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Night Out Debuts April 11 with Top Chef Winners & Michelin Stars

Los Angeles is gearing up for an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence and philanthropy as two of the city’s most celebrated food events. Taste of the Nation and the No Kid Hungry Dinner join forces for the first time. On Saturday, April 11th, food lovers and philanthropists alike will gather at Rolling Greens in Downtown Los Angeles for Night Out for No Kid Hungry, a one-night-only event that promises to be a feast for the senses, some of the best food in Los Angeles and a powerful step toward ending childhood hunger.


This extraordinary evening will bring together over 50 of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs, all united by a shared mission: to support No Kid Hungry’s campaign to ensure every child in America has access to the food they need to thrive. With a lineup that includes Top Chef winners Brooke Williamson, Mei Lin, and Melissa King, Master Chef Ludo Lefebvre, and Michelin-starred restaurants like Osteria Mozza and Kali Restaurant, attendees can expect nothing short of culinary magic.


A Three-Course Culinary Journey


The event is divided into three distinct experiences, each offering a unique way to indulge in the evening’s offerings:


  1. The Tasting (6:30 – 8:30 PM): Guests will enjoy bite-sized creations and expertly crafted cocktails from some of the country’s top culinary talents. From Jitlada’s bold southern Thai flavors to Heritage Barbecue’s Texas-style BBQ, the variety of dishes will showcase the best of America’s diverse culinary landscape.

  2. The Dinner (5:00 – 8:30 PM): For those seeking a more intimate experience, The Dinner offers a multi-course meal curated by California’s finest chefs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a live auction, raising critical funds for No Kid Hungry’s mission. Dinner guests will gain early access to The Tasting, allowing them to sample the evening’s delights before sitting down for their exclusive meal.

  3. The After Party (8:30 – 10:00 PM): Hosted by celebrity chefs Duff Goldman and Michael Voltaggio, the After Party will cap off the night with sweet treats from top pastry chefs, late-night bites, and a special live performance. Chef Fatima Juarez of Komal, recently named one of America’s best restaurants, will be among the pastry chefs serving up delectable desserts.


More Than Just a Meal


While the food and drinks are the stars of the evening, Night Out for No Kid Hungry offers much more. Guests can enjoy live music by DJ Super Nova, interactive games like The Shop (featuring mystery boxes with prizes) and The Cellar (a chance to win a fully stocked wine cellar), and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for great food and a great cause.


Why It Matters


Childhood hunger is a pressing issue, with one in five kids in the U.S. living with hunger. No Kid Hungry works tirelessly to change this, advocating for programs and providing resources to ensure children receive three meals a day. As event co-chair and Top Chef winner Mei Lin explains, “Childhood hunger is a problem that affects all of us. No Kid Hungry is working to solve this problem and has made a positive impact on the lives of millions of kids. I’m proud to be a part of Los Angeles’s Night Out event to help No Kid Hungry end childhood hunger.”

Courtney Smith, Managing Director of Culinary Partnerships & Events for No Kid Hungry, echoes this sentiment: “Whether you’re joining us at The Tasting or The Dinner, your ticket to Los Angeles’s Night Out for No Kid Hungry raises funds for this work. We welcome guests from across Los Angeles to come hungry and ready for an evening full of flavorful food, libations, and fun.”

Event Chairs


Brooke Williamson (Night Out Chair) – Playa Provisions

  • Top Chef Season 14 Winner

  • First-ever Top Chef Tournament of Champions Winner

  • Top Chef Season 10 Runner-up

  • Bobby's Triple Threat Titan

  • Youngest female chef to cook at James Beard Foundation House

Mei Lin (Night Out Chair) – Umamei

  • Top Chef Season 12 Winner

  • Top Chef Tournament of Champions Season 4 Winner (2023)

  • Eater "Young Gun"

  • Zagat "30 Under 30"

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chefs in America California Semifinalist (2020)

Melissa King (Night Out Chair)

  • Top Chef All-Stars Season 17 Winner and "Fan Favorite"

  • Holds the record for most challenge wins in Top Chef history

  • Former Michelin-starred chef

  • 40-under-40 honoree

  • Host of National Geographic's Tasting Wild


Featured Chefs and Talent


Kevin Meehan – Kali

  • Michelin 1 Star (2019–2024)

