This story was updated. Tickets are $50 or $55 including processing fees for online purchases.
Make plans to dine out on Larchmont Blvd. this Monday, September 19, at the 30th Annual Taste of Larchmont and support one of the Boulevard’s signature events that also benefits our neediest neighbors. After a two-year pandemic-forced hiatus, HopeNet organizers are bringing the community together in person, featuring tastings from more than 17 local eateries, music, a silent auction, and a raffle with great prizes donated from the local business community.
The $50 (or $55 including online processing fees) tickets allow guests to stroll up and down the Boulevard while enjoying food and drinks prepared by more than 17 of the Larchmont area’s most prominent eateries, including:
- El Cholo
- Esco’s Pizza
- Go Get Em Tiger
- Great White
- Holey Grail Donuts
- Jeni’s Ice Cream
- Kiku Sushi
- La Brea Bakery
- Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese
- Le Pain Quotidien
- Levain Bakery
- Louise’s Trattoria
- Erin McKenna’s Bakery LA
- Peet’s Coffee
- Sweet Fin
- Vernetti
Proceeds from the event benefit HopeNet, a non-profit that operates 12 faith-based food pantries in the metro Los Angeles area. The Taste of Larchmont provides a significant part of HopeNet’s annual budget, which is critical for the small non-profit’s ability to continue to serve the ever-increasing needs of the community.
HopeNet, established in 1988, has been a vital participant in easing food insecurity in Los Angeles through its 12 food pantries. The organization serves more than 115,000 households and more than 275,000 people annually, distributing more than 2.5M pounds of food each year.  Each HopeNet pantry is managed and operated by dedicated volunteers. Funds provided by The Taste of Larchmont contribute nearly 20% of HopeNet’s operating budget
“Our pantries seek to not only provide sustenance, but also as much healthy and nutritious food as possible,” Brandy Muñiz, Hope-Net’s Executive Director, told the Buzz.  Funds raised give the local food pantries extra dollars to offer fresh produce and culturally appropriate foods, so it’s not just a box of macaroni and cheese or canned beans. The pantries are operated by volunteers who contribute countless hours and treat each client with dignity and respect.  Muñiz, who joined HopeNet this year, is coordinating her first Taste of Larchmont.
“We delighted at the level of community support we have received for this year’s event,” said Patricia Carroll, a member of the dedicated committee of volunteers helping to organize this year’s even. The team also includes Steve Tator, Bob Day, and Hope-Net board members Laurie Brown and Brian Midler. Carroll is again coordinating the raffle and silent auction.
“We have wonderful raffle items, thanks to the generosity of our local business community, and we are getting donations every day!” Carroll told the Buzz.
“We have a $100 gift certificate from Monsieur Marcel, the fabulous gourmet French market at the Original Farmers Market. The Ebell of Los Angeles has donated a one-year membership. Windsor Square residents Gill and John Wagner are donating wine from Peak Ranch, their winery. Former board member Tom Patterson and his wife Kelly Martin are donating wine from their personal collection valued at $500. We also have a $500 gift certification from Shade Store. Skin Laundry is donating a basket with products, and a gift certificate for a treatment worth $400. Larchmont Traditional Medicine is donating two $200 gift certificates. Rhodes School of Music is donating music classes. The Buzz is donating a monthly ad valued at $300. We also have gift certificates from Chevalier’s Books, Malin + Goetz, Village Heights, Flicka, and The Scent Room. Buck Mason is donating a leather business card case, Res Ipsa is donating a one-of-a-kind computer case. And we have received a lovely cheese knife kit from Landis Gifts and Stationery. And, and, if you love dining out, Â we have gift certificates from A.O.C., the Black Cat, and Village Idiot. We are so thankful for all the participation from everyone on the Boulevard,” said Carroll.
Well that’s a lot of reasons to support the Taste of Larchmont, with possibly something to take home with you as well as a wonderful dining experience that helps make sure food is available for our neediest neighbors.
Click here for tickets and more information.
