California had a way of skipping the formalities. And honestly, I loved it for that.
Somewhere between a crowded food hall and my third “just one more bite,” I realized no one was asking how many were in my party, and no one cared. It felt very on-brand, like a culinary version of Clueless energy: chaotic, confident, and absolutely convinced it knew better than tradition.
These food halls didn’t need host stands or white tablecloths…