Celebrating diversity at the LA Food Bowl’s 2023 Sunday Backlot Brunch

With its relaxed and friendly tone, the Sunday Backlot Brunch, wrapping the 2023 edition of the LA Food Bowl played out more like a beloved annual neighbourhood block party than a posh chef showcase. As this is Hollywood, and the Paramount backlot was the backdrop, there were the requisite celebrity headliner chef–authors Marcus Samuelsson and Timothy Hollingsworth, and Tiffani Thiessen, a fixture on US television in the 1990s who inspired fans, parents, and sensible foodies with demos based on her book, Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level up Your Leftovers.
 

 
      The other two Night Market Grand Tasting events (Fiesta Friday, Saturday Night Flavor) captured the international scope of LA dining at all prices. However, the diversity, creativity, and flavour of the city’s dining scene were perfectly represented at the daytime event. There were a few well chosen brunchy items offered up by Leyla Bagels, Holey Grail Donuts, Pop’s Bagels, Brique French Toastery, and Goodboybob coffee roasters. However, most of our favourite items were savoury, spicy, and inventive: Moo’s Craft Barbecue’s pastrami brisket, La Sorted’s Pizza slices with a perfect crust, By-You Dogg’s chili, Tulsi Indian Eatery, and Mayura Indian Restaurant’s curries, and Mr Black’s coffee liqueur poured atop espresso gelato.
      Beyond all of those wonderful food moments, we also enjoyed cooler early fall weather and a wonderful Suntory bar area with crisp Japanese cocktails and chic backyard patio furniture. All of this and more made for an LA Food Bowl that put a lot of extra luck into a stylish pot luck street party with an expansive guest list. Other eateries on scene included Alfalfa, Awan, Bridgetown Roti, Broad Street Oyster Co., Caviar Kaspia, Ceviche Stop, De La Nonna, Đi Đi, Ditroit Taqueria, Dulan Ville Food Truck, El Ruso, Farmhouse Kitchen, Guzzu Bento-ya, Happy Ice, Heritage Barbecue, Ilé Bistro, Katsu Sando, Shrimp Noodle Bar, Love.Life, Mírate, Mo’s House of Axe, Mozza Restaurant Group, Ospi, Jame, Jemma di Mare, Jemma, Paderia Bakehouse, Paloma Venice, Pasjoli, Piccalilli, Prime Pizza, Ray’s BBQ, Rocco’s Deli Italiano, Saltie Girl, Slab, Stellar Pizza, Tacos 1986, the Brothers Sushi, Turok’s Cheesecake, and West & Co.
      Click here to read more about this year’s LA Food Bowl and stay caught up on future events.