Los Angeles’s vibrant culinary landscape is abuzz with the highly anticipated return of Chef Diego Argoti to NeueHouse Hollywood for a distinctive dining event. Titled “Off/The Clock: Over the Top,” this one-night-only showcase on Wednesday, August 20, promises an audacious four-course menu designed to challenge and delight palates. Set to unfold on the sophisticated NeueHouse Hollywood terrace at 6:30 p.m., the evening is billed as a “culinary dystopia,” a testament to Argoti’s brilliant and often unorthodox approach to food.
The Visionary Behind the Menu
Chef Diego Argoti has carved a unique niche in the west coast dining scene, known for his ability to blend inventive techniques with bold, unexpected flavors. His culinary journey reflects a philosophy that defies conventional boundaries, seamlessly marrying Latin, Italian, Arab, and Asian influences into what he terms “surreal fusion cuisine.” Argoti’s previous ventures, particularly his acclaimed restaurant Poltergeist—located within the eclectic Echo Park barcade, Button Mash—garnered significant attention, earning a spot on the Los Angeles Times’ “101 Best Restaurants in LA” list in 2023 and being recognized as one of Esquire’s best new restaurants in the same year.
Before establishing Poltergeist, Argoti made waves with Estrano, his wildly popular “Street Pasta” pop-up that became synonymous with a delightfully chaotic yet highly creative approach to dining. His career also includes stints at some of Los Angeles’s most esteemed kitchens, including Chi Spacca, Bestia, and Bavel. A James Beard award semi-finalist, Argoti’s cooking is often described with terms like “loud, mischievous, eclectic, renegade, satirical, take-no-prisoners,” reflecting his punk rock reinvention of Ecuadorian cuisine and his preference for a feeling-driven, rather than strictly procedural, culinary process.
Currently serving as NeueHouse’s Culinary Director, Argoti plays a pivotal role in shaping the venue’s elevated catering and bespoke menus for various events.
“Off/The Clock”: A Series of Culinary Exploration
This upcoming event marks the second installment of the “Off/The Clock” series featuring Chef Argoti at NeueHouse Hollywood. A previous five-course tasting experience on July 9, 2025, also part of this series, set a high bar for immersive culinary adventures. For “Over the Top,” Argoti has curated a four-course lineup specifically designed to surprise and push the boundaries of traditional fine dining. The menu includes intriguing dishes such as stuffed squid head, duck served with traditional Ecuadorian llapingachos (potato cakes), a refreshing tomato-melon salad, and an innovative beef tongue pasta.
The concept of a “culinary dystopia” encapsulates Argoti’s audacious originality and his knack for transforming familiar ingredients into extraordinary, thought-provoking compositions. It’s an evening where artistic risk-taking on a familiar canvas is paramount, inviting diners to embark on an epicurean escape.
NeueHouse Hollywood: The Perfect Setting
NeueHouse Hollywood provides an ideal backdrop for Argoti’s inventive showcases. Known for its sophisticated design and state-of-the-art technology, the venue regularly hosts a diverse range of high-profile events, from film screenings to cultural festivals and private gatherings. The terrace, where “Off/The Clock: Over the Top” will be held, offers a blend of indoor and outdoor ambiance, complementing the unique dining experience.
The establishment’s reputation for crafting “feasts that are almost events within themselves” underscores its commitment to delivering comprehensive sensory experiences. With its blend of glamour and sophistication, NeueHouse Hollywood acts as an architectural oasis that enhances the artistic elegance of its happenings, making it a prime location for such a trending culinary news event in the coast’s vibrant scene.
An Evening Not to Be Missed
Chef Diego Argoti’s “Off/The Clock: Over the Top” dinner is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive artistic expression. With limited seating available, securing tickets is advised for those eager to experience Argoti’s signature blend of bold flavors and innovative techniques. This event offers a rare opportunity to witness one of Los Angeles’s most dynamic chefs at the height of his creativity within an equally impressive setting. It promises to be a memorable night for food enthusiasts seeking a truly original and unconventional dining adventure.
