Meals take place at Sweet Antelope founder Kristina Robbins’ West Adams home; PHOTO BY NICK HIGGINS
Kristina Robbins has always been drawn to storytelling and connection. Born in Lancaster, Penn., Robbins moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and found her home in West Adams, where her love for food, family and community began to take center stage.
In 2018, Robbins’ focus shifted from a career in documentary filmmaking and management consulting to something more personal: cooking for others. “I realized I was spending more time combing through cookbooks and dreaming up dinner parties than thinking about my next job,” she recalls. This led to the creation of Sweet Antelope, a supper club that blends storytelling, seasonal menus and a deep sense of community.
Kristina Robbins; PHOTO BY ANDREW SOUTHAM
Sweet Antelope’s Storytelling Supper Club, which began in 2023, offers more than just food. “[It’s about] reviving the art of the dinner party in Los Angeles,” says Robbins. Evenings begin with cocktails and appetizers in Robbins’ lush backyard, then transition to storytelling, where guests gather to hear a story that sets the tone for the night’s theme and conversations. “I’m extremely lucky to be working with Gary Buchler, the longtime producer for The Moth here in Los Angeles, to book storytellers and create story prompts,” says Robbins. At the table, guests dig into fresh, farm-to-table food—much of it from Robbins’ garden—and share personal stories based on the night’s theme, creating an atmosphere of connection and openness.
The business has since expanded to host private events, farm-to-table classes and even a “Dance Your Ass Off Dinner,” combining dance and dinner for a joyful, immersive experience. “At its core, Sweet Antelope is about bringing people together through shared experiences—whether through storytelling, dance or food,” says Robbins. “It’s been incredible to witness the impact these gatherings have had, with guests leaving inspired and reminded that we need each other to thrive.”
Much of the menu is made with produce from Robbins’ garden; PHOTO BY MAIZ CONNELLY
Kristina Robbins reveals how to entertain with ease.
1. “Your guests will have fun if you’re having fun. So, first and foremost, focus on the kind of entertaining you genuinely enjoy. If throwing a fancy, elaborate hors d’oeuvre party makes you happy and you can pull it off without stress, then go for it. But I love sharing food, so my style is all about big, shareable plates—things that get passed around the table and bring people together over a meal.”
2. “Design your menu so that most of the food can be prepared in advance and, ideally, tastes even better with a little time. Braises are perfect for this—especially during the holidays when it’s cold and people want something warm and comforting. Dishes like potato gratins, lasagnas or anything that can be assembled a day before and popped in the oven to bake make hosting much easier.”
3. “I really love Priya Parker’s book, The Art of Gathering, which focuses on setting an intention for your event. What do you want your guests to experience? Do you want it to be a connective, intimate gathering where people can talk and catch up? Or are you aiming for a big, raucous party full of joy, dancing and noise? So, when planning, think beyond the food—include what your intentionality is for the experience of your guests. That intentionality will shape the atmosphere and make the event truly special.”
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