This year, Esperanza Community Housing celebrates 25 years of Mercado la Paloma, our beloved community cultural center, where economic development, social justice, arts and culture, climate resilience, and community revitalization converge under one roof in South Central Los Angeles.
In honor of this special occasion, we are excited to host a new and extraordinary fundraising event - the Mercado la Paloma 25th Anniversary Dinner on Monday, June 8th. This elevated, one-of-a-kind culinary experience will feature a curated 10-course menu led by award-winning Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox, in a dinner showcasing the extraordinary talent of the Mercado’s family-owned restaurants: Holbox, Komal, Chichen Itza, Oaxacalifornia, Taqueria Vista Hermosa, and Thai Corner. Together, they will highlight the rich flavors, cultural traditions, and creativity that make Mercado La Paloma so beloved.
With Mercado la Paloma recently named the #1 Best Restaurant in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Times, this promises to be an unforgettable evening in celebration of the immigrant families whose vision and talent have made the Mercado a culinary gem unlike anywhere else in the city.
Proceeds will support the work of Esperanza Community Housing, the 501(c)3 organization that owns and operates Mercado la Paloma, as well as improvement projects for the Mercado. An event ticket is $500 and includes a $350 donation receipt. If you are unable to attend our event, but would like to contribute, please spread the word to friends and family, and support at the following link: Mercado La Paloma
Event Details:
Monday, June 8, 2026
7:00 PM Prompt Start Time
Mercado La Paloma
3655 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Additional information:
Please be advised that this event will be taking place outdoors in the parking lot of the Mercado La Paloma and will start promptly at 7 PM, so please arrive on time, and consider bringing a light sweater or outer layer, as it may be chilly in the evening.
Guests will be seated at communal tables, and parties that reserve together will be seated together. Parking will be available in the adjacent DMV parking lot, with entrances on 37th and Hope Street.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and raising our glasses to 25 years of culture, community, entrepreneurship, and the resilience of South LA.
With gratitude,
Mercado La Paloma
Esperanza Community Housing