Tastemakers a hit at SoCo

A decorative sculpture carved from a watermelon is on display Wednesday at the Taco Mesa booth during the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County event at SoCo and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

Poke served in a martini glass was among the offerings during the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County cultural celebration and food festival benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance on Wednesday at SoCo and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

Break of Dawn restaurant grills lemongrass meatballs during the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County food festival and benefit for the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance on Wednesday in Costa Mesa.

Lemongrass meatball skewers from Break of Dawn restaurant line up during Wednesday’s Tastemakers of Orange County event, a cultural celebration and all-you-can-sample food festival benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance.

Guests sample Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine during the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday at SoCo and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

Andrew Huskey, right, from Tackle Box restaurant serves smoked pulled pork to hungry visitors during Wednesday’s Tastemakers of Orange County food festival benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance.

Chef Dee Nguyen from Break of Dawn restaurant hands out samples of lemongrass meatballs during the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County event at SoCo and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa on Wednesday.

Guests sample the fare on Wednesday at the second annual Tastemakers of Orange County event, a cultural celebration and food festival in Costa Mesa benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance.

Chef Dee Nguyen, right, from Break of Dawn restaurant checks on the progress of lemongrass meatballs with cook Angel Chao, center, and Troy Hashimoto during Wednesday’s Tastemakers of Orange County food festival at SoCo and the OC Mix in Costa Mesa.