More than 1,000 people enjoyed an afternoon of gourmet food, beverages and auction at the Cal Poly Pomona Tasting & Auction, an annual spring event to support academic programs and student success.
Throughout the Rose Garden, guests tasted a wide range of cuisines, including crab ceviche, BBQ chicken and pulled pork, Louisiana crawfish cakes and short rib mac and cheese. About 50 restaurants, wineries, breweries and hospitality partners participated.
Popular auction items included a dinner for eight prepared by Collins College students, a signed Muhammad Ali poster, and a pair of tickets to the “Tag” movie premiere and after party. The silent auction offered a framed piece of the 2018 Cal Poly Universities’ Rose Float, original art by College of Environmental Design faculty, a private party at the Farm Store Petting Farm, and sports and entertainment memorabilia.
Live musical entertainment was provided by the student ensembles Mariachi Los Broncos de Pomona and Mariachi Los Caballeros de Cal Poly Pomona. Student groups, such as the Liquid Rocket Lab, Baja SAE and the Rose Float team, presented their projects and hands-on learning experiences with guests.
The People’s Choice Awards, based on voting conducted during the event, recognized vendors in several categories. The winners are listed below.
Best Overall
1st: The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch
The Collins College of Hospitality Management
2nd: Brio Tuscan Grille
3rd: Scoops on Tap
Best Appetizer
1st: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
2nd: Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
3rd: Brio Tuscan Grille
Best Entrée
1st: The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch
2nd: Brio Tuscan Grille
3rd: Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Best Dessert
1st: Scoops on Tap
2nd: The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch
3rd: Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
Best Wine
1st: Bronco Wines
2nd: 14 Hands Winery
3rd: CK Mondavi
Best Beer
1st: Innovation Brew Works
2nd: Golden Road Brewing Co.
3rd: Rök House Brewing Co.
Best Spirit
Tied – 1st: Kikori Whiskey
Tied – 1st: Deep Eddy Vodka
2nd: Luxco – Exotico Tequila
3rd: Powell & Mahoney
Best Specialty
1st: Dripp
2nd: Farm Store @ Kellogg Ranch
3rd: DrinkUrGreens
Visit the Cal Poly Pomona Tasting & Auction website to see photos and video of this year’s event, as well as the full listing of Tasting partners.