The Vernetti family served two kinds of homemade pasta with fresh baked focaccia on Monday evening, supporting Hope-Net’s Taste of Larchmont.
Larchmont sidewalks were filled with diners tasting special menus created for the Taste of Larchmont, the annual fundraiser for Hope-Net, a non-profit that supports 12 food pantries. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, and the first year back in person after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
“We were so delighted to have newcomers Levain Bakery and Holy Grail Donuts make the effort to participate in this year’s Taste of Larchmont ahead of opening their shops on Larchmont,” said Steve Tator, who helped coordinate all the logistics. Tator told the Buzz he was  thrilled when Esteban Gutierrez, the owner of Esco’s Pizza at 615 N. La Brea, stepped in when then new owners of Village Pizzeria declined to participate. (The Cohen family recently sold Village Pizzeria after 25 years of serving Larchmont. We’ve asked the new owners for an interview and are waiting to hear back).
“Esteban really save the day for us because we really wanted to have pizza as part of the Taste of Larchmont offerings,” said Tator.
More than 50 local volunteers helped the staff of sixteen local eateries serve diners. We did our best to eat everywhere, but it was hard. There was even something for dogs, with Tailwaggers offering samples of Nurti Source pet food.
If you missed it, Â here are some photos we hope will inspire you to attend next year. Thanks to Buzz intern Abby Byrne for her assistance taking pictures, many of which we posted on social media.
Volunteer Bill Gaddy and Hope-Net Executive Director Brandy Muñiz just before the rush of ticket sales!
John Boccato and Dorothy Schouten checking in guests at the Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese
The Boccato and Byrne Families at the Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese Shop
Boy Scout Troop Leader Scott Hanna, Charles D’Atri (Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association President), and CD13 Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell
Fizzy Hoppy Tea from Go Get ’em Tiger
Boy scouts from Troop 10 kept the streets clean.
Burrata cheese with seasonal peaches from Great White
Louise’s Trattoria served two kinds of pasta.
Darkest Chocolate from Jeni’s Ice Cream!
Levain Bakery’s Pam Lewy came all the way from NYC to participate! Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell welcomes the newest bakery on Larchmont coming early 2023.
Maria at Le Pain Quotidien served pastry and sandwiches.
Hope-Net Executive Director Brandy Muñiz, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and Patti Carroll, Hope-net Board member and chair of the auction and raffle.
Staff from El Cholo served their famous tamales at this year’s Taste of Larchmont.
Staff at Kiku Sushi offered an assortment from their menu.
Sheila Tepper, our Backstage with the Buzz columnist and Susie Goodman.
Suz and Peter Landay with Juanita Kemp and Mary Nicols
Hope-Net Executive Director Brandy Muñiz and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell with a city proclamation recognizing the work of Hope-Net and the 12 food pantries it supports.
There was even something for Larchmont pets, courtesy of Tailwaggers.
Patricia Lombard is the publisher of the Larchmont Buzz. Patty lives with her family in Fremont Place. She has been active in neighborhood issues since moving here in 1989. Her pictorial history, "Larchmont" for Arcadia Press is available at Chevalier's Books.
