June 14, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Marelle Launches ‘The Guest List’ With Renowned Chefs and Friends Alan Wong and Raphael Lunetta

Santa Monica’s New Chef Series Debuts With a Culinary Celebration of California and Hawaiian Flavors

Marelle, a coastal dining destination in Santa Monica, will debut its new chef collaboration series, The Guest List, with a four-day culinary event led by legendary chefs Alan Wong and Raphael Lunetta.

Launching June 5 through June 8, the inaugural installment celebrates nearly three decades of friendship between the two chefs. Guests will enjoy a series of exclusive events, including a five-course Chef’s Table Dinner on June 5 and specialty à la carte dinners on June 6–7. Brunch specials round out the weekend with signature dishes that blend Wong’s Hawaiian Regional Cuisine with Lunetta’s vibrant California-inspired fare.

Highlights from the menu include Hawaiian Ahi Poke, Steamed Onaga, Twice-Cooked Kalbi Short Ribs, and Coconut Pineapple Rum Cheesecake. Reservations are recommended, with limited seating available for each event.

Chef Lunetta, a Santa Monica native and longtime fixture of the local culinary scene, said the series reflects a spirit of collaboration and shared cultural values. Wong, known for pioneering Hawaii’s farm-to-table movement, brings his signature hospitality and refined approach to the partnership.

Marelle opened in 2024 just steps from the beach on Ocean Avenue. It offers indoor and outdoor seating and is the latest project from Lunetta, whose previous ventures include JiRaffe and Lunetta All Day.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Chef Alan Wong has earned a place among the most influential culinary figures in American gastronomy, helping to define modern Hawaiian cuisine through innovation, mentorship, and a deep commitment to local agriculture.

Widely credited as a founding force behind Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Wong rose to national prominence with the 1995 opening of Alan Wong’s Honolulu, a restaurant that quickly received critical acclaim. The venue was nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation and was later named one of “America’s Best 50 Restaurants” by Gourmet magazine. It also received multiple accolades as Hawaii’s top dining destination.

Throughout his career, Wong has received honors from Bon AppétitFood & WineStarChefs, and the American Culinary Federation, which inducted him into its Culinary Hall of Fame in 2013. 

The Guest List is expected to become an ongoing program, spotlighting global culinary leaders while fostering connection and innovation in Santa Monica’s dining community.

Reservations can be made through OpenTable.

Related Posts

Senator Alex Padilla Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed at DHS Press Briefing in Los Angeles

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Security or Censorship? Padilla Removed After Questioning Secretary Kristi Noem U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed Thursday during...

CHLA to Shut Down Transyouth Health Center Amid Rising Political and Legal Pressure

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Cites Insurmountable Legal and Financial Barriers After more than three decades of providing specialized, affirming care...

Federal Court Halts Order Requiring Trump to Return Control of California Guard to Governor Newsom

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Court Showdown Looms Over Trump’s Federalization of State Troops Late Thursday, a federal appeals court paused enforcement of a lower...

‘No Kings: National Day of Defiance’ Protest in LA to Run Counter to Donald Trump’s Birthday Military Parade

June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

Giant Trump Balloons, Pride Flags, and Community Speakers Will Fill the Streets on Flag Day Thousands of demonstrators are expected...

(Video) Senator Alex Padilla Being Forcibly Removed at Secretary Kristi Noem’s DHS Press Conference for Attempting to Ask Questions

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

In a disturbing and unprecedented move, FBI agents grabbed the sitting California Senator, dragged him out of the room, and...

Drag Queens Steal the Spotlight as Trump Booed at Kennedy Center

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

While Trump Takes a Seat, Drag Queens Take a Stand in DC President Donald Trump’s appearance at the Kennedy Center...

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Immigrant Opened Her Doors to Injured Deputies and Demonstrators Offering Water, Aid, and Compassion

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Salvadoran Restaurant Becomes Unexpected Refuge During L.A. Immigration Protest As immigration protests swept through parts of Los Angeles County over...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

Traffic Advisory: Street Improvements Underway This Week in West Hollywood

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Resurfacing Project Ends June 12, With Temporary Parking Restrictions  Roadway improvements are underway this week as the City of West...

Judge Denies Newsom’s Bid to Halt Military Expansion in L.A. Amid Immigration Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

California’s Emergency TRO Blocked as Marines Await Domestic Use-of-Force Training  Efforts by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob...

The VA Enlists Federal HR Agency to Oversee Massive Layoff Planning

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Agreement With OPM Follows Proposed Cuts to More Than 80,000 Jobs The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been...

Santa Monica ‘Pier 360’ Beach Festival Returns June 28–29 with Two Days of Surf, Sports, and SoCal Vibes

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Free All-Ages Event Features Ocean Races, Skate Competitions, Roller Rink, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Activities, And More The Santa...

LGBTQ Icon Mariah Hanson Says Goodbye to The Dinah After 34 Legendary Years

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The Dinah’s Founder Mariah Hanson Takes Final Bow This Fall Mariah Hanson, the pioneering force behind The Dinah, the world’s...