Bon Appétit at the Getty Throws a Timely Art Party

Submitted by Melanie Makaiwi, Catering Manager

The “Mom’s Kitchen” team, left to right: Servers Jeanice Howard, Dinora Reyes, Francia Guzman, and Homzell Foster

More than 60 cultural institutions across Southern California have come together to tell the story of the birth of the Los Angeles art scene through the exhibition Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980. The Bon Appétit team at the Getty Center in Los Angeles had the creative pleasure of catering the show’s opening celebration, which was attended by 1,500 artists, cultural and civic leaders, and area residents.

Arriving guests were whisked up the hillside in the Getty’s tram to The Plaza, where they enjoyed sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres and a spectacular sound and light show with images and music from 1945 to1980.

The main reception was held in the Getty Courtyard, where Executive Chef Mayet Cristobal unveiled her culinary offerings, paying homage to the food and drinks of the period with thematic stations focused on the ’40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, complete with a show-stopping display of vegetable crudités in the likeness of the Getty Garden itself! Other offerings included a classic deviled egg at the 1940s USO canteen, root beer floats at the 1950s diner, whipped potatoes at “Mom’s Kitchen” from the 1960s, and smoked salmon and caviar at the 1980s “neon” station.

Some of the ingredients for the evening:

  • 4,500 pieces of glassware distributed to seven bars
  • 1,000 pounds of ice delivered
  • 59 chefs’ coats buttoned
  • 1,500 lamb chops grilled
  • 3,000 strawberries skewered
  • 110 servers briefed
  • One incredible experience

All of the above made for a night to remember.