Sharon Boorstin, UCLA Extension Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) member, author and former restaurant critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, interviewed Barbara Fairchild, former editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit for a special fall fundraiser on Sept. 28. Together, they explored the people, restaurants and culinary trends that have shaped dining in Los Angeles.

More than 60 guests attending in person enjoyed desserts inspired by iconic Los Angeles restaurants. The buffet featured memorable sweets such as Chasen’s banana cream pie, Scandia’s apple cake, and Hamburger Hamlet’s mud pie. OLLI members baked the desserts.

“Thanks to all the OLLI members who volunteered to bake the amazing retro desserts — no cake mixes allowed,” Boorstin said. “In between bites, everyone enjoyed the slide show about Los Angeles restaurants of the past, and Barbara Fairchild’s colorful culinary stories. Terrific fun, terrific camaraderie.”

The OLLI program allows individuals age 50+ to engage in low-cost, non-credit UCLA programs, helping sustain a vibrant community for intellectually curious adults from all walks of life.

The event raised approximately $10,000. Anyone interested in learning more about giving opportunities can contact Lydia Randolph, assistant dean of UCLA Extension External Affairs, at lrandolph@unex.ucla.edu.