Greer's OC

Tastemakers of Orange County returns for its 10th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

The annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), brings together more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs to showcase Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine. Proceeds support OCAPICA's programs in mental health and health services, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.

“Ten years ago, OCAPICA faced an uncertain future due to the financial crisis and limited funding. A remarkable group of chefs and restaurants came together to create Tastemakers of Orange County, celebrating our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community while helping secure OCAPICA's future,” said Mary Anne Foo, executive director of OCAPICA. “The Tastemakers event transformed our organization, allowing us to expand our impact and serve more communities in need. I will always be grateful to Tarit Tanjasiri for his leadership over the past decade and to every chef, restaurant, and business that has supported OCAPICA and our mission.”

Guests will indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired tapas dishes in an all-you-can-eat setting. Between bites, they can take in live entertainment, tunes from a local DJ and an opportunity drawing featuring unique items and experiences.

2026 Tastemaker Chefs and Restaurants

Shelly Register, A Market; Shachi Mehra, Adya; Sonny Nguyen, Artisan, by 7 Leaves & Crema Bakery; Banh Mi Saigon; Sandro Nardone, Bello and Sugo; Bill Bracken, Bracken's Kitchen; Allan Tea, Cali Dumpling; Tarit Tanjasiri, Crema Cafe & Crema Artisan Bakers; Rodrigo Ceja, Driftwood Kitchen & The Deck on Laguna; Rich Mead, Farmhouse at Roger's Garden; Kristin Nguyen, Garlic and Chives; Fernando Basadre, Gavina Coffee; James Hamamori, Hamamori; Minh Phan, Hanuman Thai Eatery; Leslie Nguyen, Miss Mini Donuts; Henry Pineda, Lola's by MFK; Nokmaniphone Sayavong, Nok's Kitchen; Adam Navidi, Oceans and Earth; Paradise Dynasty; Daniel Hohng, The Park Club California; Eddie Lai, Seafood Cove 2; Max Schlutz, Sessions West Coast Deli; Winnie Yee, Smoke Queen Barbecue; Leonard Chan, Stowaway Tiki Bar; Ivan Calderon, Taco Mesita; Ross Pangilinan, Terrace by Mix Mix; Ed Lee, Toast Kitchen & Bakery; Wing Lam, Wahoo's Fish Tacos; Amar Santana, Vaca.

Event Details and Tickets

The 10th annual Tastemakers of Orange County will take place Thursday, Sept. 3, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Julianne & George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $295 for VIP, which includes early entry from 6 to 9 p.m., and $225 for general admission from 7 to 9 p.m.

More information and tickets can be found at ocapica.org/tmoc and here eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-tastemakers.