What is the L.A. Culinary Compass?
Los Angeles is a sprawling city with thousands of ever-changing eating options. The L.A. Culinary Compass provides in-depth coverage of restaurant openings, closings, chef changes and special events. No corner of L.A. County is ignored, but I do promise zero coverage of frozen yogurt shops, vegan restaurants and national chains. Your stomach will benefit from the Compass' direction.
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L.A. Culinary Compass Categories
- Chef Changes (7)
- Closures (3)
- Menu Changes (26)
- Openings (105)
- Special Events (90)
- Other (8)
- Food Insights (6)
- Week in Drink (3)
L.A. Culinary Compass Articles
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CASA Opens at Downtown’s California Plaza on January 6January 5, 2009 at 11:35 pm
In May, CASA Managing Partner Dan Zink recruited Kris Morningstar (Blue Velvet, Opaline) to become chef-partner in a sleek Mexican restaurant at the south end of downtown’s sunken California Plaza. Now their vision is fully realized. Ana Henton and Gregory Williams of Mass Architecture & Design (Intelligentsia Venice, Silverlake Wine, Locali, Corkbar, Barbrix) transformed the former home of Wall Street Deli into a contemporary brown-and-white space … |
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Culinary Historian Discusses “Glorious American Soda Fountain”January 5, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Charles Perry, president and co-founder of the Culinary Historians of Southern California, discusses “The Glorious American Soda Fountain” in the downtown Public Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium on January 10 at 10:30 AM. Perry’s talking points will include 19th-century drug stores, ice cream, booze and explosions. The event is free and open to the public. A reception with themed refreshments will follow the talk at approximately 11:30 AM. The Culinary Historians of Southern California is a not-for-profit organization that supports the culinary collections at the Los Angeles Public Library. January 5, 2009 |
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Organic Farming vs Organic WineJanuary 3, 2009 at 10:29 pm
By Matthew Kaner Organic is definitely the buzz word of the 2000s. Given the option, I bet at least 5 out of 10 people will buy an organic product over one that is not deemed organic. With the rise in popularity of organic products though, must come some education! Let’s apply it to the wine industry; there is an important differentiation…Organic Farming & … |
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Primera Taza Coffeehouse Opening in Boyle HeightsJanuary 3, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Boyle Heights native Juan Romero plans to open Primera Taza coffeehouse in his neighborhood this month, offering “quality coffee, one taza (cup) at a time.” The coffeehouse’s logo is a mariachi kiosk, in tribute to nearby Mariachi Plaza. “I lived in Boyle Heights for 30 years and I still spend much of my time here because of my family and my job as a Director for … |
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BottleRock Hosts Wine Guerrilla TastingJanuary 2, 2009 at 5:17 pm
On January 19 from 7 PM – 10 PM, BottleRock is hosting a single-vineyard Zinfandel tasting with the Wine Guerrilla, Bruce Patch. For $20 per person, he’ll pour four 2007 limited-production Zinfandels from Sonoma County: Other recent BottleRock news items on Food GPS: January 2, 2009 |
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Eight Days of Dining Deals at WhistJanuary 2, 2009 at 5:03 pm
This is day two of Whist’s “Freebie Fritters.” For nine days total, newly appointed Executive Chef Taite Pearson is offering complimentary Lump Crab Fritters with chives, aioli, and caviar, normally priced at $15. The offer is available from Noon – 6 PM. No purchase is required. The offer is limited to one free order per person per day. Guests must present proof that they are … |
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Eight Days of Dining Deals at blue on blueJanuary 2, 2009 at 4:53 pm
This is day two of blue on blue’s “Nine Days of 2009.” Executive Chef Scott Garrett is offering a choice of specialty cocktails or beer for $2 today. The price will rise a dollar a day until January 9, when the selection will cost $9. The deal is available from 3 PM – 7 PM, with a two-drink minimum and a four-drink maximum, per person. … |
