With hundreds of restaurants throughout Los Angeles county preparing special menus for 15 days, Dine LA returns to the city not just to give diners a taste of cuisines from around the world, but also to help out those affected by the recent fires.
“You can get anything from tacos to Thai food to a Michelin-rated meal,” said Stacey Sun, executive director of Dine LA. “Dine LA provides a way for people to explore new neighborhoods and go to that restaurant that’s always been on your list.”
The event is made up of restaurants offering prix fixe menus ranging mostly from $15 to $65 for lunch or dinner, although some higher-end restaurants may charge more. It takes place throughout Los Angeles County from Jan. 24 through Feb. 7 and includes nearly 400 participating restaurants across 82 neighborhoods offering 30 global cuisines, according to Dine LA.
Participating restaurants include upscale spots like BLVD Steak and modern Mexican restaurant Casita in Sherman Oaks, Michelin-recognized Danbi in Koreatown, Fitoor, a modern wood-fired Indian restaurant in Santa Monica, respected barbecue joint Bludso’s BBQ on La Brea and in Santa Monica, as well as the recently opened Descanso in the mid-Wilshire area.
And as the city recovers from the recent devastating fires, Dine LA is stepping in to help by teaming up with Banc of California to donate $5 to the American Red Cross for each reservation made through the Dine LA website. The goal is to donate up to $100,000 Sun said.
“I think right now we really need to support LA,” she said
Various participating restaurants, such as celebrity hotspot Koi Restaurant on La Cienega, are adding to the fire relief donations. Koi is offering a $5 vodka-based shot through February with all of the proceeds going to fire-related charities.
“These fires have affected everyone and we see it, that’s why we’re doing this fundraiser. We want to be there to help people who are in need,” said Robb Lucas, executive chef at Koi.
Besides the shot special for Dine LA, Koi is also offering some of its greatest hits dishes as a multi-course meal that includes options like Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna and Truffle Avocado, Salmon Carpaccio with Black Truffles and Ponzu, Koi’s Aka Roll with Spicy Tuna and Peppercorn Filet Mignon Toban Yoki
“Dine LA helps us bring in new customers who can dine on some of our classic dishes,” Lucas said.
To make reservations go to discoverlosangeles.com/dinela