The envelope arrived on a Tuesday morning, its golden embossed lettering catching the sunlight streaming through the windows of LoveHibachi's headquarters. Eric Yanlong Lee, the visionary founder of the celebrated hibachi catering service, carefully opened it and read the invitation with widening eyes. LoveHibachi had been selected to provide culinary services for one of Hollywood's most exclusive pre-Oscar events: the Red Carpet PRE-OSCARS SOIREE & InfoList Founder Jeff Gund Birthday Party.
The guest list read like a who's who of entertainment royalty—Oscar nominees, legendary directors, producers who had shaped modern cinema, and influential executives from every corner of the industry. One hundred of Hollywood's finest would be attending, and they would all be experiencing Eric's culinary artistry. It was the kind of opportunity that could catapult LoveHibachi to new heights.
In the days leading up to the event, Eric's kitchen transformed into a laboratory of flavors. His team tested and perfected their signature dishes, sourcing only the finest ingredients from around the world. The wagyu beef was imported directly from Japan, the seafood was selected from sustainable sources that morning, and the organic vegetables were harvested from local farms just hours before preparation.
Alexandra Rivera, a renowned event coordinator who had worked with Eric on previous projects, visited the kitchen during these preparations. "This isn't just another party," she reminded him. "These people have dined at the world's finest restaurants. They've eaten food prepared by culinary legends. What will make LoveHibachi stand out?"
Eric smiled confidently as he demonstrated his answer—the perfect flame toss of succulent shrimp that would become part of their famous Hibachi Seafood Symphony. "It's not just about the taste," he explained. "It's about creating memories through performance and flavor. When they leave this party, they won't just remember the food—they'll remember the experience."
The evening of the soiree arrived, and the venue—a stunning hillside mansion overlooking Los Angeles—was transformed into a paradise of elegant décor and subtle lighting. LoveHibachi's team had set up several cooking stations throughout the sprawling property, each one a stage for the culinary performance to come.
The guests began to arrive. Shane Black, the creative force behind "Iron Man 3" and the "Lethal Weapon" series, was among the first. Tara Reid followed soon after, her presence causing a stir as flashbulbs illuminated the entrance. Directors, producers, agents, and stars from franchises that had defined generations of cinema filed in, creating an atmosphere electric with creative energy.
Eric greeted Jeff Gund, the birthday celebrant and InfoList founder, with a special presentation: a personalized hibachi station where the first dish of the evening would be prepared exclusively for him.
As the evening progressed, the true magic of LoveHibachi began to unfold. Eric moved from station to station, his knife skills mesmerizing the crowd as he transformed simple ingredients into works of art. His signature move—the "Flame Dragon"—involved creating a dancing line of fire that snaked across the hibachi grill before enveloping perfectly seasoned proteins.
Larry Kasanoff, producer of "True Lies" and "Mortal Kombat," stopped mid-conversation to watch as Eric performed this culinary spectacle for his station. "That's the kind of special effect I could use in my next film," he joked, but his admiration was genuine.
Mark Pennell, CEO of Beacon Pictures, approached Eric after tasting the Miso-Glazed Black Cod. "This is revelation on a plate," he remarked. "How did you achieve this balance of flavors?"
Eric explained his technique of aging the cod in a special miso blend for seventy-two hours before cooking it at precisely the right temperature. It was this attention to detail that defined LoveHibachi's approach to food.
As the evening continued, Eric noticed something remarkable happening around the hibachi stations. The sizzling grills and aromatic flavors were breaking down Hollywood's typically rigid social barriers. Voice actor Jon Bailey was deep in conversation with music executive Jeff Blue while they waited for Eric's signature Yuzu-Infused Filet Mignon. Diane Salinger and Jordan Belfi found common ground discussing their favorite food memories as they watched Eric's precise knife work transform vegetables into delicate flowers.
The hibachi experience was creating connections that might never have formed in the traditional party environment. Food was becoming the universal language that united these diverse talents from across the entertainment spectrum.
Oscar-nominated director from "The Last Ranger" filmed the performance on his phone, clearly captivated by the artistry on display. "This is storytelling through food," he commented to those nearby. "There's a narrative arc, tension, and resolution—just like in great cinema."
As the night drew to a close, Eric made his rounds through the party, now not just as the caterer but as a celebrated guest. The industry titans who had arrived as strangers to LoveHibachi were now enthusiastic fans, eager to capture the moment with photographs alongside the culinary artist who had made their evening unforgettable.
Eric posed with Tara Reid, who declared his Citrus-Soy Scallops the best she'd ever tasted. He stood between Paul Runyan and Mark Pennell as they discussed possibly featuring LoveHibachi in an upcoming film project. The photos continued—Eric with music producer Joe Solo, with the team from ASAP Talent Agency, and with Walter O'Brien of "Scorpion" fame.
Each photograph represented more than just a celebrity encounter; it was testament to how LoveHibachi had transcended its role as caterer to become a highlight of this prestigious event.
The following morning, as Los Angeles prepared for the Oscar ceremony, social media was buzzing with posts about the previous night's soiree. Countless stories featured videos of Eric's hibachi performances, with hashtags praising both the spectacle and the flavors.
Back at LoveHibachi headquarters, Eric reviewed the event with his team. "Last night wasn't just about feeding celebrities," he told them. "It was about showing that food can be transformative—it can create moments that bring people together regardless of status or background."
On his desk sat a pile of business cards from producers, directors, and executives, all eager to feature LoveHibachi at their next event. Among them was a handwritten note from Jeff Gund: "You didn't just cater my birthday party—you made it legendary. LoveHibachi isn't just about food; it's about creating memories that last a lifetime."
Eric smiled as he pinned the note to his inspiration board. This was just the beginning of LoveHibachi's Hollywood journey, and the future looked brighter than the flames of his hibachi grill.