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Matthew Kang’s Food Insights: 2009 Food TrendsDecember 31, 2008 at 3:38 pm
This list is based on everything that I know about the food universe today, and where it’s headed in the coming year. It’s plain that 2008 will go down in history as one of the most fascinating (and troubling) in American and perhaps global history, down there with 1929. Let’s hope 2009 isn’t as dreadful as 1930, or the decade of the ’30s. The food … |
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Matthew Kang’s Food Insights: ConsistencyDecember 30, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I’ve had some consistency in the past few days. Consistent inconsistency. Before I get more ridiculous, I’ll preface this by saying that in the past few weeks I’ve been experiencing worse than average quality at many of the restaurants and eateries that I expect to provide the level of quality that I’m used to. From ethnic to bakery to high-end, I’m seeing significant dips … |
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January 1, Gelato Bar Combats Financial Woes with 2 for 1 DealDecember 30, 2008 at 8:03 am
Last week, LA Times writer Claudia Eller detailed the crippling financial impact of Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme on the Silverton family. Nancy Silverton, sister Gail, father Larry and extended family all suffered. Gail Silverton and husband Joel Gutman lost $1.5 million of savings that helped fund financial aid programs at The Neighborhood School, her daycare center in Studio City. To help turn the page on … |
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Previewing Rivera, Which Opens January 15December 22, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I first met John Rivera Sedlar on July 18 at East LA Meets Napa, a fundraiser outside Union Station to benefit AltaMed Health Services Corporation. He was dispensing cups of Donaji, an ancient Meso-American cocktail made with Mescal, the rim of the fruit-filled glass lined with a mixture of salt, chile and finely chopped crickets. At that point, he was hoping to open his ancient-meets-molecular … |
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Sweets For The Soul Coming to Atwater in JanuaryDecember 22, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Lilly La Bonge is a former TV commercial and music video producer who’s gearing up to open a “quaint” takeout-only bakery in Atwater Village called Sweets For The Soul, specializing in chocolate brownies. She hopes to open in mid January. December 22, 2008 |
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vermont Hosts Laurent Quenioux Feast: Coq au VinDecember 22, 2008 at 11:11 pm
From December 26 through January 30, maverick French Chef Laurent Quenioux will be behind the stoves at vermont preparing Coq au Vin, a classic dish made using chicken, bacon, mushrooms and roasted pearl onions all simmered in red Burgundy wine until ultra-tender. In Quenioux’s homeland, the dish is made with capon (a castrated rooster) to enrich the sauce, and that’s just what he’ll use it … |
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Details About BoHo MenuDecember 22, 2008 at 12:47 pm
On Friday afternoon, I had a chance to speak with BoHo chef Andre Guerrero (Max, The Oinkster) about his plans for the menu at his (and Adolfo Suaya’s) upcoming Hollywood restaurant. He said, “It’s unique and different in that we’re not having a traditional menu with a first course and second course.” Instead, everything will be shareable, including plates of ribs, market-driven vegetables sourced from … |
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Details about BoHo DesignDecember 22, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Adolfo Suaya is transforming Charcoal into a new restaurant, but he won’t be calling it Circa 19 after all. Instead, he and chef/co-owner Andre Guerrero are re-dubbing the space BoHo. Props to Lesley Balla over at Eater LA who convinced Suaya to change the name from Circa 19 to BoHo. That’s serious blog sway. Anyway, on to the information. At Friday’s walk-through with BoHo designer Kristofer … |
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Plan of Attack for Second dineLA Restaurant WeekDecember 21, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Earlier this year, the inaugural dineLA Restaurant Week resulted in three solid lunches at Red Seven, All’ Angelo and Patina. More importantly, the 143 participating restaurants enjoyed a 25% sales increase, on average, and 100,000 diners partook. Given the current state of our economy, this event can’t return quickly enough. For 2009, dineLA, the restaurant-centric arm of LA Inc., already convinced over 100 restaurants to … |
