SoCal to South Yarra: Gracias Madre x Lona Misa

Get ready for a dining experience like no other as two icons of plant-based cuisine come together for a unique culinary journey. SoCal to South Yarra unites Los Angeles’ leading plant-based Mexican restaurant, Gracias Madre, with Melbourne’s vibrant Lona Misa, for a collaboration that celebrates the rich flavours of Latin cuisine, with a focus on sustainability and seasonality.

Led by executive chef Diana Briscoe, Gracias Madre has been at the forefront of plant-based dining in Los Angeles since it opened over a decade ago. Known for its dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine, the restaurant serves dishes made entirely from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients from farms that follow sustainable and ethical practices. This approach not only highlights the vibrancy of Mexican cuisine but also demonstrates a deep respect for the planet, making each dish at Gracias Madre a celebration of both culture and sustainability.

Back in Melbourne, meanwhile, Lona Misa is redefining vegan and vegetarian dining, with the dynamic Shannon Martinez and executive chef Pamella Tomio leading the charge. Its seasonal, flavourful Latin fare breaks away from the traditional expectations of plant-based cuisine. In the kitchen, it’s a fusion of opposites – yin meets yang, north meets south, oil meets vinegar – resulting in a menu that’s diverse, vibrant, and bold. Lona Misa is a place where dining is as much about exciting the senses as it is about nourishing the body.

This Festival, the experience begins with a cocktail on arrival, heralding a selection of dishes that highlights the best of both restaurants.