Hold up, foodies! The renowned culinary authority, ‘Eater’, is bringing its highly anticipated annual Off Menu Event to the City of Angels. On September 19, the iconic Tam O’Shanter restaurant in Los Angeles is about to get lit with a unique experience designed to highlight what’s currently buzzing and what’s next on the dining scene. This ain’t just another food festival, folks; it’s a full-on culinary deep dive, showcasing the innovative spirit that defines America’s vibrant food culture, according to the organizers.
Locals are gonna be stoked to see their favorite eateries repped hard, with a lineup that’s straight-up fire. Expect to indulge in deliciousness from Los Angeles gems like Holbox, Pasjoli, Ji Rong, Quarter Sheets, Cafe Telegrama, Sumibiyakitori Kidori, Lawry’s, Thunderbolt, and Night on Earth. These spots are known for pushing boundaries and crafting flavors that truly hit different, making this event a prime opportunity to sample some legit local talent all in one place.
But the culinary journey doesn’t stop at the California border, no cap. The event is also featuring a killer roster of talent from across the nation. Imagine tasting dishes crafted by Gregory Gourdet of Kann in Portland, Oregon, or getting a bite from Annie Shi and Jess Shadbolt of Dean’s in New York City. This cross-country chef collaboration ensures a diverse palate of flavors and techniques, giving attendees a chance to experience national culinary trends without having to hop on a plane. Talk about a major flex for your tastebuds!
Launched back in 2025, the ‘Off Menu’ series was created to offer event-goers a chance to literally taste the trends, restaurants, and chefs that are currently shaping how we eat. It’s ‘Eater’s’ way of transforming their top-tier reporting into an unforgettable night of curated bites and experiences from the biggest names in food. As Stephanie Wu, ‘Eater’s’ editor-in-chief, put it, the event ‘brings our editorial mission to life by connecting celebrated culinary institutions and standout food with a passionate community of diners.’ It’s all about bridging that gap between what you read and what you taste.
Attendees won’t just be eating; they’ll be exploring, too. The iconic Tam O’Shanter venue itself becomes part of the experience, offering special access to its unique spaces. Picture this: Cathay Pacific is setting up a ‘gateway to Asia’ in the Garden and Atrium, where guests can grub on yakitori, duck, and sip on some bubbly champagne. Plus, you can kick back with drinks from the bar team behind Thunderbolt and Night on Earth, get your ricotta pancake fix from Café Telegrama, or dive into some British pub revival dishes courtesy of New York City hotspot Dean’s. It’s truly an immersive experience that’s on point.
For those ready to snag a spot, tickets went live starting Tuesday. Every ticket covers all the food and beverages, so you know it’s a sweet deal. And hey, ‘Eater’ app users, keep your eyes peeled for a discount code before you buy! What’s even cooler is that Vox Media is donating 100 percent of the net proceeds from online ticket sales to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that does amazing work providing fresh meals during humanitarian crises. So you’re feasting for a good cause, which is highkey awesome.
‘Eater’s’ expertise in curating these events isn’t just a one-off thing. They’re also behind other fire gatherings like Eater Under Wraps, a seasonal weekend event packed with holiday treats and activities, as well as Dinner Party and Bang Bang, both of which put the spotlight on incredible chefs and restaurants nationwide. It’s worth noting, according to reports, that ‘Eater’ was acquired by Penske Media Corporation, owners of ‘The Hollywood Reporter’, earlier this year, adding another layer to their expanding media empire.If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
