Review: The Saban Free Clinic's 13th Annual Extravanganza for the Senses Event

Last weekend Bryan and I attended the Saban Free Clinic's 13th Annual Extravaganza for the Senses event at Sunset Gower Studios. The cuisine of over 40 restaurants and wines from 80 California vintners were on display for the 1500 guests that attended the event. Luckily, we had a media pass so we were able to get in before the rush of the main crowds and take our time enjoying the food and chatting with chefs. Some of our favorites included a summer slaw from JAR, duck tacos from Momed, spicy tuna and blue crab rolls from Sushi Roku, goat cheese pops from the Sky Room, vegetable lasagna from Angelini Osteria, sausages from Brats Brothers, miniature chocolate trifles from Delphine and of course, rose petal petit fours and champagne truffles from Valerie Confections. While the days leading up to event had been unreasonably hot -- temperatures in the 90's and 100's around L.A. -- the evening of the event was just perfect. There was a slight breeze, and the glow from the lanterns and view of the Hollywood sign made for a magical evening. Here are some of our highlights.

Great view of the Hollywood sign from Sunset Gower Studios

Individual cocktail tables were situated between booths for guests to make temporary base camps

If you haven't seen these, I firmly believe everyone should have these plates for cocktail parties. It's not just a plate, not just a wine glass holder, it's an incredible yet simple invention that allows you to have one hand free to eat, shake people's hands, and try other snacks while holding your plate. Finally, your plate and wine glass are no longer your cocktail party ball and chain.

Plate + Wine Glass Holder = Free hand to take a photo

While I photographed food, Bryan planted himself at the Angel City Brewing Company's booth :)

Halfway throughout the evening, there was a cooking demo by JAR's Suzanne Tracht

Summer Slaw from JAR

Duck Taco & Garbanzo Salad from Momed (Modern Mediterranean)

Housemade Potato Chips from Ivan Cane's Cafe Was

Grape, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans Pops from Long Beach's The Sky Room

Crunchy Salad from Susan Feniger's STREET

Vegetable Lasagna from Angelini Osteria

Beef Yakitori from Chaya Downtown L.A.

Ahi Tuna & Short Rib Tacos from Far Bar

Salmon in Crispy Potato Cups from Bon Appetit/Restaurant At The Getty

Hungarian & Black Forest Brats from Brats Brothers

Short Rib Sliders from BOA

Rose Petal Petit Four from Valerie Confections

Decadent Chocolate Trifles from Delphine at the W Hollywood

While all the food and wine were fantastic, after an hour-plus of grazing nothing sounded better than an ice cold bottle of water. Luckily, FIJI was there to save the day (or night).