Angelenos Embrace 8-Hour Literary Dining Experience

In 2025, a new literary phenomenon took hold in Los Angeles as residents flocked to an immersive dining and reading experience called Grain of Salt. This event, which spans eight hours, combines literature with a gourmet four-course meal tailored to the selected book, creating a unique social and intellectual atmosphere for participants.

Kari Kolts, a newcomer to Los Angeles, discovered Grain of Salt through a viral TikTok video and immediately bought the last available ticket. “I said: Well, that’s my sign. I have to get it,” she recalled. Upon arriving at a dimly lit loft in Chinatown, Kolts engaged in discussions about the featured novel with fellow attendees, savoring the opportunity to connect with like-minded readers. “Having something where you can sit down and be intellectual in a world that is increasingly anti-intellectual is a breath of fresh air,” she stated.

Founded in August 2025 by partners Alexis Nguyen and Kai Nguyen, Grain of Salt was born out of their mutual passion for reading and culinary arts. Alexis, a lifelong reader, and Kai, a part-time private chef, sought to create an event that blended their interests. They had previously hosted intimate book clubs at their home, where Kai crafted elaborate, themed dinners. The inaugural event of the series centered on “It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over” by Anne De Marcken, receiving overwhelming acclaim and selling out rapidly.

“It’s been so successful thus far, and we’ve sold out all of our events,” Alexis noted. “Our last event that we launched a couple of days ago sold out in 30 minutes.”

The two founders emphasize the organic connection between literature and food. Last summer, their first event coincided with fruit season, allowing them to incorporate seasonal ingredients into their dishes. “For all of the meals that I cook, I source all the ingredients from the farmers market and great purveyors who are focused on sustainability and regenerative farming,” Kai explained.

At a recent Grain of Salt gathering, participants delved into discussions surrounding Simone de Beauvoir’s work, “Inseparable.” With a giant Japanese lantern floating above the group and others cozying up with their novels in the Chinatown alley, the ambiance was inviting. Kai prepared a buckwheat brioche bread paired with herb butter, contributing to the day’s culinary offerings.

The event runs from noon to 20:00, with breaks for meals and discussions. Participants have the option to read aloud with a group or enjoy personal reading time. “People come together to read out loud and talk about it. Or you can go off and have your own independent time,” Kai stated. This flexible structure encourages social interaction, fostering a community atmosphere.

Monica Estrada, a participant, appreciates the full-day commitment. “If you go to an event that you know is eight hours long, and other people are down for that? I’m going to like those people. They probably love reading,” she remarked. Estrada found the dynamic setting surprising, noting that it reshapes her understanding of a traditional book club. “There’s constant movement. They’re reshaping the way I think about reading and how it can be a community,” she added.

The discussions among attendees are lively and engaging. “Everyone kind of brings their own perspective into the conversation,” Alexis remarked. “I’m a huge reader, but I still learned so much by hearing what other people have to say about it.” The enthusiasm is palpable, with conversations flowing naturally as participants share personal insights and favorite novels.

Geneva Faye, a returning attendee, expressed her appreciation for the literary curation, which often highlights female protagonists and queer literature. “It’s hard to find other people who are reading niche kind of books,” she said. The selection of de Beauvoir was particularly well-received, with Faye noting, “Simone is classic feminist literature. She’s an icon for many reasons.”

Dinner at the event features a meticulously prepared dry-brined duck breast with a red wine reduction, directly inspired by the novel. “Duck breast cooked in wine sauce…you had to taste it all and compliment everything so you didn’t offend anyone,” Kai explained. The candle-lit meal is completed with a decadent salted chocolate mousse and espresso, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to the evening.

Kai finds immense satisfaction in the creative process of preparing the meals. “It’s been an amazing way to exercise my creativity,” he stated. He hopes that Grain of Salt will facilitate new friendships and connections among participants. As the day progresses, attendees often share social media handles and invitations to future gatherings. “You can kind of feel people’s anxiety dissipating throughout the day,” Kai observed, “so that by the time it’s dinner, everyone’s super comfortable with each other.”

For writer and event host Connors, who organizes a separate literary reading series called Unreliable Narrators, the success of Grain of Salt indicates a growing hunger for community-oriented literary experiences in Los Angeles. As the city continues to embrace innovative events that combine food and literature, it becomes clear that this unique format resonates deeply with its residents.