The To Live and Dine Chef’s Challenge, presented by Riviera, brought together 20 acclaimed chefs from throughout Orange County to compete for bragging rights by offering samples of their signature dishes to guests at the OC Mix.

Each guest who attended the chefs challenge was presented with a gold coin.  The gold coin counted as one vote to determine who could claim best dish.  The goal was to have every guest sample each dish from the participants, then vote for their favorite.

Costa Mesa was well represented at the chefs challenge with several competing restaurants.  Arc, Greenleaf Chopshop, The Cheese Shop, Silver Trumpet, The Iron Press, Wild Goose Tavern, Shuck Oyster Bar, Theorem,  Seventh Tea Bar, Waiiha, Taco Maria, Charlie Palmer and Mesa were all there.

With Costa Mesa Restaurant Week starting in just a few days, it was a great opportunity for CMRW participants to showcase some of their fare.  Greenleaf Chopshop, Seventh Tea Bar, Charlie Palmer, Silver Trumpet and Mesa will all be participating in CMRW 2013.  Click on the restaurant names for the special Costa Mesa Restaurant Week offers.

The OC Mix was transformed into the ultimate dining destination for the evening. Guests indulged in the delicious fare while restaurants campaigned for votes.  For a food lover, there was no better place to be last night.

Be sure to dine out at some of these enticing eateries during Costa Mesa Restaurant Week and share your thoughts, recommendations, experiences and of course, food photos with Travel Costa Mesa on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CMRW.  For more CMRW information, visit CostaMesaRestaurantWeek.org or the CMRW Facebook page.