The most wonderful time of the year is soon approaching and no, we’re not talking about the holidays or even Valentine’s Day… we’re talking about a whole month-long celebration of delicious, decadent and mouth-watering food known as the LA Food Bowl. The Los Angeles Times‘ LA Food Bowl has brought a countless amount of stupendous, food-related events to Los Angelenos during the month of May these past two years. From exciting Night Market events to happenings that focus on our favorite guilty pleasures including pizza, hamburgers and more – it goes without saying that the Los Angeles Times has definitely made May a month that all us #foodies greatly look forward to.
To get us all excited for what’s to come this month of May, the renowned and admired Los Angeles Times hosted its LA Food Bowl Industry Preview event yesterday, February 5, 2019 at The Manufactory in Los Angeles, California. Needless to say, the Los Angeles Times had an endless amount of spectacular news to share with all attendees and of course, give everyone a tasty, sneak peak with yummy foods to enjoy.
Guests were able to munch on flavorful and appetizing treats that satisfied every tastebud. For attendees who had a major sweet tooth, the restaurant and bakery Fiona offered an outstanding, key lime pie with whipped cream. Guests were also able to try fruit tarts that tasted just as great as they were beautiful with added mini flowers on the pastry. There were even some cream-puffs that not only tasted incredible but looked so classy with some gold flakes on top. Now, for all the savory and salty food fans, the event had heaps of food calling your name. From oven-baked pizza to exceptional, patty melts from Tartine Bianco (that you would have wanted about 100 of), it was hard to talk while having these wonderful bites of food in your mouth but everyone made room to say one thing: WOW. Other scrumptious treats included Tartine Bianco’s whipped lard toast, avocado smørrbrød and deviled eggs as well as unforgettable, mini shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco. One thing is for sure, everyone left the event with a very contented stomach. Guests were also able to sip on excellent drinks including Pinot Noir and mimosas.
During the event, the Los Angeles Times revealed several, internationally-acclaimed chefs who will be participating and making appearances during the LA Food Bowl in May. According to the press release, Enrique Olvera (Pujol, Mexico), Daniela Soto-Innes (Cosme, USA), Gaggan Anand (Gaggan, Thailand), Virgilio Martínez (Central, Peru), Koji Kimura (Sushi Kimura, Japan), Angela Dimayuga (Standard International), Rodolfo Guzmán (Boragó, Chile), Musa Dağdeviren (Çiya, Turkey), Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co., Australia), Frederic Morin and David McMillan (Joe Beef, Canada) will all be joining in on the fun during the LA Food Bowl. L.A. chefs including Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Michael Cimarusti (Providence), Arjun, Nakul and Pawan Mahendro (Badmaash), Nicole Rucker (Fiona), Wes Avila (Guerrilla Tacos), Jordan Kahn (Vespertine), Wolfgang Puck (Spago), Jessica Koslow (Sqirl), Nancy Silverton (Mozzaplex) and Kris Yenbamroong (Night + Market) and sommelier Helen Johannesen (Helen’s Wines) will all be bringing extra joy and foodtastic insight at events taking place during the Food Bowl.
The Los Angeles Times also revealed several highlights that will be taking place throughout the month of May including the Opening Night: LAMESA with Enrique Olvera event which will feature chefs, architects and musicians from Mexico City and Los Angeles and will talk about the amazing relationship between these two cities. Other events include the fan-favorite Night Market events taking place from May 8th – May 12th, a wine showcase, the Things In A Bowl event and more. Below is a list of some of the many remarkable events that will be taking place all over LA – aka, what the Los Angeles Times calls the nation’s food capital.
(source: press release)
- Opening Night: LAMESA with Enrique Olvera: An event at the Million Dollar Theater downtown with chefs, architects and musicians from Mexico City and Los Angeles discussing the connections and unique relationship between these two great cities as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of becoming sister cities.
- CDMX Launch Party: The 2019 kickoff event for L.A. Times Food Bowl will feature an all-star lineup of chefs and guest tacqueros from Mexico City, as well as the announcements of the Gold Award and Restaurant of the Year at Grand Central Market following LAMESA.
- L.A. Times Food Bowl Night Market, May 8-12: A Food Bowl favorite featuring a bustling outdoor celebration of L.A.’s diverse food scene with a series of special events curated by Peter Meehan, Times Food Editor, and The Times Food staff. Night Market will feature dozens of food vendors, pop-up experiences, special chef collaborations, musical performances, art installations and DJs in Grand Park. Night Market special events include Test Kitchen, Taco Tribute, Fried Chicken Party, Dumpling & Noodle Night, and an all-star BBQ festival featuring America’s best pitmasters from California, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.
- Outstanding in the Field: A series of long-table feasts inspired by locally-sourced ingredients set in spectacular locations, including Manhattan Beach and Tehachapi.
- Natural wine showcase featuring leading winemakers, sommeliers, chefs and special guest host Eric Wareheim.
- A food and film festival featuring screenings and talks in various neighborhood restaurants around the city, bringing together food and cinema.
- Collaborations to highlight pizza, burgers, Champagne and sparkling wine, science and food in space, and Korean cuisine and culture. There will also be a Vespertine X Food Bowl special event.
- Things in a Bowl, a month long menu special served in a bowl. But here’s the twist: The dish must use the special ingredient of The Times’ choosing: artichoke.
- Other event categories include Brunch & Lunch, Classes, Markets & Tours, Cocktails & Canapes, Exclusive Dinners & Dishes, Giveback, Kids in the Kitchen, Panels & Talks, Pop-Ups & Parties, and Test Kitchen, with event submissions now open until March 1.
The Los Angeles Times will continue to honor the legendary Jonathan Gold through the Gold Award during the opening event. Former Gold Award winners include Wolfgang Puck, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. The Restaurant of the Year Award will also be announced during the opening event.
The marvelous announcements do not stop there! Also announced at the event was the return of a standalone print section dedicated to food and dining coverage in the Los Angeles Times. According to the press release, “The section will relaunch on Thursdays in April under the direction of recently named Food Editor Peter Meehan and Deputy Food Editor Andrea Chang.” In addition, Ben Mims has joined the Los Angeles Times team as cooking columnist and Genevieve Ko is also onboard and will serve as cooking editor.
I, Alexisjoyvipaccess had a stellar time covering the third annual Los Angeles Times LA Food Bowl Industry Preview Event. Third time’s a charm and this year’s extraordinary event will truly surpass everyone’s expectations and will be even bigger and better than years before.
Check out some more pictures below from the Los Angeles Times LA Food Bowl Industry Preview Event and be sure to follow @LAFoodBowl on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and visit lafoodbowl.com for more information on the LA Food Bowl and to see the full-lineup, which will be released on April 1st.
