We had the good fortune of connecting with Samir & Hicham HARRAG and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samir & Hicham, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Oui Oui French Catering LA came from a simple but powerful idea: sharing the authentic taste of French cuisine in a fun, accessible, and memorable way. Growing up in France, food was always at the heart of every gathering fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and the joy of sharing a good meal.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I realized how rare it was to find real French catering that felt both high-quality and personal. Most options were either too formal or lacked authenticity. I wanted to create something different something warm, interactive, and genuinely French.

That’s how the live cooking concept was born. We bring the chefs, the ingredients, and the French touch directly to your event, whether it’s a wedding, a private party, or a corporate gathering. My thought process was to combine tradition with experience: not just serving food, but creating unforgettable moments around it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our professional journey has been anything but linear but that’s what makes it so meaningful. What sets us apart is that we built Oui Oui French Catering from the ground up, as two French entrepreneurs with no initial network in Los Angeles. All we had was our culture, our work ethic, and the belief that people would appreciate a genuine, high-quality French culinary experience.

It wasn’t easy. At the beginning, we had to do everything ourselves from shopping to cooking, delivering, cleaning, and promoting. We faced cultural differences, logistical challenges, and moments of real doubt. But each obstacle taught us something: how to adapt, how to communicate better, and how to stay true to our identity while understanding our clients’ needs.

We’re most proud of the fact that today, Oui Oui French Catering is known for its live stations, French chefs, and unforgettable events. We’ve built a brand that brings joy and authenticity to people’s lives and that’s what matters most.

If there’s one lesson we’d share, it’s this: never underestimate the power of doing things with heart. People feel it and they remember it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d make it my mission to give them the real L.A. experience the one you don’t always see in travel guides. Think good food, raw energy, and little pockets of magic all over the city.

Day 1 – Welcome to L.A.
We’d kick things off with brunch at Republique – the pastries alone are worth the flight. Then cruise down Melrose for vintage shopping and people-watching. Sunset at Runyon Canyon or Griffith Observatory, just to set the vibe. Dinner at Bestia, and if there’s energy left, a drink at Bar Lis in Hollywood.

Day 2 – Venice & Vibes
Start the day with breakfast burritos from Great White in Venice, then a long walk or bike ride along the boardwalk to Santa Monica. Maybe even dip in the ocean. Afternoon coffee at Menotti’s, then watch the skaters at the Venice Skate Park. Dinner at Gjelina, followed by a nightcap at The Bungalow – a classic.

Day 3 – Downtown Culture
We’d explore The Broad, walk around Arts District, eat lunch at Wurstküche, and chill with a coffee at Zinc Café. Then head up to Echo Park for paddle boats, maybe tacos at Guisados, and live music somewhere like Gold-Diggers or Zebulon.

Day 4 – Road Trip
Rent a convertible and drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. Lunch at Malibu Farm, toes in the sand at El Matador Beach. Sunset drive back with music blasting. Maybe a quiet dinner in Koreatown at Quarters BBQ.

Day 5 – Eastside Energy
Breakfast at Destroyer, then we’d hit up Silver Lake, walk around the reservoir, shop indie stores, grab a vegan ice cream at Magpies. Evening: catch a Dodgers game or rooftop cinema in Downtown.

Day 6 – A Taste of France in L.A.
Of course, I’d organize a Oui Oui French Catering experience at home or a friend’s place – with live stations, fresh crepes, truffle pizza, and the full French touch. Great food, music, laughs – that’s our kind of party.
After that, maybe some jazz at Hotel Café or a secret warehouse event, depending on the night.

Day 7 – Chill & Reflect
Slow morning at The Getty Center with coffee and art, panoramic views. Lunch at Jon & Vinny’s, then one last golden hour moment in Topanga Canyon or Elysian Park. Sunset toast and memories made.

Los Angeles isn’t just about the sights – it’s about the mix of cultures, the energy of the streets, the tacos at 2am, the stories behind the storefronts. That’s what I’d want to share with my best friend

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’d love to give a special shoutout to Kristina Goldobina, who leads our marketing with passion, precision, and creativity. Her work behind the scenes has been essential to the growth of Oui Oui French Catering, helping us shape a strong brand and connect with the right audience every step of the way.

We also want to thank our amazing team of French chefs, whose talent and dedication bring the heart of our concept to life. Their energy, authenticity, and love for the craft are what make every event so special.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Adama Konate, whose story and mindset deeply inspired us when we launched this adventure. His entrepreneurial spirit reminded us of the power of believing in your own vision.

And of course, to all our clients who trusted us from the beginning thank you for believing in us, spreading the word, and making this journey possible. Your support means everything.

Website: https://Www.ouiouifrenchcateringla.com

Instagram: @ oui_oui_french_catering_la

Facebook: ouiouifrenchcateringla

Youtube: ouiouifrenchcateringla

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.