By Kamala Kirk Derrick Fox of “MasterChef” has brought the ultimate sweet treat to Playa Vista. The famed chef, who appeared on season 6 of television’s “MasterChef,” is the founder of Epic Mega Cookie Co., which debuted its first brick-and-mortar location last fall at the renowned Box Shop at RUNWAY. “As soon as we were […]
Staying Cheesy: I Heart Mac and Cheese comes to the Westside
By Morgan Owen It’s hard not to be successful when the main item on your menu is macaroni and cheese. In the heart of Westchester, I Heart Mac and Cheese launched its first Los Angeles location. Opening the new franchise in Westchester was a leap of faith, says Colin Inatsugu, the restaurant’s lead shift supervisor, […]
The Samsons stand out with a bright California osteria
By Jessica Koslow Superfine Playa’s electric blue building and bright red letters near the roof boldly announce its arrival at Silicon Beach’s RUNWAY Playa Vista. The playful structure is energizing and eye-catching. What used to be The Bull and Butterfly Steakhouse transitioned to a casual California osteria on January 1 and officially opened its doors […]
Misael Villa has created a comfortable, quality eatery
By Jessica Koslow Neighbors was the first word that popped into Misael Villa’s head when he looked at the space formerly occupied by Hal’s Bar & Grill. The Venice institution once flourished on Abbot Kinney and opened its second location on Runway Playa Vista before closing in 2018. “When the space was offered to us, […]
Sarah Kim warms her neighbors with Moto Ramen
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Restaurateur Sarah Kim calls her latest venture, Moto Ramen in Culver City, a trip back home. She grew up in the city, feels comfortable with her neighbors and loves feeding them. Kim, who has spent two decades in the industry, said the location just made sense. “I see the neighborhood changing,” she […]
‘Sugar and Spice With Apple Is Nice’
Picking apples is a much-loved autumn activity in my family. But once we have had our fun visiting the local orchard, we have such an abundance of apples that we can’t eat them fast enough before they turn soft and mealy. Although I am a fan of apple pie, crumble and muffins, I wanted to […]
Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão opens new location in El Segundo By Kamala Kirk Internationally-renowned Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chão recently opened the doors to its third Los Angeles location in El Segundo. Located just minutes from the Westside, the new location features a stunning marble and gold exterior, soaring windows, modern chandeliers, natural wood paneling and […]
Fall Flavors
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams debuts special seasonal treats By Kamala Kirk Now that autumn is officially here, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is getting everyone into the spirit of the season with the “How is it fall already?” collection, which features five classic flavors including Green Mint Chip, Boston Cream Pie, and Cookies in Cream. Pumpkin Cake […]
Cara Cara Means Yum Yum
Gluten-free tart celebrates the orange By Emily Chavez (Photo by Luis Chavez) Delicious seasonal cara cara oranges are my choice for winter to early spring fruit. Any orange can be used for this recipe, but the juicy cara cara variety is sweet without the bitterness found in conventional navel oranges. Inspired by traditional lemon […]
‘C’ Is for Chia, Citrus and Cream Cheese
By Emily Chavez (Photo by Luis Chavez) How do you reinvigorate the traditional celebratory cupcake? By using nutrient-dense ingredients and bright flavors. The mere mention of cupcakes brings to my mind a dessert where the main flavor profile is just sugar with added descriptors of texture, like it’s a moist and tender crumb. […]