Gene Villiatora – Ai Pono Cafe

  • First Hawaii-born chef on Top Chef

Keith Corbin – ALTA ADAMS

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chefs in America California Semifinalist (2022)

  • Recognized by Esquire, Thrillist, and Los Angeles Times as one of the best restaurants in the country

  • Bestselling author

Danielle Duran-Zecca & Alessandro Zecca – Amiga Amore

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Emerging Chef of the Year Semifinalist (2024)

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chef California (2025)

Suzanne Goin – AOC, CALO VERE, LARDER BAKING CO

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America Winner (2017)

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Chef Winner (2016)

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Cooking from a Professional Point of View Winner (2006)

  • GAYOT's Restaurateur of the Year (2019)

Barb Batiste – B Sweet, Big Boi

  • Renowned caterer for nearly every MLB team playing in Southern California

Pawan Mahendro – Badmaash

  • Michelin Bib Gourmand (2022 & 2023)

Alex Carrasco – Bee Taqueria, Durango Cantina

  • Michelin Bib Gourmand (2022)

Eduardo Ruiz – CHICAS TACOS

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Rising Star Chef of the Year (2014)

  • Zagat "30 Under 30" (2014)

  • Featured in Food & Wine and LA Times 101 Best

Chris Bianco – Chris Bianco (new LA location)

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Restaurateur (2022)

  • Frequently cited for "Best Pizza in America"

  • Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table

Ana Palomares & Matthew Belanger – Death & Company Los Angeles

  • Recognized on World's 50 Best Bars

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Book of the Year (Cocktail Codex, 2019)

Diane Moua – Diane's Place

  • Food & Wine named Diane's Place the best restaurant in America

Greg Dulan – Dulan's Soul Food

  • LA Times 2025 Gold Award Winner

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Restaurateur Semifinalist (2023 & 2024)

Elvia – Evil Cooks

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chef California Semifinalist (2024 & 2025)

Fatima Juarez – Komal

  • Named one of the 15 best new restaurants in America by Eater

Govind Armstrong – The Lobster

  • Michelin Plate Award (2019)

  • Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America contestant

Nancy Silverton – MOZZA, Max and Helen's

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Chef (2014)

  • Michelin 1 Star - Osteria Mozza (2025)

  • Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table

Dominique Crenn

  • 3 Michelin Stars - Atelier Crenn (2018)

  • World’s Best Female Chef (2016)

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chefs in America West (2018)

Duff Goldman

  • Famous for Ace of Cakes and Food Network baking championships

  • James Beard Foundation Award - TV Food Personality/Host Nominee (2011)

Michael Voltaggio

  • Top Chef Season 6 Winner

  • Michelin 1 Star - Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen (2009)

Michael Mina

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best Chefs in America: California Winner (2002)

  • Creator of over 30 successful high-end concepts under The Mina Group

Sherry Yard

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Outstanding Pastry Chef Winner (2002)

  • Food Network judge

Kevin Bludso

  • James Beard Foundation Award - Best BBQ Book Winner (2023)

  • Host of Netflix's BBQ Showdown


This list highlights the incredible talent coming together for Night Out for No Kid Hungry. Each chef and mixologist brings their unique expertise and accolades, ensuring an unforgettable evening for a vital cause.


Event Details


  • Date: Saturday, April 11th

  • Location: Rolling Greens, 1005 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

  • Schedule:

    • The Dinner: 5:00 – 8:30 PM

    • The Tasting: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

    • The After Party: 8:30 – 10:00 PM


Tickets and table packages are available now, and early purchase is encouraged as the event is expected to sell out. For more information and to secure your spot, visit NoKidHungry.org/NightOut.


Sponsors and Supporters


This event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Citi (National Presenting Sponsor), Sysco (The Tasting Presenting Sponsor), Breakthru Beverage Group (Beverage Sponsor), IHG Hotels & Resorts (Hotel Sponsor), Food Network (Media Sponsor), and Kia (Vehicle Sponsor).


Join the Movement


Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an evening of exceptional food and drink while making a meaningful impact. Follow No Kid Hungry on social media to stay updated on the event:


  • Facebook: @nokidhungry

  • Instagram: @nokidhungrylax @nokidhungry

  • Twitter/X: @nokidhungry


Come hungry, leave inspired, and help ensure that no child in America goes hungry. Night Out for No Kid Hungry is more than an event—it’s a movement.


I hope you guys are hungry! See you there!


Matthew Tropp | Food Journal Magazine

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