It’s the busiest time of the year for food events, and it’s understandable that they might all seem to run together. But Alex’s Lemonade has a special place in our hearts. Everyone’s enthusiasm is contagious, from the chefs to the guests to the mixologists. The event carries on the spirit of Alexandria “Alex” Scott, a little girl with cancer whose front yard lemonade stand, started when she was only four, grew into a foundation that raised over a million dollars during her lifetime. The foundation continues hosting lemonade stands large and small in her name. LA Loves Alex ‘s Lemonade is definitely on the larger end of the spectrum, with world-renowned chefs and mixologists pitching in to raise money for children’s cancer research. Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and David Lentz return annually to host and invite chef friends to pitch in.
LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade takes place Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 12-4pm at UCLA’s Royce Quad. Over 50 of the nation’s best chefs will be participating. One of our favorite things about Alex’s Lemonade is that chefs represent from all over the nation, with John Besh and Donald Link from New Orleans, Giada De Laurentiis of Vegas, plus chefs from Seattle, Portland, New York, Chicago and Boulder. Of course we are kind of partial to some of the local favorites, like Ludo Lefebvre (Trois Mec), Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish, B.S. Taqueria), Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ), Michael Cimarusti & Tristan Aitchinson (Connie & Ted’s, Providence), Susan Feniger (Mud Hen Tavern), Michael Fiorelli & Rebecca Merhej (Love & Salt), Scott Conant & Freddy Vargas (Scarpetta), Neal Fraser (redbird, BLD, ICDC, Fritzi Dog), Bruce Kalman (Union, Amano Pasta Bar & Market), David LeFevre (MB Post, Fishing with Dynamite, The Arthur), Steve Samson (Sotto), and Michael Voltaggio (ink). In addition, guests can enjoy tastings from over 47 wineries along with craft cocktails prepared by mixologists Eric Alperin, Neal Bodenheimer, Dona Bridges, Beau du Bois and Martin Daraz.
Alex’s Lemonade is the most family-friendly event of the year, with lots of children’s games and activities. Children under 12 years of age are free with paying adult, and do not need to register for the event. Many of the chefs bring their own children, making the day like one big family picnic. One other hallmark of Alex’s Lemonade is their special live and silent auctions of exclusive experiences, like having world-class chefs cook and serve a private dinner party in your own home. Tickets are only $195 and are tax-deductible. Buy your tickets now as they usually sell out!
