September 9, 2023 with Melissa Cottingham

Chef Mel has had a passion for culinary arts since she was knee high to a grasshopper. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she began cooking at twelve alongside her mother Beverly. She took her talents to Los Angeles, CA, where she worked in TV, film and commercials, before deciding to pursue culinary arts. She currently is the Owner & CEO of the pop up restaurant, Melnificent™, a mixture of traditional and gourmet style chicken wings in Los Angeles, CA.

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To Start:
Mini Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Hot Pepper Jelly | Maple Honey Butter

1st
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Pickled Okra | Fried Green Tomatoes | Hot Bacon Dressing

2nd
Hickory Smoked Blackberry Bourbon Ribs
Crispy Garlic | Scallion

3rd
5 Cheese Mac & Cheese

4th
Southern Fried Chicken Wings
Jezebel Hot Sauce

Palate Cleanser
Lemon Sorbet

Dessert
Grilled Marinated Nectarines
Creme Anglaise | Brown Butter Crumble

August 24, 2019 with Ari Kolender

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Ari Kolender began his culinary career in 2005, working in some of LA’s best kitchens, including Providence and Red Medicine. In 2012, he moved home to Charleston, SC, to work with the opening teams of The Ordinary and Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop, where he was nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Rising Chef Award. In 2015, Kolender moved back to Los Angeles to helm Hayden Wine Bar where his seasonal menu has been mentioned in the LA Times, LA Weekly, Food & Wine, Bon Appetite amongst other publications. Sadly Hayden closed just a couple of months ago which has led Chef Ari to eat+drink along with a few new projects including upcoming Found Oyster in East Hollywood.

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The Beginning
Bar Oysters from Morro Bay, California

The Middle
Lowcountry Boil
head on blue shrimp, peewee potatoes, yellow corn, linguica sausage

Munak Farms Heirloom Tomato Salad
lemon cucumbers, mint, cilantro

Olive Oil Braised Coleman Farms Fennel
white wine, green olives, orange, red chili

Grilled Peads & Barnetts Pork Chop over Stewed Cranberry Beans

The End
Sea Canyon Pear Eton Mess

July 27, 2019 with Eric Nelson Brown

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Another excellent dinner with Chef Eric Nelson Brown - the blonde, surfer boy from Vermont who makes sushi...yes, SUSHI! Eric is an amazing chef at pretty much everything he sets his mind to because he's as hardworking and diligent as they come. Eric is by far the most requested eat+drink Dinner Series chef we have ever had and I finally nailed him down to return for his third visit to LA. Chef Eric Nelson Brown is kicking ass and taking names as eat+drink Austin (yes, TEXAS).

June 1, 2019 with David Feau

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Tray Passed
Smoked Trout Puff
Tuna Tartar Margarita
Grilled Scamorza, Crostini, Grapes

On the Table
Crudites Platter and Frsh Salsa
Charcuterie and Cheese, Fruit and Nuts

Appetizers
Roasted Cauliflower Salad, Garden of Lettuce

Entree
Wood Oven Marinade Roasted Chicken, Burnt Thyme
Veal Sweetbread “Slow Roasted” Moroccan Arira Sauce
Peppers and Potatoes
Green Asparagus, Prosciutto, Mushroom Jus

Dessert
Dark Chocolate Tart “Coeur De Caraibes”
Pistachio Gelato
Macerated Cherries, Lemon Verbena, Vanilla Creme Fraiche

May 4, 2019 with Vartan Abgaryan

Another delicious dinner with former 71 Above and new Yours Truly Chef Vartan Abgaryan as he melds his Armenian roots with Californian seasonal flavors. Chef Abgaryan, a native Angeleno, was formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu, mentoring at the iconic André Soltner restaurant, Lutèce. In 2015, Chef Abgaryan joined forces with Emil Eyvazoff to debut a new, world-class dining destination on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower. Only a month ago, Chef Abgaryan opened his newest culinary experiemnt, Yours Truly, with Dave Reiss and Paul Pruitt in the heart of Venice on Abbott Kinney Blvd. It has been an instant hit!

MENU
Avocado Hummus
Grilled Pita, Salsa Matcha

Shredded Kale
Garlic, Raisins, Pine Nut, Pancetta Bread Crumbs, Pecorino

Harissa Spiced Whole Grilled Mary's Chicken
Giant Beans, Poblano Salsa Verde

Roasted Zucchini
Balsamic, Garlic, Oregano, Parmesan

Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta
Pistachio, Rose, Honey

September 8th with Aaron Aldridge

Aaron's obsession with great food and drink began in his grandmother's Louisiana kitchen. She taught him where the best food comes from...the soul. He's perfected traditional Creole cuisine while mirroring the New Orleans melting pot culture. He recently relocated to Los Angeles and we are lucky to experience his first creations in the City of Angels!   

