People sometimes ask us why we choose to run our business in Santa Monica. Rent, taxes, and ingredients are all more expensive here. But we do it because we’re proud of Santa Monica and want to be a part of the positive, healthy forward-thinking that it embodies. As a Santa Monica resident and business owner, Chef Kim is focused on contributing to the community and benefiting from it in ways that will also benefit you, our clients. We wanted to take a minute to express our gratitude by sharing with you the parts of Santa Monica that we take advantage of every day.

Taking in the earlybird crowd at Wednesday's Santa Monica Farmers Market.

THE SANTA MONICA FARMERS MARKET. From produce to protein, every menu that we design is built around the local organic ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and surrounding local businesses. We order directly from farms as well as hand-shop on Wednesday mornings. So, keep an eye out for Chef Kim and Chef Freddy at the market.

I'm not sure cherimoyas existed when I was this age.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, Chef Kim and team head to the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Main Street for a food demo, featuring ingredients from the vendors on-site.

SUSTAINABILITY. Earlier this year, we treated locals to vegetarian bites at Santa Monica’s State of the City, which focused on sustainability and the green initiative. We have since been working with Sustainable Works to ensure that our business operates as efficiently and environmentally-friendly as possible. Our commitment extends past where we source our food to our compostable/recyclable eating sundries, in-house cleaning supplies, and the type of lighting in our kitchen.

Chef Kim Vu at Santa Monica's State of the City event.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Whether you’ve noticed or not, you’ve been seeing Chef Kim and her team out and about in Santa Monica now more than ever. Aside from the State of the City event, Chef Kim has offered her time, food, and staff to important initiatives, including the Planned Parenthood LA gala at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. With a focus on corporate events, we are regularly involved in benefits, fundraisers, and social awareness events.

Locals taste small bites from Vucacious at the Planned Parenthood LA event at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar.

Join us in celebrating Santa Monica at the following events:

This Sunday, April 9th @ the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Main Street. It’s our monthly demo on the second Sunday of the month. This upcoming Sunday, we’re showcasing Autonomy Farms, who has been rebuilding their farm after incurring major flood damage. This is your chance to taste their meats before you buy them and then do your share to help give back. Our menu will feature dishes appropriate for Passover and Easter alike.

Wednesday, May 24th @ the Vucacious Private Dining Room. Chef Kim Vu opens her private dining room to the public for one night in celebration of the LA Times Food Bowl. In honor of National Strawberry Month, this event will harness Chef Kim's Vietnamese heritage along with her love of Santa Monica local fare to create a truly unique 5-course menu. All dishes will feature local strawberries with cocktails from our friends at Mixwell, a local premium soda company. Seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm. To purchase tickets, visit Resy!

Finley Farms. Just one of the many strawberry vendors at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Santa Monica Proud