Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
VIDEO: Ilan Hall of the Gorbals Announces New Show, 'Knife Fight'
We've watched a lot of food TV in our time. Heck, we've even participated in the mayhemfrom time to time. So when we say that a set is fun, you'd better believe it to be true.
A few months back, Ilan Hall -- who owns the Gorbals in Downtown L.A. and won season two of "Top Chef" -- invited us down to judge on his new show for the Esquire Network called "Knife Fight." The beer was flowing, and many Scotches were poured. A few of Hall's top-notch chef buddies stepped in to cook with some random (and very unconventional) ingredients. It was a hell of a good time.
During the season, plenty of L.A. talent drops by the set to compete, including Nyesha Arington (The Wilshire), Kevin Meehan (Kali Dining), Felix G. Barron IV (KITCHN 105), Brendan Collins (Waterloo & City), Michael Voltaggio (Ink), CJ Jacobsen (The Mercantile), and David Feau (most recently of The Royce at The Langham).
We won't say too much about our episode, but you can bet that there's all sorts of offal, blood, guts, and swearing. It's that sort of authentic entertainment that is really lacking in a lot of food TV these days.
The show premieres on April 23 at 9 p.m., but you can watch the teaser below. (You might even spy us seated next to Elijah Wood in there. Just sayin'.)
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
