Rustic Canyon is reuniting former chefs and sommeliers for five dinners in October to celebrate 20 years on Santa Monica's Wilshire Boulevard.

The Michelin-starred restaurant at 1119 Wilshire Blvd. is calling the series "The First 20." Each evening spotlights a different era of Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen's history, first reported by Beverly Press. The series begins Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 27.

Reservations are available through Resy.

Founder Josh Loeb opened Rustic Canyon in December 2006 after hosting communal dinners at his home in the Rustic Canyon neighborhood. The opening night, titled "How It Started," will recreate those early gatherings. Loeb, co-owner Zoe Nathan, opening chef Samir Mohajer and current executive chef Elijah Deleon will cook, while winemaker Steve Matthiasson pours wines.

"It always felt like a place that every few years someone comes in and connects to the ethos of Rustic, which is ingredients and approachable food done with imagination and thought and care, and they put their stamp on it," Loeb told the Argonaut in an Aug. 14 interview.

On Oct. 13, "The Funke Years" brings back Evan Funke, who led the kitchen from 2008 to 2012, for a collaborative prix-fixe dinner. Former sommelier Jenna Issac will pour Red Car Wines alongside winery co-owners Richard and Alison Crowell.

"Tallula's Returns" on Oct. 20 revisits the Rustic Canyon Family's Mexican restaurant, which closed in 2023. Chef Saw Naing, now a partner with Loeb and Nathan at The Dutchess in Ojai, will prepare dishes inspired by the former restaurant. Wine director Kathryn Coker, who started as a server at Rustic Canyon in 2006, will pour wines, and bar manager Justin Dicken will mix agave-based cocktails.

The series wraps Oct. 26-27 with "The Wiz Kids," reuniting former executive chef Andy Doubrava, now of The Catbird Seat, and former pastry chef Erika Chan, now of Kato. Former sommeliers Kathryn Spencer and Ferdinando Mucerino will participate on separate evenings. Mevive winemaker Alice Anderson pours wines Oct. 27.

The celebration comes during a difficult stretch for the restaurant group, which grew to include Huckleberry Bakery & Café, Sweet Rose Creamery, Milo & Olive and Cassia. Loeb told the Argonaut in August that the group had closed four restaurants, citing a local economic slump, a 50% drop in tourism and the relocation of regulars following the Palisades Fire.

Rustic Canyon's official 20th anniversary falls on Dec. 7.