Author: Christine Tran

L.A. LOVES ALEX’S LEMONADE RAISES MORE THAN $1.3 MILLION


Annual Cookout with Culinary Stars and Entertainment Industry Support

Breaks Revenue Record with Ticket Sales, Auctions and the Kids Campaign

FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH IN 13TH YEAR


The 13th annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand was an overwhelming success with more than $1.3 million contributed to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Located at Royce Quad on the campus of UCLA, the day was perfect for chefs and fans to come together to support childhood cancer research. Presenting sponsors who supported the event were Northwestern Mutual, Resy, and Volvo Cars of North America.

A few highlights:

  • More than 1,800 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, were on site to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.
  • Inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, highlighting the importance of us all working together to make a difference. 
  • A dynamic live auction raised over $460,000 including:
  • Dinner with Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly, sold to the winning bidder for $85,000.The Kimmels generously donated this one-of-a-kind dinner featuring food prepared by some of the Kimmels’ favorite star chefs, such as Marc Vetri, Adam Perry Lang, David Chang, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo and Chris Bianco.
  • The highly anticipated Women Chefs Dinner featuring Chefs Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Goin, Sherry Yard, Nancy Oakes, Gabriella Hamilton and Elizabeth Faulkner, along with spectacular wines curated by Caroline Styne, was sold for $40,000.
  • The beloved Men Chefs dinner featuring Chefs Josiah Citrin, William Bradley, Michael Cimarusti, Mac Daniel Dimla, and Jordan Kahn raised $40,000. 
  • An exclusive one-week Umbrian experience for twelve with Chef Nancy Silverton for an intimate al-fresco dinner at her picturesque home in Panicale, Italy inclusive of a truffle-hunting excursion, visit to the legendary Dario Cecchini in Tuscany plus other adventures. One lucky bidders won this incredible lot, bringing in a total of $160,000!
  • Lunch with Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton at their brand new diner, Max and Helen’s for four guests, raised $18,000.
  • Malibu Farm Spring Cookout featuring Redbird’s Neal Fraser, Ligia Rossi and Tobin Shea, as well as Chefs Jeremy Fox and Chris Bianco with wines from Lorenza Winery, raised over $100,000! 
  • The Kids Campaign, chaired by Charles Lentz, high school junior and son of Suzanne Goin and David Lentz, raised a record $110,000 through lemonade stands, bake sales and restaurant partnerships. 
    A link to photos can be found HERE; PHOTO CREDIT ABImages 2025

     Liz Scott, Jay Scott, Caroline Styne, Suzanne Goin & David Lentz
     photo Alex Berliner/ABimages 

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade 2025

On October 4, 2025, at 12 PM, the UCLA Quad will transform into a foodie paradise as L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonadereturns! This beloved annual event brings together superstar chefs, brewers, vintners, and mixologists from across the country to support the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to fight childhood cancer.

Hosted by the powerhouse trio Chef Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne, and Chef David Lentz, the afternoon promises one of a kind food and drink tastings from some of the nation’s top culinary talents. Guests will have the chance to mingle with chefs, sip curated beverages, and savor incredible bites, all while supporting an important cause.

Last year, the event raised over $1.6 million, pushing the total funds raised to over $10 million since its inception; a true testament to the community’s generosity and passion.

🎟️ Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now and be part of this incredible day: https://www.alexslemonade.org/event/420/register

Come for the food and fun, stay for the impact and help make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

A Long Weekend in Lompoc: Wine, History & Small-Town Charm

I recently spent three nights in Lompoc for the Sta. Rita Hills Wine and Fire events, and it was such a memorable getaway. Not only did I get to experience incredible wines from one of California’s most celebrated AVAs, but I also had time to explore the town’s history, coffee spots, and hidden gems.

Wine & Fire in Sta. Rita Hills
The highlight of the trip was attending all of the Wine and Fire events, where local winemakers and growers came together to showcase the best of Sta. Rita Hills. From vineyard winemaker speed-tastings to a La Paulée dinner, each event was a perfect mix of education, connection, and of course delicious wines and food.

Exploring Lompoc
In between tastings, I did a mini stroll through the historic La Purisima Mission, a peaceful site with beautiful grounds that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For a quick pick-me-up, I stopped at South Side Coffee Co., a local favorite where the coffee is strong, smooth, and served with a warm smile. Wandering around downtown Lompoc was a treat too—murals, small shops, and friendly locals give the town so much charm.

Where I Stayed
I checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc, which was the perfect base for my stay. The hotel offered all the comforts I needed after long days of wine tasting—spacious rooms, a heated pool, and an on-site restaurant, Valle, which was so convenient for grabbing a bite without having to head back out.

Why Visit Lompoc?
Between world class wines, history-rich sites, and welcoming hospitality, Lompoc has so much to offer for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re here for a special event or just want to soak in the local flavor, there’s plenty to explore.

If you’re planning your next wine country adventure, I highly recommend adding Lompoc to your list. Start planning your trip with Explore Lompoc—you’ll be surprised at how much this charming town has to offer.

L.A. Times Announces Mouthwatering Lineup for Food Bowl Night Market — Oct. 10 & 11

Los Angeles food lovers, mark your calendars — the L.A. Times Food Bowl Night Market is back, and it’s bringing a feast you won’t want to miss. Presented by Square, this two-day culinary celebration will take place October 10 and 11 at the vibrant City Market Social House in downtown L.A., showcasing the very best flavors from across Southern California.

The festival promises unlimited tastings from more than 25 of the region’s top restaurants, along with sips from wineries and distilleries, DJ sets, interactive activities, and plenty of foodie fun. VIP ticket holders—presented by Cathay Pacific—get early access to beat the crowds and enjoy the first bites.

🎟 Tickets are available now at lafoodbowl.com, with both general admission and VIP early entry options.

Who’s Serving This Year?

Friday, Oct. 10 | 7:30 – 10 p.m. (VIP early entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Get ready for bites from:
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery • AttaGirl • Boneyard Bistro • Crudo e Nudo • Dama • Ditroit • Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens • Fia & Fia Steak • Heavy Handed • Heritage Barbecue • Hummingbird Ceviche House • Jitlada • Lei’d Cookies • Lucky Bird • Mothers Tacos • Ozzy’s Apizza • Park’s BBQ • Perilla LA • Rossoblu • Villa’s Tacos • Wanderlust Creamery
(More to be announced!)

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7:30 – 10 p.m. (VIP early entry at 6:30 p.m.)
Expect mouthwatering dishes from:
All About the Cinnamon • American Beauty & the Win-Dow • Baekjeong KBBQ • Baroo • Borekas Sephardic Pastries • The Brothers Sushi • Cobi’s • Domestic • East Side Cheesecakes • Evil Cooks • Fiorelli Pizza • Hamasaku • Heng Heng Chicken Rice • Holbox • Holy Basil • The Lonely Oyster • Love & Salt • Luv2eat Thai Bistro • OyBar • Pawn Shop • SoulPhil
(More to be announced!)