MaxLove Project’s Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner isn’t your typical gala—it’s a night of delicious food, great wine, and even better company. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of open-flame cooking, community, and connection!
Set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Tanaka Farms in Irvine, this one-of-a-kind dinner features a multi-course, family-style feast crafted by Chef Cathy McKnight and a dream team of local chefs, known as Team Green. Think gourmet cooking under the stars with ingredients harvested from the farm just steps away.
The evening starts with appetizers, cocktails, and live music as you take in the breathtaking views from a hilltop perch. Everyone gets a fun tractor-pulled wagon ride to the main venue—yes, it’s as charming as it sounds! Then, settle in for a meal cooked over fire and served family-style, blending rustic vibes with culinary delights.
This year’s talented chefs include Whitney Aronoff from Starseed Kitchen, Paul Buchanan from Primal Alchemy, Richard Mead from Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, and Michael Puglisi from Herd & Grace, along with talented student volunteers from Orange County School of the Arts.
Wine Tasting Fun: It wouldn’t be a celebration without some amazing wines! We’ve got a fantastic lineup from Rombauer Vineyards, Bob Cabral Wines, Postino WineCafe, and Far Niente Winery. Plus, Sonoma County legend and master sommelier William “Bill” Traverso will be there to guide you through the tastings and share some great stories.
And, of course, every MaxLove Project event has a heart behind it. The Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner is all about hope, healing, and coming together as a community to support children and families facing childhood cancer and rare diseases.
Event Details:
- Guests arrive at 5 p.m.; parking is free onsite.
- Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, and live music to start the evening.
- Dinner is a multi-course, family-style meal cooked over fire.
- The program includes inspiring stories and fun ways to give back.
- The event wraps up around 9 p.m..
- Attire is “farm chic”—festive, fun, and farm-friendly footwear.
Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Tanaka Farms, 5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine
For more info or to support this incredible cause, visit MaxLove Project’s Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner.
The Latest from greer's oc
Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu
Puesto, the family-owned Mexican-American restaurant group known for its award-winning tacos and modern take on Mexico City cuisine, is celebrating a major milestone this winter. The restaurant has introduced new seasonal dishes and has officially transitioned to a fully seed-oil-free…
Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa
The holidays are just around the corner and Paséa Hotel & Spa is filled with festive experiences and local flavor. Conveniently located in the heart of Huntington Beach, Paséa becomes a holiday hub for locals each winter, bringing seasonal…
American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
American Ballet Theatre’s beloved production of The Nutcracker returns to Segerstrom Hall December 11–21, 2025, accompanied by Pacific Symphony, for its 10th season at the Center.
Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “ravishing and clever enough to inspire multiple…
A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
Lido House is introducing enhancements that bring even more character and coastal charm to the property.
The first reveal is The Glass House, a 540-square-foot, light-filled venue that opened this summer on the Newport Lawn. Designed to connect indoor and…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 11.28.25 – Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu
- 11.28.25 – Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa
- 11.27.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.26.25 – A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
- 11.25.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.25.25 – French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo
- 11.24.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.24.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
- 11.20.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
More Daily Doses
- 11.27.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.25.25 – Holiday Packages to Help You Look and Feel Your Best
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.03.25 – Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
