Eater LA

EaterWire: New Restaurants in The OC, Susan Feniger's New Book, Benefit at Urbano Pizza Bar

2012-05-25T21:58:57Z

COOKS & BOOKS— Susan Feniger's new book, Susan Feniger's STREET Food, is now available for pre-order from a wide range of online sellers, according to her website. [EaterWire]

THE OC— Seven new restaurants just hit Orange County, reports The Orange County Register. Among them: The Sandwich Club, which recently replaced Crepes de Paris in Irvine; new vegan spot Phoney Baloney’s opened a couple of weeks ago; Wicked Wiches is yet another sandwich spot in Santa Ana; Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar opened in Rancho Santa Margarita; and Metropolitain, a creperie and gelato shop, opened recently in Old Towne Orange. [OCR]

DOWNTOWN— Urbano Pizza Bar is hosting a benefit pop-up on June 7 with Montes Wines. The Chilean wine company's "Angels in Action" campaign kicks off that night to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with a wine tasting and menu of small bites. Among the menu items: Crispy pork belly skewers with mustard, maple and lime. Tickets are $49 per person. [EaterWire]

DEALFEED: Providence

2012-05-25T21:21:21Z

The Restaurant: Providence
The Deal: Five-course tasting menu priced at $75 (normally $100).
When/Where: During the month of June; 5955 Melrose Ave; 323-460-4170.

Fighting for Foie: Foie Battles Rage Behind the Scenes at Local Restaurants

2012-05-25T20:41:45Z

For those protesting the production and consumption of foie gras in California, July cannot come soon enough. Protestors and foie gras ban supporters are using more than just the usual picket lines and graphic signs to show their distaste for restaurants that serve the rich, fatty liver of geese and ducks. Impassioned by a staunch PETA stance on the issue, and supported by some in the local vegan community, protestors are using email, phone calls, Yelp reviews and Facebook comments to make their case. Recently, Eater took an informal survey of restaurants in Los Angeles to see what types of backlash restauranteurs have experienced recently as the ban draws near.

]]> Josiah Citrin's Mélisse hosted a whole duck foie gras dinner earlier this month. The multi-course dinner sold out soon after it was announced, but guests at the dinner noticed that some of those who held reservations were actually protestors. As Jonathan Gold wrote in his recap of the event on the Los Angeles Times blog Daily Dish:

There were the people inside the restaurant protesting the ban... There were louder people outside protesting the protest of the ban. There were other people outside protesting the protest of the protest of the ban. In the end, it was unclear whether the real protestors were the ones dedicated to protecting culinary freedoms, or the chanting ones hoping to have those freedoms curtailed just a little bit sooner.

Reached by phone, representatives at Mélisse confirmed that the restaurant had received calls that resulted in a few fake reservations. Mostly though, they were bombarded with negative comments on their Facebook page. The comments range from direct and personal, "I am boycotting your restaurant for serving foie gras. I'm disgusted that this is considered a delicacy. -- Christie Provost" to angry and incendiary, "Foie gras is absolutely inhumane. Force-feeding an animal to give it a painful disease, for the sake of a mere extravagance, is just cruel and unnecessary. -- Tess Elaine."

Many of the comments appear to come from people who don't even live in California. While the restaurant has received some negative posts on Yelp, the directory site has been good about allowing business managers to mark such comments as SPAM.

The Little Door serves foie gras, and has experienced on and off protests over the last couple of years. A few months ago, an anti foie gras activist group showed up to protest in front of the demure restaurant's front door. Half a dozen protestors made some noise out side, but when the restaurant completely ignored their presence, they left 20 minutes later.

Two years ago, a similar battle between protestors occurred at Michael Cimarusti's Providence on Melrose. This year though, Providence says it hasn't had any protestors and has been able to keep foie gras on its menu, much to the delight of its customers.

When the ban was protested in 2010, the now shuttered Le Saint Amour faced protestors who marched into the restaurant and harassed patrons and staff. The local police had to get involved before the trespassing stopped. Protestors are allowed to congregate in public areas, but not on private property.

Helen Johannesen, general manager and wine director at Animal and Son of a Gun, wrote in to Eater earlier this week with news of fake reservations. "It has happened at all the dinners, the activists make fake reservations so that it effects our business," she wrote. While most chefs are able to dismiss the protests because they haven't affected business, this new method is proving particularly hard to ignore. Fortunately, an easy solution is for restaurants to require a credit card to hold the reservation.

Michael's on Naples has been annoyed with the number of emails they've received. "Basically, people are writing nasty emails about how they are going to boycott us for serving [foie gras] and keep acting surprised that we're serving it. We've been serving it for years, it's always been on our menu," said management at the Long Beach restaurant. When the restaurant announced earlier this month in an e-blast that they were going to do a special foie gras menu, they received dozens of responses. The email onslaught was followed by dozens of angry Facebook comments. "We're able to delete them, and so far it hasn't affected our business."

Somewhat surprisingly, not all restaurants are having a negative experience. Management at JiRaffe said they have received only one angry phone call, but otherwise it's business as usual.

"Actually, we have more people ordering the foie gras dish on our menu than ever before," said a host at Chaya Brasserie. "We haven't experienced any protestors fortunately. If anything, people are ordering it now because they fear it will soon be unavailable. We're even thinking of having a foie gras fest dinner."
·Foie Gras Fighters Make False Resys to Thwart Service [~ELA~]
·All Fighting For Foie Coverage [~ELA~]

Delaywire: Hamburger Hamlet's new express concept has...

2012-05-25T19:30:11Z

Hamburger Hamlet's new express concept has finalized construction, passed inspections, and is stocked with food. Still, Hamburger Hamlet XP remains closed. Staff on site say they are still training and hope to open in the next seven to ten days. [ELA]

Eater Tracking : Whet Your Palate Tonight at Dry Tour Wine Bar

2012-05-25T18:35:05Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Although it's only about 75% complete, Dry Tour Wine Bar on Windward in Venice will soft open tonight at 6PM, reports Yo! Venice! The seasonal California eatery is serving a mostly small plate menu filled with the likes of scallop ceviche, seared ahi, cheese/charcuterie, and panini. There's also a section titled "Potato Bar" which offers a variety of potato preparations. Cali wine, craft beer, and sake cocktails to boot.
·Dry Tour Venice Beach [Yo! Venice!]
·Dry Tour Wine Bar & Restaurant Preps For Venice Debut [~ELA~]

dinela (Summer) 2012: In the past, dineLA Restaurant Week...

