Heidi Klum, Al Pacino, Billy Idol, and More Celebrate Mr. Chow’s 50th Anniversary

It’s impossible to think of Los Angeles without Michael Chow, who over the course of his time in the city has not only positioned himself at the center of art, film, music, and entertainment, but has also built the restaurant that welcomes some of the most influential creatives from around the world. This past weekend, all of the coolest Angelenos through the years came out in large numbers to toast Mr. Chow and the staple’s 50th anniversary. Heidi Klum, Billy Idol, and Al Pacino mingled about the cocktail reception with the likes of Jerry Hall, Anjelica Huston, Quincy Jones, and Stevie Wonder.

Guests gathered in Vernon, where Chow’s multilevel artist studio played host to the festive evening. The party started with cocktails among some of Chow’s personal art collection, which featured an Urs Fischer “Michael Chow” full-size wax sculpture that burned as guests posed for selfies with it. After cocktails, a buffet-style Mr. Chow dinner prepared by chefs from all the Mr. Chow locations around the world had guests finding seats around the large warehouse. The anniversary celebration coincidentally fell on Chinese New Year, and a surprise flourish of dragon dancers had guests celebrating until late into the evening.