Saturday, August 04, 2012

Plate by Plate 2012 (Los Angeles, CA)

Plate by Plate 2012
214 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.platebyplate.org/la/
Sat 08/04/2012, 06:00p-10:00p




Plate by Plate Logo


On Saturday, August 4th, Project by Project hosted its 10th Annual Tasting Benefit, Plate by Plate, at the Vibiana cathedral and event space in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. For the uninitiated, PbP is a nationwide not-for-profit organization focused on issues relating to the Asian-American community, and as always, the event showcased the culinary chops of some of the City's most popular and up-and-coming eateries, all washed down by a selection of liquor, wine, beer, sake, and even non-alcoholic beverages from a wide array of purveyors.

Plate by Plate Participants Group Photo
The requisite group photo of all the participants.

Elsa Schelin, David Féau Marinated Cantaloupe, Kampachi, Toasted Ginger
Accompanied by The Langham's Director of Communications Elsa Schelin, Chef David Féau of The Royce presented an attractive plate of Marinated Cantaloupe, Kampachi, Toasted Ginger.

Susan Hirasuna, Elsa Schelin
Elsa is joined by FOX 11 News anchor/reporter Susan Hirasuna, whom I actually ran into during the recent C.H.E.F.S. foie gras dinner held at The Royce.

Cola-Glazed Berkshire Pork, Smoked Cream Corn, Garroxta, Thyme Greg Daniels
Chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub & Brewery was on hand with his Cola-Glazed Berkshire Pork, Smoked Cream Corn, Garroxta, Thyme.

Ted Kim, Chris Oh, Yong Kim Flaming Fried Balls: Deep Fried Spicy Pork Seoul Sausage Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice Balls topped with Da 'DMA' Sauce
The Seoul Sausage team--Ted Kim, Chris Oh, Yong Kim--served up their Flaming Fried Balls: Deep Fried Spicy Pork Seoul Sausage Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice Balls topped with Da "DMA" Sauce (Kimchi Sriracha Garlic Jalapeño Aioli). The trio recently competed on Season 3 of the Food Network's Great Food Truck Race, which they may or may not have won, and which may or may not have anything to do with their upcoming brick & mortar store in Little Osaka.

Crispy Egg, Bacon Jam, Arugula Mathew Woolf
Chef Mathew Woolf of the revamped West Restaurant & Lounge had his Crispy Egg, Bacon Jam, Arugula on offer, which seemed to go over well with guests.

Chris Napaamporn Moo Sadoong
Though Chef/Owner Kris Yenbamroong was over at that other food festival across town, Night+Market had another "Kris" in tow: Sous Chef Chris Napaamporn. To eat, think Moo Sadoong "Startled Pig": Grilled Pork Shoulder, Lime, Fish Sauce, Bird Eye Chile, Basil, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Sugar, Rice Powder.

Tamales Oaxaqueños: Black Mole and Chicken Breast Tamales wrapped in Banana Leaf / Michelada Guelaguetza Team
Guelaguetza was en la casa with their Tamales Oaxaqueños: Black Mole and Chicken Breast Tamales wrapped in Banana Leaf, as well as their famed Michelada.

Food Swapping
Sharing is encouraged between participants. Here, Jason Mattick of Milo & Olive swaps his sliders for some of Guelaguetza's mole-drenched tamales.

Jeremy Berlin Heirloom Tomato Salad, Charentais Melon, Vinaigrette with Greens and Reduced Balsamic
Chef Jeremy Berlin has been doing a fine job over at Church & State, and tonight he gave us a refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad, Charentais Melon, Vinaigrette with Greens and Reduced Balsamic.

Josh Goldman Mary Park
Left: Former ink. GM-cum-Sommelier Josh Goldman looks rather contented here, and for good reason.
Right: Sauce LA's Mary Park, looking lovely in red.

Alpaca and Lamb crostini, Pickled Cucumbers, Avocado, Aji Amarillo Yogurt dressing Mo-Chica Team
The award for the most interesting protein of the night goes to Team Mo-Chica and their Alpaca and Lamb crostini, Pickled Cucumbers, Avocado, Aji Amarillo Yogurt dressing.

Jan Purdy, Sainegee Wong Carbonnade de Flamande
With Andre Guerrero out of town, Little Bear was repped by Chef de Cuisine Sainegee Wong and Pastry Chef Jan Purdy. Their dish? A Carbonnade de Flamande.

