Christine Tran

Seventh Annual L.A. Times Food Bowl presented by City National Bank Celebrates Culinary Diversity and Community Resilience

The much-anticipated Seventh Annual L.A. Times Food Bowl is set to take the culinary scene by storm once again, bringing together food enthusiasts, industry leaders, and community members for a month-long celebration of gastronomy, culture, and community resilience. This year’s Food Bowl promises to be an exceptional and unforgettable experience, highlighting the diverse flavors and stories that make Los Angeles a true culinary melting pot.

Scheduled to kick off with Food Bowl Launch Party at the Lemon Grove on the Aster rooftop, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m and run through September 24th. The Seventh Annual L.A. Times Food Bowl will feature an exciting array of events, tastings, and collaborations with renowned chefs, restaurants, and food artisans.

“We are thrilled to bring back the L.A. Times Food Bowl for its seventh year, celebrating the rich tapestry of cuisines, traditions, and people that define our city,” said Laura Ochoa, Times Food General Manager. “After a challenging period, this year’s Food Bowl aims to inspire hope and connection through the universal language of food, showcasing the incredible resilience of the culinary community.”

Throughout the month, attendees can expect a wide range of events that highlight the city’s diverse culinary landscape, including:

Culinary Showcases: Experience the creativity and innovation of Los Angeles’ top chefs and restaurants as they present special menus and dishes that reflect their unique perspectives and cultural influences.
Food Talks: Engage with industry leaders, chefs, and food experts in a series of thought-provoking discussions, panels, and seminars exploring the future of food, sustainability, and culinary trends.
Community Outreach: L.A. Times Food Bowl’s commitment to giving back remains strong, with community-focused initiatives, food drives, and partnerships with local organizations addressing food insecurity and promoting access to nutritious meals.
Interactive Workshops: Attendees can sharpen their culinary skills and expand their knowledge through hands-on workshops, cooking demonstrations, and tastings led by some of the city’s most talented culinary professionals.
Global Flavors Night Market at Paramount Picture Studios Backlot: Immerse yourself in a vibrant and diverse night market experience featuring international cuisines, live entertainment, and a celebration of the cultures that make Los Angeles a true global city.

For more information, including event schedules, participating restaurants, and ticketing details, please go https://lafoodbowl.com

THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST – THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LARK

The Lark presents a special dinner celebrating the Central Coast along with the restaurant’s landmark tenth anniversary on Thursday, August 24, 2023.This intimate event is a benefit for the James Beard Foundation, in support of their Good Food for Good® mission and programs around equity, sustainability and leadership. The dinner will be led by Executive Chef Jason Paluska and will feature a collaboration with James Beard award winners Nancy Silverton and Caroline Styne. The Lark, founded in 2013, holds significance as being the first fine dining restaurant that was established in the Funk Zone and remains the flagship of Acme Hospitality to date.

The celebration will commence with an hors d’oeuvres reception at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. During the reception, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy local wines by three prominent women winemakers from Santa Barbara County. Sonja Magdevski from Casa Dumetz, Gretchen Voelcker from Luna Hart and Piazza Wines, and Sandra Newman from Cebada Wines, will be present to meet attendees and pour wine.

“At The Lark, we believe that food has the power to bring people together and build community. Since its inception, The Lark has remained focused on this mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people from all walks of life can connect over a shared meal,” states Sherry Villanueva, CEO and managing partner of Acme Hospitality, continuing, “We are committed to sourcing our ingredients from local farmers and producers, supporting sustainable and ethical practices and serving fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the diversity of our community and the region in which we live. We strive to be an active and engaged member of our community, partnering with organizations like the James Beard Foundation that align with our values. Our goal is to not only provide a space for people to gather but also to give back and positively impact the world around us.”

The reception at Santa Barbara Wine Collective begins at 5:30 p.m. with a seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. to follow in The Lark’s private Pullman room. The menu is a collaborative design by Chefs Jason Paluska and Nancy Silverton. Wines to pair with each course are curated by Caroline Styne. Pricing for the dinner is $250 and includes wine pairings; taxes, gratuities and fees additional. Guests may pre-purchase tickets HERE.

