Recap of “Honda Evening Under the Stars” Food & Wine Festival 2019

Photos by Karen Ostlund

Kenny G at HONDA Aug.24

 American Honda in Torrance presented its 33rd annual “Honda Evening Under the Stars” Gourmet Food & Wine Festival last Saturday, August 24, to benefit pediatric care at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

The event takes place every year the same weekend as LA Food & Wine Festival here in LA, and features a concert by saxophonist Kenny G with band, along with dishes of the best in South Bay cuisine.

 Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation to become a premiere artist in contemporary jazz, since 3 decades and released 23 albums.

“Honda Evening Under the Stars celebrates the friendship between the community and local business,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president, Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda is proud to join our friends and partners in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children.”

Honda Evening Under the Stars Auction, Aug.24

Disneyland Sommeliers

Absolution Pale Ale, fish & chips

This year’s proceeds will benefit children’s healthcare at Torrance Memorial. It recently opened in the Donald and Priscilla Hunt Tower of the third-floor Pat and Ellen Theodora Pediatric & Young Adult Pavilion and the fourth-floor Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Both floors feature spacious private rooms with extra space for parents to be near their children during hospitalization.

“We are so grateful that American Honda has once again selected Torrance Memorial Medical Center to benefit from this longstanding community tradition,” Laura Schenasi, executive vice president, Torrance Memorial Foundation, said. “The proceeds from this magical evening will advance our fundraising goals toward providing the most advanced care possible to the children and young adults in our community.” The following restaurants and beverage partners offered fare and tastings at the festival. Many of the restaurants have a second location in Los Angeles:

Benihana restaurant

Fleming's steakhouse

Benihana
Bettolino Kitchen
Depot
DoubleTree Torrance - South Bay / Andre's Restaurant
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Palos Verdes Golf Club
Paul Martin’s American Grill
Professional Wines
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant

Sushi Chef Inst. w.Coffee Bean coffee

Rolling Hills Country Club

Rolling Hills Country Club
Sodexo
Sushi Chef Institute
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Honda Classic PGA Tour
Wooden Valley
Select wines poured by Sommeliers from the Disneyland® Resort
 In addition to the very best in South Bay cuisine, professional sommeliers from The Disneyland Resort will be on hand to serve and educate guests on approximately 80 varietals of wine.

Los Verdes Golf Club

DEPOT white fish

American Honda created the Gourmet Food & Wine Festival in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987 as a way to bring corporate business, residents, and local commerce together for a relaxing community celebration. Through Honda Evening Under the Stars, Honda and the festival’s restaurant and beverage partners have raised millions of dollars and demonstrated a long-standing commitment to bettering the health care of children in the South Bay.

Kenny G band at stage after show

 www.torrancememorial.org/EveningUndertheStars         www.facebook.com/eveningunderthestars