Sample Menu from Last Year
Snacks
Cornmeal, fat fried catfish, tartar sauce
Smoked paprika deviled eggs, pickled mustard seed, hot sauce aioli
Pimento cheese, caramelized onions, green tomato pickle

First
Creole Cochon de Gumbo
Tomato, andouille, hamhock, okra and Yukon gold potato salad

Second
Ca c’est bon!
Louisiana Blue crab claw meat, tomato, lemon aioli, jalapeno, corn bread croutons, fancy lettuce, first press olive oil

Third
Shrimp n’ Grits
Louisiana Gulf shrimp, yellow corn grits, courtbullion, pickled shallot & sweet peppers, charred green onion vinaigrette

Dessert
Iris’ Blueberry Torte
Blueberry reduction, chantilly cream, pecan pie crumble, Carmichael’s honey
 

July 28th with Vincent Samarco

The son and grandson of renowned French chefs, Vincent Samarco is a Parisian restaurateur who arrived in Los Angeles two years ago. He got his start in the restaurant industry at 18, and has never left. From dive bars to Michelin stars, Vincent has done it all… and with a joie de vivre you won’t forget. Since moving to L.A., Vincent has fallen in love with California and has big plans for his future here. 

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Upon Arrival
Charcuterie & Cheeses
Wine: Sparkling & Still Rosé, Rosé, Rosé

To Start
Greek Salad with Herbs sent by the chef's father from Kalymnos
Wine: Alsace AOC, Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes, Albert Hertz "Eguisheim" 2014

Main
Braised Lamb with Harissa, Tzatziki and Baby Veggies
Wine: Corbiere AOC, Grenache, Domaine Espirit de Pierres "Revelation" 2014

To Finish
Baba au Rhum with Whipped Cream
Digestif: Rhum

Eat+Drink's Annual Napa Wine Excursion 2018

Our winery list was long and we were weary by Monday morning but it was all so worth it. I love private wine tastings with my friends learning all about why one person has decided to devote their entire lives to a simple grape. If you haven't visited any of these Napa/Sonoma wineries in Northern California, we highly recommend them!

Ceritas Wines

Hirsch Vineyards

Williamson Wine

Cakebread Cellars

Inglenook

Hall Wines

Olabisi Wines

June 2, 2018 with Gilberto Cetina, Jr.

I can't say enough about our most recent Summer Series dinner with Chef Cilberto Cetina, Jr from Holbox here in Los Angeles. A full evening of seafood with all of Gilberto's Yucatan roots paired with a spirit forward margarita from Doug DeBeech, our favorite mixologist, made for the most perfect of events.

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The 36 year old Mexican born Cetina draws his inspiration from the traditional flavors of Mexico with a clear inclination towards the southern states, in particular the Yucatan Peninsula where he was born. With no formal culinary training, he learned to cook at his family's restaurant Chichen Itza, working alongside his father for 15 years. He took over as chef of Chichen Itza in 2010 and in 2017 opened Holbox, a seafood stand that focuses on fresh ingredients, bold flavors and simple preparations.
 

MENU

1st
Almeja Preparada
East coast surf clam "coctel" served on hte half shell

2nd
Ceviche Mixto
Wild pacific shrimp, Spanish octopus, local Yellowtail, wild diver Mexican Half moon Scallops

3rd
Pescado al Carbon
Mesquite grilled whole Omega Blue Baja Kanpachi, handmade tortillas, pico de gallo, assortment of salsas, saffron rice and black beans

Dessert
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

May 5, 2018 with Vartan Abgaryan

I'm not sure I've ever seen a chef work so meticulously, quietly and all on his own for a dinner of 40! If you missed our dinner and haven't been down to Chef Vartan Abgaryan's restaurant in the sky, 71 Above, in downtown Los Angeles, make a reservation quick so you can experience what Vartan is creating on a daily basis!

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Chef Abgaryan, a native Angeleno, was formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu, mentoring at the iconic André Soltner restaurant, Lutèce. He returned to Los Angeles to lead the kitchens of acclaimed restaurateur Tim Goodell’s Red Pearl Kitchen, ‘A’ Restaurant, and Public Kitchen. For the next three years, Abgaryan served as executive chef at Cliff’s Edge Restaurant to great critical acclaim. LA Weekly’s restaurant critic Besha Rodell remarked, “Abgaryan’s food is composed above all else — the chef focuses as much on visual beauty as on taste.” In 2015, Chef Abgaryan joined forces with Emil Eyvazoff to debut a new, world-class dining destination on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower.
 

