Amy Knoll Fraser is a veteran of the Los Angeles restaurant scene. She opened her first restaurant, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Grace, with her partner Chef Neal Fraser in 2003 and their second, BLD, in 2006.
In 2012 Knoll Fraser and Fraser took over operations of Vibiana, the cathedral-turned-event-venue in Downtown Los Angeles. Originally the City’s first Archdiocese Catholic Cathedral, Vibiana has been beautifully transformed by the Frasers into a stunning full-service event facility with a state of the art lighting and sound system, high quality, custom rental equipment, a seasoned and talented event management staff, and an extensive dining and craft libations program. With the Main Hall and Garden Courtyard, Vibiana offers a backdrop for weddings, performing arts, entertainment, corporate events and more, set in one of Los Angeles’ most stunning, historical architectural gems.
In early 2015, Knoll Fraser and Fraser opened Redbird, in the rectory building adjacent to the Vibiana Main Hall. Their flagship restaurant features Modern American cuisine that is refined, yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles. Designer Robert Weimer and Knoll Fraser created a dynamic space that pays homage to the cathedral next door and the existing timeless architecture by inserting simple modern forms to complement rather than overtake the feel of the rooms. The result is a warm and comfortable, considered space.
In 2019, Redbird | Vibiana received the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Preservation Award Chair’s Award. The Chair’s Award is the LA Conservancy’s highest recognition celebrating the persistence, creativity and ultimate success of the revitalization for adaptive reuse of the cathedral, rectory building and surrounding property.
Knoll Fraser has resided on the Los Angeles Food Policy Leadership Board, the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) board, and is a charter member of the Dine LA Restaurant Week Advisory Board. Nine years ago, Knoll Fraser and Fraser co-founded Beefsteak, an annual event at Vibiana benefitting the Los Angeles Food Bank with Simpson’s creator Matt Selman, comedian Eric Wareheim and producer Cort Cass.