Mini Chicken Meatball Sandwich with Fresh Mozzarella and Country Line Harvest Arugula Jason Mattick
Recently replacing Walter Manzke at Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan's Milo & Olive is Chef Jason Mattick, who showed off his Mini Chicken Meatball Sandwiches with Fresh Mozzarella and Country Line Harvest Arugula.

Kevin Luzande Maize Cornet, Chopped Salad of Rooftop Vegetables and Lettuces, Chipotle Crema, Avocado, Micro Amaranth
Chef de Cuisine Kevin Luzande of Playa rolled deep, serving up a svelte dish of Maize Cornet, Chopped Salad of Rooftop Vegetables and Lettuces, Chipotle Crema, Avocado, Micro Amaranth.

Nyesha Arrington Cooking Demo
A highlight of the VIP hour was a cooking demo hosted by Chef Nyesha Arrington of Wilshire restaurant (and Top Chef Season 9 contestant), who utilized tofu from producer AFC.

Ketel One Girl
An open bar sponsored by Ketel One was certainly a big draw.

Jackie Fung, Stephanie Huynh Justin Wang, Annie Lin
Left: PbP's Manager of Campaign Partner Relations Jackie Fung and Co-Manager of Past Partner Relations Stephanie Huynh.
Right: Justin Wang, Director of Events for Project by Project New York, along with Los Angeles Legal Counsel Annie Lin.

Short-Haired Asian Girls Risa Yanai
Left: Short-haired Asian girls stick together!
Right: PbP's Manager of Design Risa Yanai looks happy.

TOMS and Viva La Art
PbP partnered with TOMS and Viva La Art to have some specially-decorated shoes auctioned off at the event. Artists included Adam Talan and Nora Martin-Hall, and I hear Eater LA editor Kat Odell even won a pair.

Devon Espinosa, Ricardo Zarate, Stephane Bombet
Stepping inside of the Vibiana now, whom do I see first but the Mo-Chica/Picca duo of Ricardo Zarate and Stephane Bombet, along with noted Pour Vous barman Devon Espinosa.

Pablo Moix Danny Li, Pablo Moix
I first headed over to the VIP area, where Pablo Moix was repping Black Market with his Pisco Punch.

Cured Wild King Salmon Tartare, Crispy Buckwheat, Nori Crème Fraiche and Ikura Michael Cimarusti
The Cured Wild King Salmon Tartare, Crispy Buckwheat, Nori Crème Fraiche and Ikura from Providence's Michael Cimarusti was regarded by many as the prettiest plate of the evening.

Michael Cimarusti, Josh Goldman Eric Tung, David Tung
Left: Michael introduces himself; Josh checks his phone.
Right: Brothers Eric Tung and David Tung. Getting a sort of American Gothic vibe on this one.

Kevin Meehan Duck Mousse, Grapes, Gel, Almond Powder
Four Girls Kevin Meehan
Kali Dining's Kevin Meehan served a trio of dishes: Duck Mousse, Grapes, Gel, Almond Powder; a Savory Corn Pudding, Vegetable Chips, Zucchini, Olive Dust; and Lamb Belly with Onion Ash, Carrot-Ginger Jam, Crispy Pea-Sesame Soil.

Perfecto Rocher Artichoke and Fava Paella with Chicken and Pork
Here was an Artichoke and Fava Paella with Chicken and Pork, courtesy of Chef Perfecto Rocher of Lazy Ox Canteen.

Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy Nina Rodecker
Tasty Clouds' founder Nina Rodecker was on hand to offer up a variety of her haute cotton candies.

Victor Boroda Branzino Victor Boroda
Scarpetta at Montage Beverly Hills sent a dish of Branzino as well as Sous Chef Victor Boroda (quite the shutterbug himself it seems).

Citrus Sesame Tofu Thi Tran
Nguyen Tran Salted Plum Lychee Panna Cotta
The ever-ebullient Nguyen Tran was of course all about getting people to sample Starry Kitchen's Citrus Sesame Tofu and Salted Plum Lychee Panna Cotta, prepared by his wife and chef Thi Tran.

Pretzel Pup, Smoked Beef & Bacon Link, Sauerkraut, Grainy Mustard, Pretzel Bun Yummo
Brownies Hourie Sahakian, Christian Page
Sharing a table were Short Cake and Short Order. Short Order, helmed by Chef Christian Page, presented Pretzel Pups: Smoked Beef & Bacon Link, Sauerkraut, Grainy Mustard, Pretzel Bun, while Short Order's Head Baker Hourie Sahakian brought along a variety of baked treats.

