In 1939, The New Yorker’s Joseph Mitchell wrote an article called, “All You Can Hold for Five Bucks.” It described a feast of epic proportions known simply as a “Beefsteak.” A rite of gluttony that waged war on the livers of politicians and gangsters alike, the Beefsteak thrived in the saloons and political halls of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The menu was always the same — sliced steak served on toast, au jus or gravy, and all the beer you could drink. Knives, forks, plates and napkins were forbidden. The life of the party was the guest who let out the most appreciative grunts, drank the most beer, and consumed the most steak. Sadly, the practice died out after World War II.
Simply put, we are bringing the Beefsteak back, for the 10th year at Vibiana.
Thank you to all of you who made our previous Beefsteaks a giant success. We have fundraised for the L.A. Food Bank and Share Our Strength, consumed an unquantifiable amount of steak and booze, and transacted a billion units of pleasure. Join us this year to raise money for those impacted by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires through Direct Relief.
But just remember the etiquette described by one party-goer quoted in 1939 — “When you go to a Beefsteak, you got to figure on eating and drinking until it comes out of your ears. Otherwise it would be bad manners.”
—Matt Selman, Cort Cass, Eric Wareheim and Chef Neal Fraser.
Join us at Beefsteak X!
Tickets HERE.