2012-05-25T17:52:36Z

In the past, dineLA Restaurant Week has offered lunch/dinner deals in the fall and winter, but as of this year it's replacing fall with a summer round and new pricing. Spanning a full 12 days, July 16-27, inclusive of weekends, Angelenos can partake in two-course lunches for $15, $20, or $25 and three-course (or small plate) dinners priced at $25, $35, or $45. The list of participating restaurants has yet to be finalized. [EaterWire]

Half Baked : Gingersnap Adds Lunch Fare to Bia Hoi Beer Lounge

2012-05-25T17:17:37Z

Six months ago John Himelstein, proprietor of popular Silver Lake Vietnamese restaurant Gingergrass, annexed an adjacent space into a small beer and snack lounge, and he promised a bakery to come. As of about a week and a half ago Gingersnap was born, serving this menu of Vietnamese baked goods and lunch particulars (house-made pastries, coffee, banh mi, summer rolls, soup, and salad) from 10AM to 2:30PM, and transitioning back to the beer lounge at 5PM. While the beer lounge only served light bites when it first launched, patrons are now able to order the full Gingergrass menu.
·Gingergrass Adds Bia Hoi Beer Hall and New Bakery [~ELA~]

Market Watch: The Sunset Strip is about to...

2012-05-25T16:24:15Z

The Sunset Strip is about to land a new nighttime certified farmers market starting June 14, running from 5-9PM (chefs are able to come an hour earlier) each Thursday thereafter in the parking lot of 8755 Sunset Blvd. Some of the 40 confirmed Sunset Strip Market vendors include Fontanella Olive Oil, Oasis Date Gardens, and Masa Organic Tamales. Live music is planned and an on-site "veggie valet" enables shoppers to "check" their market bags before walking around the nabe. [EaterWire]

Listage : Two Men Stabbed Near Sunset Beer Company; Taste of Roux Recall

2012-05-25T16:00:00Z

Takeout from Blue Cow Kitchen, Downtown. [Photo: KayOne73/Eater LA Flickr Pool]
·Two men stabbed after leaving Sunset Beer Company [The Eastsider]
·Beer Guzzling Cows Crash Party And Drink Up The Suds [HuffPo]
·Residents Complain of Noise, Urination, and Public Sex at Los Globos [LAW]
·Taco Bell CEO Talks New Doritos Locos Tacos Flavors [Foodbeast]
·A new paint job and beginning for an Echo Park bakery [The Eastsider]
·California Warns of Botulism Risk in Jarred Soups [FSN]
·IHOP operator accused of $3M scheme [HuffPo]
·Produce-Driven Cocktails: Garden to Glass [WSJ]
·7-Eleven Aims For World Domination [HuffPo]
·Battle Brewing Over Labeling of Genetically Modified Food [NYT]

EaterWire : Updates on Superba Snack Bar, Bachelorette Parties Banned From The Abbey, More!

2012-05-25T00:16:53Z

VENICE— Pulled off the Twitter feed of Superba Snack Bar chef Jason Neroni: "dry wall is up. now we go very fast!" Projected opening: June 28. [Twitter, EaterWire]

WEST HOLLYWOOD— Game over, for now. Reps for The Abbey, LA's most famous gay bar, issue the following statement: "The Abbey has officially banned bachelorette parties. For years, girls have invaded The Abbey unaware that the people around them can't get married. Until Gay Marriage is legal everywhere, no bachelorette parties are allowed at The Abbey." [EaterWire]

ECHO PARK— LA Pizza Company, which moved from Chinatown to Sunset Blvd in Echo Park, has posted signage, reports Echo Park Now. This is the menu, for booze hop over to Sunset Beer Company located in the same complex. [EPN]

HOLLYWOOD— Beachwood Cafe, which replaced Village Coffee Shop and was just nominated for an AIA/LA design award, has finally secured its beer and wine license and is lubricating patrons as of last night. [EaterWire]

WEST HOLLYWOOD— Lookie who's in town: "Spotted Momofuku chef David Chang having a late night dinner at Night + Market on Tuesday night. His party ordered one of those beer towers and tons of dishes." [Eater Inbox]

Buzzed : Cafe Dulce at Hold Up Art Brews Stumptown Coffee

2012-05-24T23:43:28Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Little Tokyo's Cafe Dulce, famous for its green tea donuts and artful lattes, is staging an indefinite residency inside Hold Up Art, a gallery at the corner of 11th and Hope. The industrial space is sparse, ideal for walking up and sipping a cappuccino while checking out art by local street artists. Cafe Dulce is featuring Portland's Stumptown Coffee Roasters, perhaps a prelude to the company's upcoming cafe inside the soon-to-be-built Ace Hotel at 9th and Broadway. In addition to Stumptown, Cafe Dulce plans to have a roving selection of nationally recognized coffee roasters that they will poll on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

]]> Each month management will select roasters from the likes of Grand Rapids' Madcap, Toby's Estate, Counter Culture, and San Diego's Bird Rock Roasters. Cafe Dulce at Hold Up Art's soft opening is planned for May 29 at 6PM, followed by a grand debut for the public on June 6 at 7PM. Further, Stumptown Coffee will hold a public cupping session on May 30 at 6PM.

With Stumptown also planning a roasting facility in Downtown, this looks to be their third major foray into the LA market after Santa Monica's Primo Passo Coffee Co. and Brew Coffee Bar inside the Yahoo Center. [EaterWire]
— Matthew Kang

Boardwrap: Shakey's, Casa Bianca Vie For Absolute Favorite Pizza

2012-05-24T23:14:56Z

· Foodie Approved Healthy Restaurants Include True Food Kitchen [CH]
· Luscious Dumpling Expanding in SGV [CH]
· Where to Eat One Last Meal in LA [CH]
· Shakey's, Casa Bianca Vie For Absolute All Time Favorite Pizza [Yelp]
· Red Medicine, Sotto Top Best of Beverly Hills List [Yelp]

The Shutter : Wine and Dine No More at Bodega Wine Bar Hollywood

2012-05-24T22:50:38Z

Four shutters today. Sad. Bodega Wine Bar co-owners Jason McEntee and Greg Seares send word that their third drinkery, located in Hollywood, will shutter just shy of its second birthday:

Bodega Wine Bar regrets to inform you that our location in Hollywood will close permanently this Sunday, May 27th. After almost 2 years of operation, we have decided that this is not the right location for our concept and it's time to close our doors. Our Pasadena and Santa Monica locations continue to thrive and many of the dedicated staff from Hollywood may now be found at these other locations. We would like to thank all our staff, investors, friends and family as well as all the new friends we made in Hollywood for their support and enthusiasm, and invite everyone to come ~~commiserate~~ celebrate with us a in a night of heavy drinking this Sunday starting at 5pm. We'll keep going until 2am or when we run out of booze, whichever comes first.

No intel on what's moving in just yet.
·Hollywood's Bodega Wine Bar Opens Today [~ELA~]

Expansionwire: Pie-ology is about to make its...

