A Feature by Sarah Meyer
The city of Los Angeles experienced one of the worst disasters in its history over the past week, with wildfires raging across the city, destroying everything in their path. The physical destruction left in the fire’s wake is immense and the emotional destruction immeasurable. Residents throughout Los Angeles county, whether directly in the line of fire, or watching helplessly from afar felt a range of emotions as they stayed glued to their screens for updates. With the risk of evacuation, losing their homes, and losing loved ones, fear, sadness and anger set in. Bus, as Eaton fire victim, Marike Aguilar shared with influencer Neenib Youkana on Instagram, “this is the kind of awful thing that brings out the best in everyone. People offering to help, places to stay, {etc.}.” Aguilars right. Without hesitation Angelenos rallied to help. Maybe they knew someone personally affected, maybe not. It didn’t matter. Immediately when it was safe to so, people across the city stepped out to volunteer. Collecting supplies to restock those who lost everything.
As the citizens of Los Angeles came together to support one another, so did the restaurants of Los Angeles. When a crisis strikes, and a person loses everything, a good meal becomes difficult. Something we take for granted now becomes a challenge. But chefs and restaurateurs across the city were not going to leave victims of the fires hungry. These 10 amazing restaurants are giving back to the communities who helped build them up. You can show your support by dining at one of these establishments – you’ll be giving back to businesses supporting Angelenos and first responders, and you’ll get a great meal too.
Anajak Thai Cuisine (Sherman Oaks): Rated as one of LA’s top restaurants, Anajak is currently donating meals to shelters and refueling stations, and is also open for business for displaced people and first responders. They shared on Instagram that they are “Honestly, just trying to cook what we can for the people that need it. Staying open to cook for the community and first responders.”
The Butcher’s Daughter (Venice, West Hollywood): The self-proclaimed ‘vegetable slaughterhouse’ is offering free meals for first responders at both of it’s airy locations.
The Hideaway (Beverly Hills): From January 10-17, this gorgeous restaurant is offering their Uno, Dos, Tres meal free of charge to first responders and those displaced from their homes due to the fires.
Tocaya (multiple locations): Founded in Venice, CA, this modern Mexican eatery will be offering free meals to active first responders in all Los Angeles-based locations. The offer will last until the end of January.
Bacari (Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, West Adams, Playa Del Rey, Glendale, West 3rd, Sherman Oaks): With a delicious array of small plates and unique cocktails, Bacari is beloved by Angelenos across the city. They are offering free meals to first responders at all locations and also donated 20,000 meals through the Los Angeles Food Bank to support those impacted by the fires.
Pizzana (Brentwood, Marina Del Rey, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, West Hollywood): Many claim they serve the best pizza in Los Angeles. Pizzana announced it was donating 100 percent of the profits from all L.A. restaurants on Saturday (1/18) and Sunday (1/19) to the California Fire Foundation. In an email announcing the donations, the restaurant said: “Los Angeles is our home. It is where we work, where we gather and where our neighbors live. Watching these fires devastate our community has left us heartbroken.”
Yeastie Boys Bagels (Silver Lake, Studio City, Melrose Place, Los Feliz, Venice, DTLA, Highland Park): A traveling bagel truck who has mastered this breakfast staple had several of its trucks feeding front-line works. They also partnered with World Central Kitchen on Thursday, January 9 to feed those at the Pasadena Convention Center. Yeastie Boys’ owner Evan Fox had to evacuate his home due to the fires and shared on Instagram that he “grabbed my Bar Mitzvah photo album and my passport. Literally nothing else matters. Straight up. Love & gratitude to everyone lending a helping hand and heart. Los Angeles Forever. Best city in the entire world.”
L’antica Pizzeria da Michele (Long Beach, Hollywood, Santa Barabara): The well-known pizzeria announced they would be donating 100 percent of its profits from all locations (including New York City) to the Los Angeles Fire Department, California Fire Foundation and Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund. The restaurant is also collecting toys at all SoCal locations to offer comfort for displaced children.
Jitlada (East Hollywood): A Thai food hot spot and Michelin Guide featured restaurant announced it would offer free food to first responders and firefighters. On Instagram, the restaurant said: “To give back, Jitlada is offering free meals to the firefighters and first responders tirelessly working to keep us safe. Your courage inspires us, and this is our way of saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Mother Wolf (Hollywood): Known for authentic Italian pastas and pizzas, this celebrity hotspot is offering free pizza to firefighters or first responders who come to the restaurant with credentials. On Instagram they said they hope they “can be a place of comfort” during this difficult time.
Chez Mia (West Hollywood): This elegant restaurant is donating its kitchens, time, and resources to ensure displaced families receive warm meals. Each meal costs $10, and donations are welcome via text (DINNER to 707070). For those unable to donate money, you can give your time or nominate families in need through their Instagram pages. Chez Mia is rallying the community to provide support, one meal at a time.
