When two soulful cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans decide to cook together, the result isn’t just a menu—it’s a movement. Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica has officially launched “LA x LA,” a cross-cultural culinary series where standout chefs from New Orleans collaborate with Chef Elijah Deleon, bringing bold flavor, storytelling, and true hospitality to California’s coast.
The series is curated by General Manager Lorenzo Reef, who knows both cities intimately and envisioned a space where community and culinary lineage converge. Backed by the guidance of James Beard-nominated Chef/Owner Jeremy Fox, and driven by Deleon’s Mexican-Philippine heritage, Rustic Canyon is once again expanding the possibilities of what a neighborhood restaurant can mean.
The Schedule: Dates, Chefs & What to Expect
Each dinner offers an intimate one-night-only collaboration that blends New Orleans heart with California soul. Here’s who’s coming to cook and when to book:
Thursday, July 17 – Chef Mike Stoltzfus (Coquette)
From a Maryland dairy farm to founding Coquette in New Orleans’ Garden District, Stoltzfus brings his ingredient-forward philosophy and James Beard credentials to the Rustic Canyon kitchen for one evening of coast-to-coast comfort and innovation.
Thursday, July 31 – Chef Michael Gulotta (MOPHO, Tana)
Globally inspired and deeply rooted in New Orleans, Michael Gulotta is known for turning neighborhood dining into destination cuisine. Fresh off opening TANA, he’s bringing Southern swagger and European technique to Santa Monica.
Thursday, August 7 – Chef Ana Castro (Lengua Madre, ACAMAYA)
Ana Castro cooks with memory, honoring her Mexican roots while telling new stories through food. A James Beard nominee, her dishes are personal, poetic, and unforgettably grounded.
Thursday, August 28 – Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. (Chi Chis)
From the CIA to The NoMad and Momofuku Ko, Garcia makes his highly anticipated LA debut with flavors from his Dominican, Panamanian, and Creole heritage. Big energy. Big flavor. Big debut.
Thursday, September 4 – Jewel of the South (World-Ranked Bar)
For one night only, Rustic Canyon transforms into a cocktail haven as Jewel of the South brings New Orleans mixology to the West Coast. Ranked #24 in the world, this bar program is not to be missed.
Why It Matters: Culture, Collaboration, and the Power of the Plate
This series isn’t about flexing fine dining credentials—it’s about bridging communities through food. It’s about taking that slow-cooked Louisiana heat and layering it with Santa Monica’s sun-soaked seasonality. Every plate tells a story of place, of migration, of memory.
For Chef Elijah Deleon, this is also personal. As a Mexican-Filipino chef who cut his teeth at Rustic Canyon, these dinners are a chance to collaborate with culinary voices he admires while bringing a fresh perspective to the hyper-local ingredients sourced weekly from the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
Book a Seat. Be Part of the Table.
Whether you’re chasing standout chefs, bold new pairings, or just want to be part of something that feels bigger than the food itself, LA x LA at Rustic Canyon is your next reservation. Know more about Rustic Canyon, rusticcanyonrestaurant.com
Follow @rusticcanyon on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and sneak peeks at the evolving menus.
Address: Rustic Canyon, 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
Dates:
Thursday, July 17: Chef Mike Stoltzfus of Coquette, a foundational figure in New Orleans dining.
Thursday, July 31:New Orleans native, Chef Michael Gulotta of MOPHO and Tana Italian.
Thursday, August 7:James Beard-nominated Chef Ana Castro, behind Lengua Madra and ACAMAYA.
Thursday, August 28:Chef and owner Adolfo Garcia Jr. of Chichis will make his highly anticipated Los Angeles debut.
Thursday, September 4: Rustic Canyon will welcome Jewel of The South, ranked the #24 bar in the world, for a special evening that will feature an award-winning menu.
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Rustic Canyon