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Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Rustic CanyonDecember 21, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Rustic Canyon, Josh Loeb’s market-driven Santa Monica restaurant, is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a seasonal six-course menu from Executive Chef Evan Funke and Pastry Chef Zoe Nathan. The first seating lasts from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM and costs $75 per person ++. The late seating is from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM and costs $105 per person ++. With the late seating, you’ll … |
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New Year’s Eve Celebration at ValentinoDecember 21, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Valentino owner Piero Selvaggio and Chef de Cuisine Tommaso Tarantino host an all-out New Year’s Eve celebration at Santa Monica’s highly-regarded 36-year-old Italian restaurant. Chef Tarantino’s six-course tasting menu consists of Benvenuto (a welcome from the chef); Raviolino d’aragosta in brodo, erba cipollina (Little raviolo in a broth with chives); Insalata di tonno scottato, arance rosse, olive taggiasche (salad of seared tuna with red blood … |
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Fraiche New Year’s Eve in Culver CityDecember 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Chef Jason Travi, Thierry Perez and their partners are hosting a black tie New Year’s Eve dinner at Fraiche, their original Culver City restaurant. A four-course tasting menu costs $65 per person. The five-course tasting menu costs $85 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. The $65 menu features selections like Pumpkin Soup, Rabbit Tortelli, Monkfish Francaise and Chocolate Roulade. The $85 menu is more elaborate, with added options such as Oysters with Caviar, Arctic Char, Roasted Quail and a Selection of Cheeses. December 21, 2008 |
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Long Beach New Year’s Eve at Tracht’sDecember 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm
On New Year’s Eve, Suzanne Tracht will prepare a four-course feast at Tracht’s, her chophouse in the Long Beach Renaissance Hotel. Tracht crafted the menu exclusively for her Long Beach clientele, including Australian Hiramasa yellowtail with cucumber, fumet gelee and sea beans and Suzuki sea bass with roasted peppers, cipollini onions, Marcona almonds and sherry jus. For your main course, order either the roasted Prime … |
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Business as Usual at Dominick’s on New Year’s EveDecember 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Instead of “jacking up the prices,” Warner Ebbink and chef Brandon Boudet, partners in the Eat Heavy Restaurant Group, are hosting a New Year’s Eve at Dominick’s that will mirror any other night at their West Hollywood Italian restaurant. Expect time-tested dishes like Rice Balls with Mozzarella and Mushrooms; Treviso, Celery Root, Gorgonzola Dolce, Red Pear & Candied Walnuts; Grilled Diver Scallops with Black Truffle Butter or House-made Fettuccine Carbonara. Open 6 PM – 1 AM. December 21, 2008 |
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New Year’s Eve at The Foundry on MelroseDecember 21, 2008 at 12:42 pm
The Foundry on Melrose chef-owner Eric Greenspan presents a rollicking New Year’s Eve celebration at his Melrose restaurant, bar and lounge. In the restaurant, the first seating runs from 6 PM – 7 PM and costs $80 per person ($110 with wine pairings). The five-course menu consists of Smoked Salmon with celery root and red onion latke and horseradish, Albacore Tartare with blood orange and … |
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Disco-Style New Year’s Eve at TanzoreDecember 21, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Tanzore, the contemporary Beverly Hills Indian restaurant, is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a disco experience. Before the (disco) ball drops, they’re offering a three-course dinner from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM ($50 per person) and 9 PM – 11 PM ($80). The late seating includes live entertainment (10:30 PM) and dancing (beginning at 11 PM). The menu is carnivore and vegetarian friendly, depending on your … |
