LAXLA Mike Gullota

Join us for a culinary series as Rustic Canyon welcomes standout New Orleans chefs to cook alongside Chef Elijah Deleon. Curated by our General Manager Lorenzo—who has deep ties to both New Orleans and Santa Monica—the series celebrates the shared spirit of hospitality, community, and tradition between the two cities. It’s a true homecoming—full of flavor, memory, and connection.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Michael Gulotta trained in Europe before returning home post-Katrina to help rebuild and lead the kitchen at Restaurant August. In 2014, he opened MOPHO—his neighborhood-driven, globally inspired restaurant—with his brother and childhood friend. Most recently, in 2024, he debuted TANA, an Italian-influenced concept located in Louisiana.