January 31, 2023 The Music Center Announces New Class of Emerging Chefs for Abernethy's Restaurant

LOS ANGELES (January 31, 2023) – The Music Center announced a line-up of new culinary talent in the continuation of its prestigious Emerging Chefs Program at Abernethy’s located at Jerry Moss Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. The new chefs include Lenora Marouani, chef/owner of Barsha, who will begin her residency on February 4; Michelle Munoz, chef at the cult favorite BBQ restaurant Moo’s Crafted BBQ; and Brad Willits, executive chef of Westside hot spot Market Venice.

The Abernethy’s Emerging Chefs Program has become renowned for highlighting talent from around Los Angeles County, giving each new chef a platform to spearhead a concept unique to them, from menu to art to music. The Music Center’s Culinary Advisory Committee—comprised of Chefs Shirley Chung, Govind Armstrong, Susan Feniger and Ray Garcia, along with Music Center board members—select the chefs. Chef Shirley Chung, who recently joined the Committee, was Abernethy’s inaugural emerging chef in 2019, while Chef Ray Garcia now helms asterid by Ray Garcia located in front of The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.

On the heels of a successful 2022, featuring Chefs Geter Atienza and Ryan Costanza, Abernethy’s kicks off its 2023 programming with Lenora Marouani, with beverage direction from her husband Adnen Marouani. Nestled in Hermosa Beach, their much-beloved Tunisian restaurant and wine shop, Barsha, features global offerings and has become a staple in the community since opening in 2012. Marouani, who was nominated as an Abernethy’s Emerging Chef by Chef Feniger, will offer her elevated comfort Tunisian fare to diners with classics such as Chicken Mosli and Tabil Branzino, alongside playful offerings such as Chicken Liver Pate with Tunisian spiced compote, and Fig Brownies.

“Abernethy’s is a wonderful expression of the creativity and culinary expertise of some of Los Angeles’ most talented up-and-coming chefs, and this newest class of chefs will offer diners a wide range of highly creative and delicious culinary experiences,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO, The Music Center. “The Emerging Chefs Program is truly a reflection of the diversity and dynamic cuisine you can find across L.A. County, and we are thrilled to offer a platform for local chefs to tell their stories through their food in a one-of-a-kind setting at L.A.’s only performing arts destination.”

Nominated by Chef Chung, Michelle Munoz, whose Moo’s Crafted BBQ was recently named an LA Times 101 Best Restaurant, will pivot from the Texas Barbecue that she serves at her restaurant to offer Abernethy’s diners an exploration of her Mexican heritage and cuisine. Munoz, along with her husband, Andrew, was recently nominated for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: California.

Chef Brad Willits of Market Venice will showcase his Italian roots with familiar pastas and shared plates, which borrow touches of Asian and Portuguese flavors. More details about Munoz and Willits’ residencies and information about additional chefs will be announced in the coming months.

About Abernethy’s

Located in DTLA on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, Abernethy’s is a destination restaurant offering an ever-changing culinary experience. Pulling emerging Chefs from across Los Angeles County, Abernethy’s highlights the diverse flavors and people of the city. It’s the story of LA – related and plated by the Chefs who tell it best. For more information, visit abernethysla.com

About The Music Center

The Music Center convenes artists, communities and ideas with the goal of deepening the cultural lives of every resident in Los Angeles County. The $70 million non-profit performing arts organization has two divisions: TMC Arts and TMC Ops. TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, provides year-round programming inside The Music Center’s four theatres, on Jerry Moss Plaza, outside at Grand Park—a 12-acre adjacent green space—in schools and other locations all over Los Angeles County and on a digital platform called The Music Center Offstage. TMC Arts presents world-class dance with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, free and low-cost public concerts and events, as well as live and digital K–12 arts education programs, workshops, performances, interactive experiences and special events. TMC Ops manages the theatres, the Plaza and Grand Park, which comprise $2 billion in county assets, on behalf of the County of Los Angeles. The Music Center is also home to four renowned resident companies—Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera and LA Phil. For more information, visit musiccenter.org. Follow The Music Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @MusicCenterLA.

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