An authentic Old Hollywood haunt, the Tam O’Shanter boasts an interior aesthetic that falls squarely between a 19th-century Scottish tavern and a storybook setting reminiscent of Snow White’s house—fitting, given that it famously held the title of Walt Disney’s favorite restaurant. Inside and around this historic landmark, the event gathered an extraordinary lineup of culinary talent representing the best of Los Angeles dining alongside celebrated out-of-town favorites. The roster featured acclaimed establishments such as Holbox, Thunderbolt, Night on Earth, Pasjoli, Café Telegrama, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Quarter Sheets, Ji Rong, and Sumibiyakitori Kidori from Arcadia. Culinary figures like Molly Baz served up signature creations with Mister’s ice cream sandwiches, while out-of-town culinary heavyweights flew in for the occasion, including New York City’s British pub-inspired hotspot Dean’s and Chef Gregory Gourdet of Portland’s acclaimed restaurant Kann. Food industry observers noted that the combination of historic ambiance and avant-garde culinary talent created a celebratory atmosphere unlike any previous food festival in the region.
Upon entering the sprawling venue, attendees stepped into a winding wonderland of imaginative food and beverage creations. Pastry chef Hannah Ziskin of Quarter Sheets commanded attention with a massive, 40-foot-long, snaking sheet cake that stretched across the space, while Dean’s presented an eye-popping, tabletop-sized stargazy pie featuring traditional British flair. The rich, savory aromas of roasting meats filled the air as the team from Ji Rong carved succulent Peking duck. Nearby, Cathay Pacific flight attendants circulated through the crowd, passing out flutes of champagne to keep glasses full and spirits high.
Guests seeking out fresh seafood gravitated toward the Holbox counter, where chefs served pristine scallops straight from the shell, showcasing the acclaimed regional Mexican seafood that has earned the restaurant widespread critical praise. Meanwhile, a delightful culinary crossover took place as Pasjoli served French dip sandwiches smothered in a delectable poivre sauce, utilizing Lawry’s The Prime Rib’s iconic carving carts. True to form, Lawry’s also operated its traditional station nearby, preparing its famous spinning salad to order for guests eager for a taste of classic Los Angeles dining heritage.
Drink culture held a prominent place at the festival, with bartenders from Thunderbolt and Night on Earth crafting beverages that exemplified Punch’s top drink trends of the year. The beverage menu highlighted inventive flavor profiles and nostalgic revivals, including a banana-miso carajillo that placed the spotlight on banana as a dominant flavor trend. Attendees also experienced a surprising return of Hpnotiq featured in a neon-bright passion fruit refresher, alongside an assortment of miniature martinis, ranging from classic pours to savory Gilda variations. Overseeing the beverage and lounge areas was a striking, conceptual ice sculpture embedded with fish, radishes, beets, and preserved tins, which loomed impressively over the venue’s game room.
Moving out to the patio, Café Telegrama operated a pop-up outdoor diner counter, serving both sweet and savory versions of its cult-favorite ricotta pancakes to eager crowds. Just steps away, a steady line formed at the Majestic photobooth, where guests paused to capture memories of the afternoon. Lively chatter echoed from the cozy Cathay Pacific outdoor lounge, where visitors relaxed and enjoyed expertly grilled yakitori courtesy of Sumibiyakitori Kidori. Those who lingered in the courtyard were periodically rewarded with unexpected culinary delights, such as passed salt bread from Out of Ordi stuffed with fillings like sweet corn or ube cream. For attendees looking to cool off or satisfy a sweet tooth, founder Molly Baz herself stood ready at the Mister’s ice cream sandwich station, handing out treats topped with sweet-salty, crunchy brittle.
As the festivities drew to a close, every guest departed with a heavily packed gift bag filled with specialty items and treats from some of Eater’s favorite culinary brands. The parting gifts included beloved Luxardo maraschino cherries, Unreal’s better-for-you chocolate candies, Giadzy’s celebrity-chef-approved gluten-free pasta, and noodles from Fly By Jing accompanied by the brand’s cult-favorite chile crisp and rich sauces. Attendees also received a coupon to pick up a jar of Molly Baz’s signature mayonnaise brand, Ayoh, with the dill pickle variety emerging as an early favorite among the crowd.
The successful conclusion of this year’s Eater Off Menu has already sparked anticipation for future culinary gatherings. Food enthusiasts interested in securing early access to upcoming events can download the Eater app and create a profile. Meanwhile, attendees who joined the celebration at the Tam O’Shanter are encouraged to share their feedback by completing a post-event experience survey, with respondents entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.