From Jamie’s Desk:
First, I want to join many other Democrats in commending Donald Trump on the historic peace agreement signed this week. Regardless of politics, he deserves credit for that. I know it may be surprising to hear me say, but if you can’t take a moment to acknowledge this achievement, something’s off. The deal is done. It’s signed. The hostages are home. The bombing has stopped. Yes, there are flaws. And yes, it may be built on shaky ground. But he accomplished what once felt impossible.
Regardless of his success in the Middle East, we still need to stay focused on what’s happening here at home. Today, I want to discuss something really wonky but critically important: gerrymandering.
Donald Trump has done it again—he’s throwing out the rule book to fit his agenda. As you all know, I’ve previously shared my disdain for the dramatic proclamations about him “ending democracy as we know it,” but when you ask Georgia to find 12,000 votes or convince Greg Abbott to hand you more seats, that’s exactly what you’re doing. The worst part is because of Trump’s blatant election interference in Texas, Democrats are left with no choice but to get in the mud with him.
In three weeks, on November 4th, Prop 50 will be on the ballot in California. This is a result of Governor Newsom standing up to the undemocratic practices, and showing that two can play at this game. If you’re a resident, you’ve probably already received your ballot in the mail. I can’t tell you how to vote—that choice is yours alone—but let me make the case for YES on 50.
First, let’s be honest about this ballot measure: it’s not ideal. It’s not particularly democratic, and goes against what most Democrats feel about gerrymandering. But this is a reactionary measure. Prop 50 would redistrict California, just as Texas did, to secure five additional seats. The key difference is that Democrats built in a safeguard: the map is temporary and can be redrawn again in five years. It’s a short-term fix in service of a long-term goal—protecting our democracy and keeping it out of the hands of Trump, Stephen Miller, and the rest who are trying to build something far darker.
So I encourage my California subscribers to vote Yes on Prop 50. Tell your friends. Post about it. Make calls. Knock on doors. This one matters—and it’s how we keep democracy alive and well.
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Discussed in this issue: Great meals in LA, DC + London, my appearance on IndieWire’s ScreenTalk podcast, Meet the Candidates with Rep. Ritchie Torres, and No Kings Day 2.0.
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Photo by Meizhou Dongpo
📍LA: Meizhou Dongpo
Cuisine: Chinese
Crew: Jamie Patricof, James Ponsoldt, Eli Meyer, Max Shapiro, Matt Karatz, Nick Tran, Rachel Halilej, Eater, The Infatuation, LA Times
Good For: Dinner with Friends, Big Group
Pro Tip: Great place to go before a movie at Century City, make a reservation.
What to Order: Roast Duck or Roast Duck Sliders (if with a small group), Fried Rice, Cucumber Salad, Sole Fillet with Scallions, Spicy Chicken, Sauteed Diced Beef Filet with Black Pepper, Hot and Sour Soup, Stir-Fried Pea Tips, Shrimp Chow Mein, Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan Dumplings
Notes: This is one of the more under-the-radar Chinese restaurants in LA. Founded in 1996 in Beijing, they opened their first Los Angeles location in 2013. Today, there are 114 locations across China and four in LA (lucky us).
You’ve probably walked by it dozens of times strolling through the mall, waiting in line for a Labubu at Pop Mart, or catching a movie. The food is very different from Din Tai Fung, though it’s also a beloved chain straight from China. It’s best enjoyed with a group, but works just as well for any number. If you want authentic Chinese food without trekking to China or the SGV, just go to the Westfield Century City Mall. It’s worth braving the nightmare parking garage.
Photo by Carolina Mariana Rodríguez
📍LA: Anajak Thai (reviewed by Jason Spivak, EVP, Digital Distribution at Sony Pictures)
Cuisine: Thai
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Joseph Varet, David Nathanson, James Ponsoldt, Anthony Jacobson, Ben Hundreds, Eli Meyer, Aaron Stern, Max Shapiro, Alex Tse, Matt Karatz, Rachel Halilej, Kate Burr, Nick Tran, Iman Dakhil, Chris Rice, The Infatuation, LA Times, NY Times, Eater
Good For: Date Night, Dinner with Friends, Casual, Good Wine List
Pro Tip: Parking can be tough. Uber and order an extra glass of wine!
What to Order: Southern-Thai Fried Chicken, Grilled Black Sea Bream, Grilled Cabbage with Garlic Chutney, Radish and Cucumber Salad, Kratong Tong (Pastry Cups with Boston Bluefin), Papaya Salad, Pad Siew
Notes: At its core, the Anajak story is one of honoring tradition, embracing the present, and defining the future—and 2025 has been a momentous year in that journey. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi and his team have accomplished what every restaurant owner knows is nearly impossible: a full renovation and expansion without losing any of the intimacy or heart that makes Anajak so special.
