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Project by Project's Plate by Plate 2025: A Culinary Journey Through Cultural Heritage
- 88tumble
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Project by Project's annual Plate by Plate event returned with impressive fanfare this year, transforming Los Angeles' food scene into a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture and community development. Taking place on September 20, 2025, at The Revery LA, this year's signature tasting benefit brought together over 40 renowned local restaurants and beverage vendors, creating an extraordinary evening that went far beyond just dining.
A Cultural Tapestry of Flavors
The 2025 event showcased an impressive array of culinary talent, featuring celebrated establishments including Azay, Kazunori, Chifa, and Emporium Thai, among many others. This diverse lineup represented the rich tapestry of AAPI culinary traditions, from Vietnamese and Chinese to Japanese and Korean influences, demonstrating how food serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.
What made this year particularly special was the emphasis on Community Development as the campaign theme, reflecting Project by Project's commitment to investing in the places and businesses that shape daily lives within AAPI communities. The event directly supported the Little Tokyo Community Council, an organization dedicated to promoting local small businesses, preserving Japanese American culture, and protecting the legacy of Little Tokyo.
Star Chef Demonstrations Steal the Show
One of the most exciting additions to this year's event was the introduction of live cooking demonstrations by two standout chefs whose culinary journeys exemplify the multicultural, multigenerational stories that define the AAPI experience.
Chef Tuệ Nguyễn, better known to her millions of followers as @TwayDaBae, brought her infectious energy and authentic Vietnamese flavors to the stage. At just 25, Nguyễn has become a culinary phenomenon, rising from TikTok stardom to opening her acclaimed West Hollywood restaurant ĐiĐi and authoring the bestselling cookbook "Di An," which was named "Best of 2024" by The New York Times, LA Times, and Esquire Magazine. Her demonstration showcased her mission of making Vietnamese cuisine approachable and accessible, breaking down barriers that often make Asian cooking seem intimidating.
Chef John Liu of Chifa provided the second demonstration, sharing his unique fusion approach that blends traditional Chinese and Taiwanese dishes with bold Peruvian flavors. Liu's culinary story is deeply personal, honoring his wife's family's immigrant journey from Asia to South America, where they opened the original Chifa restaurant in Peru decades ago. His participation was particularly meaningful as he serves as a new ambassador for McDonald's 1 in 8 program, highlighting how culinary careers can begin in unexpected places and evolve into sophisticated enterprises.
Cultural Experiences Beyond the Plate
The cooking demonstrations represented more than just entertainment—they embodied the cultural storytelling that makes AAPI Heritage Month so significant. Both chefs used their platform to share not just techniques, but the stories behind their dishes, connecting audiences to the immigrant experiences, family traditions, and cultural preservation efforts that define much of AAPI culinary culture.
Chef Nguyễn's approach particularly resonated with younger audiences, as her content creation journey began during the pandemic when she realized people wanted practical, accessible ways to connect with Vietnamese culture through food. Her demonstration likely included dishes that reflect her philosophy of "encapsulating the idea that people shouldn't be afraid to try Vietnamese food," making complex flavors and techniques feel achievable for home cooks.
Chef Liu's presentation honored the concept of chifa—a term that represents the beautiful fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines that emerged from Chinese immigration to South America. His dishes tell the story of adaptation, cultural preservation, and the ways immigrant families maintain their heritage while embracing new environments.
Supporting Community Development
The event's focus on community development aligned perfectly with the cultural themes explored through food. Proceeds from the evening supported the Little Tokyo Community Council's ongoing efforts to preserve one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States. This 130-year-old neighborhood faces ongoing challenges from development pressures and rising rents that threaten long-standing, family-run businesses integral to Little Tokyo's cultural identity.
The partnership highlighted how food events can serve multiple purposes: celebrating cultural heritage, supporting emerging and established culinary talent, and providing crucial funding for community preservation efforts. Project by Project's model of focusing on different social causes each year allows for deep engagement with specific issues affecting AAPI communities.
The Vendor Experience
With over 40 vendors participating, the event provided an impressive showcase of Los Angeles' diverse culinary landscape. The scale of vendor participation demonstrated the growing recognition of AAPI-owned businesses and the increasing appreciation for authentic ethnic cuisines in mainstream American food culture.
The variety extended beyond restaurants to include beverage purveyors, dessert specialists, and specialty food producers, creating a comprehensive tasting experience that reflected the full spectrum of AAPI culinary contributions. This extensive vendor participation also provided networking opportunities for AAPI business owners and created pathways for community members to discover and support local enterprises.
Looking Forward
The success of Plate by Plate 2025 reflects broader trends in American food culture, where authenticity, cultural storytelling, and community support are increasingly valued. The integration of cooking demonstrations by social media influencers like Chef Nguyễn alongside established restaurateurs like Chef Liu demonstrates how the culinary world is evolving to embrace both traditional and contemporary approaches to cultural preservation.
The event also highlighted the important role that food plays in Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations, serving as a vehicle for cultural education, community building, and economic support. As AAPI communities continue to face challenges related to representation, cultural preservation, and economic development, events like Plate by Plate provide essential platforms for celebration, awareness, and tangible support.
Project by Project's commitment to community development through innovative philanthropy continues to evolve, using the universal language of food to bridge cultural divides, support local businesses, and strengthen the social fabric of AAPI communities across Los Angeles and beyond. The 2025 event stands as a testament to the power of bringing people together around shared tables and shared values, creating lasting impact one plate at a time.
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