2012-05-24T22:22:56Z

Pie-ology is about to make its move. The new-to-SoCal pizza concept, aka the Chipotle of pizza, plans to open six new locations before year's end in the LA area. Lease agreements are being signed now. [EaterWire]

Shit People Steal: Bouchon Bakery's Lost Cups Found at Taqueria in TJ

2012-05-24T22:12:55Z

Earlier today weird food eater Andrew Zimmern tweeted out the above pictured shot of stacked Bouchon Bakery cups discovered at a taqueria just south of the border in Tijuana. Of all places for Keller cups to show up, Tijuana. Who jacked these? [Twitter]

The Shutter: The Other Side and Flying Leap...

2012-05-24T21:22:35Z

The Other Side and Flying Leap Cafe, both housed within the same green building on Hyperion in Silver Lake, will shutter June 24 to make room for a new pub called Hyperion Public. The Eastsider notes that The Other Side was one of the hood's last remaining gay bars and one of LA's final standing piano bars. Hyperion Public is expected to debut later this year. [The Eastsider]

Eater Guides: LA's 12 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings in 2012

2012-05-24T21:01:10Z

Although 2012 is nearly half over, most of this year's most notable restaurant openings are still to come. With the re-launch of Tom Bergin's behind us and next week's debut of Ricardo Zarate's new Mo-Chica, here's a guide to the rest of this year's most anticipated openings, in no particular order.

]]> 1) Cafe Gratitude Venice: The owners of Cafe Gratitude have being doing a few things right at their Larchmont location: catering to celebs, offering freebies and creating a bit of drama. All of this has led to an explosion in business, making this cafe one of LA's busiest. Naturally, a Westside location was in order. No one was surprised when CG snapped up some real estate on Rose Avenue in Venice earlier this year. Construction is nearly complete. Eater Projected Opening Date: June 20.

2) The Parish: Casey Lane's 15 minutes of fame start now. Riding on the success of The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney, the young chef from Texas is about to open two new concepts, one of which is The Parish, which is taking over the former Angelique Cafe space on the clever corner of Spring and Main. The restaurant opening has been delayed this year due to building permit and construction issues, but should open next month. Eater Projected Opening Date: June 12.

3) Itri: The second forthcoming restaurant from Casey Lane (The Tasting Kitchen, The Parish) is Itri, which is taking over the former Angeli Caffe space on Melrose (is it a coincidence that Lane is taking over two former cafes named for angels?). At Itri, Lane is going for casual Italian. It will be a tough spot to fill for fans of Evan Kleiman's beloved Angeli. Eater Projected Opening Date: August 15.

4) Mess Hall: Bill Chait is making a name for himself in this town, with star-studded chefs at his side. Mess Hall is Chait's second biggest project this year, taking over a former Louise's Trattoria, and here he has teamed up with partner Rob Serritella. Meanwhile, Osvaldo Maiozzi, who designed Rivera, is back on board to do interiors. The menu: "higher energy..., with a modern twist." Eater Projected Opening Date: July 10.

5) Bestia: Bill Chait hasn't struck out yet: he's opened more than five solid concepts (Rivera, Playa, Sotto, Picca, Mo-Chica) in the past two years and shows no signs of slowing down. At Bestia, he's partnering with chef Ori Menashe (Angelini Osteria, La Botte) to bring downtown LA a new Italian Trattoria. Eater Projected Opening Date: ~~August~~ October 1.

6) Umami at The Grove: Adam Fleischman's Umami flagship at The Grove is moving right along, although the Mid-City Neighborhood Council continues to bombard neighboring residents with flyers about the impending opening. Construction plywood is up and a spokesperson at The Grove confirms that the restaurant should open this summer. There will be seating inside and out for 175, and architects are featuring green and sustainable building materials and fixtures. Eater Projected Opening Date: September 15.

7) Nobu Malibu: The renderings alone have dining dorks drooling. It's very East Coast meets West Coast, with lots of beige, overlooking bluffs and the greater Pacific. Destination dining, with a good chance of celebrity spotting on the side. Eater Projected Opening Date: June 15.

8) Sycamore Kitchen: The Hatfields' forthcoming marketplace cafe on La Brea, between 1st and 2nd Streets, is moving full steam ahead. Staff expect to start cooking and setting up in the next two weeks. Brian Best, formerly of Hatfield's, will be the opening chef at the new spot. Eater Projected Opening Date: July 20.

9) The Fat Cow: Gordon Ramsey marched into this town with the notoriously expensive Gordon Ramsey at the London. He sold it when things were tight, but now he's bringing a gastropub to The Grove. Because we need something else to draw crowds to The Grove. Eater Projected Opening Date: September 1.

10) Connie & Ted's: Michael Cimarusti's new casual concept, Connie & Ted's, is being billed as a classic New England seafood shack with a swinging screen door. Crab cakes, fritters and oysters will be on the menu, though, one assumes, Cimarusti's elegant touch will be felt throughout. The restaurant partners only recently picked a contractor, and though they have building permits, this one seems a ways off. Eater Projected Opening Date: October 15.

11) Travis Lett's New Project in Hollywood: The success of Gjelina has put Travis Lett on the spot. Is he opening a restaurant in New York? Will he open another GTA? Nothing is certain, except that he has purchased the former Kung Pao Kitty space on Hollywood, and plans to turn it into an eatery. Eater Projected Opening Date: ????????

12) République: Walter Manzke is only cooking at Milo & Olive through the end of this month. Then, he's back to working on République, the downtown destination that will certainly give other French brasseries in this city a run for their money. As previously reported, the slasher project (bakery, bar, restaurant, cafe) will serve French comfort food - what Manzke enjoys cooking most. Eater Projected Opening Date: December 15.

Other notable openings: Hakkasan, Malibu Cantina, Maybe, Possibly a Restaurant from Jon, Vinny & Ludo

California Cuisine 2.0: The Wall Street Journal writes up...

2012-05-24T20:15:22Z

The Wall Street Journal writes up "California Cuisine 2.0" and talks to Bay Area chefs "interested in moving beyond the farm-to-table ideal Alice Waters established." Included: Corey Lee, David Kinch, James Syhabou, Christopher Kostow, Dominique Crenn, and Daniel Patterson, who says, "California cuisine is a bigger tent than it used to be... You can thrive being different, independent, modern. Although here modernity is more about ideas than technology." [WSJ via -EN-]

Awards Season: AIA/LA Announces 2012 Restaurant Design Noms

2012-05-24T19:34:44Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

The LA chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA/LA) has narrowed down the list of candidates for this year's edition of the Restaurant Design Awards, as decided by architect Mark Rios, chef and KCRW radio host Evan Kleiman, and chef Michael Voltaggio of ink. Together they've selected 16 finalists, as listed below, and if you feel strongly about one venue or another, get in on the action and cast your vote (until noon on June 18) for the People's Choice Award. All winners will be revealed on June 22 at the LA Convention Center as part of Dwell on Design.

