FLAVOR & PHILANTHROPY: Wild & Crazy Taco Night Turns 32

A vibrant evening of gourmet tacos, fine spirits, and heartfelt generosity and all for a good cause.

Costa Mesa, California - May 14, 2025

At the OC Fair & Event Center's Plaza Pacifica, a warm spring evening unfolded into something

extraordinary. The 32nd Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, hosted by the nonprofit Share Ourselves

(SOS), brought together a spirited community of culinary talent and compassionate supporters for a

night where flavor met purpose.

"Every taco tells a story. Every bite changes a life."

At the heart of the event is a deeply rooted mission: to uplift neighbors in need. Since 1970, Share

Ourselves have served as a lifeline for Orange County residents, providing integrated health care,

food assistance, housing support, and emergency financial aid to individuals and families facing

hardship. Taco Night isn't just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of community, resilience, and the joy of

giving back.

TOP BITES OF THE NIGHT

An elite lineup of restaurants brought their most inventive flavors to the table, each bite a testament

to creativity and craft.

FIVE CROWNS

@fivecrownsrestaurant

Prime Rib Taco

Crafted by Jr. Sous Chef Sergio Gutierrez, this taco paid homage to Five Crowns' 60th anniversary

with refined simplicity. The prime rib was luxuriously tender-melting in the mouth and lingering long

after the last bite.

FARMHOUSE at Roger's Gardens

@farmhouserg

Braised Lengua & Bone Marrow Taco

Chef Richard Mead delivered a soulful blend of depth and texture, marrying the richness of braised

beef tongue with silky bone marrow in a taco that felt both rustic and elevated.

POPULAIRE Modern Bistro

@populaireoc

Squash Blossom Quesadilla

A standout vegetarian option by Chef Nick Weber, this quesadilla featured queso Oaxaca, delicate

squash blossoms, and a fermented habanero honey that struck an exquisite balance between sweet

heat and earthy warmth.

TRES MUCHACHOS

@tresmuchachosoc

Mediterranean Lamb Taco

Chef Rob Black infused tender lamb with garlic, ancho, and pasilla chiles, creating a dish that

bridged continents-equal parts spice, soul, and sophistication.

RAISE A GLASS

The evening's bold bites were perfectly paired with vibrant sips, including fiery spiced margaritas

courtesy of Califino Tequila (@califinotequila) and elegant wine selections from Riboli Fine Wines

(@ribolifinewines). Together, they elevated the experience, refreshing, refining, and deeply

satisfying.

TACOS WITH A PURPOSE

Each participating chef donated their time and vision, making this event more than a culinary

showcase, which was a powerful expression of community care. With 100% of proceeds supporting

Share Ourselves' critical programs, every bite was an act of generosity.

By the evening's end, guests left with full plates, full glasses, and full hearts.

"You come for the food," said one guest, lingering under the twinkle of string lights, "but somewhere

between the first bite and the last toast, you realize you're part of something much more

meaningful."

Wild & Crazy Taco Night is more than a beloved tradition. It's a reminder that when good food and

goodwill come together, everyone is nourished.

To learn more about Share Ourselves or support their mission, visit ShareOurselves.org.

IG @shareourselves

Written by @theblondecaviar