Taste the World During the 2006 Los Angeles Cultural Dining Tour

By Linda Orlando

Beginning February 6th and lasting until February 26th, over 100 restaurants in the Los Angeles area will be participating in the 2006 Los Angeles Cultural Dining Tour. The celebration encompasses diverse expressions of the history and heritage of many cultures, including cuisine, dance, art, and music. The restaurants participating in this unique culinary and cultural event vary from world-class five-star restaurants to simple, authentic local eateries. The goal of the tour is to make the celebration accessible to every Angeleno palate and pocket.

Each participating restaurant will create a special "signature" 3-course menu at prices that are below regular market value. For each meal from these menus served during the tour, restaurants will donate $2 to two established charities: The Community Outreach for Prevention & Education (COPE) and the Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger and Homelessness. Over 20% of the population of Los Angeles lies below the poverty line, and in California—the most wealthy state in the country—nearly a half million people are hungry and homeless.

Many restaurants participate in the event each year, all committed to helping Los Angeles’ less fortunate citizens. The cultures and ethnic groups represented to date include Ethiopian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, French, Italian, Cuban, Mexican, Irish, Indian, Polish, Greek, American, Indonesian, Korean, Spanish, Persian and Moroccan restaurants. Within the cultural distinctions there are many different types of restaurants represented, in all corners of the city.

The establishments are categorized by price, atmosphere, and offerings. Categories have also been established to help diners choose including Trendy, Celebrity, Authentic, Romantic, Golden Plate, Organic and Theme restaurants. Restaurant owners are eligible for prizes, with patrons voting for the "Best Meal," and a "Cook-Off" between chefs of six different nations. The chefs will use the same central ingredients and use their own distinctive cultural spin to create a new dish.

During the three weeks of the tour, 21 events will take place in different locations, highlighting the diverse cultures’ dance, music, and art contributions to Los Angeles. Celebrities and dignitaries from around the world and local embassies are expected to attend. There are many special events planned for each night of the Cultural Dining Tour, mostly free to the public.

Restaurants already planning to participate include Chaba Thai Bay Grill, Chakra, The Banyan, Max Restaurant, Teru Sushi, Rita Flora Kitchen, Kabab Curry of India, Havana on Sunset, La Bruschetta Ristorante, Finn McCool's Irish Pub & Restaurant, Marguerite Cafe, Senor Fred's, Messob Ethiopian, Uzbekistan Restaurant, La Velvet Margarita Cantina, Il Fornaio - Santa Monica, Trilussa Ristorante & Cucina, Bistro De L'Hermitage, Vivoli Cafe & Trattoria, Monsoon Cafe, Zip Fusion - West L.A., Warszawa, M Grill, California Canteen, Villa Sorriso, Greek Island, C&O Cucina, C&O Trattoria, Bacco Trattoria, El Cid Restaurant, Bossa Nova, Belacan Grill, Off Vine Restaurant, La Vecchia Cucina, Chinois on Main, 12 Washington, Michelia Nouvelle, Addi's Tandoor, The Smoke House Restaurant, Brasserie Les Voyous, Mercedes' Grille, Naked Sushi, 26 Beach Restaurant, New Delhi Palace, Mr. Cecil's Ribs, The Boiling Pot, Splash Mediterranean Bistro, Lido Di Manhattan, Solar De Cahuenga, Tibet Nepal House, Figaro Bistrot, Little India, Chocolat.

New restaurants are being added daily. Customers can find information on all participating restaurants and events at www.culturaldining.com.