]]> RESTAURANT
A-Frame
Beachwood Cafe
Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine (New York, NY)
La Birreria (New York, NY)
Maximiliano
Poppy (Seattle, WA)
Short Order
Take A Bao
Talisker on Main (Park City, UT)

CAFÉ/BAR
Le Zinque
Napa Farms Market (San Francisco, CA)
Sushi Noguchi (Yorba Linda, CA)

LOUNGE/NIGHTCLUB
Harvard and Stone
Hyde
La Descarga
Salvage Bar

·All AIA/LA Coverage [~ELA~]

Eater Inside: Sprinkles Scoops Across a Sweet, White Background

2012-05-24T18:25:48Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

At 9 AM this morning, the line outside of Sprinkles Ice Cream was 15 deep. By 10 AM, that line had swelled to more than 40 people, all with giddy smiles on their faces and some with Sprinkles cupcake boxes in hand. A sign posted at the entrance of the store announced that the opening day of Sprinkles Ice Cream was being filmed as part of a television show. At exactly 10 AM, Sprinkles employees inside the store unlocked the front door, letting the first few lucky customers inside the cool, sweet-smelling shop.

]]> Sprinkles Ice Cream shop is larger inside than the cupcakery next door, allowing patrons to line up inside the shop and peruse the menu. Yes, there are red velvet cones. Yes, a signature selection of cookies (including salted oatmeal cornflake, peanut butter pretzel chip and double chocolate) is available should one want an ice cream sandwich. Even better for Sprinkles' fans, cupcake tops are available for sandwiching as well. Coffee, traditional sundae toppings (caramel sauce, classic rainbow sprinkles), and full pints are also available. Open today, and every day: Sunday through Wednesday from 10 AM to 10 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 11 PM.
·Et Voila! Inside Sprinkles Ice Cream's Mod BH Scoopery [~ELA~]
· All Sprinkles Ice Cream Coverage [~ELA~]

The Shutter : Fraiche Management FINALLY Admits that Fraiche in Culver City Will Shutter, Issues Menu Sale

2012-05-24T18:00:18Z

It has been over a month since confirmation hit that Grill Concepts' Public School beer bar and gastropub would take over for the original Fraiche in Culver City, after earlier speculations. Finally, team Fraiche has acknowledged and addressed its end.

]]> One would think that when a restaurant issues a shutter notice via listserve, it would likely make note of this closure in the subject line. One would think. But just moments ago, when Fraiche management sent out an e-mail announcing the Culver City location's expected shutter, the message was cryptically titled "The Secret Menu, at Fraiche." As evident above, "Fraiche Culver City will soon close its doors." Exact date still tbd but "likely sometime in late June." Until then both CC and SaMo locations are offering a food sale via this menu. Print it out and bring it in "for these terrific prices on your Fraiche favorites!"
·Confirmed: Public School to Replace Fraiche in Culver City [~ELA~]
·Public School to Replace Fraiche in Culver City? [~ELA~]

One Year In: David LeFevre Reflects on One Year of M.B. Post

2012-05-24T17:00:00Z

Welcome to One Year In, a feature in which Eater sits down for a chat with the chefs and owners of restaurants celebrating their one year anniversary.

Elizabeth Daniels 5/12

Chef David LeFevre has given Angelenos a reason to trek out to Manhattan Beach. After decamping from lauded American seafood staple Water Grill pre-redux, LeFevre immediately announced intentions to open his own restaurant. A quick seven months later and M.B. Post was born, named for its location situated in defunct post office. Serving what LeFevre describes as "handcrafted, soulful, artisanal foods," M.B. Post was slammed right off the bat and continues to pack a crowd well into the night. The restaurant earned a two and a half star LAT review, and this year it was recognized as a James Beard Awards finalist for "Best New Restaurant," no small feat. Here now chef LeFevre on farmers markets, menu development, and changes to come.

]]> When was the first time you thought about M.B. Post and the concept? I always knew I wanted to be in a beautiful area doing a highly personal project, but the concept arose in 2009.

Were you specifically looking in Manhattan Beach? Yes, we knew we wanted to open in Manhattan Beach.

How did you find the space? After one opportunity fell through, literally four days later our current space came up.

What's the history here? It was originally the Manhattan Beach Post Office. We wanted to give a nod to that history subtly while incorporating materials and colors that are represented in the area and embrace the beach culture.

As for the physical opening, what was the build like? It took us eight weeks once we had the space. We had a killer group with Paul Kurtz and Stephen Jones working together to create the space. I found that I truly enjoy the conceptual creative process.

Did you have to make any changes after the first month of biz? Yes! We had to focus our host and reservation group around the demand we had immediately. It was an interesting challenge to not be able to provide reservations for everyone who wanted to dine, so we had to focus on empathy and gratefulness in order for our host group to explain graciously that reservations were being booked out weeks in advance, and that we wanted nothing more than to provide our guests with a great experience at the restaurant.

What changed six months in? We made some operational changes that allowed us to be more flexible and focus much more on team development. We also began to lay the groundwork for brunch.

How did you put the menu together? I wanted to get people together around the table sharing handcrafted, soulful, artisanal foods that reflected my travels and my style of bold exciting flavors.

Has the menu evolved much over the past year? Yes! Although the format is consistent, our menu is large enough that we are constantly changing with what's available seasonally at the market while still providing some menu favorites. We’re always providing more in-house crafted items, and we have totally evolved our charcuterie selection. This summer the menu will continue reflect our commitment to seasonal, handcrafted, soulful products.

Is the menu fully defined by what you are sourcing from the markets? Yes, we make our menu decisions based on the selection and quality available through our network of farmers. We made a commitment to celebrate them this year with our "Can You Dig It?" featured farmer/guest chef dinners to show Manhattan Beach and our community what great local farmers and products we are lucky to have.

Which farmers markets do you frequent? Mainly Santa Monica, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach.

You received a strong review from the LAT just a few months after opening. Did you know that was coming? The Los Angeles Times was very supportive from the beginning, but you never really know what to expect. I do know that since the opening I have been very proud of the team that I am a part of, and every crew member we have truly cares about our guests.

Are you surprised by all the success and positive press so far? Yes. We work really hard and are very passionate, but there are a lot of underrated restaurants and chefs and we feel fortunate to get recognition for what we do. We owe a lot to our regulars, the local community, and the LA food community for being really vocal and supportive.

Which dishes do you feel most represent the kitchen here? It seems like every time we do a new dish we challenge ourselves to learn something new. Taking on house-made breads and pastas, and challenging ourselves to make our own dumpling skins, mustards, pickles, and cheeses have made all of our dishes uniquely M.B. Post.