Margaret Lin. Danny Li Ray Warriner, Theresa Kiang
Left: Restaurant Relations team member Danny Li and Margaret Lin.
Right: Director of Operations Ray Warriner with his date Theresa Kiang.

Neal Fraser, Amy Knoll Fraser
Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser's Fritzi Dog will be launching soon, but the even bigger news is that Grace's replacement (which will not be named Grace) will finally be getting off the ground, taking over the space currently occupied by the Vibiana's rectory building. Plans call for both indoor and outdoor dining rooms, a bar, a separate bar/lounge on the second floor, and a number of private dining rooms.

Beef Tongue Curry: Chopped Beef Tongue with White Rice, Curry Sauce and Pickles Hiroyuki Fujita
Chef Hiroyuki Fujita served up a hearty Beef Tongue Curry: Chopped Beef Tongue with White Rice, Curry Sauce and Pickles for Downtown Japanese curry slinger Fat Spoon.

Sadie Bartenders Sadie Mixologists
Sadie Chef Jason Petrie injured himself recently, and thus had to pull out as a food purveyor at the last moment. However, the Hollywood newcomer still managed to deliver with a selection of three cocktails: the Friar Fresh (Plymouth Gin, Velvet Falernum, Lemon Juice, Grapefruit, Honey), the Veev Gveev (Vodka, Chartreuse, Grenadine, Lemon, Fresh Berries, Orange Juice), and the Guayabera (Basil Infused Avion Tequila, Lemongrass, Watermelon Syrup, Lime Juice, Soda, Chili Salt Rim).

Risa Abarientos
PbP Co-Manager of Event Productions Risa Abarientos and her boyfriend seemed to have enjoyed Sadie's cocktails.

Matt Donley Matt Donley
Drunken Udder Ice Cream's Matt Donley was on hand to serve up his company's alcohol-infused frozen treats in four flavors: Bourbon Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Lemon Basil Sherbet with Lemon Vodka, Raspberry Orange Sorbet with Orange Vodka, and Chocolate Espresso Sorbet with Espresso Vodka. Booze and ice cream? How has anyone not thought of this before?

Filet Mignon & Grilled Shrimp fresh wrap with Mint Leaves with sweet and tangy dipping sauce Chinoise Cuisine Team
Celebrity caterer Jack Lee's Chinoise Cuisine put out some Filet Mignon & Grilled Shrimp fresh wraps with Mint Leaves with sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

Preech Narkthong Jar Chocolate Pudding Butterscotch Pudding, Salted Caramel
Jar's Chef de Cuisine Preech Narkthong offered up a duet of desserts: their signature Jar Chocolate Pudding and a Butterscotch Pudding, Salted Caramel.

Gochujang Glazed Lamb Belly in Steamed Bun Seakyeong Kim
Chef Seakyeong Kim from Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's embraced his Korean heritage with his Gochujang Glazed Lamb Belly in Steamed Bun.

Amar Santana Crisp Pork Belly, Miso-Caramel Togarashi
Right next door to Charlie Palmer was Broadway, the new-ish restaurant by CP's former head chef Amar Santana. His sticks of Crisp Pork Belly, Miso-Caramel Togarashi, set in a bed of grass, may have been the evening's most interesting presentation of food.

Stone Fruit & Fromage Blanc, Jamon Serrano with Sherry, Vinegar Gastrique Atsushi Kenjo
Chaya Downtown's Chef Atsushi Kenjo cooked up a plate of Stone Fruit & Fromage Blanc, Jamon Serrano with Sherry, Vinegar Gastrique.

Matthew Hui Fluff Ice Original
Fluff Ice co-founder Matthew Hui was on deck with four varieties of his shaved ice: Honeydew, Original, Mango, and Thai Tea, all served with a bevy of accompaniments.

Chicken Salad Kimmy Tang
Surprisingly, 9021Pho's Kimmy Tang wasn't slanging pho, but rather her version of a Chicken Salad.

Daniel Vasquez, Laurent Quenioux 'Hure' of Foie Gras, Salmon Roe, Smoked Eel, Lobster Gelee, Vietnamese Shiso
Foie Gras 'Sashimi' B1 Breadshop
Laurent Quenioux was defiant in his serving of foie gras at the event. It came as a "Hure" of Foie Gras, Salmon Roe, Smoked Eel, Lobster Gelee, Vietnamese Shiso as well as in "sashimi" form. He also featured bread from newcomer bakery B1 Breadshop, with dozens of pieces available for patrons to take home.

