Magical Atmosphere
Bionic Buzz® took a walk amongst the dead this weekend at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Simply diVine’s 13th annual premiere food and wine event, benefiting Los Angeles LGBT Center people and their allies, featured over 70 of LA’s finest eats & drinks. The most heavenly smells made their way from the booths of food, making the atmosphere amazing. As you walk down the middle of the locale, under the beautifully lit string lights, you can see the restaurant staff behind their separate tables, hustling to get their unique fare out for the foodies to try.
Border Grill: Modern Mexican
Chef Susan Feniger and her team from Border Grill served up some fresh, modern Mexican eats. Feniger, and co-owner, Mary Sue Milliken first tasted Latin flavors while working in a French restaurant, according to Border Grill’s about page. When these flavors tickled their taste buds, they decided to take a road trip down to Mexico to study the flavors and cooking techniques of the Mexican people. Never setting foot in a fancy restaurant, they tried food from market stands, street corners, and anywhere else they could experience the Latin food culture! When they came back to Los Angeles, they opened Border Grill, Modern Mexican fare, with a gourmet touch.
The Black Cat
The Black Cat served up some dinner style eats and drinks at Simply diVine this year. This special restaurant was the site of one the first LGBT civil rights protests against police harassment of the LGBT community. Originally called Black Cat Tavern, people in the community would come here to have a drink and feel safe, but that wasn’t the case all of the time. Undercover police officers infiltrated the venue on one New Year’s Day, and arrested and beat patrons who were kissing and celebrating New Years. It was this prejudice behavior that caused the riots, and made this venue famous. It has been many names after Black Cat Tavern, but the most recent is to memorialize the original bar and LGBT civil rights history.
Gracias Madre
Gracias Madre is an organic, plant-based Mexican eatery located in West Hollywood. They sure did deliver to the attendees of Simply diVine; with samples of their best healthy dishes created by Chandra Gilbert (pictured right), and drinks by Maxwell Reis, you couldn’t go wrong with anything you decided to pick up. At the restaurant, you have even more options, but not too many! They have relatively small menus for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, which tells me that they know what people will like, and they know their food is amazing. Confidence in a chef is always satisfying.
Huntington Hospitality
There were plenty of photo opportunities at Simply diVine this year, but the most memorable will always be the edible donut photo wall created by Huntington Hospitality’s Bon Appétit. You could devour a donut, and savor the unforgettable memory at the same time! To go with the donut wall, they set up a photo booth in front of it, complete with props like PRIDE flags, hashtag signs, and even word bubbles, to make the experience that much more fun.
Simply diVine
Simply diVine has been happening for 13 years, and I’m sure it will continue for at least 13 more! The experience is one you’ll never forget, and the fact that the proceeds benefit the LGBT community makes it that much better. Be sure to get your ticket for next year, and in the meantime check out the rest of the restaurants who were there, and give them a visit. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
Photos by Kasie Greeley where noted.