Does it feel like its been a year? In some ways it seems like five! Most of the time it seems like four months. I think that's because we are always evolving, and I enjoy being around our crew and guests so much.

What else is coming up? Would you consider another restaurant? We’ve just extended our Saturday and Sunday hours to stay open between brunch and dinner. On June 1 we’ll start serving lunch on Fridays with our Nooner menu. My 40th birthday is coming up so we’ll do a special edition of Can You Dig It? benefiting Common Threads with special guest chefs and farmer friends. With the Nooner menu just kicking off, we’re still really focused on M.B. Post.

·All One Year In Coverage [~ELA~]

Vital Updates : Et Voila! Inside Sprinkles Ice Cream's Mod BH Scoopery

2012-05-24T16:21:21Z

Beverly Hills is supposed to reach 70° by 1PM today, perhaps the right time to stop by Sprinkles Ice Cream, the eagerly anticipated cookie and frozen treat shop from Sprinkles Cupcakes founder Candace Nelson, which scoops today at 10AM. Situated next door to the very first Sprinkles bakery, Sprinkles Ice Cream touts a host of cookies in obvious flavors like chocolate chip and double chocolate, but also more experimental combos inclusive of salted oatmeal cornflake and peanut butter pretzel chip.

]]> Ice cream, 20 flavors offered at the moment, is made from Cali dairy and, according to The Facebook, "slow churned to incorporate less air resulting in a densely creamy and intensely flavorful ice cream experience." Get excited about Cap'n Crunch, malted milk chocolate, red velvet, but also vanilla bean, strawberry, and triple chocolate. Toppings and sauces are all made in-house, and ice cream comes in either a cup, cone (red velvet), or between cupcake tops. Coolhaus and Beachy Cream rock the cookie sandwich, Sprinkles goes for the cupcake top ice cream sammie.

Take a quick look at the Sprinkles Ice Cream website. Nationwide ice cream shipping is apparently coming soon, and there's a top tab for "location." To become "locations"? Seems likely, also considering Sprinkles Cupcakes' expansion, that the long term plan is to grow this baby too.
·Sprinkles Ice Cream Opens May 24 in Beverly Hills [~ELA~]
·Sprinkles Launching 24-Hour Cupcake ATM Machine, Sprinkles Ice Cream Confirmed [~ELA~]
·Sprinkles Enters New Territory with Red Velvet Ice Cream [~ELA~]
·La Salsa Shutters, Sprinkles Expands Its Cupcake Empire [~ELA~]

Listage : LA Bans Plastic Bags; Jet Tila in Thai Town

2012-05-24T16:00:00Z

Superba Snack Bar pops up at Pitfire Pizza Fairfax.
·The New Steakhouses: Serving Up Different Cuts [WSJ]
·Congressman Says Pizza Is Not a Vegetable, Introduces SLICE Act [LAT]
·Blinded by the Light: Chefs on Photography in Restaurants [-EN-]
·L.A. makes history with ban on plastic bags at stores [LAT]
·Shoppers have mixed feelings about L.A. plastic bag ban [LAT]
·Epic Thai Town Crawl With Jet Tila [Food Republic]
·Carla Pellegrino Heads to The Keating Hotel in San Diego [Eater Vegas]
·Drew Barrymore Made A Wine [Los Angeles, I'm Yours]

EaterWire : The Original Mo-Chica Done Tomorrow, Tap Takeover at Franklin & Company Tavern, More!

2012-05-24T00:58:48Z

DOWNTOWN— As reported yesterday, Ricardo Zarate's original Mo-Chica inside Mercado La Paloma is doneski as of tomorrow night, just moments before its fully realized self opens on 7th Street Downtown. Those who attend Mo-Chica's last hurrah score gratis Champagne around 8 or 9PM tomorrow night. As for the future, partner Stephane Bombet explained that the MLP location will served as an incubator for Zarate's future restaurant ideas, and a new Peruvian concept is already in the works. [EaterWire]

HOLLYWOOD— On June 3, during the annual Franklin Village Festival, Franklin & Company Tavern will host a tap takeover. Reps from two local craft beer hubs, Smog City Brewing Co. and Eagle Rock Brewery will dispense brews from 1-4PM. [EaterWire]

SILVER LAKE—Ohio-based Jeni's Ice Cream is now selling pints at Gelson's Market in Silver Lake. The much-hyped ice cream brand offers flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, and Whiskey & Pecans for $10.99 each. [EaterWire] — DG

Switcheroos: Patricia Tsai's Chocovivo, the only shop...

2012-05-23T22:42:03Z

Patricia Tsai's Chocovivo, the only shop that hand-makes and blends chocolate bars in Los Angeles, is moving from one location on Abbot Kinney to another, reports Grub Street. The artisanal chocolate shop will relocate to a larger space near The Otheroom so that Tsai can make the chocolate on site. The new shop should be operational by this summer. [Grub Street]

Nightlife : Burlesque Club The Box Replaces Voyeur Late Summer

2012-05-23T22:01:14Z

Following a quick pop-up late last summer, New York City's scandalous and once highly exclusive burleque club The Box is opening in LA. And Vegas for that matter.

After parting ways with Vegas' Wynn Resorts and leaving Drai’s both in Vegas and LA, Cy Waits has joined forces with The Box founder Simon Hammerstein to launch an LA branch. Most recently Waits helped conceive the Agency pop-up inside the defunct Vanguard.

]]> Work has already commenced to transform the shuttered Voyeur into The Box LA. Which makes complete sense since Voyeur holds the city’s only burlesque license. With Waits' help, The Box is expected to open late summer. What goes on inside The Box? This, this, and this.
·The Box Pop-Ups in LA, Potentially Expanding Here, Too? [~ELA~]
·Thinking Inside The Box: NYC Burlesque Club Eyes Vegas [~ELA~]
·The Box LV Delayed [~ELA~]
— David Morris

Mixology Moves: The newly reworked Mirabelle on Sunset...

2012-05-23T22:00:00Z

The newly reworked Mirabelle on Sunset has reeled in Matthew Jeronimo (Osteria Mozza, Hungry Cat) to lead libations. One of his first drinks, The Mirabelle (Fresno chili vodka with apple, lavender, and lemongrass lemonade), will be priced at $1.971, the year Mirabelle hit The Strip, until June 13 (avail 9PM to close). [EaterWire]

Rumormongering : Ludo + Jon + Vinny = Opening Melrose Restaurant

2012-05-23T20:32:57Z

Four months ago Eater first caught wind of a blockbuster collaboration between pop-up prince Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites) and the dudes known for making SPAM cool, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Animal, Son of a Gun). Supposedly, the trio was contemplating an LA restaurant, and perhaps in preparation for this, Ludo, Jon, and Vinny have cooked together three times this month and once last October. In fact, it was at one of these recent aforementioned meals that Ludo spilled the beans.