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BLVD 16 New Year’s Eve Includes Free ChampagneDecember 21, 2008 at 12:38 pm
BLVD 16 Executive Chef Simon Dolinsky is preparing a lavish four-course New Year’s Eve dinner, costing $100 per person for the early seating (5 PM – 6:30 PM) and $125 per person for the late seating (7 PM – 10 PM). Menu options include Smoked Foie Gras Torchon with lost bread and blackberry jam, Squash Soup with shaved truffles, Seared Scallops with salsify purée, roasted … |
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Tracht’s Hosts Two-Day Christmas CelebrationDecember 21, 2008 at 12:41 am
On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, Suzanne Tracht will prepare a three-course tasting menu at Tracht’s, her restaurant in the Long Beach Renaissance Hotel. Begin by selecting either Cauliflower Soup with Hazelnuts or Wild Arugula, Dates, Honeycrisp Apple and Sherry Vinaigrette. For your main course, consider Roasted Prime Rib of Beef or Turkey Pot Pie. Either way, enjoy Tracht’s hearty sides: Mashed Potatoes, French Green … |
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Christmas Eve at Pasadena’s Siena RistoranteDecember 21, 2008 at 12:36 am
Chef Robert Humphreys is preparing a special Christmas Eve menu at old Town Pasadena’s Siena Ristorante. The Patina veteran will make appetizers like butter poached Lobster with warm lobster cauliflower panna cotta fennel and tarragon salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette. House-made pastas include ravioli stuffed with hare, roasted garlic leek and pancetta, juniper sambuca nutural jus. Expect mains like pan seared John Dory with arugula … |
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All’ Angelo Switches from Fine Dining to TrattoriaDecember 21, 2008 at 12:30 am
One week ago, All’ Angelo owner Stefano Ongaro reformatted his Melrose Italian concept from fine dining to trattoria. That means no more white tablecloths, crystal or dishes over $20. Ongaro explained his decision in a press release, saying, “A great restaurateur and great chef can adapt on a whim to please customers—that’s hospitality, and that is what are doing at All’ Angelo. I am thrilled about … |
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Christmas Eve at RivaDecember 21, 2008 at 12:15 am
On December 24, between 3 PM and 9 PM, Chef Jason Travi, Thierry Perez and their partners host Christmas Eve dinner at Riva, their new Santa Monica Italian restaurant. Travi’s four-course prix fixe menu costs $55 per adult, with an optional $30 wine pairing. A special children’s menu costs $25 for kids 12 years and under. Be sure to RSVP by December 23. Here’s the … |
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Zislis Plans L.A. LIVE ROCK ‘N FISH for January 2009December 21, 2008 at 12:08 am
Manhattan Beach entrepreneur-restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis (SHADE HOTEL, ROCK ‘N FISH, MUCHO ULTIMA MEXICANA) plans to open a second ROCK ’N FISH at L.A. LIVE in late January 2009. Architect Louis Skelton and designer Larry Drasin shaped the 6,000 square foot space, which will be modern, befitting AEG’s $2.5 billion development. Zislis plans to duplicate some of the signature dishes that have made his Manhattan Beach seafood … |
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Mediterranean Fresh Opens Next to Musso & FrankDecember 19, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Samir Braidi and cousin Alan Hajjar (Pig ‘N Whistle, Cabana Club) opened Mediterranean Fresh one week ago next to Musso & Frank Grill. The Beirut natives combined three small storefronts. The space now features a towering 39-foot, curved wood ceiling. The airy space also includes open kitchen, an enclosed patio and sidewalk seating along Hollywood Boulevard. The cousins own the building and leased the adjacent … |
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Get To Know: Hole in the Wall Burger JointDecember 19, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Brooklyn native Bill Dertouzos and business partner Susan McAlindon opened Hole in the Wall Burger Joint in April behind a West LA strip mall. The partners (who also have a catering company called Flatbush & J) started Dainties Cupcakes in the tucked-away space in early 2007, but with every passing month, a new cupcakery opened on the Westside. The glutted market led to a 70% … |
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R Bar Food and Toy Drive December 19December 19, 2008 at 11:30 am