Nyesha Arrington
With her cooking demo done, Chef Nyesha Arrington came over to sample some of Laurent's wares.

Macarons Tuan Trinh
XT Patisserie co-owner Tuan Trinh had a colorful spread of macarons for us to try.

Pickled Floret, Avocado, Crispy Shallot, Thai Coconut Sauce Jeffrey Faust Vanilla Panna Cotta, Black Pepper Granola, Sorrel
Beverage Director-slash-Partner Jeffrey Faust for fundamental LA had two dishes for guests to consume: the Pickled Floret, Avocado, Crispy Shallot, Thai Coconut Sauce and the Vanilla Panna Cotta, Black Pepper Granola, Sorrel

Akira Hirose Braised Pork Belly 'Kakuni' with Yuzukosho Kabocha Coulis
Longstanding Plate by Plate participant Akira Hirose and his restaurant Maison Akira gave out a Braised Pork Belly "Kakuni" with Yuzukosho Kabocha Coulis.

Blue Cheese Studded Yorkshire Pudding with Slivered Beef and Horseradish Crème Fraiche Jessica Mills, Marcus Baird
Marcus Baird's Feast Catering presented several dishes, including a Blue Cheese Studded Yorkshire Pudding with Slivered Beef and Horseradish Crème Fraiche.

Gavin Mills House-Made Charcuterie
The charcuterie program over at Wood & Vine is arguably the best in the City, and we were happy to have Chef Gavin Mills present a trio of his House-Made Charcuterie at the event.

Yulree Chun Asian Girls with Short Hair
Stepping back outside now, I ran into former Project by Project team member Yulree Chun, who was here representing Gogobot, a new socially-focused travel site.

St. Germain Rep Chris Hewes, Gia St. George, Devon Espinosa
Chris Hewes Chris' Cocktail
Gia's Cocktail Gia St. George
Devon Espinosa Devon's Cocktail
The St. Germain-sponsored cocktail challenge got underway, pitting Chris Hewes, Gia St. George, and Devon Espinosa against each other to see who would prevail with the top cocktail incorporating the elderflower liqueur. When all was said and done, it was Library Bar's Chris Hewes who would reign supreme with his whimsically-named "Gettin' Figgy With It."

Bill Chait Perfecto Rocher, José Ignacio Martínez-Valero
Left: Restaurateur-of-the-moment Bill Chait was in attendance with girlfriend Julie. As reported earlier, he's partnering with Neal Fraser to take over the Vibiana.
Right: Perfecto Rocher with Ibérico Fresco's José Ignacio Martínez-Valero, importer of fresh 100% jamón ibérico products from Spain.

Jeremy Strubel Sweet Corn and Rosemary Fritter with Honey Crème Fraiche
Somehow, during my first sweep through the garden area, I'd managed to miss Rustic Canyon. The restaurant offered a dish of Sweet Corn and Rosemary Fritter with Honey Crème Fraiche, presented by new head chef Jeremy Strubel.

Joy Bitonio, Jeremy Strubel
Co-Manager of Restaurant Relations Joy Bitonio just happens to be the girlfriend of Chef Jeremy.

Risa Yanai, Rosanna Huang Risa Yanai, Irene Choi, Paul Kim
More PbP'ers: Manager of Design Risa Yanai, Director of Marketing Rosanna Huang, Co-Manager of Team and Leadership Development Irene Choi, and Co-Manager of Multimedia Paul Kim.

Sunny Chung Stacey Sun, Josh Lurie
Left: Our Director of Fundraising Sunny Chung and friends.
Right: DineLA director Stacey Sun, with beau Josh Lurie of Food GPS.

Jeremy Crooks
Jeremy Crooks on stage performing, in between sets by DJ Freddy Ruxpin.

Ice Sculpture Ice Luge
This year, the Plate by Plate ice sculpture doubled as an ice luge.

Marian Bacol-Uba, Lindsey Wang, Oanh Nguyen Vickie Chan
Left: Director of Events Marian Bacol-Uba along with National Director of Events Oanh Nguyen (and previous Los Angeles Director of Events), with Lindsey Wang.
Right: Events Team member Vickie Chan.

Amy Ling, Paul Lee Angela Park
Left: Event planner Amy Ling with husband Paul Lee, VP Director of Purchasing at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers.
Right: Angela Park working it at the silent auction station.

Devon Espinosa, Helen Kim Sherwin Goo, Helen Kim
Left: Devon Espinosa looking quite smug with his stache.
Right: Longtime PbP fixture Sherwin Goo, along with former PbP team member Helen Kim.

