What began as an ambitious idea quickly turned into an extraordinary movement, proving that the culinary world’s heart beats strongest in times of need. CHEFS 
LA, a sold-out All-Star Fundraising Benefit brought together the biggest names in food, hosted at the legendary Lawry’s The Prime Rib Beverly Hills. NYC’s Chef Daniel Boulud, Chef Jonathan Waxman, and Ruth Reichl joined LA’s top chefs including Curtis Stone, Michael Cimarusti, Suzanne Goin, Nyesha Arrington, and many more to raise over $850,000 while honoring firefighters, first responders, and community heroes on one spectacular evening! (Cover Photo Credit: Craft Media Solutions)
The driving forces behind this monumental culinary aid event, industry veterans and CHEFS LA Producers Brad Metzger, President of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions and Founder/Producer of LA Chef Con, and Jacqui Leanza, Managing Partner of Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions, united the industry with a singular goal: to provide immediate aid to those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Their call to action was met with an overwhelming response. Lawry’s The Prime Rib Beverly Hills stepped up without hesitation as the Host Venue, thanks to Tiffany Stith, COO of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc., and Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. A powerhouse lineup of culinary icons and industry leaders joined forces, all volunteering their time and talent pro bono for this important Los Angeles culinary benefit.
This incredible event was held on Thursday, 2/27/25, and was hosted by Somebody Feed Phil creator Phil Rosenthal, Nine-time James Beard Award-Winning journalist Ruth Reichl, Los Angeles Times food columnist Jenn Harris, Brad Metzger, Jacqui Leanza, along with esteemed auctioneer Billy Harris. In a remarkable show of unity and generosity CHEFS LA raised over $850,000 to support Los Angeles Hospitality Workers with 100% of the Proceeds going directly to benefit World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.
Host restaurant Lawry’s The Prime Rib Beverly Hills had the honor of presenting the VIP Michelin Experience Hour, featuring Eight Michelin Chef Tastings and an elegant Eight-Course Tasting Menu for 262 guests. Guests were treated to a one hour Intimate VIP Michelin Experience, showcasing seven signature dishes from culinary titans including William Bradley, Josiah Citrin, Michael Cimarusti, Jordan Kahn, Niki Nakayama & Carole Lida-Nakayama, Jon Yao, and Curtis Stone, Astrea Caviar, six premium wines, and three craft cocktails including Chef Michael Voltaggio’s Marcado 28 Tequila and Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s T’MARO Amaro which set the stage for an evening of indulgence. As dinner service commenced, an all-star lineup of chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Jonathan Waxman, Ludovic Lefebvre, Nyesha Arrington, Suzanne Goin, Tiffany Dela Pena, Timothy Cardenas, Burt Bakman, Jeremy Fox, Katianna & John Hong, Andreas Roller, Clemence de Lutz + Sherry Yard, and Lawry’s Host Chefs Ryan Wilson and Jon Wood, worked in seamless harmony to present an exceptional Eight-Course Dining Experience.
Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.: “Food has the power to bring people together, and the hospitality industry is built on community and giving back. Being the host restaurant of this event was an absolute honor.”
The Honorees
Beyond the remarkable culinary experience and in the spirit of gratitude and community, CHEFS LA Honored a distinguished group of Community Heroes—chefs and restaurateurs who have gone above and beyond to support Angelenos affected by the wildfires. Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, restaurant owners Kim Prince and Greg Dulan of L.A.’s beloved Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food Restaurant, Chef Sandra Cordero and Jessica Vasto, David Turkell, and Rebecca King and Katie Miller have each played a vital role in providing comfort, nourishment, and relief during this time of crisis. Their unwavering dedication to feeding and uplifting those in need embodies the very heart of this event, and CHEFS LA is proud to recognize their incredible contributions. Additionally, Los Angeles Deputy Fire Chief Jaime Moore, CAL FIRE Division Chief Anthony Jones, CAL FIRE Prevention Specialist Chloe Castillo, U.S. Army Veteran, CAL FIRE Division Chief Matthew Edmiston, and Ventura County Fire Andy Vansciver were invited as Guests of Honor, underscoring the deep appreciation for the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.
The Evening
“The food was nothing short of spectacular and the hospitality provided by the team at Lawry’s was truly first class,” stated Chloe Castillo from CAL FIRE. “This event exemplified the strength and unity that defines our communities in times of hardship.”
The energy in the room soared as Billy Harris led the Live Auction, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including: New York Culinary Getaway, a luxury NYC experience with stays at 1 Hotel, exclusive dinners at Le BernardinandPeter Luger, and an insider’s tour with Andrew Friedman, Ultimate LA Taco & Tequila Experience, a private taco crawl with Bill Esparza and Chef Michael Voltaggio, Wynn Las Vegas Luxury Package, a premier getaway with top-tier accommodations and exclusive tastings from Wynn’s celebrated chefs, Michelin-Starred San Diego Culinary Getaway, a four-night stay at the newly reimagined Lafayette Hotel with exclusive tastings atAddison, Juniper & Ivy, and more, Los Angeles Luxury Staycation with oceanfront stays at Casa del MarandShutters, with VIP dining experiences at Funke, Bestia, Lulu, and Majordomo.
