Event Recap: Plate by Plate Los Angeles 2013

Food by Courtney Hong
Chaya Downtown LA’s Brie Cheese Tempura, Yellow Peach Marmalade

National volunteer organization Project by Project hosted its 11th annual Plate by Plate Los Angeles tasting fundraiser event at Vibiana in downtown LA on Saturday, August 3. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed food and beverages from over 50 of Southern California’s finest restaurants and purveyors. In keeping with this year’s “Arts” theme, a current issue that addresses the Asian American community, East West Players was chosen as PbP LA’s non-profit regional partner. $10,000 – 100 percent of proceeds from this event’s ticket sales net proceeds – went to EWP. “Our partnership with East West Players was decided upon for its importance and long history of contribution to the API art community not only through the organization solely, but just as much through its alumni,” said PbP Manager of Public Relations Mayly Tao via email.

Every year, each PbP chapter partners with a different community based non-profit through assisting with community outreach, public awareness, and developing efficient and innovative ways to raise capital.

Read on for Plate by Plate LA highlights.

Corporate sponsor Ketel One ran the main bar. | Photos by Howard Lee
PbP LA Chapter President Marian Bacol-Uba and two judges/mixologists – Jaymee Mandeville and Devon Espinosa – start up the mixology competition.
1886 Bar’s winning mixology competition cocktail included Bombay Sapphire East gin, bianco vermouth, peach, lime, simple syrup, and herbs, garnished with heirloom tomato and chamomile.
Co-masters of ceremony – actor James Kyson and broadcast journalist Susan Hirasuna – with mixology competition winner Brady Weise of 1886 Bar
Attendees were given two voting tickets each to vote for their favorite dish and beverage. Lexington Social House’s Yellowtail Tuna with Compressed Watermelon, Yuzu Tobiko, Candied Wasabi, and Ponzu Crème Fraiche won the best dish title.
Lukshon’s Hawaiian Red Prawn & Tea Leaf Salad with Chana Dal, Sesame, Marcona Almonds, Peanuts, Crispy Prawn Head, and Chile Aioli
Petty Cash Taqueria’s Ceviche Negro
Seoul Sausage’s Lil’ Osaka Ball
Star King BBQ’s Acorn Jelly Salad, Sweet Potatoes Noodles, and Piedmontese Marinated Short Rib
Kirin Ichiban frozen beer hit the spot.
Ramekin’s house made chocolate chip cookie & fresh spun ice cream in flavors including Banana Chocolate Chip, Earl Grey, and Jasmine Green Tea. “It was just a great synergy for us to not only showcase what we have, but to be a part of a great event,” said Paul Yoo, Ramekin partner who participated in Plate by Plate with co-business partner Chef Jason Park of Maru restaurant.
“I’ve done a lot of work with East Players, so I love that theater. I think it’s great that Plate by Plate has chosen them as a partner. I love any event where I can eat food, drink a little alcohol, and have fun, so I’m all about it. I was at this event four years ago back when they had celebrity sous chefs. It sounds fancy, but all I was doing was passing food out. It was fun. I feel like the event has grown in the last year. That’s another cool thing,” said actor Aaron Takahashi (with guest Catherine Navarro).
“This is one of the best events in LA. What brought me here was a sense of community. What else brought me here? Really sexy people are here, a lot of smart people who have really good taste are here. This is event season. This is actually the one where you can get LA’s top chefs. Most of the other events are a collection of some of LA’s best chefs. This event actually has them all. To be asked to be here was quite enough for us to get our butts out of bed and do this event,” said Iron Chef America competitor and food media guru Jet Tila.
Fun at the photo booth by Sutando
Silent auction
The crowd inside Vibiana

As for what’s ahead for Project by Project, people can look forward to lots more delicious food and drinks at Plate by Plate San Francisco on September 14 and Plate by Plate New York on October 4. Stay tuned for an updated website and a new look in coming months.

“We’re also growing in all of our chapters and we’re seeing increased impacts in inspiring working professionals to get more connected with their communities,” said PbP LA Chapter President Marian Bacol-Uba.

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