1st
All the Peas
Preserved Lemon, Dill, Charred Jalapeno Vinaigrette, Lebni

2nd
Grilled Broccolini
Salsa Verde, Almonds, Blueberries, Candied Almonds

3rd
Za'atar Crusted Halibut
Asparagus, Pobleno Cream, Cilantro

4th
Whole Roast Pork Butt
Strawberry Harissa, Chickpeas, Peanuts, Tomatillo, Scallion

Dessert
Tres Leches Cake
Rose Water, Condensed Milk, Cardamom Cream
 

September 16, 2017 with Aaron Aldridge

Chef Aaron Aldridge
Aaron's obsession with great food and drink began in his grandmother's Louisiana kitchen. She taught him where the best food comes from- the soul. He took his passion to new heights after moving to New Orleans where he studied in the kitchens of legendary Southern Chefs that include Donald Link, Susan Spicer, and Emeril Lagasse. He's perfected traditional Creole cuisine while mirroring the New Orleans melting pot culture by infusing international flairs and modern techniques, creating food as bold as his personality. He recently relocated to Los Angeles but continues his passion of sharing his culinary heritage and representing the authentic Louisiana food experience.

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Snacks
Cornmeal, fat fried Rock fish, tartar & hot sauce
Deviled Eggs, pickled mustard seeds, aleppo pepper
Pimento cheese, caramelized onions, pickle
Cocktail: French 75

First
Creole Cochon de Gumbo
Tomato, andouille, hamhock, tasso, okra
potato salad
Cocktail: Sazerac

Second
Ca c’est bon!
Fresh Dungeness crab, Heirloom tomatoes, lemon aioli, corn bread, red onion, parsley, mint, fancy lettuce, first press olive oil
Cocktail: Brandy Crusta

Third
Shrimp n’ Grits
Gulf shrimp, Yellow Corn Georgia grits, shrimp glace, pickled shallot & sweet peppers, charred green onion vinaigrette
Cocktail: Vieux Carre

Dessert
I ris’ Blueberry Torte
Blueberry reduction, Chantilly cream, pie crumble, Munsen’s honey
Cocktail: Rosemary Julep
 

As you can see, we changed up our beverage program a little bit and served 'spirit forward' cocktails with each course. We heard that a good time was had by all!

August 12, 2017 with Clark Staub

So much great talent for our latest dinner this past weekend. Clark Staub from Full of Life Foods was joined by Jill Davie from The Mar Vista and the amazing team from Martian Vineyards created a delicious Los Alamos combination.

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Roots Farm Tropea Onion
Vegan: Black Olive, Almond, White Soy

Shaman’s Bread
36 Hour Organic Levain Flatbread, Flax Seed, Pistachio, Red Onion, Rosemary, Grana
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Down to Earth Rosé of Mouvédre
100% Mourvèdre. Crisp cherry and kiwi aromas, followed by flavors of Bing Cherry and watermelon. The wine finishes with a mouthwatering snap of acidity which works great with, or without food.

Chilled Abrosia Melon Soup
Vegan: Habanero Chili, Onion, Cayenne, Charred Onion Oil, Mint
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Uforic Albariño
Along with sister-grape Tempranillo, Albariño is one of two Spanish varieties grown at Martian Ranch. Tropical flower and fruit aromas with zesty citrus on the palate. Gently crushed before pressing then aged in Foudre barrels. It’s bright on entry with a spicy early impression that morphs into something more fruit driven and attractively refreshing on the palate. For the historians out there, Albariño started to hit its stride in California around the year 2000. Its arrival allows us to drink more adventurously. That our Uforic sometimes produces a state of transcendent happiness doesn’t hurt either. Planet palate could be visited by far worse, but not by much better.

Mojama, Almond and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Vegan: Roots Farm Little Gems, Chili Vinaigrette, Onion, Herbs
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Gamay Noir
The first grape of the season to harvest, our Gamay is silky on the palate and low in tannins. This medium-bodied wine bursts with aromas of cherry and cranberry, which follow through on the palate along with sarsaparilla and cola notes, adding richness and spice.

