FoodShop

When I read about LA Foodshop’s secret, invite-​only dinners in the LA Times I knew I had to figure out a way to get to one as soon as possible. I mean, what does not sound intriguing about being invited to a delicious hidden dinner and being surrounded by people who love a great meal as much as you do? So, I went on their website, filled out my information and tried to write one heck of a brief autobiography. I haven’t given as much effort into writing since I had taken my comprehensive exam in graduate school. That’s how badly I wanted to go! One week later, I found myself invited. The best way to describe how it felt when I found out that I was added to their list is likely comparable to when Charlie found a golden ticket in one of Willy Wonka’s chocolate bars. I was ecstatic! Shortly after receiving the great news, I received the new menu with dates for the next upcoming dinners. I requested 2 seats at their long communal table that seats 50 and with a splash of luck and dash of fate, we found ourselves on the guest list on a Friday night! The location of these dinners changes every month. This month it was held in a cool space in Venice. When we were whisked away from the busy street into the dining area it felt like we had been transported into a whole other world. A secret restaurant, if you will. The prix fixe menu this month was Mediterranean and it was absolutely delicious. Everything from the grapefruit and fennel apéritif to the Arabic coffee ice cream sandwiches was incredible. We were served a total of 5 courses served on top of large butcher blocks. You get to share with the closest 8 people around you. You may ask yourself what happens if you take your share and find yourself wanting more. Have no fear. They replenish as needed. The foccacia was hot, doughy, chewy and magical with the eggplant carpaccio. The labane, which is creamy Keffir cheese, was, as one of my neighbors described it, like cream cheese on crack. The vegetables were thoughtfully prepared to have their natural flavors shine. The branzino was perfectly cooked. A few guests brought cakes to celebrate birthdays and one even brought homemade chocolate cream filled ding dongs. It’s BYOB, and the menu had suggestions of what type of drinks would pair well with the food being served. But, we ended up sharing what we brought and in return got to try different types of ales. The food is surprisingly not the only wonderful thing about the experience. By the end of the evening the strangers surrounding you become your friends. There’s a strong sense of community and, quite simply put, it’s beautiful! We met a casting director, music talent agent, an owner of a night club/​bar/​restaurant and a former Foodshop employee turned guest. We found ourselves engaged in entertaining conversations and shared funny stories, restaurant recommendations and great Netflix finds. If I could give this dining experience 50 stars I would. To say we had a fantastic time would be an understatement. I highly recommend finding a way to get yourself on the invitation list or tag along with an invited guest to one of next month’s dinners and if you do, I hope to see you there!

Really love FoodShop! Not only is the food great, the whole crowd is a fun one! But, one thing… we always leave feeling like we didnt get enough food… like still kinda hungry and we’re not «large» people. Either the portions need to be a little larger,
or add another course. Its a great night either way!

Had an awesome time in the upstairs room. 5 course pre-​fixed menu ($ 70/​person) that was centered around southern cooking. The food was amazing. The space is really cool and the fact that there is no corkage fee is even better.
Hands down one of the best dining experiences in LA.

Really great concept and definitely and fun experience. My husband and I attended the Foodshop last months can’t wait to go again. The food was so delicious everything was exceptional and your bring your own alcohol. No corkage fee. Definitely a must try.

The pop up concept is not particularly well executed here. The food is decent, but nothing better than you’d find at your average gastropub. For $ 70 per person, you get very little service (we were asked to stack our own plates and silverware at the end of the meal) no one pours wine or water, it is BYOB and it took close to 45 minutes before the first course was delivered. The room is very loud with terrible acoustics and uncomfortable seating. There are hundreds of better dining experiences to be had for $ 70 in LA.

The headline — The whole experience is just really freaking cool.
It happens once a month (I think) in a warehouse/​garage/​studio type of place. To get in for the first time you just need to be invited by someone who’s been before. It’s not that hard. You don’t have to be «connected.» And when you’re there you can sign up to get invites. It’s free to become a member.
You also pay when you make your reservation, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the check or tipping. It’s like $ 65 a head, plus whatever extra you feel like contributing to the cause. Well worth the money in my opinion.
You don’t order. The meal is set and it’s something different every time. But the food is always amazing. It’s also BYOB, which can be fun because everybody’s very generous about sharing their booze.
It’s family style so you sit at a long banquet style table and share with whomever is within arm’s reach. There’s always more than enough food, so pace yourself.
The best part about it is that you get to break bread with a lot of fun, chill, down to earth people. No one is a douche, no one is there to get trashed and be annoying, no one’s talking on their phone or bitching about the service. It’s just a really good time.

Fun secret restaurant in an artists workshop. It’s seats more people than expected (~50) so doesn’t have the intimacy of other secret /​pop-​up restaurants around town, but it was still fun.
The food changes monthly and was very good, but not amazing. A couple things were truly fantastic, such as the grilled grapes and home made burrata with a balsamic drizzle. Dessert, which was a sorbet, was really disappointing though.
At $ 65 per person not including alcohol (it’s byob) or tip, it feels a bit too pricy, but not overwhelmingly so.