American Express Gold Card x Resy Present: The Boardwalk: A waterfront experience at the Santa Monica Pier, featuring games, Gold Card partners & perks, and boardwalk fare by award-winning L.A. chefs on Saturday, July 9, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Mark Von Holden/AP Images for American Express)
The American Express Gold Card and Resy took over the Santa Monica Pier for a culinary walk to remember. This was described as a ‘waterfront experience featuring games, Gold Card partners & perks, and boardwalk fare by award-winning L.A. chefs,’ and I’d say that just about covers it!
The atmosphere was immediately electric, with smiling, wig-wearing people on stilts vogueing at the entrance. Just beyond them was a half-pipe featuring fearless young skaters doing incredible tricks. The second I laid eyes on all of em I knew I was about to have the time of my life.
I grabbed a lil bit of wine and made my way to Hotville Chicken, which lived up to its namesake and served up delectable and spicy chicken taquitos. What an absolute delicious start to this night; they were impeccably seasoned and had a perfectly balanced kick.
Naturally I made my over to Shakeshack for a Shackburger, one of the most delectable burgers I’ve ever laid eyes on. It was no frills, hearty and cooked to perfection. But like, duh, we all know how Shakeshack rolls.
Photo by Ron Clark
Wine break! I had a few of those. Don’t worry, I literally don’t know how to drive. God bless uber, and god bless our purveyor, Wine.com.
After my second pinot grio, I made my way to Cobi’s for some incredibly fresh and fulfilling Banh Tran Trang. They were more than up to the challenge of serving this dish in portable, manageable portions, packing a wealth of flavor into small, sturdy bowls.
Photo by Ron Clark
Next I hit the Milk Bar dunk tank. That’s right, the dunk tank. My wonderful friend who took all the photos you see in this article also volunteered to be dunked. It only took me one toss to send him plunging into the depths. We were then blessed with Cheesecake Factory gift cards. He’s an American hero.
Shoutout to Milk Bar’s Cereal Milk, which was incredibly refreshing between entrees. A tasty, sweet contrast to the savory offerings I was tearing through.
One of the highlights of the event was Angler’s Lobster Roll, which looked and tasted like a million bucks. The lobster was so succulent and tender I could’ve cried.
Photo by Ron Clark
Guelaguetza’s Ceviche Tostadas were also a hit, so light and gently piquant. I could eat them every damn day.
Photo by Ron Clark
Every friend I have on this planet has been telling me to try Majordōmo, and I finally got my shot by sampling their Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich. They offered a sublime and bold rendering of this classic offering. Never have my DMs been blown up so much by a picture of a sandwich.
Wine break! This, sadly, was the end of my culinary journey. I snuck in some mini-golf before the event ended, and was given a pity Cheesecake Factory gift card after I failed to make a single putt. I did appreciate that, it did soothe the burn.
What an incredible day. I truly can’t wait for round 2. There will be a round 2, right???
