On a crisp Los Angeles evening, Dine with Dez and NORR Kitchen presented The New Vanguard, a fine dining dinner event honoring Hollywood’s next generation of talent. Hosted at Level’s rooftop penthouse on South Olive Street, the night brought together rising stars, cultural tastemakers, and community leaders for an evening that seamlessly blended elevated dining, art, and advocacy.
A Celebration with Purpose
Following the success of their pre-Met Gala celebration dinner, featured in NYLON and The Daily Front Row, Dine with Dez returned with this special installment of its dining series, co-hosted by NORR Kitchen. In partnership with The Jed Foundation, the event carried a meaningful mission: raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention during Suicide Awareness Month. Guests shared not only exquisite food and conversation but also a collective commitment to the cause.
Photo credit: Francois Joseph
Star-Studded Guest List
The penthouse dinner drew a vibrant roster of Hollywood’s rising stars and creative voices. Among those in attendance were Christian Dennis , Kendrick Sampson, Alana Hadid, Shaun Ross, Olly Sholotan, Bby Afrika, Ali Sabet, Davis Bates, Kim Hu Dat, Scott Osburne Jr, Carlos Santolalla, Ziggy Mack Johnson, Karisa Walker, Ty Cole, and James Kweisi. The atmosphere was further elevated with live art by Ali Sabet, who displayed his work throughout the evening and delighted guests with personalized wine bottles adorned with his signature drawings.
Elevated Hospitality and Experience
The event was helmed by Dine with Dez co-founders Desmond Sam and Ramses Rubio, alongside NORR Kitchen co-founders Christiann Koepke and Cory Marcus. Together, they curated an experience that was equal parts culinary artistry and cultural dialogue. Their vision of redefining hospitality, where breaking bread fosters deeper connection, was fully realized as conversations flowed under the Los Angeles skyline.
About the Hosts
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Dine with Dez, founded by Desmond Sam and Ramses Rubio, reimagines connection by moving beyond nightlife into intimate dining experiences. Their mission is to create space for meaningful conversations while cultivating a community of creatives dedicated to a brighter tomorrow.
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NORR Kitchen, founded by Christiann Koepke and Cory Marcus, has become synonymous with premier experiential dining, merging storytelling and fine cuisine to craft unforgettable moments for celebrities, luxury clients, and Fortune 500 companies.
A Culinary Journey
Guests were treated to an unforgettable multi-course menu by NORR Kitchen that showcased both creativity and refinement. The evening began with crispy shrimp served with lemon aioli and Aleppo chili, alongside a refreshing pairing of sheep’s milk, watermelon, and honey finished with Nabali olive oil. The Gathering course featured local bread with roasted grapes, aged Gouda, brie honeycomb, truffle, and olive oil with balsamic poured tableside, as well as chili butter and charola shallot mignonette with micro-cilantro.
For the Harvest course, the spotlight was on Japanese A5 Wagyu, presented with ceremony, complemented by cabernet jus, garden chive mash, caramelized endive, and asparagus. Guests who preferred an alternative enjoyed a beautifully prepared plant-based filet mignon. The evening closed on a sweet note with the Finale, a Dolce spread of curated desserts by Drip & Dolce, ensuring that every guest left with a lasting taste of indulgence.
A Night to Remember
With panoramic rooftop views, thoughtful conversation, culinary excellence, and a unifying cause at its heart, The New Vanguard exemplified how experiential dining can inspire and empower. By honoring Hollywood’s next generation while spotlighting mental health awareness, the evening proved that community and creativity remain the ultimate pairing.
Photo credit: Francois Joseph
