By David Landis, The Gay Gourmet—
Merriam-Webster defines pride as “the quality or state of being proud, (meaning) reasonable self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction in oneself; or, pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor and respect.” But Pride in the LGBTQ+ community has come to mean so much more. It’s a true celebration—and one in which we invite everyone into the gate.
So, it only made sense during this year’s Pride that the Gay Gourmet asked some of our region’s best chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders what Pride means to them—and how to celebrate. The answers might just surprise you.
Annie Stoll, Delfina
To us, Pride is a celebration of love in all of its wonderful forms. Pride = love.
Ben Malmquist, Dirty Habit and Z Hotel Collection
For me, Pride is about belonging. San Francisco has always been a place where people come to be themselves, and Pride is a beautiful reflection of that freedom, joy, and acceptance. Across The Z Hotel Collection, we want our hotels to feel like an extension of that spirit, places where everyone feels welcome and comfortable being who they are.
Andrew Freeman, af&Co
Pride (for me) means celebrating the journey from being a young, closeted man growing up in New Jersey to becoming a proud gay man in San Francisco running two successful businesses. It means never hiding who you are, because standing firmly in your authentic self is ultimately what drives success at every level. True Pride is found in creating a culture where everyone is championed to bring their whole self to the table, while using that collective strength to give back to the communities we love.
Bex Pezzullo, Sincere Cider
Pride means showing up and putting my most authentic and best self into everything I do: making products I’m proud of, working with partners who respect the craft and effort that goes into those products, and sharing them with people who support the “little guy” in a time when businesses get bigger and less personal. (It also means glitter and disco balls!)
Brad Levine, Full Proof Bottles & Spirits
Pride is a very special time that we are lucky to be alive in. It just means inclusivity and acceptance. And to be able to, no matter who you are—as long as you have a good idea, not a harmful idea—to be in a place where you’ll be included and accepted.
Cicero Souto, Chotto Matte
Pride is about living openly, loving freely, and coming as you are without fear. At Chotto Matte, “Come As You Are” is a slogan we carry across all of our locations around the world. I believe that message perfectly reflects what Pride stands for by celebrating individuality, diversity, and self-expression, while creating spaces where everyone feels welcome exactly as they are. Nikkei cuisine, which brings together different cultures, flavors, and stories in harmony, also reflects the beauty of diversity, and, as a chef and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe our differences are what make us stronger, more connected, and ultimately more creative together.
Bruno Chemel, Le Parc Bistrobar
Pride is understanding and embracing gender and racial diversity. Everyone deserves respect and freedom without judgment.
Francesco d’Ippolito, Poesia
Pride is that time of the year where people of all genders, sexual orientations, skin color, age, and nationality come together and feel free to be themselves, without the fear of being judged or discriminated against. It’s that time of the year where I feel proud of having chosen San Francisco and the Castro as my home!
Fairmont San Francisco’s Kevin Tanaka
San Francisco has always celebrated individuality, diversity, and self-expression, and I’m proud that our team here at Fairmont San Francisco reflects that same spirit. In our industry, the best teams are built from different backgrounds, perspectives, and personalities all coming together with a shared passion for hospitality. For me, Pride is about community, authenticity, and creating an environment where people feel supported and comfortable being themselves—whether that’s a guest sitting down to enjoy a memorable meal or a colleague beside me during service. Food has always been about bringing people together, and I’m proud to be part of a team and a city that embrace inclusivity and creativity in all its forms.
Liam Mayclem, The Foodie Chap, KCBS Radio
Pride is about celebrating our fully expressed selves in all forms in our big, beautiful LGBTQ+ community. While celebrating, pause also to think about how far we have come, and have how far we have yet to go. The struggle continues, the fight now is on full throttle!
Mat Schuster, Canela Bistro Bar
Pride is about community, and, to me, there’s no better place to experience that than in the Castro. This neighborhood has been built on connection, support, and belonging in every sense of the word. During Pride, that spirit comes alive in a way that’s hard to describe but easy to see—it’s fuller, brighter, and more vibrant than ever. You can feel the energy all around you. This is the neighborhood where we have made our home and our business and have never regretted the choice.
Chef Mark Dommen from Hestan Napa sums it up best:
For me it’s pretty simple. Pride is all about love—accepting and not judging people because of whom they love.
So, in the words of Three Dog Night, let’s all “celebrate, celebrate (and) dance to the music” this Pride.
Bits and Bites
Revel in Pride this June with the new Stay with Pride Package from LUMA Hotels all month long. With properties in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood and New York City’s bustling Theater District, LUMA offers easy access to two of the largest Pride events in the United States. For travelers booking a stay for Pride month, 10% of every package booking will be donated to a local LGBTQ+ charity while guests enjoy a Pride-themed treat and luxe accommodations in the heart of the celebration. In New York City, LUMA Hotel Times Square is partnering with The NYC LGBT Community Center, and at LUMA Hotel San Francisco, packages support the SF LGBT Center, providing community services, youth programs, and resources across the city.
And, while you’re celebrating Pride, be sure to patronize some of these queer-owned restaurants and bars: Hilda and Jesse, Rikki’s, There/There, Canela Bistro Bar, Brenda’s French Soul Food, Atelier Crenn and Bar Crenn, Manny’s, Hi Tops, Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, and Dacha Kitchen and Bar—just to name a few.
Delfina: https://www.delfinasf.com/
Dirty Habit and Z Hotel Collection: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ufhax
af&co: https://www.afandco.com/
Sincere Cider: https://www.sincerecider.com/
Full Proof Bottles & Spirits: https://www.fullproofsf.com/
Chotto Matte: https://chotto-matte.com/sanfrancisco/
Le Parc Bistrobar: https://www.leparcbistrobar.com/
Poesia: https://poesiasf.com/
Hestan Napa: https://hestannapa.com/
Fairmont San Francisco: https://tinyurl.com/4d4djks7
LUMA Hotels: https://www.lumahotels.com/
The Foodie Chap: https://www.bookliam.com/
Hilda and Jesse: https://www.hildaandjessesf.com/
Rikki’s: https://www.rikkisbarsf.com/
There/There: https://therethere.bar/
Canela Bistro Bar: https://canelasf.com/
Brenda’s French Soul Food: https://frenchsoulfood.com/
Atelier Crenn: https://www.ateliercrenn.com/
Bar Crenn: https://www.barcrenn.com/
Manny’s: https://welcometomannys.com/
Hi Tops: https://hitopsbar.com/
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine: https://bit.ly/4xIjwoD
Dacha Kitchen and Bar: https://www.dachaprojects.com/
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. You can email him at davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: https://gaygourmetsf.com/
The Gay Gourmet
Published on June 25, 2026
Recent Comments