Eat Well & Support Mesa's Culinary Arts Students!

Taste of Mesa shines a spotlight on Mesa College's Culinary Program and our achievements by showcasing the remarkable talents of our students. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to support our students, including:

$5,000 to support culinary students facing financial setbacks that put them at risk of dropping out
$7,000 to support students as they expand their learning through instructional travel and study abroad
$3,000 to support experiential learning trips to visit industry partners and prepare for a career in culinary arts

Join Taste of Mesa

In addition to generous donations, we are hosting a must-join event to reach our goals. On Friday, October 30, 2026, San Diego Mesa College will host its annual “Taste of Mesa,” a premier cooking-show-style fundraiser supporting the Culinary Arts Management Program. Taste of Mesa will feature internationally-inspired cuisine and two cook-off competitions between alumni, students, and an advanced baking team. Alumni and current students compete against each other in either cooking or cake decorating.

Proceeds from “Taste of Mesa” will be used to purchase ingredients that will help train students for the farm-to-table style restaurants that are becoming more common in today’s market and prepare them to become valued employees in the service industry.

All ticket holders will have the opportunity to enjoy the incredible creations made by our talented alumni.

Tickets for the Taste of Mesa:
$35 for General Admission (public, faculty, and staff)
$25 for Mesa students with student ID
$25 for children 12 and under

$100 VIP Tickets, which include:

Enjoy more culinary delights by serving as a tasting judge for our student cooking competition!

Enjoy early access to a private reception (4:30 pm)
Meet the students and chefs
Judge both the cooking and cake decorating contests
Mingle and connect with the contestants after the competition
Includes a take-home swag bag

Sponsor this event to help promote your brand and support a great cause. To become a sponsor, contact the San Diego Mesa College Foundation at (619) 388-5180 or mesasponsorships@sdccd.edu.

Taste of Mesa 2026

San Diego Mesa College’s Premier Culinary Event