Los Angeles Spotlight: Abernethy’s

Abernethy’s is a distinctive destination restaurant located in Downtown Los Angeles, nestled on the Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center.¹

🌟 What Makes Abernethy’s Unique: The Emerging Chef Program

The core unique feature of Abernethy’s is its Emerging Chef-in-Residence program.² Instead of having a single permanent menu or head chef, the restaurant hosts a rotating roster of up-and-coming chefs from across Los Angeles County for limited engagements (typically every four-to-six months).³

• Platform for Creativity: This program offers emerging chefs a platform for culinary creativity, allowing them to transform Abernethy’s with inventive and personalized dishes.⁴

   

• Diverse Flavors: Each new chef highlights the diverse people and cultures that define the flavors of Los Angeles, making the dining experience ever-changing and reflective of the city’s unique narratives.⁵

   

• Culinary Advisory Committee: Chefs are selected by Abernethy’s Culinary Advisory Committee, which includes notable L.A. chefs and tastemakers like Govind Armstrong, Susan Feniger, and Ray Garcia.⁶

   

🏛️ History

Abernethy’s is part of The Music Center’s hospitality programming.⁷ It was established as a destination restaurant to showcase emerging local chefs.⁸

• Inaugural Chef: The first emerging chef was Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung (Ms Chi Café), who served her version of progressive Chinese American cuisine starting in August 2019.⁹

   

• Alumni Chefs have since included chefs offering modern Soul food (Jason Fullilove), modern Filipino cuisine (Geter Atienza), elevated comfort Tunisian fare (Lenora Marouani), Modern Italian (Brad Willits), California Comfort (John Cleveland), Korean American (Mindy Oh), and Indigenous Fusion (Pyet DeSpain).¹⁰

   

• The concept is designed to be a continuous story of L.A. dining, plated by the chefs who tell it best.¹¹

   

🍴 Highlight Menu Items (Current Chef)

Since the menu changes frequently, the dishes highlighted are reflective of the most recent featured chef.¹² As of the latest information, Chef Lucio Bedon is the featured chef, bringing dishes inspired by his Italian heritage and Southern California experience.¹³

Current Dinner Menu Standouts:

• Risotto Porcini: Acquerello rice, porcini mushrooms, truffle butter, parmesan.¹⁴

   

• Tagliata di Manzo: Prime flat iron steak, arugula, lemon dressing, shaved Parmigiano.¹⁵

   

Brunch Menu Highlights (also under Chef Bedon):

• Bananas Foster French Toast: Grand Marnier bananas flambé, walnuts, pan brioche.¹⁶

   

General Menu/Offerings:

• The restaurant offers a full bar with great cocktails, an excellent beer selection, and a strong wine list.¹⁷

   

• Menu options often cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free selections.¹⁸

   

💬 Customer Feedback

Customer reviews often praise the innovative and diverse dishes that rotate with each new chef, highlighting the exciting and dynamic dining experience.¹⁹

• Positive Highlights: Diners frequently mention the exceptional quality of the cocktails and the vibrant, upscale, and trendy atmosphere.²⁰ The location is also considered unbeatable for those attending events at The Music Center or Walt Disney Concert Hall.

   

• Mixed Feedback: Some reviews mention inconsistencies in service and food execution, which can be attributed to the continuous rotation of menus and kitchen teams.²¹

   

✨ Significant Events

While Abernethy’s is often host to private events such as birthdays, holiday parties, and corporate functions, the most significant and recurring event is the launch of each new Emerging Chef-in-Residence. Each residency is a major event, transforming the restaurant’s menu and atmosphere.²²

Recent and Notable Chef Residencies:

• September 2024: Chef Pyet DeSpain (First winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef) was featured, serving her Indigenous Fusion Cuisine.²³

   

• September 2025: Chef Lucio Bedon began his current engagement, focusing on his Italian-inspired cuisine.²⁴

   

📍 Location and Contact Information