🥐 The best bakery in LA
Plus, the problem with art galleries.
Issue #106
Although I have been around the art world for a long time, I didn’t start to truly appreciate it until later in life. Growing up in NYC, I was spoiled with galleries and museums all over the city. Still, it took a long time before it made my list of top things to do on a weekend. Now, there are few things I enjoy more than running around LA and seeing all of the new exhibits (usually with Ben Hundreds and obviously eating some delicious meals in between).
However, there is one thing that inevitably bums me out every time I do this – the dismissive attitude from some people in the art world. I don’t need to be sized up, judged and written off every time I open the front door to a gallery. God forbid you ask how much something costs. You’re either one of them, or you’re not. That recurrent attitude from galleries is part of why I love art fairs, specifically Frieze, which just opened today in LA.
Although many of the gallerists at art fairs still have very little interest in talking to people they don’t know and are mainly focused on their collectors and “inner circle” – unlike galleries, there is no front door to walk in, which I find takes away the most stressful part. These fairs are open to everyone to see some of the best artists in the world all under one roof. In addition, unlike galleries which often showcase one or two artists, art fairs have a wide variety of artists. It creates an opportunity for guests to see the world today through art. Everyone from the biggest names in art to newer, unknown artists from LA to São Paulo to Accra.
Now don’t get me wrong – this is not a condemnation of everyone in the art world. I am definitely not saying they are all like that. I am just saying it wouldn't hurt if they stopped acting like the gatekeepers and started acting like guides to help newcomers join in. Maybe I am naive, but if I owned a gallery and someone took the time out of their day to stop by, I would welcome them warmly, do everything I could to engage them in conversation, and pray that they would be up for learning about the work I’m passionate about. As a film producer, all I can hope for is that someone will watch what I produced and be inspired to talk about it. I am not sure why, but it feels different in the art world.
The bottom line is that if you are in LA this weekend, you should check out Frieze (or Felix). Or the next time you are in a city with an art fair you should go and explore. It’s the best way to get an introduction to the art world without some of the most intimidating aspects.
Finally, this is not intended for you to write off galleries. In fact, quite the opposite — go, bring your friends, and bring your kids (make sure to choose wisely when you are bringing them). It’s also worth noting that many galleries save their strongest shows of the year for Frieze week, so this month is a good time to visit local galleries.
Open that door with confidence, walk in and put your name in that sign-in book, ask about the artist, and engage with the art. I have found that in the end, if you are willing to break the ice, they are open to a conversation — sometimes you just need to help them along. My note to the galleries is to remember that when someone opens your door, try and put on a smile and welcome them. Because that moment can make or break an art fan for life.
Le Cheval d’Or by Ben Hundreds
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Crew: Jason Spivak, Eli Meyer, Goop, Michelin Guide, Infatuation, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler
What to Order: Mapo tofu, shrimp toast, char siu, nine-course tasting menu
Notes: Le Cheval d’Or is one the best dining experiences you’ll find in Paris. You’ll eat dishes like shrimp toast, mapo tofu and char siu that’ll make you question if you’ve ever had a good one before. The room is tight and casual, but also elegant. I was expecting a great meal when I made the reservation, and I left saying it’ll be one of the best meals I’ll eat all year.
Cuisine: Bakery
Crew: Ben Hundreds, Jordan Okun, Rachel Halilej, Peter Goldwyn, Ashley Sawyer, Jeremy Smith, Sawyer Patricof, Chris Bender, Vinny Dotolo, Kate Burr, Anthony Jacobson, and Matt Karatz
What to Order: Any croissant, pain au chocolat, croissant au beurre, market fruit danish, cardamom bun, milk bread, scone, apple pecan bear claw
Notes: Okay, it’s well documented that I’m biased against anything west of the 405 (or Sawtelle, for that matter) – but this place changed the bakery game forever when they opened less than a year ago. It’s hard to argue that they don’t have the best croissant in the city. The only problem is that it is crowded and they sell out fast, but do yourself a favor and make the drive. And if you’re a west-sider, treasure this place. Finally, although everything is delicious, Sawyer and the rest of our family are obsessed with their milk bread.
