350 Ways to 'dineL.A.'

Los Angeles is known the world over for having some of the most diverse cuisine and talented chefs in the country. dineL.A.'s Restaurant Week celebrates this fact with tantalizing temptations for food lovers near and far. It's a 14-day dining extravaganza that takes place in 350 of the most deliciously diverse restaurants throughout the region.

What's the allure for those who partake? Specially priced menus, featuring each chef's best fares for lunch and dinner, each designed to tempt new diners and welcome back old friends. Every restaurant has its own unique history, ambiance and sensibility and will put its best-of-the-best forward to impress and satisfy a diner's taste buds, during this culinary celebration.

The Rage Monthly spoke with the Director of Marketing and Programs, Stacey Sun, who shared some fun facts about this year's festivities.

How long has dineL.A. been around and how did you get involved?

dineL.A. Restaurant Week started in 2008 with the goal of promoting Los Angeles as a top culinary destination and continues to be our mission today. My involvement began in 2011 when I started working at Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board on the dineL.A. program. This has given me the opportunity to utilize both my marketing and culinary background. Plus, I've always had a huge interest in restaurants and chefs.

This year you've added an Exclusive Series. Can you describe what it includes?

We are excited to introduce the "dineL.A. Exclusive Series, presented by Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express." Select chefs from across L.A.'s neighborhoods will present experiential menus, uniquely crafted and exclusive to Restaurant Week, starting at $95. This will give diners the opportunity to rediscover dineL.A. in a entirely new way, by indulging in a curated dining experience throughout Los Angeles.

Any other new elements added this year?

We are proud to support a great local charity, The Midnight Mission, a vital non-profit organization that provides food, shelter and essential aid to
the homeless throughout the city. Together with OpenTable, dineL.A. will donate $1 for each seated reservation, booked through the website, discoverLosAngeles.com/dineL.A. to The Midnight Mission. One dollar will provide one meal to someone in need, so we encourage diners to make a reservation and make a difference.

Another change to the program this season is the menu structure, price and value. For lunch, diners are invited to choose two items priced at $15,
$20 and $25, while for dinner they will be invited to pick three items priced at $29 $39, and $49. Each participating restaurant will be offering a 20 percent value to guests.

How important is social media to the event?

Social media is a key component to helping us promote the event and engage with our audience, especially Instagram. We encourage diners to tap into their photography skills and post food photos using the hashtag #dineL.A., for a chance to win 250,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Why should people dine during dineL.A.?

That's a tough question, especially since we have over 350 restaurants to choose from! My recommendation is to experience one restaurant in each neighborhood. It's the best time to explore and discover L.A.'s diverse culture through food.

Another Reason to Say Bravo! - dineL.A.'s 'Top Chefs'

Several former contestants from Bravo's "Top Chef" either own or are Executive Chefs at some of Los Angeles' top restaurants. Three are participating in dineL.A: Chefs Chris "CJ" Jacobson (Seasons 3 and 10) of Girasol, Brian Malarkey (Season 3) of Herringbone Los Angeles and Santa Monica and the third, Dakota Weiss (Season 9) is owner of Estrella.

The Rage Monthly caught up with Weiss to discuss life after "Top Chef" and all about dineL.A.

"Top Chef" Season 9, what did you take away from the experience?

Besides the PTSD? Kidding...Well, sort of.

Honestly, it was nothing that I expected. It pushed me to wake up, push a little harder and ultimately set my goals higher. No matter how well you do
on the show, it takes your career to another level. I made sure to step it up a few notches to attain being the chef I wanted to be. As a professional, getting kicked off of a TV show for making a mistake on something that you do daily-something that you get paid to do-can seriously crush your ego. I beat myself up for a little bit, but got over it.

How did you become owner of Estrella?

I was the chef at Shangri La Hotel in Santa Monica and knew I needed to spread my wings a bit. I received a phone call about a chef's position at the Westwood W, where I met Alan Nathan, the CEO of Choice Hospitality. I took the job and he has been my role model ever since because of his vision and keen sense of the hospitality business. He asked if I would be interested in opening up a restaurant with him and I immediately said, "Yes!" We looked at several locations, but "the spot" that hit him, was on Sunset and he nailed it.

Is this your first time being involved in dineL.A.?

We have been involved pretty much from the beginning. I simply love Restaurant Week, it gives chefs a chance to have fun with new menu items and ingredients and to welcome new diners to our restaurants. It's a win-win situation. Not only are you able to get your restaurant's name out there to diners all over Los Angeles, but you also have a platform for trying new dishes and getting instant results in larger than normal numbers.

What will you be serving on your special menu for the event?

We decided to do the lunch hour for this winter's dineL.A. Each course has a vegan, meat, seafood or vegetarian dish to choose from. Options include everything from Peking Duck with Sweet Potato Croquette to a White Bean Bisque; even a County Line Chicory and roasted Medjool Date Salad.
For the entrees, we have a Crab "BLT," a Roasted Delicata Squash or a Grilled Skirt Steak with fermented Garlic Tapende. Dessert is a choice
of an Oro Blanco, a Rosemary Panna Cotta, or a Bittersweet Chocolate Caramel Bar with Banana Granola and House made Ricotta. Yummy!

For more information and a complete list of participating restaurants, go to discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los- angeles-restaurant-week