]]> An Eater Operative says that Ludo, after maybe a few drinks?, revealed that he is, in fact, opening a restaurant with Jon and Vinny, and that the eatery is situated on Melrose. Eater reached out to Ludo on this subject and his response, via text message, was a smiley face. Meanwhile, PR for Animal/SoaG states, "While we love Ludo and have been collaborating with him on several events, at the moment there is no restaurant to report. Nothing is nailed down." Additional tips welcome in the comments.
·Ludo Lefebvre Plus Team Animal Opening LA Restaurant? [~ELA~]
·Ludo Joins Jon, Vinny at Son of a Gun: More Fun w/ Foie [~ELA~]

DEALFEED: Tony's Darts Away

2012-05-23T19:24:33Z

The Restaurant: Tony's Darts Away
The Deal: A half pint of Point the Way IPA or Golden Road Hefeweizen, and tomato chipotle chilquiles with eggs or tofu, avocado salsa, biscuits, gravy, and grits for $10.
When/Where: Saturdays and Sundays starting Memorial Day Weekend; 1710 West Magnolia Blvd; 818-253-1710.

Meanwhile, In SGV: 818 Shaokhao Bar, Stinky Tofu, and More Shutters

2012-05-23T19:10:41Z

Welcome to Meanwhile, In SGV a regular feature in which TC, our fearless leader in all things San Gabriel Valley, brings word of restaurant openings, closings, and other unsung, curious neighborhood goings on.

1) San Gabriel: 818 Shaokhao, once reviewed by Mr. Gold, has re-opened at the old Fishermen’s Wharf space in front of DNA Lounge (where half of San Gabriel Valley goes to break their legal drinking virginity). The old location (actually at "818" Valley) was sold to Yi's World International Group last fall. With the club space comes a liquor license, thus turning the skewer center into a complete yakitori-ya. This is San Gabriel's answer to Monterey Park's Shin Sen Gumi. 250 W Valley Blvd.

2) San Gabriel: One-year-old Cajun Symphony is gone. Boiling Point is coming. This crab boil place was the second faux-Cajun joint in the same plaza, and now the plaza is devoid of crawfish boils. Will San Gabriel Valley ever tire of stinky tofu? Doesn’t seem so. 250 W Valley Ave.

]]> 3) Monterey Park: Ace Kitchen’s remodel is finally complete, but it's not reopening. Lease sign is up. 122 W Garvey Ave.

4) Alhambra: Harbor Kitchen, the HK cafe which existed at the corner of Garfield and Valley Blvd in Alhambra since the middle of the last decade as Regent Cafe, is gone. The entire parcel, including the vast parking lot, will be converted to a medical plaza. With the death of Harbor Kitchen, Garfield and Valley, an intersection which once occupied three Cantonese seafood houses, is now seafood-less. 1411 S Garfield Ave.

Friends with Benefits: The Coolhaus gals have inked a...

2012-05-23T17:33:24Z

The Coolhaus gals have inked a partnership with Omni Hotels as part of Omni's summer menu initiative titled "Art of Water." Coolhaus and a few other "culinary artisans" have together created a summer pool menu, which means that Coolhaus' architecture-themed ice cream sammies will grace all Omni Hotel menus across the country. On offer: Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream/chocolate chip cookie sandwich, dirty mint chip ice cream/double chocolate chip cookie sandwich, brown buttered candied bacon ice cream/chocolate chip cookie sandwich. [EaterWire]

Slow Food Fast: Andre Guerrero's The Oinkster in Eagle...

2012-05-23T17:19:09Z

Andre Guerrero's The Oinkster in Eagle Rock stages its second Burger Week wherein the retro fast food joint pays homage to America's classic fast food cheeseburgers by serving its own elevated take. Starting June 4, The Oinkster offers a different burger each day for seven days from White Castle, In-N-Out, Carl's Jr., Grill Em' All, Jack in the Box, and McDonald's. There's also a Pork Adobo Burger mixed in there. Each burger comes with a special pin, and those who eat all seven burgers score a Burger Week shirt. [LAW]

Airport Dining Guides: Where to Eat at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

2012-05-23T17:00:00Z

In anticipation for a busy travel season this summer, we're rerunning our handy dandy dining guide for the terminals of LAX. Angelenos are still waiting for that dining overhaul which will add local concepts like Ford's Filling Station, B Grill by BOA Steakhouse, Campanile, Cole's, and more, but until then here's a list of what is on offer now with info about eateries in each terminal, and recommendations for where to go if you have some time to kill, or if you just need a quick bite before your flight.

[Photo: LAX]

]]>

· Daily Grill: Part of the SoCal chain, this here location offers the expected classic American menu (b,l,d) and is apparently the largest full-service airport restaurant in the United States (there's even a private dining room). One of the top two options for a real meal (Departures Level Food Court, Second Floor).
· Daniel’s Bistro: Your other best option for b, l, or dinner, Daniel's Bistro serves California cuisine including salads, pizza, sandwiches, quiche, small plates, soup, panini, crepes, specialty cocktails, and organic coffee (Arrivals Level).

Other

A Leisurely Meal

· Encounter Restaurant: California cuisine prepared by chef Michel Audeon. Think lunch and dinner selections like Ahi Tuna Tartare and Peking Style Roasted Duckling, this is definitely the most fine dining option at LAX (freestanding restaurant across from Terminal 2).

·All Airport Dining Coverage on Eater LA [~ELA~]

More Eater Airport Dining Guides

Gala Introductions: It's a pleasure to announce a...

2012-05-23T16:31:28Z

It's a pleasure to announce a new member of the Eater universe: Eater Charleston! Headed by Angel Powell, it will, of course, serve as the go-to site for extensive coverage of the restaurant, nightlife, and bar scene of Charleston, South Carolina. [Eater Charleston]

Listage : The New DFC Taco Pop-Up; Plastic Bag Ban

2012-05-23T16:00:00Z

Angel Food Donuts, Long Beach. [Photo: avilon_music/Eater LA Flickr Pool]

·Video: Inside Celebrity Chef Mario Batali's Kitchen [US Weekly]
·Bill Gates on Why Eating Plants is Good for the World [Ecorazzi]
·Nine-Year-Old Food Blogger Shows Off Her Daily School Lunches [Foodbeast]
·California Wine: The Other Side of the Coin [KCET]
·Chefs Lead Fight Against CA Ban on Foie Gras Delicacy [USAT]
·Oklahoma State University Wants to Patent a Steak [NPR]
·U.S. Opens Chipotle Securities Law Investigation [NRN]
·Amazing Coating For Bottles' Interiors Lets Ketchup Flow Like Water [PopSci]
·Fried Chicken Tacos from New DFC Taco Pop-Up [Serious Eats]
·Taylor Farms Recalls Organic Baby Spinach for Salmonella Risk [FSN]
·Are Kale Cocktails a 'Growing' Trend? [LAist]
·LA City Council to vote on banning plastic bags [Blogdowntown]

EaterWire : Chris Cosentino Cooks at Sang Yoon's Private Kitchen, Itri a "Best BBQ" Spot, More!

