Donald Link’s Boudin at LALAL 2023. Photo by Elise Thompson.
The LA Beat attends a lot of benefits and food events, but LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade has a special place in our hearts. This annual event, taking place this Saturday, October 5, 2024– 12:00-4:00PM at Royce Quad in UCLA, 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 afternoon has a family vibe; children 12 and under get in free, chefs bring their children, and the event invites children battling cancer to attend.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) organizes food events all around the country in her name. Our local fundraiser, hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) and David Lentz, is one of the biggest events, with world-renowned chefs and mixologists coming together to raise money for children’s cancer research.
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- Michael Fiorelli’s Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Toast with Whipped Feta, Pistachio and Dill. Photo by Elise Thompson.
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- Smoked and grilled Pichana Tacos with charred chimichurri and pickled dill by Slab. . Photo by Elise Thompson.
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- Pizzeria Bianco’s alla pala slices with Meyer Lemon, Fontina, Red Onion, Rosemary. . Photo by Elise Thompson.
There are too many amazing chefs to name. But some of the participants volunteering their time are local legends Nancy Silverton of Mozza, Steve Samson of Rossoblu, Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo of Jon & Vinny’s, Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco, Jazz Singsanong of Jitlada, Jeremy Fox and Matthew Schaler of Birdie G’s, Josiah Citrin of Augie’s on Main, Walter Manzke and Margarita Manzke from Republique, Ludo Lefebvre of Petit Trois, Michael Cimarusti of Connie and Ted’s and Providence, Neal Fraser of Redbird, and Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken of SOCALO.
One of my favorite things about LA Loves Alex’s is that it is not limited to local chefs. Guest chefs include Gavin Fine from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Nancy Oakes and Dana Younkin from San Francisco, Giada DiLaurentiis, currently in Las Vegas, Jonathan Sundstrom of Seattle, New York’s Jonathan Waxman, and my all-time favorite star chef, Donald Link from New Orleans, who has around seven restaurants, but our favorites are Herbsaint, Cochon, Cochon Butcher, and Peche Seafood Grill. Another Crescent City visitor that has us excited is Nina Compton of the much-lauded Compère Lapin.
Desserts will be provided by Sherry Yard, Sweet Rose Creamery, Valerie Confections, and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams among others. Guests will enjoy wine tasting from over 50 vintners, as well as signature drinks from expert mixologists.
As always, there will be a number of celebrity supporters in attendance, including, as always, Jimmy Kimmel, who usually helps out with the live auction, Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets and Beautiful Creatures), Virginia Madsen (Candyman), Jason Ritter, Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Timothy Olyphant (Deadwood), and longtime girl crush Aisha Taylor.
The afternoon will also include children’s activities, a silent auction, and a very exciting live auction. General Admission Tickets are $280.00. Get in the spirit by wearing yellow and navy blue. Extra points if it has lemons on it.
Walter and Margarita Manzke’s Potato Chip with Tuna Tartare for Bicyclette at LALAL 2023. Photo by Elise Thompson.
