Longest Table Los Feliz: A Neighborhood Potluck on One Long Table
What is the Longest Table?
Valerie Burchby describes it simply: “it's a local version of a block party, that is a potluck for neighbors near and far across LA.” The organizers rent one long table and chairs, and everyone who comes brings food to share with friends and neighbors.
The event is free to attend. As the listing puts it, We rent tables + chairs. YOU bring friends + food.
How did it get started?
The Longest Table is a community organizing group that got its start in New York, and the format is their idea. When Valerie and Mason wanted to throw a local chapter, they reached out, and the group gave them an organizing kit, along with support and advice.
This will be the first table in Los Feliz and one of the first in LA. As for why here, Valerie keeps it plain: “we live here. So we wanted to have the block party on our block, basically, which it is.”
The Longest Table is a community organizing group that got its start in New York, and the format is their idea.
Who is behind it?
Valerie Burchby and Mason Hernandez are the co-organizers. Mason is the chef and founder of Farm Dinner LA, an event and catering company. Valerie is the founder of the forthcoming chefs network Tvoka Chefs. The two were formerly neighbors.
Sarah Arlington and Olivia Audsley are their key volunteers.
What should I bring, and what will it be like?
It is a shared potluck lunch. The listing asks each guest to make enough to share with 8 to 16 people, which is one to two tables, and to bring their own plate, utensils, napkins, cups, drinks and even a tablecloth. In the listing's words, Imagine you're going to a picnic and plan to bring everything you need.
When you arrive, grab a seat at the table. If there is overflow, a picnic blanket and camp chairs will come in handy. Valerie also asks: “Please bring hats and sun protection.”
What do the organizers hope people take away?
“I hope that everyone meets at least one neighbor and makes a new connection, and has a great meal and gets to experience the neighborhood in a new way.”
Her closing note to neighbors: “We can't wait to see you.”
How can I help or follow along?
The organizers welcome volunteers and need them. The best way to reach out is a direct message on Instagram at @longesttable.losfeliz, and Valerie will add you to the volunteer list.
Help is especially needed at the end of the day. “We will absolutely need help at the event close, breaking down and cleaning up,” Valerie says. “Anyone who enjoys a meal, we're hoping will help us at the end to tidy up.”
You can also follow Farm Dinner LA on Instagram, and Tvoka Chefs at @TvokaChefs, though Valerie notes there is nothing posted there yet.
When and where is Longest Table Los Feliz?
Sunday, October 18, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Finley Avenue between Hillhurst and Vermont. free. Every detail, a map and a button to add it to your calendar are on the Longest Table Los Feliz event page. For the latest from the organizers, see their site.
More from Los Feliz Events
See what else is coming up on the Los Feliz events calendar. Hosting something in the neighborhood? Add your event, it is free, and you can ask to be interviewed for a post like this one.
Los Feliz Events comes to you from your neighbors at Rooster Homes, the Los Angeles real estate brokerage led by Brandon S. Arlington and Sarah Arlington.
Everything else coming up is on the Los Feliz events calendar.
