It seems like 2019 kicked off only a few days ago, but a simple glance a calendar will tell you otherwise. As February nears the end of its second week, it’s somewhat surprising to see how much time as passed. “Didn’t we just ring in the new year?” The reality that we’re in the second month of the year may be one that you’re still coming to terms with, but here’s something else to wrap your head around: FOOD BOWL is only three months away.

You read that right.

The month-long event held by the Los Angeles Times has entered its third year and will begin in just under twelve weeks. From May 1^st to 31^st, FOOD BOWL is returning to excite residents and visitors throughout Los Angeles County with events dedicated to food.

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If you weren’t able to go to all the events you hoped to hit up in 2017 or 2018, then get ready to game plan FOOD BOWL like it’s a competitive sport.

Last week, the Los Angeles Times held a preview of what’s to come to the 2019 FOOD BOWL at The Manufacoty in Downtown Los Angeles. Attendees had the chance to hear about all aspects of the event. Initial announcements included how restaurants and chefs could get involved, the sponsors and charity partners (respectively Citi and The Midnight Mission to name a few), and the ways in which support contributes to the growth of the event.

While that was great information, I was excited to also learn more about the event as a whole.

Knowing that FOOD BOWL has held more than 200 events that have captivated over 100,000 attendees was rewarding to hear. Seeing that many people were interested in the culinary world within the miles covering Los Angles was fulfilling. Additionally, to learn that the event continues to raise money to aid in the decrease of food waste and hunger only makes me proud to continue to promote and participate in the event in whatever ways I can.

While the specific activations that will occur during the thirty-one days of the event have not been released, one event that will return is Night Market. This year, the 5-day Night Market will take place from May 16 to 20 in Downtown LA’s Grand Park. The outdoor market will once again have an array of popup vendors, restaurants, and bars showcasing some of their best items, all in one place to the public.

Aside from Night Market, the biggest change in this year’s event is the loss of Los Angeles Times’ respected food critic Jonathan Gold. The well-known voice of the Los Angeles food scene, Pulitzer Prize winner, and the man behind the “101 Best Restaurants” guide passed on July 21, 2018 at 57 years-old to pancreatic cancer. Departing from his wife Laurie Ochoa, two children, and fans across the world the presence of Gold will be greatly missed — particularly from the event.

While he won’t be at FOOD BOWL, it’s only a wonder what the Los Angeles Times  and its fellow writers will do to commemorate one of Los Angeles’ greatest writers. During the preview, Laurie took stage to discuss Jonathan’s previous involvement with the event and succinctly stated, “FOOD BOWL is very special to us.” No more words were needed than those to understand that FOOD BOWL was important to Gold and that it will continue to be in the years to come.

While the preview was brief and celebratory in the event’s return, make sure to follow FOOD BOWL’s website and social media accounts to receive the latest on all things coming in May.

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