The Art of Rolling: Joints & New American-Chinese Cuisine

with author Noah Rubin & Byron + Mandy of Restaurant XO

📍 Public Land Store + Gallery · Sacramento, CA

📅 Friday, November 14th, 5–8 PM

💵 $98 · 21+ only · Limited capacity

“Next to making a proper omelette or wiping your own ass, rolling a joint is an essential life skill for any self-respecting member of society.”
— Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain’s legendary line opens author and journalist Noah Rubin’s acclaimed book How We Roll, a global exploration of joint, blunt, and spliff culture. On November 14th, we’re bringing that exploration to life again, this time with a distinctly Cantonese twist.

WE ROLL JOINTS. WE ROLL NOODLES.

Rolling is craft. It’s ritual. It’s a shared language.

Join us at Public Land for an evening that pairs the tactile pleasure of joint rolling with the delicate art of crafting Cheung Fun, a classic Chinese steamed rice noodle roll.

This two-part, hands-on social event is led by two sets of masters:

NOAH RUBIN

Noah Rubin is a writer, editor, and producer whose work spans hip-hop, cannabis, and contemporary culture. He is the author of How We Roll: The Art and Culture of Joints, Blunts, and Spliffs and the editor of Snoop Dogg’s bestselling cookbook From Crook to Cook. A former Editor-in-Chief of both Snoop’s Merry Jane platform and Nas’s Mass Appeal, Rubin has also produced two albums for Wu-Tang Clan and worked as A&R on Flume’s Grammy-winning album Skin. He is currently the Features Editor at Hypebeast Magazine.

BYRON & MANDY — RESTAURANT XO

Restaurant XO was born from two distinct yet deeply connected relationships to Chinese food. Mandy, an American-born Chinese hospitality veteran raised in a Cantonese household, brings forward the flavors, memories, and family traditions she grew up with. Byron, a classically trained chef with 16 years in some of the world’s top kitchens, carries a deep admiration for Cantonese cuisine and the techniques, history, and storytelling embedded within it.

Together, they approach cooking as both heritage and craft, with Mandy honoring what’s been passed down to her, and Byron innovating with a reverence for everything that came before. Their shared love for the cuisine, its textures, and its cultural resonance is what ultimately brought them together and continues to guide the creative philosophy behind XO.

What to Expect

• A guided joint rolling session with Noah Rubin! Learn rolling techniques from around the world

• Live Cheung Fun Rolling Demonstration by XO, followed by a tasting with XO’s signature sauces & toppings

• Drinks crafted in partnership with Madre Mezcal and Mommenpop

• Good bites, vibrant flavors, and a relaxed smoke-friendly atmosphere

• Low-THC, legally compliant cannabis provided (or BYO)

• Optional merch and take-home treats

• Exclusive after-hours access to Public Land’s plant-filled, art-forward space

• A night where high craft meets high flavor — good food, good smoke, good people

🌿 Please plan to rideshare responsibly if needed.

A SPACE LIKE NO OTHER

Public Land isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the experience. You’ll gather inside a living, breathing space where rare plant species mingle with contemporary art, handmade wares, and the creative energy of California’s finest makers. The atmosphere is lush, intimate, and layered…a natural fit for an evening rooted in craft, culture, and connection.

GOOD TO KNOW

• This is a 21+ event.

• Tickets are non-refundable.

• Ticket price includes all demos, food + beverage, and cannabis.

• Bring nimble fingers and an open mind.

• This event will sell out. Don’t sleep on it.