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 guests to the chefs to the mixologists. The event carries on the spirit of Alexandria “Alex” Scott, a little girl with cancer whose front yard lemonade stand grew into a foundation that raised over a million dollars during her lifetime. The foundation now hosts food events 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.
This year. Alex’s Lemonade takes place Saturday, September 9th from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Royce Quad at UCLA. Usually, I like to list my favorite chefs along with their restaurants, but there are so many great chefs at this event they won’t even fit on the page! So, here are just a few of my favorite participating restaurants: Guerrilla Tacos, Providence, Melisse, Border Grill, Love & Salt, Redbird, Felix Trattoria, Broken Spanish, Lucques, a.o.c., Union, Bestia, Tavern, Republique, Otium, Manhattan Beach Post, Sotto, Craft, and Animal. I would also like to mention a few out-of-towners of note, especially Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto in New York, Donald Link of Pêche, Herbsaint, Cochon, and Cochon Butcher in New Orleans, Giada De Laurentiis of Giada in Las Vegas, and John Sundstrom of Lark in Seattle.
As part of the kid-friendly vibe, there are always lots of desserts. You can expect to enjoy treats from Salt & Straw, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Valerie Confections, Compartes Chocolatier, Nancy’s Fancy Gelato, Sherry Yard of IPIC and Zoe Nathan of Huckleberry. Grown-ups can also enjoy endless pours and cocktails. Saturday, September 9, 2017, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm UCLA Campus – Royce Quad, Los Angeles, CA 90095. General admission $ 195.00. Children 12 and under receive complimentary admission with an accompanying adult.
Attending Alex’s Lemonade’s event a few years ago was one of the best things I’ve done. Fun and for a great cause. Everybody go and enjoy!