 24 in 24. Lauren Rae Levy is an entrepreneur, founder of LRL Group, and philanthropist whose expertise in strategic partnerships and community engagement helps bring the festival's mission to life. Together, they create an unforgettable celebration of world-class chefs, remarkable wines, and charitable impact.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Saddlerock Ranch, guests will enjoy an immersive evening featuring acclaimed chefs, premium wine pairings from renowned wine regions across California, including Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Santa Ynez, and Malibu, live culinary demonstrations, and unlimited food and beverage, all included with admission. The night will be powered by Aviation Nation Dreamland, the iconic music venue and restaurant, building out the Main Stage with an exciting lineup of live music, DJs, and immersive entertainment that keeps the energy high throughout the evening.
The evening's extraordinary chef lineup includes ; Mei Lin, Top Chef Season 12 champion and Tournament of Champions winner; Stephanie Izard, James Beard Award winner, Iron Chef, and the first woman to win Top Chef; Tobias Dorzon, former NFL player turned celebrity chef and Tournament of Champions Allstar Christmas finalist; Jonathan Sawyer, James Beard Award winning chef and season 2 winner of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing; Chris Oh, acclaimed Korean American chef and restaurateur featured on Tournament of Champions; Brian Redzikowski, featured on Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list, Rose Previte, James Beard Award winning chef, restaurateur, and founder of Michelin recognized restaurants Maydan and Compass Rose; Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef finalist and acclaimed restaurateur; and Karlo Evaristo, award winning Filipino American chef and founder of 61Hundred Bread, with more culinary talent to be included.
Featured Culinary Experiences
- A spectacular live bluefin tuna carving presentation by Chefs Brian Redzikowski and Nick Devries (of Kettner Exchange, which is recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction) will offer guests a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the culinary world’s most impressive traditions.
- Interactive Cannoli Bar featuring freshly filled cannoli with a variety of customizable toppings.
Featured Lounges & Activations
- Just Ice Tea Lounge featuring chef curated culinary pairings by Chef Spike Mendelsohn, paired with Just Ice Tea's new Watermelon Lime White Tea. Guests can also enjoy a selection of crave worthy snacks in a laid back, après surf inspired lounge, the perfect spot to relax, sip, and recharge throughout the festival.
- Snyder Diamond Showcase featuring luxury kitchen appliances from Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau. The Snyder Diamond Lounge will showcase Thermador wine refrigeration units while two acclaimed wineries from Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley pour daily tastings. Guests can also explore handcrafted, one-of-a-kind knives by Aura California, which will be featured throughout the festival in the hands of select chefs and showcased during live culinary demonstrations on the demo stage.
- Gaia Herbs® Non-Alcoholic Mixology Experience invites guests to discover handcrafted botanical mocktails featuring Gaia Herbs' new tinctures, showcasing the art of plant-powered mixology. Rooted in decades of herbal expertise, each beverage offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional cocktails, celebrating connection, gathering, and savoring every moment.
- Step into a one-of-a-kind experience, offering the Truffle Boys, where guests can indulge in decadent truffle and caviar bites, sip premium cocktails crafted with Cazcanes Tequila, a verified additive-free tequila, and enjoy Capri Gelato & Coffee’s Espresso Martinez, Frozen Palomas, affogatos, and artisan gelato with luxurious toppings including shaved truffles and caviar.
- Sandy Brew Beer Garden featuring handcrafted, plant-based beers founded by Malibu local Kelly Furano, showcasing clean, high-quality ingredients and refreshing brews made for sunny afternoons and warm summer evenings.