On my recent visit, I was just as blown away as I was on my first, nearly five years ago. Standouts included the Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Grilled Black Sea Bream Nam Jim Seafood, Grilled Cabbage with Garlic Chutney, and an elegant Radish and Cucumber Salad. These sit comfortably alongside Thai classics like Pad Siew which is flawlessly prepared and unchanged since the days when Justin’s father ran the kitchen. The Mango Sticky Rice remains iconic, and only appears when Justin’s mother is in the kitchen to prepare it. This is, after all, a family restaurant at its core.The wine list is fantastic—vast, creative, and refreshingly approachable. The staff radiates warmth and an unmistakable pride in being part of something truly special.
During my most recent visit, the restaurant buzzed with energy which was heightened by the presence of a world-renowned European chef dining quietly with his family. When Chef Justin stopped by our table, he said he felt like he’d been “visited by royalty.” One can’t help but think that, in time, future generations of LA chefs will say the same about him.
Photo by The Infatuation
📍DC: Dogon
Cuisine: African
Crew: Jamie Patricof, The Infatuation, NY Times, Eater
Good For: Date Night, Business Dinner, Big Group, Dinner with Friends, Fine Dining
Pro Tip: Make sure to order the hot sauce, but be very careful.
What to Order: Ben's Bowl (an homage to the famous Ben's Chili), Mom Dukes Shrimp, Curry Branzino, Chicken and Rice
Notes: When a restaurant comes from one of the hottest chefs in the world (or at least in America), it rarely lives up to the hype. Add that it’s a brand-new spot, in a brand-new city for the chef, tucked inside a hotel no one’s ever heard of. The odds were stacked against Kwame Onwuachi—of Tatiana fame—and his new DC restaurant inside the Salamander Hotel.
Since I still haven’t been to Tatiana, I went in with zero expectations. But let me tell you, it completely blew me away. Forget that it’s in a hotel, and just let yourself be wowed by the food (and the Frank Ocean playlist). This guy is firing on all cylinders.
It’s the kind of restaurant that works for anything: a date, a group dinner, even a work meal. I beg you to make a reservation before you even plan your next DC trip. And for those of you already in DC who haven’t been, shame on you.
Photo by The Infatuation
📍London: Luna Omakase (reviewed by Matt Haimes, London Food Correspondent)
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Crew: Forbes
Good For: Date Night, Dinner with Friends
Pro Tip: Go early in the evening to catch the sunset and the view.
What to Order: Wagyu Sando, Taco Maki
Notes: London’s best meal this year was at Luna Omakase, high above the city. The views are stunning, the room is beautiful, and the food is true art on a plate. All twelve courses are exceptional, each one more inventive than the last. The menu blends Japanese precision with unexpected touches: caviar and sweet potato taco shells, wagyu sando, taco maki, Hamachi onigiri with black truffle—and yes, everything is gluten-free.
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As I’ve been in London for the ROOFMAN premiere at the London Film Festival, there was no Lunch With Jamie this week—so I’m sharing something a bit different. Recently, I had the privilege to be a guest on IndieWire’s ScreenTalk podcast, hosted by Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio.
We talked about all things ROOFMAN: Working with Derek Cianfrance again, balancing budget constraints with creative freedom, and what it really takes to make a film resonate. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in the inside baseball of filmmaking.
We dig into:
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Le Veau d’Or with Aaron Stern and Phil Ettinger; China Tang with Dede Gardner, Alex Orlovsky, Jeremy Kleiner, Lynette Howell-Taylor, James Wilson, Archie Madekwe, Poppy Almond and Alex Russell; The Duck and Rice with Matt Haimes; Ambassadors Clubhouse with Derek Cianfrance, Shannon Plumb, Alex Orlovsky, Sophie Wasser and Evelyn Karamanos; Golden Dragon with David Jones and Jake Morris; The Devonshire with Team Roofman; Koya Solo; Emirates Stadium with Alex Orlovsky and David Jones; Berenjak with Carolyn Bernstein; The Ham Yard with Lynette Howell-Taylor, Alex Orlovsky, Evelyn Karamanos, Sophie Wasser, Linzi Howell Prytz and more; Ceres with Aaron Stern; and Golden Hind with Jesse Plemons, Charlie McDowell, and Alex Orlovsky.
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