There’s a special alchemy that happens when food becomes more than just nourishment—when it transforms into a story that bridges cultures, generations, and memories. On September 12th, Caldo Verde is set to host one of the most anticipated events of the year in its Cookbook Dinner Series, featuring Chef Tu David Phu and his deeply personal new release, The Memory of Taste: Vietnamese American Recipes from Phú Quốc, Oakland, and the Spaces Between. For food lovers, storytellers, and anyone who believes in the power of a meal to transport you, this is an event not to be missed.
Why This Dinner Matters: A Culinary Journey Across Cultures
Chef Tu David Phu, a first-generation Vietnamese-American raised in Oakland, California, has crafted a cookbook that does more than just share recipes—it tells the story of his family’s journey from Phú Quốc Island to the diverse culinary landscape of the Bay Area. In his book, The Memory of Taste, Tu masterfully weaves together the flavors of his childhood with the sophisticated techniques he honed in Michelin-starred kitchens.
The upcoming dinner at Caldo Verde—the flagship restaurant of the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel—is part of a series created by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne. This series brings prominent chefs and authors to collaborate on a menu that’s both authentic and reimagined, blending cultures, stories, and food traditions. Goin, known for her subtle Mediterranean influences, will put her signature spin on dishes from Chef Tu’s cookbook, elevating the flavors while keeping the heart of the recipes intact.
An Interview with Chef Tu David Phu: Why This Event Is Personal
I had the chance to sit down with Chef Tu ahead of the event, and his passion for food as a storytelling medium was evident. He spoke candidly about what inspired the cookbook and how it’s more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a tribute to his mother and the generations of cooks who came before him.
“Food is how we remember,” Chef Tu told me. “It’s not just about flavors. It’s about people—about the family stories and the sacrifices that come with every meal. My mom, a seamstress who worked hard for every penny, used to bake her banana bread in a tiny toaster oven. It wasn’t fancy, but it was filled with love and creativity. That’s the essence of my book. It’s about taking those memories and putting them on a plate.”
When I asked him about his partnership with Caldo Verde, Chef Tu couldn’t hide his excitement. “Suzanne and Caroline get it. They understand that food is more than just ingredients—it’s about connecting people. This dinner is a chance for me to share my family’s story with Los Angeles and to honor the flavors that shaped me. We’ll have dishes like tuna summer rolls, cháo cá (fish porridge), and my mom’s banana bread pudding—each one representing a part of my journey.”
But it’s not just about nostalgia. Chef Tu is also keen on pushing boundaries. “We’ll be doing some elevated dishes too, like a fancy version of fish shabu shabu. It’s going to be fun, and I can’t wait for people to try it.”
What to Expect at the Event
This is not your average cookbook dinner. At $95 per person, this event offers an immersive tasting menu that brings The Memory of Taste to life. Expect bold, nuanced flavors, ranging from the refreshing brightness of tuna summer rolls to the comforting warmth of fish and seafood porridge. Each dish is a reflection of both Chef Tu’s Vietnamese roots and Suzanne Goin’s skillful Californian twist on traditional recipes.
The dinner is set to be an exploration of how food can bridge the gap between past and present, between cultures and generations. In a space like Caldo Verde, where rustic charm meets modern sophistication, the atmosphere alone is enough to transport you. Combine that with a carefully crafted menu and the unique storytelling behind each dish, and you have an event that promises to be unforgettable.
Chef Tu put it best when he said, “This dinner is an invitation for people to experience my family’s story through food. It’s a chance to taste dishes that have been passed down through generations, reimagined for today, but still rooted in tradition.”
Why You Should Attend
The Cookbook Dinner Series at Caldo Verde is for anyone looking to experience something deeper. It’s for those who believe that food is a powerful connector, that a meal can tell stories of migration, survival, love and loss. It’s for people who want more than just a dining experience—they want an emotional connection to the food they’re eating.
This event is also a testament to the power of collaboration. With Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne at the helm, working alongside Chef Tu David Phu, the menu will not only celebrate Vietnamese flavors but will also showcase how different culinary backgrounds can come together to create something new and exciting.
The Cookbook Dinner Series featuring Chef Tu David Phu takes place on Thursday, September 12th, at Caldo Verde, located in the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel. Tickets are $95++ per person, and reservations can be made OpenTable.
Location: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, 1100 S. Broadway Los Angeles
Photo credits: Courtesy of The Proper Downtown L.A. and Chef Tu