2012-05-23T01:11:19Z

CULVER CITY— Father's Office honcho Sang Yoon is starting up a new dinner series on the patio of his proprietary test kitchen at Helm's Bakery titled Private Kitchen. The first family-style meal will be cooked by chef Chris Cosentino (PIGG) on May 31 at 8:30PM and feature recipes out of his new cookery book, Beginnings: My Way to Start a Meal. Dinner plus wine pairings costs $90. [EaterWire]

MID-CITY— The Washington Post calls Food & Wine's "Best BBQ” list "the No. 1 Dumbest Barbecue List Ever." It calls to attention restaurants that are not yet open, such as Casey Lane's Itri. The blurb states that Itri will launch this month (June) and apparently because Lane will roast octopus on a rotisserie, this classifies the restaurant as a top barbecue haunt in the country. What? [Eater National via WaPo via F&W]

WEST HOLLYWOOD— Swedish House Mafia's Sebastian Ingrosso is set to spin at Greystone Manor on Thursday night. [DailyISO]

DEALFEED: Bagatelle

2012-05-22T22:03:58Z

The Restaurant: Bagatelle
The Deal: Select plates and cocktails $10 at the bar and on the patio.
When/Where: Mon-Friday, 6-8PM; 755 N La Cienega Blvd; 310-659-3900.

Switcheroos: Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes...

2012-05-22T21:35:43Z

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is most celebrated for its breezy, fine dining seasonal restaurant mar'sel. However, word just in that property management has ceded Terranea Grill, another hotel dining option, for an Asian fusion eatery called Bashi. As of earlier this month, Bashi, located beside Catalina Kitchen overlooking Terranea's main pool, is serving this menu of plates/bowls, noodles/rice, cocktails/beer, and sake/soju. [EaterWire]

Comebacks: Post Brentwood Shutter, Clay Pit Ignites Beverly Hills

2012-05-22T21:24:27Z

Clay Pit, the beloved Brentwood Indian institution, extinguished its tandoor oven flames when Alan Jackson of Lemonade knocked on the door early last year. Locals lamented the loss. But now comes the silver lining. While Lemonade currently occupies 145 S. Barrington, Clay Pit has embraced Beverly Hills and moved into a small space on Beverly Drive just south of Gregory Way. The restaurant has been pretty empty lately, maybe everyone is opting for delivery? Unfortunately, GrubHub is down at the moment.
·ExansionWire [~ELA~]

R.I.P.: Downtown's Wilshire Grand Hotel is liquidating...

2012-05-22T20:20:31Z

Downtown's Wilshire Grand Hotel is liquidating $2,000,000 worth of assets from plates to chairs, tvs to beds in preparation for its summer demolition. Korean Air and architect A.C. Martin Partners Inc. will build a 70-story $1-billion luxury hotel in its place to open January 2017. Many design details are still in the planning stages, but the LAT reports that the new property will become the second tallest structure in SoCal, with a 70th floor lobby, restaurant, bar, and infinity pool. Lower floor spaces will be filled by shops, restaurants, and ballrooms. [LAT]

Booze & Brews: Remember Venice Beach Brewing Co., the...

2012-05-22T18:45:37Z

Remember Venice Beach Brewing Co., the brewing operation from actor Kerr Smith and partner Tim Benedick? While an actual storefront or tasting room is a few years off, the team TODAY debuts their very first brew, Venice Ale. It should be on tap by the end of the day at Mercedes Grill, Hinano, and The Whaler. The beer is also slated to hit Whole Foods. [Yo! Venice!, previously]

Switcheroos: Troy Stevens Rejiggers Lou into BOSC Wine Bar

2012-05-22T18:06:07Z

After Lou Amdur handed over the keys to his namesake six-year-old Hollywood wine bar last month, it was only a matter of time before new owner Troy Stevens put his stamp on the space. And per the wine bar's flacks, Lou is now BOSC. Still a wine bar focusing on French and Mediterranean foodstuffs, chef Jon Campo, protégé of the departed D.J. Olsen, stands up to control the market-driven kitchen. Popular Lou plates like pig candy and house-cured bacon maintain their presence on Campo's new menu, and past customer favorites like wild boar sausage and antelope filet make a repeat appearance. Off the spring menu are new compositions like a pulled pork sandwich with barbeque sauce and coleslaw; and scallops with spring vegetables and fava tendrils, to be paired with BOSC's selection of American and European "natural" wines. Happy hour and craft beer to come in the future.

Lou's design remains in place, the wine bar still does not accept resys, and hours of operation run Monday through Saturday 6PM to midnight (food is served until 11PM).
·Lou Wine Bar Under New Management Starting April 25 [~ELA~]
·Lou Amdur Announces Lou Shutter, Promises Lou 2.0 [~ELA~]
·Switcheroos [~ELA~]

Listicles: The June/July issue of Esquire revisits...

2012-05-22T17:46:39Z

The June/July issue of Esquire revisits cocktail historian Dave Wondrich's "Best Bars in America," an ongoing search for the top haunts to imbibe throughout the country. The 2012 edition calls one LA bar to attention, Hollywood's Cat & Fiddle. Wondrich suggests ordering a pint of Boddingtons in the outdoor patio. [Esquire]

First Look : Ricardo Zarate Relocates His Peruvian Baby Mo-Chica to 7th Street Downtown, Opening May 30

2012-05-22T17:20:23Z

Click here to view the full photogallery.

Elizabeth Daniels 5/12

Mo-Chica on 7th between Olive and Grand is the true Mo-Chica. What does that mean? When chef Ricardo Zarate (or Martin) first introduced Angelenos to his Peruvian/Japanese cuisine three years ago via Mo-Chica, a modest stall inside Mercado La Paloma (which quickly became wildly popular), he opened the restaurant he could afford. But, above is the restaurant he would have launched from the get-go if the price had been right back then. Before exploring the new Mo-Chica, which serves all six of the original Mo-Chica's staple plates plus many new family-style additions (the menu is still influx), it's more than worthwhile to note that Mo-Chica inside MLP will fold, and Zarate plus partner Stephane Bombet will re-conceptualize the space into a new Peruvian concept (what happened with Moche?). Going forward, they plan to use the MLP stall as an incubator or testing ground of sorts for future restaurants.

