One Night, Two Food Icons: Chefs Raphael Lunetta and Neal Fraser Reunite at Marelle

Santa Monica’s Marelle at the Sandbourne Santa Monica hotel will set the stage for one of the most anticipated culinary collaborations of the season on Sept. 25.

The restaurant’s signature Chef Dinner Series, The Guest List, welcomes back chef Raphael Lunetta alongside longtime friend and fellow Los Angeles icon, chef Neal Fraser of Redbird and Vibiana. For one night only, guests are invited to enjoy a five-course tasting menu which blends California’s coastal spirit with refined technique, priced at $160 per person.

The reunion is more than a dinner—it’s a celebration of legacy. Lunetta and Fraser’s friendship traces back to the early 1990s, when both chefs were rising stars in LA’s evolving dining scene.

In 1996, they each debuted breakout restaurants—Lunetta’s JiRaffe and Fraser’s Boxer—both landing spots on Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top 10 New Restaurants” list. Over the decades, their paths have crossed repeatedly, from high-profile charity dinners to appearances on Top Chef, forming a culinary kinship defined by creativity, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition.

(A collection of plates including Marelle's famed cauliflower.)

At Marelle, the pair will translate that history into storytelling through food. The evening’s tasting menu highlights local ingredients, bold flavors, and whimsical pairings that reflect both chefs’ signatures:

The Guest List Tasting Menu with Chef Raphael Lunetta and Chef Neal Fraser:

• Amuse: Hokkaido Scallop – Dashi Broth, Pickled Mushroom
• First Course: Maine Lobster & Rock Shrimp – Brioche, Sweet Onion, Celery, Cornichon, Ossetra Caviar Potato Chip
• Second Course: Late Harvest Stone Fruit Salad – Green Olives, Feta, Toasted Black Pepper Banyuls Vinaigrette
• Third Course: Honey Squash Agnolotti – Truffle Fondue
• Fourth Course: Sauteed John Dory – Chanterelle Mushrooms, Salsify, Parsley Nage
• Fifth Course: Glazed Filet of Beef & Cured Ham Brochette – Scallion Avocado Emulsion
• Dessert: Summer Corn Pudding – Honey Cookie Crumble, Blueberry Compote

(Marelle carpaccio)

Dinners like this are a reminder of how Los Angeles continues to define itself as a culinary capital—not only through innovation, but also through the relationships that fuel it.

Guests can expect more than a meal; they’ll witness the reunion of two chefs who helped shape the city’s dining culture and continue to push it forward.

Seats are limited, and reservations are available now through OpenTable. Follow Marelle at @marellesantamonica.

(Chocolate espresso martini)