For the past two years, the Los Angeles Times has managed to make May the most exciting and incredible month for all #foodies. Every day in May brings a whole new food-inspired adventure with the LA Food Bowl, which celebrates Los Angeles’ unrivaled and spectacular food and drink scene. From the “Things in a Bowl” kick-off party, which featured LA-based restaurants that served their delicious and renowned meals in a bowl, to a fun Mother’s Day pizza event called the “Pizza Fest… A Tutti Pizza,” the LA Food Bowl has brought food lovers an excellent event each day that featured a variety of amazing dishes – from soul food to Filipino treats, seafood, Mexican meals and beyond.
One of the LA Food Bowl’s most-anticipated events is the Night Market. The Night Market is a week-long event held at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles. The Night Market is truly a one of a kind, magical experience. Where can you enjoy a celebration of food that spans over a 12-acre area filled with marvelous cuisines from all over the world? The only place you can take part in this remarkable food festival is at the LA Food Bowl’s brilliant Night Market.
The Night Market was absolutely exceptional and it truly surpassed attendees’ expectations. The phenomenal event had 50 different food vendors, outdoor dining areas and terrific, live music that added extra fun for everyone. This year’s Night Market took place from May 16th – May 20, 2018 and had about 45,000 attendees over the five days of the fantastic event.
There were many hidden gems at this year’s Night Market. Kicking off the sensational event on May 16th was a mouth-watering Filipino feast that featured admired chefs Charles Olalia of Ricebar and Cheese and Chad Valencia of Lasa. The following day, on May 17th, was donut heaven for all attendees. Blue Star Donuts, DK Donuts, Dreamy Creations, Glazed Donut Bar and Monarch Donuts all joined in on the fun and gave guests a taste of donut delight. In addition, there was also an Amazon Wine & Prime event with celebrity host Mark Oldman, a wine expert and personality, who presented wonderful wine pairings.
Ain’t nothing but a chicken wing! On Friday, May 18th, Night Market attendees were able to enjoy scrumptious meals with fried chicken. South City Fried Chicken, Dante Fried Chicken, Poppy + Rose and Daddy’s Chicken Shack gave attendees a dish to remember with their out of this world, fried chicken meals. The weekend continued with a wide selection of vendors on Saturday, May 19th. Cousins Maine Lobster, Locol, Dang Brother Pizza, Dreamy Creations, 3 Wheel Cafe, Blast Ice Cream, Wanderlust Ice-cream and many others were at the event and served up some good grub. Saturday’s Night Market event also featured awesome music from the LA-based cumbia band, Very Be Careful and DJ Scott Dallavo with Todd Simon on the trumpet.
The Night Market finished off with a magnificent, charity bake sale on Sunday, May 20th. Pastries from Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, Milo & Olive, Sweet Rose Creamery, Broken Spanish and Valerie Confections were being sold at the event and all proceeds from the sale benefitted the LA Food Bowl’s charity partner, Food Forward.
It’s clear to see why the Night Market is one of the LA Food Bowl’s most coveted and talked about events. As the sun sets, the lights of the Night Market glow. That’s not the only thing that lights up. In addition, all attendees’ faces light up as soon as they enter the Night Market – it’s an unforgettable night that allows guests to leave the event with a full stomach and a big smile on their face.
I, Alexisjoyvipaccess had a stellar time covering the Night Market tour and this extraordinary event truly got everyone’s taste buds tingling. Vendors including Cheezus, Broad Street Oyster Co., BSOC, Pizzanista!, Lobsterdamus, Earle’s on Crenshaw, Dang Brother Pizza, 3 Wheel Cafe, Too Verde, Hip Hot, Delmy’s Pupusas and Big Mozz gave members of the media a sample of some of their wonderful dishes during the tour. The LA Food Bowl allows Los Angelenos to get a taste of the world through a whole smorgasbord of delectable dishes from some of the most respected and fan-favorite restaurants out.
Check out some more pictures below from the LA Food Bowl’s Night Market and be sure to follow @LAFoodBowl on Twitter and Instagram and join in on the conversation by using #LAFoodBowl.
Photo Credits: Jennifer Johnson
