Even though SoCal is all about outdoor dining, this evening was so much more. In what may be the most unique pop-up culinary experience in LA, Dinner on Ice was a magical night of fresh cuisine, craft cocktails, wine sips, and ice skating.

Yes, ice skating in frigid 50-ish degree LA winter!

Hosted by Capital One, the night began with a private ice skating experience at ICE Santa Monica, free skate rental, and performance by US Figure Skating Triple Gold Medalist Sierra Mercier.

There was even a skate-up oyster bar!

MasterChef Season 6 runner up Derrick Fox produced a stunning 3-course menu – in a skating theme – that showcased the exquisite type of cuisine he recently introduced at Ma’Kai restaurant in Santa Monica.

The Deconstructed Watermelon Salad scored with the most amazing flavors.

The Miso Marinated Local Salmon – a feature on the menu at Ma’Kai – was a Perfect 10!

The Chocolate S’Mores Tartlet put on a show with a complex flavor mix and a flawless finish.

The pop-up kitchen handled the crowd with incredible ease and the end result was indistinguishable from a single-plated experience.

We sipped Ammunition Wines and Stella Rosa Prosecco while ice skating and experienced wine pairings with each meal course – a perfect combo!

Bartenders from Dulce Vida Tequila and American Born Whiskey twisted up some scrumptious cocktails.

Chef Derrick’s skills are impressive and his residency at Ma’Kai – a long-time favorite hip restaurant on Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue –  is sure to be an amazing experience.