Accommodations for The Lark’s special guests are generously provided by Hotel Californian.

100% of the proceeds raised from this benefit dinner will directly support the James Beard Foundation, providing critical funding for programs, helping theJames Beard Foundation achieve its Good Food for Good® mission. James Beard Foundation will use the proceeds at their discretion, targeting the programs that need support the most. Tickets for this event are extremely limited.

l-r Nancy Silverton, Jason Paluska & Caroline Styne

Concern Foundation 48th Annual Block Party

Concern Foundation Presents the 48th Annual Block Party Fundraiser: Land Before Time – the Extinction of Cancer

Concern Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 48th Annual Block Party Fundraiser: Land Before Time – the Extinction of Cancer, taking place on July 8th, 2023, at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. This iconic event promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, philanthropy, and a shared commitment to eradicating cancer.

As one of the most celebrated charitable events in Southern California, the Concern Foundation’s Annual Block Party Fundraiser brings together influential community leaders, celebrities, philanthropists, and medical professionals for a common cause – advancing cancer research. With a theme inspired by the timeless classic, “Land Before Time,” this year’s event seeks to evoke a sense of unity and resilience in the face of cancer, emphasizing the importance of working together to create a world free from this devastating disease.

The 48th Annual Block Party Fundraiser will kick off at 6:00 PM at the historic Paramount Studios, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. The venue will be transformed into a prehistoric wonderland, transporting attendees to a bygone era. Guests will embark on an immersive journey through a lush landscape, breathtaking scenery, and captivating visuals, all serving as a powerful metaphor for the battle against cancer.

Throughout the evening, attendees will enjoy an extraordinary array of gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, as well as handcrafted cocktails and fine wines from some of the region’s top wineries. The event will also feature live music and performances by acclaimed artists, adding an electric atmosphere to the festivities.

The highlight of the evening will be the live auction, showcasing exclusive and one-of-a-kind experiences, luxury items, and artwork. Generous contributors will have the opportunity to bid on coveted prizes, with all proceeds directly funding groundbreaking cancer research grants awarded by the Concern Foundation. By supporting this event, attendees will make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer and provide hope for countless individuals and families affected by the disease.

Tickets for the 48th Annual Block Party Fundraiser: Land Before Time – the Extinction of Cancer are available for purchase at concernfoundation.org/blockparty. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals and businesses looking to make a substantial impact on cancer research.

Shiseido’s launch of Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 at Underwood Family Farms

Shiseido, one of the world’s leading beauty brands, has just launched its new Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42, a part of the Urban Environment Collection. To celebrate the launch, Shiseido hosted an exclusive brunch at the Underwood Family Farms; a beautiful organic farm located in Moorpark, California. The event was attended by beauty industry experts, influencers, and media professionals who came together to enjoy a day of farm-fresh food and learn more about the new product.

Shiseido’s Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is more than a sunscreen. It’s Vitamin C meets SPF 42 for lightweight yet powerful protection that feels as comfortable as your skincare. The formula Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid help to improve the skin’s overall health, while also preventing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. Your skin should be brighter with 2 weeks of use. The sunscreen is perfect for everyday use and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

At the brunch event, we were treated to a delicious farm-fresh meal that showcased the beauty and simplicity of organic ingredients. The menu included pastries, fresh salads, charcuterie, cheeses, and citrus fruits, all of which were sourced directly from the Underwood Family Farms. The meal was accompanied by a selection of The Paring wines, mimosas and fresh juices, which were also made with organic ingredients.

Overall, the launch of the new sunscreen and the brunch event at Underwood Family Farms was a huge success. We were able to enjoy a delicious meal while learning more about Shiseido’s latest product, and the event served as a reminder of the importance of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental factors. With its innovative formula and commitment to sustainability, the Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is sure to be a hit among beauty lovers everywhere.