Since 2012, Wolfgang Puck has been hosting the end-of-summer barbecue extravaganza at Hotel Bel-Air. Each year, a collection of top chefs from around the country come together for the ultimate barbecue party on the hotel’s front lawn. Guests dine family style in the hotel’s colorful gardens and sample each chef’s unique interpretation of barbecue.
This Year’s Chefs
Our esteemed host each year is world renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. He is best known for his bold, innovative school of cooking that redefined fine dining in America. Puck has won three James Beard awards and an Emmy. His iconic restaurant, Spago, set the standard for cuisine, service and style in Los Angeles.
We are also excited about Cinco Jotas as he will be at the event preparing a 100% Iberico pig. This highly desired Spanish delicacy is acorn fed and has a high fat content, making it a true delicacy.
Who else will be at the event? Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich will be joined by their partner Nancy Silverton. You may know her as the co-owner of Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza in LA, Newport Beach and Singapore, as well as Mozza2Go and chi Spacca in LA. You will also find Eric Werner and Mya Henry who own and operate Hartwood in Tulum, Mexico. Of course you will see some James Beard award winners and finalists like Megan and Colby Garrelts. They are the chef-owners of rye (Leawood, KS & Kansas City, MO), and Bluestem. These are just a few of the amazing culinary experts that will grill up mouthwatering cuisine to delight your taste buds.
BBQ and Meat Experts
No famous BBQ would be complete with a few experts in the field. Some chefs showcase their skills with a pastry bag, while others demonstrate their Epicurean talents over a barbecue pit. While both have their place, the attendees at this world famous party will be expecting to see masters of grilled meats in action. Guests can expect things like baked salted whole fish cooked underground, roasted lamb and beef on giant rotisseries, as well as grilled salads, and desserts! The food will be spectacular and chefs will also be showing off their intricate and creative cooking techniques.
This year you will see Ryan DeNicola who found his love for butchery and charcuterie at chi Spacca. When not grilling up meats with Wolfgang Puck, you can find him at chi as Executive Chef. The famous pit-master-in-chief, Burt Bakman, will also be in attendance. He is behind Instagram sensation Trudy’s Underground Barbecue and is sure to serve up some melt in your mouth meat dishes.
Location
Having this grand event at the Hotel Bel-Air in the heart of Los Angeles is the perfect venue. The signature restaurant of Wolfgang Puck is located on the premises and their lawn is the ultimate setting for a backyard barbecue. Imagine a line of famous chefs cooking over live fire with the smell of the finest grilled meats wafting through the air. What a way to celebrate the end of summer!
The location also makes it super convenient for some of your favorite local Los Angeles chefs to stop by. This year you can expect to see Chef Timothy Hollingsworth who is the chef and owner of Otium and of course Hugo Bolanos who is the Executive Chef of Hotel Bel-Air. Those who are in attendance will be also fortunate to encounter some surprise guest chefs that will stop by to lend a hand, socialize, and soak in the atmosphere.
Supporting a Good Cause
What would a celebration be without the support of a good cause? This year all excess food from the event will be donated to those in need through the Chefs to End Hunger initiative. In addition, a portion of all the proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Guatemala.
The seventh annual gala will take place on Wednesday, September 5th from 6 pm-9:30 pm. Tickets are available for $350 per person and includes wine pairings from local California wineries, Lanson Champagne, and Clase Azul Tequila. Entertainment will be proved by Bob Gail. The event sells out each year so be sure to get your tickets today.
