Lessons learned with age are countless, and among the many important rules of life we come to understand is that chicken tenders are a savorous meal at any age.
The delicate balance between high quality chicken and breading and frying technique quality all determine the very best tenders, and come late August, Angelenos will get to partake in a whole day devoted to this American cuisine staple.
On Aug. 20, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will host TenderFest from noon to 8 p.m. The day-long event will include the city’s most acclaimed tenders, culinary icons and, for the first time ever, the conTender competition.
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TenderFest comes from two members of the restaurant scene elite: John Terzian, The H.wood Group co-owner who counts The Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows, Delilah and Slab under his umbrella, and Lawrence Longo, who created the Off The Menu Club app— a food and experience community centered around secret menu items— and recently relaunched Irv’s Burgers.
“Chicken tenders are something people start loving at childhood and never stop,” Terzian said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring back TenderFest, creating a one-of-a-kind food festival that treats all ages, but also for my own selfish enjoyment!”
“It’s been a while since people have been able to have this kind of fun and we’re excited to deliver something delicious and nostalgic,” Longo added. “First L.A., next Tenderfest is going to take over the world.”
See also: All Of The Can't-Miss Events Happening In L.A. This Summer
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Attendees can expect to delight in tenders from Willie Mae’s, Raising Cane’s, Howlin’ Rays, Delilah, Original Dino’s Famous Chicken, GoGo Bird and Daring, among others. They’ll also be able to witness chefs Matsuhisa Nobu, Nyesha Arrington, Timothy Hollingsworth and others battle for tender supremacy in the conTENDER Competition.
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. General admission is $75 before fees and includes entry; two drink tickets and unlimited chicken tenders, French fries and desserts. VIP tickets are $175 and include all general admission benefits and access to the private VIP area; valet; unlimited drinks/cocktails; exclusive event merchandise and exclusive tenders from Howlin’ Rays and dessert from Valerie Confections.
TenderFest will be located at 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd 90210.
Photography by: Israel Albornoz/Unsplash