Tonight at 9 PM, Koreatown’s pirate-themed R Bar is hosting a Christmas food and toy drive, since California’s food banks are running dangerously low. Canned goods and non-perishable items are appreciated, and R Bar’s owners will deliver donated toys to a local orphanage. If you need extra incentive, there will be live music all night, including Tawny Ellis, Marcus Very Ordinary and Stickman. As always, you’ll need a password to enter the bar. Tonight, it’s “bring out your dead.” December 19, 2008 |
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Barbarella Bar Slated for January Opening in Silver LakeDecember 18, 2008 at 6:24 pm
December 18, 2008 On October 3, Lesley Balla at Eater LA revealed Bungalow Club owner Anat Escher’s plan to transform Silver Lake’s Zen Sushi into Barbarella Bar. Today, a press release illuminated Escher’s approach and timeline. Escher is in the midst of repurposing Zen Sushi’s 4,300-square-foot space into a bar, restaurant and lounge inspired by Jane Fonda’s 1968 outer space sexcapade. “Silverlake is such a unique section … |
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“Farm To Cup” Postponed Until Winter 2009December 18, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Farm to Cup was expected to coincide with the January’s Western Regional Barista Championship. Now the coffee celebration will debut next winter instead. The Western Regional will still take place in downtown’s Spring Arts Building from January 23-25, 2009. Expect more details soon. |
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Do you think Charles Shaw likes Gin or Vodka martinis?December 18, 2008 at 3:55 pm
By Matthew Kaner Who is Charles Shaw, anyway?! Two Buck Chuck. Nice. I remember how it only cost $24 in college for a case of wine, I can’t tell you how the wine tasted. It’s fun to be in line at Trader Joe’s buying my organically farmed apple and protein shake and see the person in the line next to me buying multiple bottles … |
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The Deli at Little Dom’s Open for BusinessDecember 18, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Warner Ebbink and Brandon Boudet (Little Dom’s, Dominick’s, 101 Coffee Shop) debuted their Los Feliz deli yesterday, sharing their Italian specialties with the neighborhood. The Deli at Little Dom’s features two-toned green tile floors, a white pressed-tin ceiling, mirrored walls and a blackboard to showcase daily specials. The display case predominates. For now, the space hosts poinsettias and tinsel, but the partners plan to hang Italian … |
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Andaz Changes Restaurant Name to RHDecember 18, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Andaz West Hollywood won’t be naming their restaurant 82/Sunny after all. On Tuesday, the Hyatt subsidiary announced that Sebastien Archambault’s seasonal Californian restaurant will be known as RH, a nod to the hotel’s notorious “Riot House” days, an era when Keith Richards tossed a TV out his hotel room window and Led Zeppelin’s tour manager rode a motorcyle down the corridor. Andaz General Manager Michel Morauw explained the name change, saying, “The public desire to pay homage to the hotel’s history while setting our sights on the future was simply overwhelming.“ December 18, 2008 |
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Matthew Kang’s Food Insights: Theories of Restaurant CriticismDecember 18, 2008 at 9:27 am
“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk … |
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Introducing Matthew Kaner’s Week In DrinkDecember 17, 2008 at 11:05 am
By Matthew Kaner Since I was a kid I’ve been obsessed with smelling and tasting. I always smelled every bit of food before I put it in my mouth. I’m very aware of scent. In 2005 my life changed dramatically…I had been managing a restaurant in Santa Barbara and became unhappy in the job. I decided to submit my letter of resignation and promptly searched … |
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Lawry’s Carvery Opens December 19 at L.A. LIVEDecember 17, 2008 at 11:00 am
AEG’s $2.5 billion L.A. LIVE entertainment district is gradually rolling out its dining options. This Friday, expect to find a new branch of Lawry’s Carvery. The fast-casual offshoot of Lawry’s The Prime Rib is designed to provide a quick but satisfying meal before an event at Staples Center, NOKIA Theatre or Club NOKIA, to name just three nearby venues. Expect to find hand-carved sandwiches on fresh-baked … |
