By Jessica Koslow, Playa Vista Contributing Writer Tima Bell was born in New York City and raised part-time in Venice Beach. Growing up, the Venice locals referred to the last block of Washington Boulevard, which has always been a lively area peppered with restaurants and shops, as Washington Square. About two years ago, when the […]
2 businesses, 1 space: Alana’s Coffee Roasters + The VB Grab & Go
By Jessica Koslow, Playa Vista Contributing Writer It is the prettiest place on Pacific Avenue between Washington and Venice boulevards in Venice. It’s also the only business on the long and narrow beachside strand. What used to be Sal’s Deli & Market and a vegan pop-up called XMarket is now home to the third LA […]
Breaking Bread: New bakery reflects owners’ heritage
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Playa Vista Executive Editor Lenny Rosenberg knows his way around a bakery. While growing up in Plainview, Long Island, Rosenberg was surrounded by his father’s breads and baked goods. “He got his hands dirty at home, too,” Rosenberg said. “He made some bakery items at home, but he spent most of his […]
Cal-Ital Community Hang: Beethoven Market keeps its name but changes its game
By Jessica Koslow, Playa Vista Contributing Writer In the 1940s, a mid-century modern neighborhood called the Mar Vista Tract was popping up near Palms and Beethoven boulevards. This very corner became the home of Beethoven Market, which operated for 75 years before shutting its doors. Local residents would stock up on snacks, drinks and lottery […]
Lucky No. 3: Joliet celebrates good food, ingredients
By Jessica Koslow Alejandro Meza is passionate about the simplicity of good food and good ingredients. He shares that at Joliet Café & Bar, which opened its doors three years ago in Runway Playa Vista’s Free Market. The eatery celebrated its anniversary on Aug. 17. “I love the concept we have created here,” said Meza, […]
A Nod Toward History: Meat on Ocean’s new rooms have local ties
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Meat on Ocean general manager Janette Han likes to go that extra mile for guests. Recently, Meat on Ocean did just that by introducing The Zephyr Room and the M. Jeffrey King Board Room, private dining areas for guests. The Zephyr Room “pays homage to the birth of the skater subculture in […]
Staying Dry: Nonalcoholic beverages are having a moment
By Jessica Koslow In 2022, