Last year I caught Akasha Richmond (Akasha) and Zoe Nathan (Rustic Canyon) talking beignets.

This Sunday, November 6 at L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout, which takes over the Culver Studios, not only will feature a ton a tasty bites from L.A. foodist favorites like Grace, The Hungry Cat, Osteria Mozza, Providence, Sotto and Tavern but exciting eats from all over the country.

Yup, you don’t have to step out of Culver City to browse fare from The Spotted Pig from New York, The Publican in Chicago, Tilth and Lark in Seattle and Globe in San Francisco! Extra bonus is the renowned mixologists who will be behind the bars. Not only will L.A.’s own Eric Alperin be mixing drinks but so will Neal Bodenheimer of Cure in New Orleans and Greg Lindgren of San Francisco’s Rye on the Road. I’ve always wanted to go to Cure! Now it’s coming to me. Woo hoo!

Last year’s L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade was a blast, sealing the deal for it as one of my favorite food fests. The layout was easy to navigate, everything was spaced apart, and the event wasn’t oversold or crowded. Plus as you can tell, it offers a great selection for those who appreciate good food and drink.

Tickets are $175 for general admission and $400 for VIP. But for $225 through Thrillist Rewards not only do you get access to the event and all the food and drink but an exclusive reception and drink class with Eric Alperin, Hungry Cat and a mixologist from Philadelphia’s Marc Vetri family of restaurants! But buy your tickets NOW since they won’t be selling them at the event. And, no, standing outside Culver Studios with your puppy-dog eyes won’t help you get in. Trust me.

Proceeds of the event will support childhood cancer research.

EVENT: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 from 12 to 4pm

Culver Studios
9336 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, California 90232 (map)
Facebook: Alex’s Lemonade
Twitter: @alexslemonade