Executing a fundraising benefit dinner of this caliber in less than six weeks required meticulous planning and coordination. Event Producer Brad Metzger led the recruitment of renowned chefs, curated the food and beverage offerings, organized the Live Auction packages, and planned the event timeline and sequence of service. He worked closely with the Lawry’s culinary, beverage, and service teams, including COO Tiffany Stith, who was involved in every detail, to ensure exceptional execution. Co-Event Producer Jacqui Leanza managed the development of the CHEFS LA website, managed the ticketing platform, addressed dietary restrictions and allergies, and oversaw charity and sponsor relations. Every detail was carefully curated, from the selection and rental of silverware, glassware, and China to creating a cohesive and refined dining experience. Metzger and Leanza worked closely with the Lawry’s restaurant team for weeks to refine service protocols, particularly to accommodate guests with allergies. Lawry’s Culinary Director Jon Wood developed alternative dishes for five courses to ensure every guest could fully enjoy the meal. Chef Daniel Boulud and his team arrived early to prepare a delicate Mushroom Consommé as a substitute for their Lobster Bisque, accommodating those with shellfish allergies, while Chef Suzanne Goin crafted an alternative to her signature salad for guests with pork or dairy restrictions. This collective effort underscored CHEFS LA’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable and inclusive evening, celebrating culinary excellence while prioritizing guest experience.
More Than an Event; It Was a Movement.
In an astonishing show of support, every VIP Ticket and Dinner Ticket for CHEFS LA sold out within fifteen minutes on Saturday, 2/1, marking an extraordinary achievement for such an important event organized in such a short timeframe. The rapid response underscored not only the public’s desire to support wildfire relief but also the immense respect for the producers, chefs and the personalities driving this initiative. With the CHEFS LA Live Auction alone raising over $104,000, this incredible evening’s final tally exceeded over $850,000, with all proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care, providing critical support to hospitality workers affected by the wildfires.
“I have been in the restaurant business for 43 years and have never witnessed such unity and sense of mission among chefs. From Daniel Boulud to veteran cooks at Lawry’s, led by Culinary Director Jon Wood, and the talented alumni from Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), everyone came together, supporting one another’s courses to execute eight courses of Michelin-level cuisine for 262 guests, all under 3 hours!” said Brad Metzger, CHEFS LA Producer.
Jacqui Leanza, CHEFS LA Producer and Managing Partner at Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions, added, “CHEFS LA was born out of a desire to help, and the response has been overwhelming. The generosity of our chefs, sponsors, and supporters has not only raised vital funds but has also highlighted the resilience and heart of this industry.”
CHEFS LA was more than an event; it was a movement. A testament to the power of community, the generosity of the hospitality industry, and the unbreakable spirit of Los Angeles. With 100% of Proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care, CHEFS LA was an inspiring demonstration of how food, philanthropy, and passion can unite to create lasting change.
To Donate directly or find ways to support World Central Kitchen or Restaurants Care, please visit www.WCK.org or www.RestaurantsCare.org for more information.
About CHEFS LA
CHEFS LA is a collaborative culinary fundraiser dedicated to providing aid to hospitality workers and communities affected by disaster. This initiative was produced by industry veterans Brad Metzger and Jacqui Leanza, alongside an unparalleled team of chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals committed to making a difference.
LA is a collaborative culinary fundraiser dedicated to providing aid to hospitality workers and communities affected by disaster.(Photo Credit: Craft Media Solutions)About World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes to the frontlines with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of food trucks or emergency kitchens, WCK provides freshly made, nutritious meals to communities impacted by disasters quickly and effectively. We know that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. WCK has provided more than 450 million fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Your donation today will be used to support our emergency food relief efforts.
About Restaurants Care
Restaurants Care brings hope and stability to California’s restaurant community through crisis grants for food and beverage workers, as well as grants to help independent restaurants build resilience. Powered entirely by donations, Restaurants Care is a program of the California Restaurant Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has proudly served the community since 1981. In 2017, the program was launched as a safety net for food and beverage workers, and in 2021, it expanded to include support for independent restaurants. Restaurants Care is dedicated to helping the people at the heart of California’s vibrant food and beverage community.
About Lawry’s The Prime Rib Beverly Hills
Founded in 1938, Lawry’s The Prime Rib has been an iconic leader in fine dining for over 85 years, transforming the steakhouse experience with a single-entrée concept that continues to impress and delight guests today. Known for its legendary prime rib carved tableside and its commitment to exceptional service, Lawry’s pioneered a number of innovations in the dining world, setting new standards in hospitality, menu presentation, and culinary excellence. Located at 100 N. La Cienega Blvd in the heart of Beverly Hills, Lawry’s The Prime Rib invites guests to experience a tradition of unforgettable flavors and timeless elegance.
About BMRS
Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions (BMRS) is an exclusive Southern California-based hospitality recruitment and placement firm. BMRS is relied upon to find top culinary and management talent for many of the most acclaimed Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant Groups, and Boutique Hotels in the US, including many of the chefs and groups represented at the LA Chef Conference. BMRS is the only recruiting firm in the country with a Test Kitchen that is utilized as a confidential place for chef tastings and special guest chef dinners. BMRS clients and candidates include Food & Wine magazine Best New Chefs, James Beard Award-winners, and Michelin starred restaurants. BMRS was founded in 2003 by Brad Metzger who had worked in the industry in many FOH and BOH operational positions for over 20 years, starting at the original Spago on Sunset when he was 16 years old, followed by subsequent positions at Vincenti, The Grill on the Alley, Granita, Chadwick, Ruth’s Chris, Chaya, I Cugini, The SF Hilton, and El Encanto.
About LA Chef Con
The LA Chef Conference produced by Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions, is the premier hospitality industry gathering that brings together chefs, restaurateurs, food media, and hospitality professionals for a full day of education, inspiration, and connection. The event features insightful panel discussions on key industry topics, live cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Highlights include a food festival lunch showcasing world-class culinary talent and an evening afterparty with exciting collaborations. As part of its commitment to supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders, LA Chef Conference proudly includes a mentorship program, pairing select culinary students with esteemed industry professionals for a year of guidance and development. Committed to giving back, LA Chef Conference also donates a portion of proceeds to a chosen charity partner each year, further supporting the hospitality and culinary community.
