Food enthusiasts across Los Angeles and traveling epicures converged last weekend on a legendary Atwater Village haunt for what many are calling one of the most inventive culinary celebrations of the year. Eater Off Menu returned for its annual showcase, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of the chefs, signature dishes, emerging food trends, and cocktail crazes that have dominated culinary conversations all year long. Produced in partnership with Cathay Pacific, the event transformed the historic Tam O’Shanter into a winding wonderland of high-end gastronomy, nostalgic throwbacks, and avant-garde presentations.
For this year’s iteration, organizers chose a venue steeped in local lore. The Tam O’Shanter, famously known as Walt Disney’s favorite restaurant, offers an interior aesthetic that straddles the line between a nineteenth-century Scottish tavern and a storybook cottage straight out of Snow White. Within these historic walls, the event assembled an extraordinary roster of local favorites alongside celebrated out-of-town talent, creating a vibrant atmosphere that blended old Hollywood charm with contemporary culinary innovation.
The lineup of participating culinary heavyweights was nothing short of staggering. Local staples like Holbox, Thunderbolt, Night on Earth, Pasjoli, Café Telegrama, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Quarter Sheets, Ji Rong, and Kidori joined forces with sweet-tooth sensations like Molly Baz, who teamed up with Mister’s ice cream sandwiches. The event also drew prominent out-of-town talent, including New York City’s acclaimed British pub and restaurant Dean’s and chef Gregory Gourdet of Portland’s celebrated restaurant Kann. According to event organizers, there has arguably never been a food party quite like this one, merging diverse culinary traditions under a single, storied roof.
Upon entering the venue, attendees were immediately immersed in a sensory landscape filled with unexpected and eye-popping food creations. Guests marveled at a 40-foot-long, snaking sheet cake crafted by pastry chef Hannah Ziskin of Quarter Sheets, while a tabletop-sized stargazy pie from Dean’s drew crowds eager to photograph the striking British classic. The rich aroma of roasting meats drifted through the air as Ji Rong carved tender Peking duck. Nearby, a Cathay Pacific flight attendant circulated through the crowd, passing out flutes of champagne to toast the afternoon’s festivities.
Seafood lovers gathered at the Holbox counter to slurp fresh scallops straight from the shell, showcasing the restaurant’s acclaimed Mexican seafood expertise. Meanwhile, the culinary traditions of two historic dining institutions collided in spectacular fashion as Pasjoli carved French dip sandwiches smothered in a delectable poivre sauce straight from Lawry’s The Prime Rib’s iconic carving carts. Just steps away, Lawry’s staff performed their signature ritual, making their famous spinning salad completely to order for eager guests.
At the bar, beverage programs from Thunderbolt and Night on Earth brought to life the top drink trends of the year as highlighted by Punch. Drink menus featured inventive variations on banana flavors, highlighted by a banana-miso carajillo, alongside the nostalgic return of Hpnotiq served in a neon passion fruit refresher. Tiny martinis, ranging from classic pours to Gilda-style iterations, remained a massive hit among the crowd. Overseeing the game room was a striking and conceptual ice sculpture embedded with fish, radishes, beets, and tinned delicacies, perfectly capturing the playful yet artistic spirit of the event.
Out on the patio, Café Telegrama operated a pop-up outdoor diner, serving both sweet and savory versions of its cult-favorite ricotta pancakes. Just a few steps away, a lively line formed at the Majestic photobooth as attendees paused to capture memories of the afternoon. Conversation flowed freely from the cozy Cathay Pacific outdoor lounge, where guests enjoyed expertly grilled yakitori courtesy of Arcadia’s Sumibiyakitori Kidori. Visitors who lingered long enough were treated to passed salt bread from Out of Ordi, generously stuffed with sweet corn or ube cream. For those looking to cool off or satisfy a sweet tooth, founder Molly Baz herself handed out Mister’s ice cream sandwiches topped with sweet-salty crunchy brittle.
As the celebration drew to a close, every guest departed with a heavily packed gift bag featuring curated treats from some of Eater’s favorite brands. Takeaway items included Luxardo’s beloved maraschino cocktail cherries, Unreal’s better-for-you chocolate candies, Giadzy’s celebrity-chef-approved gluten-free pasta, and Fly By Jing’s noodles seasoned with its cult-favorite chile crisp and signature sauces. Attendees also received a coupon to redeem their favorite flavor of Molly Baz’s signature Ayoh mayonnaise, with the dill pickle variety emerging as an early favorite among the crowd.
Organizers have encouraged attendees who experienced the festivities firsthand to share their feedback through a dedicated survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card. For those already looking ahead to future gatherings, the Eater app remains the primary destination for early access announcements, ensuring that local food enthusiasts won’t miss out on whatever culinary adventure comes next.