The MOHI Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, October 27, 2024, is poised to be a landmark event for Morgan Hill. Hosted by Leal and Appellation Hospitality, this festival brings some of the biggest names in the culinary world for gourmet food, local wines, and community involvement. But beyond the decadent delights that await you, this event also carries a meaningful mission. In brief, it’s to support the hospitality programs of the Morgan Hill Unified School District.
MOHI Food and Wine Festival
The MOHI Food & Wine Festival will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at MOHI Farm at 90 East Third Street, Morgan Hill. In case you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a prime location for a premier culinary event. General admission is still available for $200, while VIP tickets featuring a celebrity chef meet-and-greet are already sold out. In other words, this reflects the high demand and excitement for this upcoming October event. Please note that East Third Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during this first-ever festival. Free ample parking is available at the Morgan Hill CalTrain station on Butterfield Boulevard or the Downtown Parking lot via Fourth Street. Overflow parking is also available across the street from the Morgan Hill CalTrain station.
What to Expect
As an attendee, you’ll be treated to expertly crafted dishes, each thoughtfully paired with wines from local and regional vineyards. The culinary creations are expected to be as varied as they are extraordinary, with participation from renowned celebrity chefs and local talents. In addition, Morgan Hill Unified School District students will be on hand to assist the chefs while offering their own creativity and culinary skills. The presence of celebrity chefs alongside these students will offer an inspiring glimpse into the future of hospitality. This is especially important for those who are passionate about the industry.
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Celebrity Chef Lineup
One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the lineup of celebrity chefs who will not only showcase their talents but also engage with attendees. These chefs represent some of the most innovative and influential voices in the culinary world today, each with a distinct style and a shared commitment to excellence.
Charlie Palmer
Pioneering American chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer is your host for the MOHI Food and Wine Festival. Having trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Charlie Palmer first made a name for himself at New York’s Aureole. In fact, Aureole was a legendary restaurant, earning 13 Michelin stars over a 32-year run. That’s not to mention multiple James Beard Awards for Chef Palmer. His approach to cooking emphasizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which is an ideal fit for a farm-to-table event like this. Over the years, he has expanded his culinary empire to include numerous restaurants across the U.S., each reflecting his innovative approach to American cuisine. Chef Palmer expects to open his new Hotel MOHI by Appellation in Morgan Hill next fall.
Michael Mina
Another major name is Michael Mina, a Michelin-starred chef renowned for his diverse culinary concepts that span from fine dining to modern American brasseries. Mina’s career began at Aqua in San Francisco, where he first garnered attention for his ability to balance complex flavors with an emphasis on presentation. His restaurants, which range from steak houses to Asian fusion spots, highlight his versatility and deep understanding of culinary trends. At the festival, Mina is sure to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tyler Florence
Chef Tyler Florence is a familiar face to many through his work on the Food Network. At the MOHI Food and Wine Festival, he brings a rustic yet sophisticated cooking style. With restaurants in both San Francisco and Napa, Florence has cemented his status as a leading voice in American cuisine. What’s more, is he a two-time James Beard Award nominee over his stellar career.His focus on farm-fresh ingredients and bold flavors aligns perfectly with the ethos of the festival. Indeed, his approachable style is sure to resonate with both the novice and experienced foodie alike.
Elizabeth Falkner
Chef and author Elizabeth Faulkner has consistently pushed the boundaries of pastry and savory cuisine. Falkner gained fame for her whimsical approach to food, particularly during her time at Citizen Cake in San Francisco. Indeed, her creative flair makes her one of the most exciting names in the culinary world. With appearances on various food competition shows, Falkner’s inventive techniques and passion for artful plating will leave a lasting impression at the festival.
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Supporting Hospitality Programs
The MOHI Food & Wine Festival isn’t just a gathering of food enthusiasts. Indeed, its primary goal is to foster the next generation of hospitality professionals. The festival will directly benefit the Morgan Hill Unified School District’s hospitality programs. As a result, the proceeds will provide students with additional resources, mentorship and hands-on opportunities to develop their skills.
Hospitality Education
The festival’s emphasis on student participation highlights the importance of education in hospitality. By involving students in activities like the grilling competition, the event not only offers real-world experience, but a chance to work alongside some of the most respected figures in the industry. These experiences are invaluable for students who aspire to pursue careers in hospitality, culinary arts, or restaurant management. Furthermore, the funds raised will contribute to curriculum development, internships, and scholarships, ensuring that the program continues to thrive and grow.
Benefiting the Future of the Industry
As an attendee, you play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives. Your presence at the event directly contributes to the future of the industry by empowering young talents and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
The Exciting Development of Hotel MOHI by Appellation
Adding to the excitement around MOHI Farm and its culinary endeavors is the upcoming Hotel MOHI by Appellation. As a matter of fact, it’s set to enhance Morgan Hill’s hospitality landscape further. This new boutique hotel by Appellation Hotels is currently under development just a few blocks from the MOHI Food & Wine Festival. With an anticipated opening in the Fall 2025, you will have a luxurious place to stay while enjoying the best that the region has to offer.
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What to Expect at the Hotel MOHI by Appellation
Though specific details about the Hotel MOHI by Appellation are still being finalized, early reports suggest that the hotel will feature a blend of modern design and rustic charm. In other words, it will be much like its culinary counterparts. Hotel MOHI by Appellation is expected to be a cornerstone of downtown Morgan Hill’s ongoing transformation into a destination for food, wine, and relaxation. With its prime location, just steps from the restaurants and wineries of the area, the hotel will cater to both locals and visitors looking for a sophisticated yet welcoming place to stay.
About Léal
The upcoming MOHI Food & Wine Festival is the brainchild of Frank Léal, a prominent figure in the Morgan Hill community and the visionary behind his organization. Frank Leal’s influence extends far beyond this one event. In fact, he has been instrumental in transforming Morgan Hill into a burgeoning destination for food, wine, and luxury hospitality.
About Frank Léal : A Visionary in Hospitality
Frank is known for his deep roots in the local hospitality industry and his passion for creating spaces that blend fine dining, community involvement, and high-quality service. A Bay Area native, Léal has steadily built a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with a flair for delivering exceptional guest experiences. He is perhaps best known for his flagship property, Léal Vineyards, in Hollister, California. It is here that transformed it into a luxury wine destination featuring not only exquisite wines but also fine dining and event hosting. His success at Léal Vineyards set the stage for further expansion into Morgan Hill, where he has continued to leave his indelible mark.
Morgan Hill Ventures
Léal’s influence in Morgan Hill grew significantly when he developed several key venues. For instance, the Granada Theater and the Willow Heights Mansion, each designed to offer unique and upscale dining and event experiences. The Granada Theater, a historic venue revitalized under Léal’s guidance, now serves as the town’s cultural and culinary hub. This includes hosting performances, private events, and gourmet dining in a stunning Art Deco setting.
About Appellation Hotels
Appellation Hotels is a hospitality venture co-founded by chef Charlie Palmer and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts executive Christopher Hunsberger. Their vision centers around regionalism, offering an experience that immerses you in the culinary and cultural essence of each destination. Currently, a handful of “culinary-first luxury hotels” are being built. These include four dazzling locations in California, including Hotel MOHI by Appellation and another in Sun Valley, Idaho.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW).