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Spicy BBQ Reopens in East HollywoodDecember 17, 2008 at 10:38 am
On September 8, a car accelerated through the front door of Spicy BBQ by Nong & Family. After nearly three months, Kanlaya “Nong” Sriyana and niece Kay reopened the Thai restaurant’s doors on December 1. No surprise, they’re thrilled to be back in business. At dinner last night, the menu, prices and portion sizes were just like before the vehicular attack. December 17, 2008 |
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CRUSH with Adam Sobel at BREADBAR West ThirdDecember 17, 2008 at 10:20 am
Through December 19, Las Vegas chef Adam Sobel (Guy Savoy, Charlie Trotter’s, Bradley Ogden) is showcasing his vision for “refined street food” at the Cedars-Sinai-adjacent branch of BREADBAR. For the next three nights from 6 PM – 10 PM, expect 5 courses for $55 per person ++. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Here’s the likely menu: FIRST MARINATED BAY SCALLOPS |
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Scoops Holiday Ice Cream CakesDecember 17, 2008 at 9:45 am
Tai Kim is making four Scoops ice cream cakes to help you celebrate Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. Eight-inch cakes cost $20 apiece and come in four flavors: spiced pumpkin, eggnog, apple pie or vegan spiced pumpkin. The cakes are available through New Year’s. December 17, 2008 |
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Café Wa s Gets Twisted for Christmas and New Year’sDecember 15, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Ivan Kane’s boho French bistro, Café Wa s, now hangs an upside down Christmas tree from the high ceiling. The tricked-out tree dangles precipitously over the rotating 1924 Mason and Hamlin grand piano. To culminate the holiday season, Café Was hosts a New Year’s Eve spectacular featuring the triumphant return of Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce Live Burlesque show. The first seating lasts from 5:30 PM – … |
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Lencho’s New to Lincoln HeightsDecember 15, 2008 at 9:16 pm
On a November 22 bike ride between downtown and Eagle Rock, I stumbled across Lencho’s, a Mexican restaurant sporting a grand opening banner. I was mid-ride and didn’t have an opportunity to stop, but the exterior yielded plenty of info. For example, the casual, open-air restaurant sells chiles rellenos, steak picado, fajitas, tacos, nachos, burgers, and on weekends: menudo. The hours: 8 AM – 6 PM. December 15, 2008 |
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Hanukkah and Christmas Eve at The FoundryDecember 15, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Eric Greenspan will prepare a Hanukkah tasting menu at The Foundry on Melrose on December 21. $49++ entitles you to Chicken Consommé with kreplach, carrots and truffle, Beet Latke with smoked salmon and caraway creme fraiche, Beef Brisket with Brussels sprouts and mustard, and Persimmon Stuffed Spiced Doughnuts. The latkes and doughnuts will also be available on December 22, 23, 26 and 27 for $9 apiece. A Christmas … |
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Patina Black & White Truffle Dinner December 19December 15, 2008 at 6:47 pm
On December 19 at 7:30 PM, Joachim Splichal’s flagship restaurant at Walt Disney Hall - Patina - will host a dinner showcasing black and white truffles. The menu will consist of seven courses, alternating between white and black truffles. The meal costs $175 per person++. In keeping with the theme, Patina recommends wearing black and white attire. Amuse Bouche |
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Citrus at Social Introduces Bistro DishesDecember 15, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Michel Richard and chef de cuisine Omri Aflalo recently incorporated four new mid-priced “bistro” dishes into the Citrus at Social menu. Expect to find Fried chicken Nuggets ($12) with mustard sauce, Cremini Mushroom Cigars ($12) containing chicken liver mousse, plated with ginger sauce, Chestnut Soup ($12) with peanut butter and wild mushrooms and Daurade ($20) with leek fondue and black bean sauce. The Colorado Lamb ($26) now comes with white bean fries, a new side. December 15, 2008 |
