Over the course of September, the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl has taken over the city. The month-long festival celebrates the city’s food scene by showcasing the best of local eateries and world-renowned chefs. In particular, Food Bowl features the three-day culinary experience Night Market. Ahead of the special weekend L.A. Times food columnist and The Bucket List host Jenn Harris dove into what makes L.A.’s food scene special and what to look forward to from Night Market. Tickets
How would you describe the Los Angele food scene?
Los Angeles is the most impressive, diverse food city in the country. The breadth of cuisines is unrivaled, as are the talented people behind them and their stories. The city is seeing a resurgence of sorts emerging from the ongoing pandemic, with some chefs expanding trial-run pop-ups and what seems like a major new opening each week. This is a city with real heart and I’m constantly amazed and surprised by what it has to offer.
Quintessentially L.A., Night Market is taking over the Paramount Pictures Studio backlot. How does a setting like this elevate the Food Bowl experience?
Being able to try dozens of the city’s best restaurants at one time in a single location is an ideal way to spend an evening. The backlot is a great venue because it’s like you’re roaming around a neighborhood, eating your way through a city.
Night Market will feature BBQ; global cuisines and brunch. Why do these three capture the essentials of Los Angeles dining?
Los Angeles may not be the first U.S. city you think of when you think of BBQ, but it’s been a BBQ town for years now. Farley Elliot from Eater LA has done a great job chronicling the scene. And it just keeps getting better. It’s a perfect example of the city’s pluralism. Not only do we have BBQ, we have Texas-style, Memphis-style, Kansas City-style and places that are uniquely LA style.
Los Angeles is a global city and we have food and people representing nearly every corner of the world.
For some, brunch in L.A. is an event. There are restaurants devoted to this single meal and what it represents: time with family, friends, relaxing, indulging, etc.
BBQ, global cuisines and brunch are just three of the themes that make Los Angeles such a great place to eat and explore. Night Market is a celebration of these things and so much more.
See also: The 48 Best Los Angeles Restaurants You Must Try in 2022
In addition to showcasing next-level food, the festival supports food access, sustainability and waste reduction through charity partners and participating events. Why do food/restaurants and charitable action go hand in hand?
The restaurant industry is in the business of feeding people, and not just with food. Restaurants are a place to nurture. They can make you feel like you belong. It only makes sense that the industry that feeds us be so invested and community minded when it comes to food insecurity and sustainability.
In terms of actual change, some restaurants are in a position to use their platforms to make an impact when it comes to reducing food waste. The same goes for sourcing ingredients.
The Food Bowl celebrates the city’s dynamic food scene. Why is Los Angeles a standout foodie destination?
Los Angeles is a standout food destination because of the city’s pluralism. You can find cuisines from all over the world and people doing them well. We have chefs who aren’t afraid to take risks. But it’s also about the diners, too. L.A. diners are adventurous, willing to try anything and drive for good food.
What do you hope people take away from experiencing the Food Bowl?
I hope people get a real sense of the soul of Los Angeles. Food Bowl is meant to help people learn about and experience the city through its food and the people who make it. If you find a new appreciation for a type of cuisine, a restaurant or a person from one of our events, I’ll consider that a great success!
See also: How Chef Michael Cimarusti Crafted a Fine Dining Legacy at Providence
Photography by: Courtesy LA Times
