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Pop-up restaurants are popping up in a location near you

Oct 14, 2010

Have you heard of the type of restaurants that always on are-the-go? No, we’re not talking about the mobile food truck trend or even the “test kitchens.” Pop-up restaurants are literally popping up in classified locations, emerging as if out of nowhere and are attracting major hype from food blogger-foodies and critics alike.

The concept is ingenious and adventurous at the same time – set up a temporary restaurant with stellar food, create a buzz, fill up the scene to room capacity, and move on to the next location. Take for instance the famous, LudoBites, created by celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Lefebvre was very close to establishing his own traditional restaurant but was apprehensive on signing a long-term lease and making a huge commitment. So, he launched the newest dining phenomenon by setting up shop at a new restaurant (he would rent out the space from an existing restaurant) for only a few weeks, and then he’ll move on to the next location, wherever it may be. Wildly popular, each night at this “guerrilla style” restaurant has become sort of an event in and of itself. Even prominent food critic, Jonathan Gold, described LudoBites as one of his 99 Most Essential Restaurants in LA despite it having no permanent address.

Pop-up restaurants are also becoming popular overseas. In London, many rising chefs who just don’t have enough capital to open their own restaurants are choosing pop-ups to showcase their talents. Also known as supper clubs, these pop-ups provide the chefs a lot of creative control over menu and ambiance. And as for the diner, participating in the supper club is like a culinary adventure.

So how do you find a pop-up restaurant? Keep your eye on Twitter and the blogosphere in general for upcoming events. If you want to experience LudoBites, check out their website.