Pasadena-Based Gourmet Taco Catering Company, Rasta Taco, Shares the Love at Orange County Fundraiser

Online, May 22, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Rasta Taco, the original taco catering company based out of Pasadena, CA, handed out hundreds of free tacos at Orange County-based Share Our Selves's 20th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night in in Costa Mesa. All proceeds from the event benefited low-income Orange County residents.

Pasadena, CA April 20, 2014 - Costa Mesa, CA was the scene of Share Our Selves' 20th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night on April 11th, 2014 where Rasta Taco Executive Chef Lou Tista and his team handed out free gourmet tacos to benefit low-income residents of Orange County. Pasadena-based Rasta Taco is the original on-site taco cart catering company providing gourmet fare for weddings, corporate events and private parties.

Aside from industry leaders Rasta Taco, 22 area chefs took part in the event, which raised $70,600 from 675 guests to support SOS's Orange Aid Project, which aims to help feed struggling Orange County residents. VIPs paid $170 per ticket for early admission into the event.

According to Justin Prietto, Operations Manger of the reggae-inspired catering company, 2014 marks the third year that Rasta Taco has participated in the popular event. "Chef Tista is always developing new culinary concoctions. An event like this allows us to try new taco combinations and recipes and to get feedback from hundreds of serious taco aficionados while supporting a great cause."

Chef Tista developed two gourmet tacos specifically for this event: A Braised Korean Short Rib taco with mango pineapple slaw, Sambal aioli and toasted sesame seeds. The other taco was a Barbecue Pork Belly taco with honey horseradish slaw and crushed peanuts.

"The feedback was so positive that both of these tacos may find their way onto our regular wedding catering menu," said Prietto, who also oversees Rasta Taco's wedding taco catering operation. "More than most, our wedding clients want to wow their guests with extraordinary, fancy tacos. Chef Tista outdid himself."

Rasta Taco serves Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties, as well as the Inland Empire. Their regular fresh, made-to-order menu includes tacos crafted from Caribbean carne asada, Jamaican chicken and carnitas. Vegetarian and vegan options include grilled mixed veggies, seasoned tofu, grilled potato and faux chicken and beef. Sides include beans, rice, tortillas, gourmet salsas and other vital sides.

"We were pleased to feed so many generous donors at this fundraiser," stated Prietto. "People snatched up all our business cards, t-shirts and tacos. We've been doing this since 2006 and people know what experience and credibility tastes like. There are a lot of copycats trying to do what we do. But there's only one Rasta Taco."