Art as food (or food as art) is hardly new in the cultural zeitgeist, but one LA restaurant is taking the gallery institution out to eat. Thank You For Coming, an art collective of sorts, brings food and creative expression together in a restaurant, where proceeds from the full-service eatery benefits artist residencies.
So while the restaurant is serving lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, artists like Jason Metcalf and Meg Boyle are creating a two-year supply of emergency food storage (to survive the imminent apocalypse), and Genevieve Erin O'Brien is exploring the ways food illustrates self-identity, in relationship to community, identity, and culture.
One such artist-in-residence, Karen Atkinson, is focusing on "Social Dinnerware," collaborating with chefs and more to create dinnerware and ceramics meant to comment on the nature of dining socially. "I want to create things where people would be talking about them, so wacky servince plates, or a mug that forces you to share, something that is a way for people to socialize over eating," Atkinson says. Last Saturday, Thank You For Coming showcased Atkinson's works at a tapas party. "We were really interested in the idea of bringing art projects and events around food to the public in an accessible way," co-founder Jenn Su says. "[With Karen,] she's interested in the functionality of her works; they're not precious. Art isn't just supposed to be behind glass."
Check out some of Atkinson's pieces to the left, plus her recipe for an excellent boozy dish: Drunkin' Cherry Tomatoes, a perfect party appetizer. Best yet? You'll get some leftover tomato-infused vodka for Bloody Marys the day after.
Drunkin' Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
1 pint ripe cherry tomatoes
2/3 good vodka
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon sea salt
1 or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1. Puncture tomatoes with a toothpick.
2. Add vodka and let set for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain and reserve for Bloody Marys.
4. Serve with the salt, cumin, and cilantro mixed together in a small bowl for dipping.
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Photos courtesy of Thank You For Coming
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So while the restaurant is serving lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, artists like Jason Metcalf and Meg Boyle are creating a two-year supply of emergency food storage (to survive the imminent apocalypse), and Genevieve Erin O'Brien is exploring the ways food illustrates self-identity, in relationship to community, identity, and culture.
One such artist-in-residence, Karen Atkinson, is focusing on "Social Dinnerware," collaborating with chefs and more to create dinnerware and ceramics meant to comment on the nature of dining socially. "I want to create things where people would be talking about them, so wacky servince plates, or a mug that forces you to share, something that is a way for people to socialize over eating," Atkinson says. Last Saturday, Thank You For Coming showcased Atkinson's works at a tapas party. "We were really interested in the idea of bringing art projects and events around food to the public in an accessible way," co-founder Jenn Su says. "[With Karen,] she's interested in the functionality of her works; they're not precious. Art isn't just supposed to be behind glass."
Check out some of Atkinson's pieces to the left, plus her recipe for an excellent boozy dish: Drunkin' Cherry Tomatoes, a perfect party appetizer. Best yet? You'll get some leftover tomato-infused vodka for Bloody Marys the day after.
Drunkin' Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
1 pint ripe cherry tomatoes
2/3 good vodka
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon sea salt
1 or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1. Puncture tomatoes with a toothpick.
2. Add vodka and let set for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain and reserve for Bloody Marys.
4. Serve with the salt, cumin, and cilantro mixed together in a small bowl for dipping.
Photos courtesy of Thank You For Coming
