MESSAGE FROM THE HOSTS
In 1939, The New Yorker’s Joseph Mitchell wrote an article called, “All You Can Hold for Five Bucks,” It described a feast of epic proportions known simply as a “Beefsteak.” A rite of gluttony that waged war on the livers of politicians and gangsters alike, the Beefsteak thrived in the saloons and political halls of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The menu was always the same — sliced steak served on toast, au jus or gravy, and all the beer you could drink. Knives, forks, plates and napkins were forbidden. The life of the party was the guest who let out the most appreciative grunts, drank the most beer, and consumed the most steak. Sadly, the practice died out after World War II.
Simply put, we are bringing the Beefsteak back.
Thank you to all of you who made our previous Beefsteaks a giant success. We have been able to fundraise for the LA Food Bank, consumed an unquantifiable amount of steak and booze, and transacted a billion units of pleasure.
But just remember the etiquette described by one party-goer quoted in 1939 — “When you go to a Beefsteak, you got to figure on eating and drinking until it comes out of your ears. Otherwise it would be bad manners.”
—Matt Selman, Cort Cass, Eric Wareheim and Chef Neal Fraser
ABOUT THE CHEF
Chef Neal Fraser, owner of multiple restaurant concepts in Los Angeles, started his career in the kitchen at age 20. Fraser touts an impressive resume that includes a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and an honor roll of kitchen credits such as Wolfgang Puck’s Eureka and Spago, Checkers Hotel under Thomas Keller, Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Bistro, Hans Rockenwagner’s Rox, and the highly revered Boxer. Currently, he and his business partner Amy Knoll own and operate critically acclaimed Redbird and high-volume special events and performing arts venue Vibiana.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is Fraser’s flagship where he showcases his signature sensibility of refined yet approachable modern American cuisine, influenced by the city’s multitude of cultures. Carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana (the cathedral-turned-event-venue), Redbird is singular, timeless and “blissfully grown-up.” The restaurant has received many accolades including a coveted spot on Los Angeles Times' Jonathan Gold's 101 Best Restaurant List.
Prior to the success of Redbird and Vibiana, Fraser and Knoll opened two of Los Angeles’ most loved restaurants – critical darling Grace, and ever-beloved, breakfast, lunch and dinner bistro, BLD. A second location for BLD currently operates inside the Los Angeles International Airport.
Fraser has also been catering for over 30 years in and around Los Angeles and across the country with events ranging from intimate dinner parties in private homes to a week-long 3 meal a day Breeder’s Cup event at Santa Anita to plein air dining events with the Outstanding in the Field group, and at Coachella and Burning Man.
At Fraser’s award-winning flagship property Vibiana, which houses his critically acclaimed restaurant Redbird in its rectory building, he and his staff execute over 100 events a year in the former cathedral and over 400 events in the 5 private dining rooms of the rectory building. This is in addition to regular dinner service seven nights a week and brunch on the weekends in the 140 seat Main Dining Room. Fraser and Knoll have recently completed the development of the property with a 3,000 square foot garden and event space behind the Main Hall.
Over the years, both Fraser and Knoll have been active members in the community, donating time and talent to a variety of charities. Fraser currently resides on the board of LA’s Best. Eight years ago, Fraser and Knollco-founded Beefsteak, an annual event benefitting the Los Angeles Food Bank with Simpson’s creator Matt Selman, comedian Eric Wareheim and comedy producer Cort Cass. As an avid cyclist, Fraser is an active participant in Chef’s Cycle, an annual event in support of No Kid Hungry.
Outside of the restaurants, Fraser has logged some hours on the small screen, most notably on Bravo TV's 'Top Chef Masters,’ Fox’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ and Food Network's 'Iron Chef America,' on which he won his battle against chef Cat Cora. He also won his battles on Esquire TV's 'Knife Fight,' and Food Network's 'Beat Bobby Flay.’
Fraser and his restaurants have been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, Los Angeles Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, Rolling Stone, Architectural Digest and Eater Los Angeles. Redbird is also recognized by the Michelin Guide (California) and 50 Best Discovery.
ABOUT THE MENU
The final menu will remain a secret – trust that it will respect the grand history of the event (with a few surprises). Lovers of meat will be extremely sated.
Additionally, we were thrilled to welcome Chris Cosentino as a guest chef during VIP hour for Beefsteak IX. Cosentino, also an avid cyclist and philanthropist, won Top Chef Masters and wrote the James Beard Award nominated cookbook, Offal Good: Cooking from the Heart with Guts. He has opened several restaurants across the country from the Napa Valley to Houston to Washington, D.C. Check him out further here, including his work with Chef’s Cycle, also near and dear to Chef Neal.
ABOUT SHARE OUR STRENGTH
All proceeds from BEEFSTEAK IX were donated to Share our Strength, working to end childhood hunger in the United States. More information about the organization can be found here: https://www.shareourstrength.org.
If you couldn’t make the event but would still like to donate, you can do so here: www.nokidhungry.org/givewest.