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Barbrix is Back on Track in Silver LakeDecember 15, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Claudio Blotta and wife Adria were originally supposed to open Barbrix over the summer, but they were forced to postpone construction on their wine bar until they could lock down parking permits with the city. That’s a done deal. According to a December 10 e-mail from Claudio Blotta, “We did get the plans approved. We’re finishing construction and we hope to be open in … |
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FoodDigger Hopes to Become Trusted Restaurant GuideDecember 12, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Where should I eat? For people who love food, that question is the only question. Several sites regularly vie for your palate’s attention, including Food GPS, Eat: Los Angeles, Zagat, Yelp, Chowhound, Urban Spoon and a litany of blogs. FoodDigger is a new contestant from five passionate food and wine fiends. FoodDigger feeds off of user-generated content. In that regard, they’re hardly unique, but they … |
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South Point Replacing Gaucho Grill on Sunset StripDecember 12, 2008 at 12:47 pm
South Point Argentine Grill is coming to former Sunset Strip home of Gaucho Grill, in Sunset Laurel Plaza. Fernando Spila, Fernando Escuti, Gonzalo Escuti and Fabian Gil are the partners in Patagonia Food Concepts, Inc. The Argentinean quartet already has South Point Argentine Grills in Valencia and Cordoba, Argentina. Chef Gil learned to make pastas and salads from his Italian-born mother and learned to grill from … |
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Gram & Papas Chef and Menu UpdateDecember 12, 2008 at 12:09 pm
In September, when we last checked in with Mike Ilic, he and long-time friend Oliver Rosen just opened Gram & Papa’s in the Fashion District. Four months later, their seasonal café is hitting its stride. Stephanie O’Mary, the former executive chef at The Hall (Palihouse) is now the chef at Gram & Papa’s. Ilic and O’Mary worked together at Todd English’s Olives at Manhattan’s W … |
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Eat: Los Angeles is a Strong Restaurant GuideDecember 11, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Jonathan Gold may be an authority on ethnic dining in Los Angeles, but his “Counter Intelligence” guidebook is eight years old and in desperate need of an overhaul. Yelp is comprehensive, but with so many anonymous critics, it’s impossible to trust. Urban Spoon has an iPhone application where you literally shake the device into submission until it spits out a recommendation. Do you really want … |
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Rustic Canyon December HighlightsDecember 11, 2008 at 7:49 pm
This month, Rustic Canyon Executive Chef Evan Funke will showcase a fresh crop of seasonal ingredients for dishes like a persimmon, fig and endive salad with shaved fennel and meyer lemon vinaigrette ($12), hand-made cannelloni bolognese with ricotta and Swiss chard ($18), root vegetable “shepherds pie” with butternut squash puree ($20) and crispy duck leg confit with marinated figs, fennel and mint ($28). Andrew Steiner from nearby Andrew’s Cheese Shop has assembled a cheese plate ($16) with warm raisin bread. For dessert, pastry chef Zoe Nathan’s creations include lemon cornmeal bundt cake with kumquat creme fraiche ice cream and whipped cream ($9). December 11, 2008 |
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Delux Features Deluxe CocktailsDecember 11, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Looks like Seven Grand, The Edison, Comme Ca and The Hungry Cat have competition for the city’s cocktail crown. At the Edison Beer soiree on Monday night, mixologist Damian Windsor (previously of Gordon Ramsay at The London, Seven Grand and The Hungry Cat) said he recently wrote a cocktail menu for Delux. No wonder my friends ordered four cocktails apiece at last Friday’s grand opening. … |
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Food GPS Exclusive: Intelligentsia VeniceDecember 10, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea is at the forefront of the American coffee movement, demonstrating a nearly unrivaled farm-to-cup commitment. In 2007, Doug Zell’s Chicago based company established an L.A. presence by opening a coffeehouse at Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction. Now he’s hired Ana Henton of MASS Architecture & Design to take the coffeehouse concept to another level. Intelligentsia’s larger, more dynamic branch debuts in the … |
