Haute Living Celebrates Kawhi Leonard’s Cover at Katsuya Brentwood

Last night, guests gathered for an intimate dinner at Katsuya Brentwood in celebration of Haute Living’s July 2026 cover star, NBA legend and Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard. It was an evening built for the occasion.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

The dinner took place in Katsuya Brentwood’s signature Dragon Room, a private dining space that sets a tone the moment you step inside. Candle accents, mirrored decor against a black backdrop, and the room’s celebrated mural wall created an atmosphere that was elevated and intimate in equal measure. Thirty guests filled the space for an evening of premier Japanese cuisine, specialty cocktails, fine wine, and conversation.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Katsuya is a globally celebrated Japanese restaurant concept created by visionary hospitality company sbe, led by Sam Nazarian, and Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi. Known for masterfully executed sushi, innovative Robata dishes, and award-winning mixology, Katsuya pairs traditional Japanese culinary techniques with bold, modern flavors. Its signature aesthetic, a collaboration with world-renowned French designer Philippe Starck, produces theatrical, provocative, and elegant dining spaces that have made the brand a destination wherever it operates.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

The evening brought together a carefully curated room of sports, entertainment, and hospitality figures. Kawhi was joined by his partner Kishele Shipley Leonard, alongside Haute Living’s April Donelson and Elle Harrington, sbe Chief Business Officer Jay Patel, sbe’s Frankie Delgado, and the sbe team, Dr. Sep Pouresa, Ali Lasky, and a select group of Kawhi’s personal guests including Chris Griggs, Clayton Griggs, and Andre Robinson.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Kawhi Leonard’s arrival set the tone for the evening. Following his entrance, he moved through the room with ease, mingling with guests, posing for photographs, and engaging in the kind of genuine, unhurried conversation that defines the best private dinners.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

The culinary program was a full expression of Katsuya’s best. The first course and passed appetizer menu featured signature favorites including Wagyu Gyoza, Chicken Katsu, Rock Shrimp, the Original Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Salmon Sashimi, Edamame, and Albacore Onion. The main course showcased the Tomahawk Short Rib and Miso Black Cod, two of the kitchen’s most celebrated preparations. The third course moved through sushi favorites including the Katsuya Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Baked Crab Handroll. A chef’s selection of dessert platters closed the meal in both presentation and taste.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Throughout the evening, guests raised glasses of Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyard Red Reserve Wine, which greeted arrivals by tray pass and carried the evening through each course. Signature cocktails included the Yuzu Paloma, featuring award-winning El Cristiano Blanco Tequila, and the Katsuya Fresh Cucumber Martini, made with Haku Vodka and Sake.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Prior to dessert, Haute Living’s April Donelson led a toast to Kawhi that brought the room together with warmth and sincerity. Guests raised El Cristiano shot glasses in his honor. It was the kind of moment that arrives naturally at the best dinners and cannot be manufactured at the rest.

Photo Credit: Nick Velasco

Kawhi Leonard’s July 2026 cover for Haute Living reflects the same qualities that have defined his career: quiet dominance, an unshakeable sense of self, and results that speak before words do. The dinner at Katsuya Brentwood was a fitting celebration of both.