Sichuan Impression with Ashley Sawyer, Jeremy Smith, and Sawyer Patricof; El Chubasco solo; Freshies Lobster with Michaela Sullivan; SaltBox with Rachel Halilej; Park City Chinese & Thai with Michaela Sullivan; Collie’s with Team Hunting Lane; Shabu with Rachel Halilej; Saffy’s with Mark Feuerstein and Colin McCabe; Lan Noodle with Ben Hundreds; Prince’s solo; Rolf and Daughter’s with Grace Stern, Jon Patricof, Jonathan Soros, and Dan Weisman; Saba, Bacchanal and Tracey’s with Emma and Jens Grede; Seaworthy with Adam and Maja Smith; Dong Phung and Domilise’s with Chip Carey; Felix and Central Grocery with Mark Patricof; Manchu with Rich Kleiman; Carbone with John Meneilly, Rich Kleiman, and Sam Radlovic; ixlb with the office; Dan Tana’s with Chris Bender, Mark Feuerstein, and Jeff Berman; Sushi Park with Kelly Sawyer Patricof; Genghis Cohen with Chris Bender and Kelly Sawyer Patricof; Maison Matho with Ben Hundreds, Aaron Stern, Mark Feuerstein, and Colin Farmer; Din Tai Fung with Jordan Okun; HiHo Cheeseburger with Cash Warren and Marc Bretter.
As we approach one month under Trump’s second term, access to information and new ideas is more important than ever. However, it’s clear that many of the right-wingers who claim to be for freedom of speech are more focused on banning books than helping the American people. PEN America has documented nearly 16,000 book bans in public schools nationwide since 2021, a number not seen since the Red Scare McCarthy era of the 1950s. It’s clear we aren’t learning from history.
Here’s a great review by my friend Jeff Berman: “An extraordinary work of reporting and narrative non-fiction. The story of modern American politics and government through the lens of the battle over control of a school board in a Texas suburb. If you’re trying to understand what’s happening in our nation - how it ties to our history, what is motivating a meaningful piece of the division, and see some rays of light - I can’t recommend this more highly.”
You can purchase the book here.
Who: John Heilemann
Where: Zoom
Why: To discuss the first month of the Trump presidency: the good (ridding the penny), the bad (Elon Musk, to name just one), and the distraction (Mar-a-Gaza).
Quote: “And even if he was unequivocal, the day will come when we'll see whether he will test that, that particular boundary between the courts and the, and the executive branch. And that is the day if they decide to reject a Supreme Court ruling, that will be the day when we will have no ambiguity about the fact that we are full on in a real constitutional crisis. You can debate whether we are now, but you won't be able to debate it then.” -John Heilemann
Our next Lunch With Jamie is set for Tuesday, March 4th at 12 PST (note the time change) and joining the conversation will be Anne Applebaum. If you haven't done so already, subscribe to gain access to Lunch With Jamie so you can hear thought leaders from diverse fields — from politics to entertainment — discuss the most pressing issues of our time.
Aaron Michaelson, Aaron Stern, Adam Saper, Adam Smith, Alex Tse, Andy Wang, Anthony Jacobson, Ashley Sawyer, Ben Hundreds, Blake Lively, Bobby Kim, Chad Gutstein, David Geffen, David Gelb, David Katzenberg, David Nathanson, Eater, Eli Meyer, Food & Wine, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jamie Patricof, Jason Spivak, Jerry Greenberg, Jeremy Smith, Jerrold Son, Jessica Alba, Joe Varet, Jon Buscemi, Jon Shook, Jordan Okun, James Ponsoldt, Kate Burr, Katie McNeill, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Lawrence Longo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Rosenthal, Marc Rose, Martha Patricof, Matt Haimes, Matt Karatz, Max Chow, Max Shapiro, Max Winkler, Neal Moritz, Paul Zucker, Peter Goldwyn, Phil Rosenthal, Rachel Halilej, Riley Patricof, Sawyer Patricof, Sarah Meyer, Shu Chowdhury, Todd Steinman, The Hungry Tourist, The Infatuation, Vinny Dotolo.
Today's email was brought to you by Jamie Patricof and team, including Michaela Sullivan and Stazy Mazo.