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82/Sunny and Andaz Set for January 8December 9, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Last Wednesday, I took part in a media walk-through at Andaz, the new Sunset Strip hotel from Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels & Resorts that will debut on January 8. Sebastien Archambault is the executive chef at 82/Sunny, the hotel’s market-driven 100-seat restaurant, which was designed by Hal Goldstein to include an exhibition kitchen. Archambault arrived from Corsica in August and immediately appreciated the “amazing color and … |
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Matthew Kang’s Food Insights: The Greatest Food City in the WorldDecember 9, 2008 at 5:40 pm
As a sequel to my previous post, “LA Food Isn’t ____”, I’d like to take this column to discuss why I think Los Angeles is the Greatest Food City in the World. First off, people that make this argument don’t often provide a basis for their claim. Perhaps it’s the quality of it’s restaurants or the unique cuisine which pervades the city. Tokyo, New York, … |
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Cafe de Leche Grand Opening December 12December 9, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Matt Schodorf and wife Anya [Ahn-jah] soft-opened Café de Leche on November 29 in Highland Park. The couple and their baristas pull espresso shots on a sleek La Marzocco using Intelligentsia beans. The brewed coffee is currently a blend of Nicaraguan and Ethiopian beans.They also make a unique mocha using organic cacao and agave nectar, a natural sweetener without the sugar rush. Café de Leche … |
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Locali Pushed to January 2009December 9, 2008 at 8:18 am
Greg Horos and Melissa Rosen have pushed back the opening of Locali, meaning Franklin Villagers will have to wait until the first week of 2009 to experience “conscious convenience.” New details have emerged about Locali’s food and drinks. Horos and Rosen will feature organic tamales from La Guera Tamalera, vegan “caviar” made from seaweed and microbrews from Skyscraper and The Bruery. Rosen also wants people to know, “In addition to the local non-profits we’re supporting, we’re also going to be selling beautiful cards from the Earn N’ Learn Program to benefit the children in the slums of Ahmedabad served by Manav Sadhna, an NGO based at Gandhi Ashram.” December 9, 2008 |
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Butter Tart Is Hot New Glassell Park BakeryDecember 8, 2008 at 10:47 am
Karena Higgins opened her Glassell Park bakery on November 4, deriving the name Butter Tart from “the OG tart from Canada” that’s made using brown sugar and butter. She sells plenty of butter tarts and also produces a version with bacon. Higgins and baker Linda Ochoa, previously with Whole Foods Pasadena, aren’t just producing butter tarts. The duo also churns out Colossal Coffee Cake, Egg/Bacon/Parmesan Breakfast … |
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Kristofer Keith, Adolfo Suaya To Replace Charcoal with Circa 19December 7, 2008 at 5:37 pm
At Friday night’s Delux grand opening, Kristofer Keith said his next design project is to transform Charcoal into Circa 19 with restaurateur Adolfo Suaya. Chef Andre Guerrero (Max, The Oinkster) has already crafted a bistro menu. Everything will be served family style, so there won’t be single-person dishes like burgers. Keith referenced pulled pork, pork chops and pork ribs. There will also be about a … |
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Providence Feast of the Seven Fishes, New Year’s EveDecember 7, 2008 at 11:58 am
On Christmas Eve from 4 – 8 PM, Providence is once again hosting “La Vigilia - The Feast of the Seven Fishes.” It’s $115 per person, $165 with wine pairing, for seven different seafood dishes inspired by Michael Cimarusti’s grandmother Josephine and Great Grandmother Domenica Cimarusti. The menu is as follows: Crudo di Ricciola (Amber Jack) |
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Christmas and New Year’s Eves at Marché ModerneDecember 7, 2008 at 11:42 am
Florent Marneau and wife Amelia are offering blowout dinners on Christmas and New Year’s Eves at Marché Moderne, the couple’s contemporary French bistro at South Coast Plaza. On Christmas Eve, the Marneaus will prepare a five-course prix fixe dinner for $75 per person. Two seatings are available: 5:30 – 6:30 PM and 8:30 – 9:15 PM. Options include warm duck pâté and foie gras en croûte … |