Why is the chef conference’s move to los angeles a game-changer for the culinary world?

The culinary landscape of Los Angeles is set to experience a significant event this fall as Philadelphia’s renowned Chef Conference makes its way to the West Coast. Founded by Mike Traud, the director of hospitality management at Drexel University, the conference has been a pivotal gathering for hospitality professionals, offering a platform to discuss industry issues through various events and panels. This year, the conference will be held on October 21 at ChowNow’s headquarters in Culver City.

The lineup for the Los Angeles event is impressive, featuring prominent chefs such as Katianna Hong, Thomas McNaughton from Flour + Water, and Elena Reygadas from Rosetta. Accompanying them will be journalists Raphael Brion from Food & Wine, Jenn Harris from the Los Angeles Times, and Kim Severson from the New York Times. Tickets and the full lineup will be released on September 12 on the Chef Conference’s website. In addition to access to panels, tickets will include entry to an exclusive afterparty featuring food from both local and visiting chefs.

This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the Chef Conference will be held in Los Angeles, making it a bicoastal event with another conference scheduled in Philadelphia later this year. This expansion is a testament to the growing influence and importance of the Chef Conference in the culinary world.

Hollywood’s Linden Restaurant: A Celebration of Black Culture

In mid-June, a spirited crowd gathered for dinner at Linden, a restaurant located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The scene was vibrant, with 10 educators from California sharing stories and laughter in the 50-person dining room. Among the diners were well-dressed men enjoying chef Jonathan Harris’s oxtail pie and the L.I.R.R. cocktail, a nod to the Long Island Rail Road.

Linden stands out not only for its culinary offerings but also for its cultural significance. In a county with a 9 percent Black population, Linden’s Thursday night crowd was 100 percent Black. The restaurant, owned by Black entrepreneurs Alahna Jade, Sterling “Steelo” Brim, Vincent Bryant, and Scott Williams, has become a gathering place for Los Angeles’s Black community. The modern dining room, thoughtful cocktails, and chef Harris’s menu, which draws influences from the Caribbean diaspora, New York, Italian joints on Long Island, Jewish culture, and African foodways in the Southern U.S., make Linden a unique and welcoming space.

The restaurant’s design, curated by Jade, features patterned wallpaper, distressed mirrors, and playful bathrooms. The atmosphere is bougie yet comfortable, with elements of Black culture evident throughout. The playlist, curated by Williams, includes R&B, hip-hop, 1970s soul, and contemporary Black artists, creating a relaxed and joyful mood.

Linden’s menu is diverse, offering dishes such as cornbread, herbed focaccia, oxtail wagyu pie, smoked jerk jackfruit calamari, and cornmeal-encrusted snapper. The drinks are visually arresting, with vibrant colors and creative names like the Smoke Water and Lemon Ting. The restaurant has quickly become a favorite spot for the Black community, offering a space where they can feel at home and celebrate their culture.

New Venues in Los Angeles for Summer 2024 Meetings and Events

Los Angeles continues to expand its array of venues for meetings and events, with several new and renovated spaces available this summer. Universal Studios Lot Special Events offers a 4,500-square-foot event venue with a prefunction space and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Hollywood Hills. The venue can host up to 500 guests and includes additional spaces like the Peacock Grill and The Green.

The Burton House Beverly, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, opened in May and features 186 rooms, a dining and social concept called Emerald Lounge, a fitness center, and a 1,100-square-foot yoga studio. The hotel also offers a 920-square-foot event room that can hold up to 60 guests.

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, opening for stays beginning September 10, boasts 24 suites, 143 guest rooms, a beachfront pool deck, and a 10,000-square-foot wellness spa. The property also includes two ballrooms and a new dining concept by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina.

Other notable venues include Laya, a new restaurant in Hollywood with a 6,500-square-foot outdoor space, and The Westin Los Angeles Airport, which completed a $45 million renovation and debuted a newly designed Westin Club Lounge. The Hollywood Roosevelt has reopened its Library Bar, offering unique cocktail concoctions in an intimate lounge setting.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that never ceases to evolve, offering new experiences and venues for both locals and visitors. For those planning to attend the Chef Conference or dine at Linden, we recommend exploring the diverse culinary scene that Los Angeles has to offer. From high-end restaurants to casual eateries, there is something for every palate.

For occasional travelers, we suggest taking advantage of the city’s numerous new venues for meetings and events. Whether you are planning a corporate event, a wedding, or a social gathering, Los Angeles has a wide range of options to suit your needs.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the cultural significance of the venues you visit. Places like Linden offer a unique insight into the local community and culture, providing a richer and more meaningful travel experience.

In conclusion, Los Angeles continues to be a dynamic and exciting city, with new events and venues constantly emerging. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a business professional, or a cultural explorer, there is always something new to discover in the City of Angels.