]]> Let's talk shop. It took Bombet/Zarate a full year and a half to open the matured Mo-Chica. They signed a lease way back in the fall of 2010, and since then have shared modern Peruvian small plates and anticuchos with Los Angeles via Picca, the first joint venture between the two. Shortly before Picca's entrance Zarate was named a Food & Wine "Best New Chef," a title which definitely didn't detract from the restaurant's debut.

Aside from the usual last minute hurdles, inclusive of final City approvals and such, part of the reason it took Bombet/Zarate a considerable amount of time to open the new Mo-Chica is because they tore down walls, raised ceilings, and built the above pictured open exhibition kitchen. And then furniture had to be designed, built, and installed -- the overall modern rustic aesthetic was conceived by Bombet and Zarate together. "We designed it," Bombet laughs, "maybe one day we can afford a designer," he says with a smile.

Last night Zarate could be found buzzing by the stove, slightly hidden behind colorful jars of sun-dried Peruvian potatoes, purple potato powder, and Peruvian corn, as he continued to test his recipes for friends and family which starts on Sunday, meanwhile the restaurant fully opens on May 30. And no reservations will be accepted here except for parties of six or more.

In the middle of an up and coming downtown block, across the street from Mas Malo and just next door to Bottega Louie, sits Mo-Chica. Step in and immediately one sees a small red and gold tequila, mezcal, pisco, and rum bar (all Latin spirits, no others served here) -- these feng shui colors, red and yellow, are meant to bring positive energy and a sense of welcoming to the space. Surprisingly, Julian Cox, who is in charge of Picca's fancy cocktail list, didn't create the adult beverages served here. Rather, Brian Summers who spent time at Test Kitchen, and before that was at Library Bar in the Roosevelt for a minute, worked on drinks alongside Deysi Alvarez of Picca who did train under Cox.

Take a look above and one will notice a lack of barstools surrounding the bar. The idea is that one walks up and orders a cocktail, then grabs a stool at that skinny metal bar to the right. And behind that seating space, down the hallway, are a few perched two-tops which will probably serve as bar seating as well. Also down the hall, in place of art, is a series of Peruvian warrior figures, meant to bring good luck, each painted by a lauded LA chef. Walter Manzke, Alain Giraud, Ludo Lefebvre, Nancy Silverton, Roy Choi, Alex Reznik, Evan Kleiman, they're still waiting on two. One from Jamie Oliver and the other from Michael Cimarusti.

Continue down the hall to a cozy room also colored red with blaring graffiti work by local artist Kozem. Communal dining, two-tops, four-tops, a little bit of everything.

Zarate explains that while he is serving the original Mo-Chica menu here, his overall offerings are more rustic Peruvian with larger plates meant for family-style sharing as compared to the small plate tapas thing at Picca. He is playing with more French technique, nothing crazy molecular, just simple, rustic, modern Peruvian food for all. Hours of operation to run 11:30AM to 3PM and 5PM to midnight daily. Lunch and dinner to both commence on May 30.
·All Mo-Chica Coverage [~ELA~]

Eater Interviews: Eater National interviewed chefs David McMillan...

2012-05-22T16:19:53Z

Eater National interviewed chefs David McMillan and Frédéric Morin of the Montreal restaurant Joe Beef. In part one focusing on wine, they explain why they think chefs should spend more time in the wine cellar. In part two, they talk about Montreal cuisine, why "foodies" are like Trekkies (but worse), and the impact of chefs: "One tweet from Kim Kardashian eating well would have more impact than ten years of Alice Waters' career." [Eater National]

Listage : CA Lettuce Recall; Man Found Bound and Gagged Inside Liquor Store Fridge

2012-05-22T16:00:00Z

Sustain Juicery, Downtown. [Photo: R. E. ~/Eater LA Flickr Pool]
·WATCH: Ellen and Portia Talk Vegan Lifestyle with Rachael Ray [Ecorazzi]
·Jamie Oliver Opens First Restaurant In Ireland [The Braiser]
·Raul Ortega: The Truck Stops Here [LAW]
·Ten Food Books That Changed My Life [The Amateur Gourmet]
·California Lettuce Grower Expands Recall Across Nation [AP]
·The Most Annoying Restaurant Practices [ISSF]
·For Your Next Meal, Are Organs On The Menu? [NPR]
·Disgruntled Maid Puts Period Blood in Boss's Coffee [Gawker]
·Body of man found bound and gagged inside liquor store refrigerator [LAT]
·Bruxie Opens in Rancho Santa Margarita TODAY [OCW]

EaterWire :

2012-05-22T00:42:18Z

LARCHMONT— BabyCakes' most recent vegan LA bakery has rolled out its popular BINGO night, running Wednesdays from 7-8PM. Buy-in costs $5 and winners receive a two-pack of cupcakes. [EaterWire]

MARINA DEL REY— The shuttered Aunt Kizzy's will be replaced by an "exotic" new Thai restaurant called Tahntawan Thai Kitchen, reports Grub Street. [Grub Street]

VENICE— With regard to that newly liquor licensed lot across the street from Superba Snack Bar on Rose, through the grapevine comes word that the concept, originally dubbed "Rose Water LLC," has yet to be decided and land owners are actively searching for operators to move in. [EaterWire]

CULVER CITY— Right now Gilt City is offering a haircut, a shave, and two cocktails from newbie the Blind Barber for $50. [Gilt]

ATWATER VILLAGE—Tomorrow night Canelé brings back 'friends cook at canelé.' This week Diane Scalia of Bar Comida in Redondo Beach will be serving an "aphrodisiacal" spring menu. Taste: poached pear salad with blue cheese and mascarpone, jumbo shrimp with spaghetti and blood orange, and a signature strawberry cake. The prix fixe is $38 per person. [EaterWire] — DG

Coming Attractions: NYC's Loreley Resto & Biergarten Breaking into WeHo

2012-05-21T22:03:39Z

Loreley is a hip German restaurant and biergarten with NYC locations in LES (2003) and Williamsburg (2010). According to its website, Loreley was "Modelled after the 'Brauhaus' in Cologne (Köln)," and an insider source shares news that owner Michael Momm will open his first LA branch on the north west corner of La Brea and Lexington in that 10+ year-old defunct flower and plant shop. Momm plans to adapt the space, inside and out, into a restaurant and bakery with a spacious outdoor patio likely to serve as a biergarten. All sorts of German plates grace the menu in NYC, from sausages to pretzels to schnitzels, served alongside this list of beer and wine/spirits. [EaterWire]

DEALFEED: Freddy Smalls

2012-05-21T20:56:08Z

The Restaurant: Freddy Smalls
The Deal: Select beer, wine, and cocktails $7. Bar plates priced from $3 to $7.
When/Where: Mon-Thu, 5:30-7PM; 11520 West Pico Blvd; 310-479-3000.