Grammys 2026 Serves Up Latin-Inspired Bites and Specialty Cocktails

Crypto.com Arena's menu for the 68th Grammy Awards features small plates with Mexican and Peruvian flavors, plus cocktails inspired by Lady Gaga and backyard barbecues.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The 68th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles will feature a menu of Latin American-inspired small bites and specialty cocktails. The luxury suites, Delta SKY360° Club, and Post-GRAMMYs Gala Event will offer dishes like Tortilla Kabobs, Duck Carnitas Flatbread, and Mezcal Braised Beef Short Rib, as well as cocktails like The Lady in Red and Maize & Fuego. The arena will also serve a 640-lb cheddar cheese sculpture and thousands of pounds of short ribs, shrimp, and sushi.

Why it matters

The Grammys menu reflects the growing influence of Latin American cuisine in high-profile events and the continued evolution of awards show dining beyond traditional plated meals. The creative cocktails and interactive elements like the giant cheese sculpture also showcase how venues are trying to provide a unique and memorable experience for guests.

The details

The Grammys menu was curated by Crypto.com Arena's senior executive chef John Anderson and senior premium sous chef Francisco Amezquita. It features small Latin American-inspired bites like Tortilla Kabobs, Duck Carnitas Flatbread, and Nopales Milanesa Torta. Specialty cocktails include The Lady in Red, inspired by Lady Gaga, and the Maize & Fuego, made with charred sweet corn. There will also be a 640-lb cheddar cheese sculpture created by "The Cheese Lady" Sarah Kaufmann, who will use the excess trim to make grilled cheese sandwiches.

  • The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on January 26, 2026.

The players

John Anderson

Senior executive chef at Crypto.com Arena & Levy Restaurants.

Francisco Amezquita

Senior premium sous chef at Crypto.com Arena and Levy Restaurants.

DeAnna Esparza

In-house mixologist at Crypto.com Arena.

Sarah Kaufmann

Also known as "The Cheese Lady", she will create a 640-lb cheddar cheese sculpture for the Grammys.

Lady Gaga

Grammy-winning artist who will be performing at the 68th Grammy Awards.

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What they’re saying

“Our focus this year is on small bites. The feedback we've gotten in the past is that people don't want to have a fork and knife a big entree while they watch the Grammys.”

— John Anderson, Senior executive chef at Crypto.com Arena & Levy Restaurants (dailynews.com)

“I'm a big Lady Gaga fan, and she's going to be here at the Grammys, so this was my tip of the hat to her.”

— DeAnna Esparza, In-house mixologist at Crypto.com Arena (dailynews.com)

“This really will be the art of edible entertainment.”

— Sarah Kaufmann (dailynews.com)

What’s next

The Grammys menu and specialty cocktails will be available exclusively to guests attending the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony and related events at Crypto.com Arena on January 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Grammys menu showcases how major awards shows are evolving their food and beverage offerings to provide a more immersive and memorable experience for guests, with a focus on small bites, specialty cocktails, and interactive elements like the giant cheese sculpture.