Tucked beneath the glittering skyline of Hollywood, the Sierra on Vine transformed into a radiant epicenter of culinary innovation and sensory delight for one night only. Albertsons Companies—parent brand to beloved neighborhood staples like Vons, Safeway, and ACME—hosted an exclusive soirée celebrating their new gourmet food line, “Chef’s Counter.” The highlight of the evening was none other than Chef Antonia Lofaso, Top Chef alum and Los Angeles culinary royalty, introduced as the inaugural ambassador of the brand.
This launch wasn’t just a tasting—it was an immersion into a deliciously bold vision for weeknight meals, elevated through pre-marinated, globally inspired meats that bring restaurant-level flavor to the home kitchen.
A Gourmet Welcome at the Sierra on Vine
From the moment guests walked into the grand event space, the atmosphere promised something special. The Sierra on Vine, already a staple for upscale occasions, had been transformed into a branded wonderland of all things Chef’s Counter. Verdant floral arrangements incorporating whimsical touches—think artichokes nestled among bursts of tangerine and heirloom tomato—adorned every surface, offering not just visual delight but a subtle nod to the fresh, farmer’s market ethos behind the brand.
In the center of the venue, a gleaming demo kitchen stood as the crown jewel. It was there that Chef Antonia herself took the spotlight, weaving her magic through three meticulously curated dishes that captured the essence of the Chef’s Counter line: adventurous, inspired, and deeply personal.
Chef Antonia Lofaso in the Spotlight
This evening wasn’t just about product; it was about story. With each dish she presented, Chef Antonia invited us into her world—one shaped by multicultural influence, familial roots, and her inimitable flair for flavor. She brought three dishes to life, each a stunning vignette of her global palate.
When there’s any kind of partnership that’s presented to me, I’m like, send me—let me taste all the stuff and see how I can work with it. And I also ask, “what your philosophy is on the product and why it’s being brought to the consumer?” If the partnership becomes organic and natural, then let’s talk. [Albertsons] sent me the meats and I was like, this is really, really amazing. The conversation was, as a chef, how do you prepare at home?
That grounding philosophy infused every element of the menu, bridging the divide between professional kitchen and everyday dinner, especially in Chef Antonia’s home kitchen. She then crafted the following dishes from that initial conversation.
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Cilantro Lime Chicken Thigh: Perched atop a perfectly crisp tostada, this juicy cut was crowned with avocado chili crema, pickled radish, and a crumble of cotija. The interplay of creamy, tangy, and spicy had guests swooning within the first bite.
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Mesquite Pork Chops: Here, Chef Antonia balanced smoke and sweet, placing the tender pork on a bed of velvety summer corn purée. A topping of pickled onions and crispy leeks added zing and texture. It was a dish that whispered of summer barbecues and warm evenings ahead.
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Buttery Garlic Sirloin Steak: Arguably the showstopper, this dish showcased a marriage of rich beef and Asian inspiration. Finished with a hoisin aioli, sesame, and a verdant green onion oil, it was a bold expression of fusion cuisine—and a testament to Chef Antonia’s deft ability to blend tradition with imagination.
Tasting Table Triumphs and Global Notes
Beyond the plated showpieces, a stationed bites area encouraged further exploration of Chef Antonia’s flavor palate. Small but powerful dishes offered playful interpretations of the Chef’s Counter meats. The jalapeño-cheesy cornbread paired with smoky BBQ chicken breast and crisp broccoli salad was an unexpected standout—comfort food redefined.
Meanwhile, the bruschetta bread dipper from the “Inspired Sauce Tasting Flight” served with a trio of house-made sauces (chimichurri, teriyaki, and bruschetta) highlighted the chef’s commitment to versatility.
Vegetarians weren’t forgotten either—a fettuccine dish without meat offered a light and refreshing palate cleanser in between bold meat-forward bites.
Immersive Touches that Elevated the Experience
True to its invitation, the Chef’s Counter launch was about more than just taste. The entire venue pulsed with energy and thoughtful interactivity. A live DJ spun an ambient soundtrack, accentuated by sultry live saxophone riffs that echoed through the lofted ceilings.
