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Yelp LA presents #DineWithYelp



Earlier this year, the Yelp LA (West) Community launched #DineWithYelp, a new web series aimed at highlighting truly remarkable restaurant concepts around Los Angeles that are not only making an impact on the robust local foodie scene but also giving back to the community in a major way! Since December 2020, we’ve launched 4 episodes featuring 4 top-notch local businesses. In each episode, we go behind the scenes with dynamic business owners, experience their most popular menu items and discover what makes them so special. Best of all, each episode is paired with a month-long offer of sweet Yelp check-in offers, exclusive Elite member experiences and unique giveaways. Read on to relive each #DineWithYelp feature below!

Episode 1: BIANCA

Gianni Vietina and Federico Fernandez of Bianca in Culver City, CA. – from the business owner

It all started with Bianca, a restaurant and bakery in Culver City owned by Gianni and Nicola Vietina of Madeo Ristorante in partnership with Four Seasons Hotel executive pastry chef, Federico Fernandez. They specialize in Italian, Argentinian and French cuisine⁠ and are known their authentic style of baking passed on from generations. As a launch for #DineWithYelp Episode 1, Yelp Elite members were treated to an exclusive empanada making session with Chef Federico. Check out the full experience and pilot episode here!

Episode 2: FLAVORS FROM AFAR

Meymuna Cattan and Christian Davis of Flavors From Afar in Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles, CA – from the business owner

Next up is #DineWithYelp Episode 2 featuring Flavors from Afar, a unique restaurant concept built on supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Southern California. Founded by Meymuna Cattan and Christian Davis, this local gem is known for its rotating menu featuring delicious cuisines from around the globe. Led and spirited by immigrants, they promote and celebrate the culinary traditions, cultures, and stories of refugees, immigrants and displaced indigenous communities. Proceeds from the restaurant support family and youth programs hosted by The Tiyya Foundation, a nonprofit focused on families starting anew in Orange County & Los Angeles. During the entire month of March, Yelp LA celebrated this incredible concept with a Kenyan tilapia cooking class, a 225-person Elite Week featuring a 3-course Somali meal offering and a delicious free cheesy samosa with each Yelp mobile check-in. Check out the full episode here!

Episode 3: EMPORIUM THAI

#DineWithYelp Episode 3 takes a behind the scenes look at Emporium Thai, an LA staple that was voted one of the 100 best Thai Restaurants in the US. Family-owned and operated by sibling duo John and Gina Sungkamee, a brother-sister duo that have been in business for over 21 years. Since the beginning of the pandemic, they’ve given back in a major way via their Feed The Heroes campaign aimed at supporting local first responders. As of April 2021, they’ve delivered over 2,800 donation meals to LA-area hospitals and fire stations. To celebrate their #DineWithYelp episode, Yelpers enjoyed a Pad Thai and mango sticky rice cooking lesson, along with an entire month of one chicken or vegetarian pad Thai order for over 100 Yelp Elite members.

Episode 4: BOULON D’AMOUR 

Chantel Khorsandi of Boulon D’Amour in West Adams, Los Angeles, CA – from the business owner

For our fourth and final installment of #DineWithYelp for 2021, we adventured out to the historic Westside neighborhood of West Adams to check out Boulon D’ Amour Coffee, a chic new local cafe. Boulon’s swanky French name literally means “a bolt of love” — something that you truly feel each time you enter. From pink chai lattes to global grains of coffee to snacks topped with edible flowers, it’s a new gem that is already making a huge mark in the LA foodie scene. All of this, while notably supporting others along the way. Owner Chantel Khorsandi regularly hosts community pop-up events for women entrepreneurs and supports local artists with her beautiful design choices and one-of-a-kind ambiance. During September and October, Yelpers were encouraged to visit Boulon and check-in on their Yelp mobile app for 1 small hot or iced coffee. Nearly 200 Yelp Elite members had the opportunity to sample one flight of each of their signature drinks and one of their 5-star signature toasts. Learn more about all of it in Episode 4 here!

We sincerely hope you enjoyed this lineup of 2021 #DineWithYelp businesses. If you would like to submit a remarkable LA-area business that is giving back in a major way for our #DineWithYelp campaign, please email Senior Community Director, Helina Wolde Medhin, at lawest@yelp.com to submit their story. As always, thanks for supporting these—and so many other—well-deserving businesses on Yelp and beyond!

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