Central Coast Seafood Platter
Cuyucos Abalone Boudin Noir, Hope Ranch Mussels, Gaviota Halibut, Roots Farm Polenta, Heirloom Tomatoes
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Wine: Martian Vineyard - Gravitas Tempranillo
Along with sister-grape Albarino, Tempranillo is the other Spanish grape variety grown at Martian Ranch.  Wet gravel, bay leafe and rose petals with hints of smoke and blueberry.  Dark red fruit flavors surrounded by firm tannins and a long finish.  Enjoy with Portobello mushrooms with carmelized onion confit, spicy chile rellenos or oak-grilled hanger steak with rosemary compound butter. It sounds like something every Tempranillo should aspire to. It achieves it here. Gravitas was one of the Roman virtues. Just ask Caesar and Mark Antony. Along with pietas, dignitas and virtus, gravitas formed the cornerstone of a proper Roman’s expected conduct. Bear in mind, they also came up with the saying In Vino Veritas. Dignity and drinking enough to loosen the old tongue of honesty. A good combination those Romans were on to if you ask us. Our wine is so named because it connotes a certain substance and depth of personality. It’s a wine you’d want to date and marry. Of course, there’s also the other gravity, the force of nature that attracts a body to the center of the earth? Well, that doesn’t sound so bad either.

Dessert
White Fig and Candied Walnut Ice Cream
Fig Tart with Lavender Cream

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So much laughter and smiles matched with amazing food and wine - the best kind of night!

July 22, 2017 with Starry Kitchen

Nguyen and Thi Tran returned to eat+drink this past Saturday with another amazing dinner but more importantly, they brought their son and their new cookbook! Starry Kitchen FOR THE WIN!

MENU

Crispy Tofu Balls

Steamed Vietnamese Rice Crepes

Hanoi-style Grilled Pork (aka Bun Cha Hanoi)
This is the dish that Anthony Bourdain ate with President Obama in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Taiwanese Minced Pork + Pickled Cucumbers

Singaporean Chili Crab with Buttermilk Beer Beignets

Dessert
Almond "Tofu" with Fresh Fruit + Evaporated Milk

Adventures in Starry Kitchen:

88 Asian-Inspired Recipes from America's Most Famous Underground Restaurant

The behind-the-scenes story of America’s most famous underground restaurant, featuring more than eighty-eight deceptively simple and unbelievably delicious pan-Asian recipes and dozens of luscious full color photos.

In 2008, as the American economy cratered, newly unemployed Nguyen Tran and his newly unemployed wife-to-be, Thi, opened an off-the-grid eatery in their small Los Angeles studio apartment. Word of their fabulous food quickly spread, turning their culinary "speakeasy," Starry Kitchen, into an underground sensation—and the #1 Asian fusion restaurant in L.A. on Yelp.

Threatened by the city’s health inspector, Nguyen and Thi transformed Starry Kitchen into an acclaimed and wildly popular pop-up restaurant in a downtown sushi joint. But their success was only beginning. As their clientele exploded, thanks to raves in the Los Angeles Times, Nguyen and Thi moved to a bigger space of their own in Chinatown, where they helped make the neighborhood the epicenter of L.A.’s burgeoning food scene.

Adventures in Starry Kitchen chronicles Starry Kitchen’s DIY evolution—"this beautiful accident gone right"—the mayhem, mishaps, misdemeanors, milestones, and amazing meals that have contributed to (and nearly derailed) its success. As they tell their story, the Trans share more than eighty-eight easy-to-follow pan-Asian recipes—mouthwatering and flavorful comfort cuisine, including Claypot Striped Bass, Buttermilk Beer Beignets, Singaporean Chili Crab, Double-Fried Chicken Wings and, of course, Starry Kitchen's trademark Crispy Tofu Balls.

Whether you’re cooking for two, four, or sixty, Adventures in Starry Kitchen demonstrates you don’t have to be a desperately hip (or even trained) chef to master sensational modern food that will amaze and delight.

June 24, 2017 with Jessica Largey

What a lovely evening under the stars with 2015 Rising Star Chef of the Year James Beard Winner, Jessica Largey. From fresh produce picked that morning to edible flowers on every dish, it couldn't have been better! We anxiously await the opening of Jessica's first solo restaurant, Simone in the LA Arts District where she will serve as Executive Chef.

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To Start:
Little Gems with Marinated Feta, Avocado, Olive Crumb and a Mulberry Vinaigrette

Sweet Potatoes with Tahini, Shishitos, Mustards and Harissa

Main:
Grilled Pork Chops with Charred Eggplant, Summer Squash and Spicy Tomatillo 

Dessert:
Cherries and Nectarines with Polenta Cake and Earl Grey