Guests were drawn into immersive zones scattered throughout:
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A personalized, hand-stitched apron station allowed guests to take home a functional memento embroidered on the spot.
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A speakeasy-style loft required solving a riddle to enter—inside, a sleek lounge greeted successful sleuths with signature cocktails and a personalized wooden cutting board, laser-etched in real-time.
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Every cocktail was served in a branded glass, adding continuity and a touch of chic marketing to the experience.
From every vantage point—especially from the elevated speakeasy—guests could admire the vibrant, buzzing floor below, with tables, tastings, and laughter filling the air.
Why Chef’s Counter Matters—A New Kind of Grocery Experience
The philosophy behind Chef’s Counter is one of empowerment. The 13-item line of pre-marinated meats, exclusive to Albertsons Companies grocery stores, was developed to bridge the gap between gourmet and convenience. These aren’t your standard grocery store preps; this is a masterclass in seasoning and culinary design. And it’s clear that Chef Antonia Lofaso’s fingerprints are all over it.
From the tangy citrus of the “Tangy Orange Chicken Breast Strips” to the deep umami of “Balsamic Peppercorn Beef Sirloin Tips,” each product reflects a chef-driven ethos made scalable and accessible. It’s food that asks, “Why settle for bland?”—and then answers the question by handing you a weeknight meal ready in 20 minutes.
The packaging isn’t just about marketing—it’s about trust. And after tasting what’s possible, trust is easily earned.
The Future of Everyday Gourmet
Having Chef Antonia at the helm as the face of this brand is a move that signals both credibility and aspiration. She brings with her a culinary pedigree honed on Top Chef and at the helm of beloved LA eateries like Black Market, Scopa and DAMA. But perhaps more importantly, she brings warmth, accessibility, and a genuine passion for food that resonates with the home cook.
Chef’s Counter is not about intimidating its consumers—it’s about delighting them. It’s about showing that great food doesn’t have to be complicated, and that anyone can cook like a chef with the right ingredients. It’s a bold promise, and one that this event delivered on wholeheartedly.
Departure with Delight
As guests exited the Sierra on Vine, gift bags awaited, each filled with practical and thoughtful tokens that extended the night’s theme into the home kitchen: an oil spray bottle, sharp meat scissors, and a plush kitchen towel. It was a final wink—a reminder that while the event may be over, the flavors are just beginning.
Chef’s Counter is more than a new grocery brand; it’s a reimagining of how we approach dinner. And with Chef Antonia Lofaso guiding its launch, it’s already clear that this is a line destined to become a staple in kitchens nationwide.
FAQs About Chef’s Counter and Chef Antonia
What is Chef’s Counter?
Chef’s Counter is a new line of chef-inspired pre-marinated meats available exclusively at Albertsons Companies grocery stores. The line includes 13 globally influenced options, designed for easy, elevated home cooking.
Who is behind Chef’s Counter?
The brand is created and owned by Albertsons Companies, the parent company to Safeway, Vons, ACME, Tom Thumb, and other local grocers.
What role does Chef Antonia Lofaso play in the brand?
Chef Antonia is the first and current ambassador of the Chef’s Counter brand. She collaborated on product inspiration and helped launch the line with an exclusive event in Hollywood.
Where can I buy Chef’s Counter products?
They are available at all Albertsons Companies stores including Vons, Safeway, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Randalls, Tom Thumb, and more.
What types of flavors are offered in the Chef’s Counter line?
The lineup features global inspirations, including Chimichurri Pork Medallions, Balsamic Peppercorn Beef Tips, Tangy Orange Chicken Breast Strips, and more.
Are the meats fully cooked or raw?
They are raw, pre-marinated meats designed to be cooked at home—ready in about 20 minutes.
Can I find recipes for Chef’s Counter meats?
Yes! Packaging includes a QR code linking to recipes and preparation tips.
With its bold flavors, smart packaging, and a fierce culinary talent at its helm, Chef’s Counter is poised to revolutionize the meat aisle. And anchored by the signature touch of Chef Antonia Lofaso, this new chapter in weeknight dining promises to be as delicious as it is effortless.
