Hollywood Forever Cemetery has historically (and ironically) been a place for Angelenos to gather for food, film, and flights of fantasy. This past Saturday, the cemetery played host to Simply DiVine, a one-night event partnering West Hollywood restaurants with the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
This year’s thirteenth annual rendition took place on March 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering local food and wine enthusiasts the opportunity to sample from various wineries, breweries and food trucks. Co-chaired by Susan Feniger, Simply DiVine is the perfect environment to support love of enology and gastronomy, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. As Feniger put it, “There’s never been a better time to show up and support the LGBTQ+ community. We need everyone in this fight as we keep working to build a world where all of us can thrive.” And what more apropos way for people to exhibit their feelings of warmth and encouragement than through the shared enjoyment of food – and alcohol?
Those seeking a more hands-on experience had the option of purchasing VIP tickets ($500 in comparison to the $150 general admission price) that offered the benefits of private bartenders (from The Chapel at The Abbey no less), a little bit of magic from the Magic Castle’s Bill Bailey, tastings from celebrity chefs like the aforementioned Feniger.
Some of the restaurants present at the event included Border Grill, Kismet, Rao’s, Melody, The Village Idiot and many more!