Bricia Lopez, Kevin Luzande Eleanor Lem, Nirendran Kathirithamby, Annie Lin
Left: Playa CdC Kevin Luzande is smiling for a good reason.
Right: PbP NY President Eleanor Lem, PbP National General Counsel & Secretary Nirendran S. Kathirithamby, and PbP LA Legal Counsel Annie Lin.

Leonardo Nam Leonardo Nam
Taking the stage: Argentine-Australian-Korean actor Leonardo Nam.

Jennifer Sanderson, Caroline Choe, Irene Choi Bricia Lopez, Perfecto Rocher
Left: Irene Choi and budding restaurant investor Caroline Choe, along with Jennifer Sanderson.
Right: Bricia Lopez having a good time with Perfecto.

Michelle Freridge, Eden Tol
Director of Partner Outreach Eden Tol with past partner Michelle Freridge, Executive Director of the Asian Youth Center.

Camellia Cheng Ramiro Arvizu, Jaime Martin del Campo
Left: PbP PR/Social Media Manager Camellia Cheng and acquaintances.
Right: The unmistakable duo of Ramiro Arvizu and Jaime Martin del Campo from La Casita Mexicana.

Wong Fu Productions Wong Fu Productions
Wong Fu Productions in the house.

Marian Bacol-Uba, Kayla Vu Kayla Vu, Eden Tol, Marian Bacol-Uba
Left: Director of Events Marian Bacol-Uba with PbP team member and noted Hello Kitty fiend Kayla Vu.
Right: Is she pulling Eden's tongue?

Eden Tol, Marian Bacol-Uba Marian Bacol-Uba, Lindsey Wang
Left: Perhaps a punch is more effective.
Right: Soft like pillows.

Rosy Huang, Grace Hsiang Christie Liu, Clayton Tran
Left: National Director of Marketing Grace Hsiang with LA Director of Marketing Rosy Huang.
Right: PbP Operations team member Christie Liu, with Clayton Tran.

Grace Hsiang, Felix Fang Felix Fang
Yes, that's none other than former MasterChef Season 3 contestant Felix Fang (who works at Katsuya here in LA). It's too bad she got the boot on the last episode; I was really rooting for her to win the whole thing!

Marian Bacol-Uba, Eleanor Lem Camellia Cheng, Eleanor Lem
Yolanda Wong, Eleanor Lem Aliyah Wong, Eleanor Lem
Having fun with cake toward the end of the night.

View from the Mezzaine

Previous Plate by Plate posts: 2011, 2010

8 Comments:

Anonymous Marian said...

GREAT POST Kevin! Thank you so much! You are a rockstar PbP Restaurant Manager and I'm so happy you are a part of my Events Team. Cheers to you for helping make the 2012 Plate by Plate tasting benefit a huge success. :D

Monday, August 06, 2012 1:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Mikey said...

Great recap and pictures!

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 10:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Jonathan Hunter said...

A spoiler alert for the food truck race winner would have been nice...

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 11:25:00 AM  
Blogger Sam C. said...

This is a great coverage man. Thanks for posting this. It's as if I was there myself :-)

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 11:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"national volunteer organization of social entrepreneurs that serves Asian American non-profits in need by raising public awareness, volunteerism, and capital."

So specifically excluding every race but their own? Just wondering. Curious what people would say if that Project by Project read like this:
"national volunteer organization of social entrepreneurs that serves Caucasian American non-profits in need by raising public awareness, volunteerism, and capital."

As every ethnic group needs help, lets face it. However, I can see certain groups being upset with such a statement.

Thursday, August 09, 2012 12:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Clayton said...

Nice meeting you! It was a great event.

Sunday, August 19, 2012 8:22:00 PM  
Blogger kevinEats said...

Marian: Hats off to you too--I think you deserve a lot of the credit here as well, Miss future President...

Mikey: Thanks, did you get to attend?

Jonathan: No spoiler necessary. It was just conjecture on my part.

Sam: Too bad you never made it out while you were still here. Perhaps Chicago should be the fourth city for Project by Project...

Anon: Project by Project is hardly the only non-profit out there with an ethno-specific focus. Do you take issue with organizations like the NAACP as well?

Clayton: Nice meeting you too man.

Thursday, August 23, 2012 2:39:00 AM  
Blogger A. L. said...

haha....so this is the first time we met you. Thanks for the pictures!!

A.L.=^_^=

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 12:15:00 AM  

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