BTS: Bong Appetit 420 Reunion Episode
Inside the infamous pot pantry and dinner party with B-Real and Vanessa Lavorato.
Yes, that is my face next to Maha Haq and B-Real of Cypress Hill on Munchies “Bong Appetit” 420 Reunion episode.
Now available to stream on YouTube, the wildly popular c*nn*bis cooking show aired on Vice TV for 3 seasons from 2016-2019. In the show, hosts throw epic infused dinner parties with chefs and special guests while teaching viewers about c*nn*bis.
Keep reading… I’ll take you inside the pot pantry, each dish, and how high I got as the night progressed.
“The spacious kitchen of a rented house just off Melrose Avenue in Beverly Grove is in full 420 mode. The stovetop is dotted with Le Creuset cookware. A peppercorn-studded prime rib rests on the counter next to an apothecary jar full of weed. And two videographers and a boom mic operator capture the action as three chefs plate hamachi crudo topped with a Szechuan mala sauce infused with Sonoma Hills Farm’s cherry cheesecake cultivar and top cannabis cocktails with crunchy bites of spiced fried eggplant glazed with fish sauce.” — Los Angeles Times
If you were a fan of the original show it’s so exciting to see a new episode!
Is “Bong Appetit” coming back?
I hope so! I loved this new format and the dining experience during this Reunion episode led by Vanessa and B-Real, which showcased collaboration over competition — pairing a chef who’s never cooked with c*nn*bis before with an c*nn*bis infusion expert chef. A distinct change from the show’s previous competition style show format.
The two chefs: Doug Rankin of Bar Chelou, and my friend and creative collaborator Wendy Zeng.
Whether or not the show will make a comeback is up to Vice Munchies. Make some noise and tell them you want a new season!
How does one get an invite and seat at the “Bong Appetit? table?
Sheer luck? Right place, right time? Being in Los Angeles? The sun in Aries and Moon in Taurus? Garnering a certain reputation? Friends in high places?
I met co-host and culinary producer Vanessa Lavorato, maker of Marigold Sweets and author of “How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time,” a couple years ago at a holiday party hosted by Cornerstone Wellness (the shop that carries Vanessa’s chocolate covered caramels and where I budtend part-time), who kindly extended the invitation.
As for my fellow dinner party guests: I’ve made smoked desserts for Cypress Hill’s documentary viewing party; baked my Pineapple Meringue Tart for Laganja Estranja; co-hosted Diwali & Dabs with Maha Haq; shared many stony conversations with LA Times journalist
; and enjoyed dabs at Sunstone Winery with producer Jason Pinsky.What’s Inside the “Bong Appetit” Pot Pantry?
Show Me the Food! How High Did You Get?
I arrived early and had the loveliest conversation with Jay, a.k.a. Laganja Estranja, about their recent travels abroad and how much they appreciated Thailand for its open-mindedness towards third genders.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how high am I? 5/10
First Course
CBD ginger lemon mocktail with Whitethorn Rose terp spray (not infused).
Stuffed fried eggplant. Paired with Ay Papi Whitethorn Rose live rosin.
High Scale: 6/10
Second Course
Vanessa places a Mocha Puffco Pivot at each place setting.
Hamachi crudo with Chef Wendy’s Chili Party sauce. Paired with Fire King Applesauce live rosin.
High Scale: 8/10
Third Course
Sichuan spicy garlic noodles with Rooted Fare Crunchy Black Sesame Butter, topped with fried scallops.
These dishes are so refreshing and fun to eat, full of textures, my tongue is awake, my brain is tingling.
High Scale: 10/10
Palate Cleanser
Honeydew melon sorbet. Paired with low-dose Cann Lemon Lavender tonic.
Fourth Course
Prime Rib Steak au Poivre encrusted with Sichuan peppercorns.
Baby corn basted in brown butter infused with Fire King Mocha Caffeine & Kush.
High Scale: 15/10 — look at my face
Dessert
Gong fu cha ceremony with jasmine tea.
Lychee caramel arroz con leche, with dehydrated lime leaves.
This dish looks unfortunate, but we were licking our plates and asking for seconds to take home.
High Scale: 11/10
What a fun episode and OMG how do we recreate that at home?!?
SO MUCH FUN! I enjoyed the show & would like to see it return.
ETA: I def prefer this format vs. the competition style of season 3. I also loved listening to Wendy talk about food!