SoCal vibes came to Sydney last night with the VIP launch of Santa Monica at Pier One kicking off in true LA style.
In partnership with Pier One Sydney Harbour, Los Angeles’ premier beachside city has completely transformed the iconic harbour pier. This immersive activation will run for six weeks, with a curated menu of SoCal-style food and beverages, live cooking demonstrations from renowned Santa Monica chefs, chefs table dinners, free wellness and fitness experiences, an organic mini- farmers market and live music sunset sessions.
Guests arrived through the iconic Santa Monica Pier sign, were welcomed with a sunset spritz cocktail and a pair of sunnies as acoustic buskers played their mellow tunes and the sun went down over the stunning Sydney Harbour.
Santa Monica Foodie Royalty, Chef Josiah Citrin and Chef Raphael Lunetta created a Californian inspired menu for the evening in partnership with Chef Thom Gorringe of The Gantry at Pier One. Chef Josiah Citrin, two-star Michelin Chef and owner of California’s highly-acclaimed Mélisse, Charcoal Venice, Openaire and Dave’s Doghouse restaurants; Chef Raphael Lunetta, ‘Top Chef’ judge, California Chef of the Year, Owner and Chef Proprietor at Santa Monica institutions Lunetta and Lunetta All Day.
Further along the pier the chefs were al fresco cooking up a storm with baked oysters served hot from the wood fire oven and Octopus tacos fresh off the grill as a DJ spun tunes from the carousel, representative of the Santa Monica Pier’s iconic Pacific Wheel.
The activation was celebrated with a night of SoCal fun, with guests also treated to a Californian wine country tasting experience thanks to Visit California, a cheese grazing station and an array of gourmet canapés and drinks well into the night.
LAUNCH MENU
A great selection of freshness in preparation for the Summer ahead! Simply flawless and impossible to choose a favorite from the selections served this evening!
CANAPES
Roast duck crepe with hoisin sauce
Spiced calamari with garlic mayonnaise and fresh lemon
Stuffed pumpkin flower with spiced pumpkin
Roasted ratatouille and goat cheese tart
King prawn lemongrass and chilli wrap
Barrumundi, dill lemon butter spring roll
LIVE COOKING
Chef Raphael: Octopus tacos
Chef Josiah: Baked oysters
CHEESE STATION
Three type of cheese, nuts and crackers
ARRIVAL SUNSET SPITZ
Signature cocktail designed by Archie Rose. Light, fresh and distinct. Upfront fruit with spice driven botanical lift and a touch of bitterness and effervesce.
Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin / mandarin / clove / tonic
A complete list of events in September and October can be found here: