Always at the forefront of food trends, California is the place to experience an exciting spin on the way event fare is prepared and presented. Here’s a look at a few culinary experiences and food-centric venues around the state, some of them in unexpected places.

San Antonio is known for many things, from The Alamo and the River Walk to the Energizer Bunny of successful NBA franchises, the Spurs. One would be remiss to travel to this Texas-favorite destination and not sample what could be its signature drink, the Prickly Pear Margarita from Boudro's.

Benchmark, which includes Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, Gemstone Collection and the London-based etc.venues brand portfolios released its “Top Ten Dining Trends for 2019.” The trends were observed by Benchmark’s executive chefs and culinary experts at the company’s 80 hotels, resorts and restaurants across North America and Europe.

Satisfying the refined tastes of a worldly clientele has been a daily occurrence for Michael Goodman, executive chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, a 30-year veteran of the top-shelf luxury brand in locations stretching across the globe.

Mexico’s 32 states promise tremendous diversity when it comes to flavors and specialties. In Cancun, much of the cuisine is inspired by neighboring Yucatan, including many dishes made with pork, such as cochinita pibil or lechon. Executive Chef Juan Zahoul Retes at The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun and Executive Chef Sergio Zarate of the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun share their takes on the local culinary scene.

Caribbean chefs are putting their stamps on the culinary delights of their islands, garnished with influences from all over the world.

The lineup of beer purveyors across the country is growing every day, including in Northern Ohio’s meetings-friendly destinations, where the following breweries are on tap for group tours, tastings and/or events.

Take one look at a delightful dish crafted or co-crafted by Eric Klein, vice president of culinary for the famed Wolfgang Puck Catering (WPC) and former executive chef at Spago Las Vegas, and “simple” is hardly the word that comes to mind. More like “complex,” maybe even “fantastical.”

With its bounty of eclectic chefs, ethnic diversity and locally sourced ingredients, combined with a culture of wellness and reinvention, Los Angeles County has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic culinary destinations. L.A.’s Westside and beach cities are prime places for groups to experience the delectable treats of the region.

The Confidante Miami Beach, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt and fresh off a $3.5 million meetings and events space renovation wrapped in fall 2017, has become an in-spot in mid-Miami Beach’s burgeoning food scene, and meetings groups are invited to the table. Although the 363-room retro-style Mid-Century modern hotel that sits oceanfront on famed Collins Avenue hearkens back to the glory days of 1950s Miami Beach, chef Richard Hales has brought some modern Southern flavors to bear with his Bird & Bone restaurant.