Media Coverage

Mark’s Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary Charitably

March 6, 2008 - West Hollywood

West Hollywood, California (March 6, 2008)

Mark’s Restaurant will be kicking off its year long 20th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, March 26th. From the day it opened, Mark’s Restaurant has been a West Hollywood oasis, thanks to the vision of co-owners Chris Diamond and Chef Wayne Elias.

Photo courtesy Phil Lobel/Lobeline Communications

Now, after 20 years, that oasis has become an institution – as Mark’s unveils great its new menu, new ambiance and new permanent home for Upright, an L.A. Cabaret. (www.uprightcabaret.com)

The year long celebration goes hand in hand with the announcement of a Men of Mark’s 2009 Calendar benefiting The Trevor Project, the nation's only 24-hour crisis helpline for gay and questioning youth. (www.thetrevorproject.org)

Partner Chris Diamond said, “It is with tremendous pride and a great appreciation to our community that we are able to celebrate this achievement.”

Added co-owner Chef Wayne Elias, “It is, after all the patrons that have made this possible and we hope to live up to their expectations for the next 20 years.”

Located at 861 North La Cienega Blvd., Mark’s Restaurant has gained a huge following thanks to innovative menus, elegant interiors and friendly (as well as remarkably stunning) staff.

Chris Diamond, Sir Elton John, Chef Wayne Elias and David Furnish at the most recent of four Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Parties they have catered. Photo courtesy Phil Lobel/Lobeline Communications

With a newly-completed interior and exterior redesign, dining at Mark’s means an even more aesthetically pleasing experience. The new look features a performing stage and 100-inch video display, upgraded lighting, carpeting and colors, refurbished booths, theater-style marquee and semi-private dining space.

In 1997 Mark’s Restaurant took over the John Anson Ford Theater food service. Then, in 2000, Mr. Diamond and Chef Elias officially formed Crumble, a gourmet catering business. (www.crumblecatering.com)

For the fourth year running, Mark’s recently prepared a five-course dinner for 700 at Elton John’s 2008 Oscar party, held at L.A.’s Pacific Design Center and benefiting the AIDS Foundation.

Mark’s has also catered corporate events for AT&T, the Pantages Theatre and many more, accommodating guest lists as large as 5,000 diners.

Mr. Diamond attributes the success of Mark’s and Crumble to hard work and creative teamwork. “Chef Wayne and I are continually doing research, dining out, traveling, experimenting and trying new menu ideas and different types of presentation to stay current and contemporary.”

Mark;s Restaurant undergoing renovation in 1996. Photo courtesy Phil Lobel/Lobeline Communications

Throughout the years, Mr. Diamond and Chef Elias have made charity a priority. Whether donating food, gift certificates, restaurant space, money, time and staff, Mark’s gives back to the community.

Beneficiaries include organizations like AIDS Project L.A., Aid for AIDS, and Shanti, a Bay Area-based consortium of HIV/AIDS services.

“We both have been touched by loss, and are very grateful that there are organizations in Los Angeles to help our brother and sisters with whatever the need may be,” says Mr. Diamond.

“We will continue to help all organizations and try to spread our love to everyone.”

Ultimately, they say, the source of Mark’s success lies with the collaboration between Mr. Diamond and Chef Elias. “We have learned how to respect each other and work well together,” Mr. Diamond said.

The wait staff in 1996. Photo courtesy Phil Lobel/Lobeline Communications

“We both enjoy good food, wine, and the all-around experience of being in our business,” he said.

Chef Elias chimed in, “It is a great achievement for Chris and me to still be able to own a restaurant in today’s market, to continue to stay current in food fashion and keep our focus on the community.

“It is a passion of ours that we have had for the past 20 years and we are proud that we are able to create a space for our community family.”

At press time, plans for the commemorative calendar will be comprised of images shot by the talented John Skalicky with complimentary graphic design by Frontiers Publishing Inc. and Marks’s Restaurant contributing to the printing cost of the 16-month benefit calendar.

More details are to be announced at the restaurant’s anniversary party on Wednesday, March 26th, when the space will be closed to the public for a red carpet soiree.

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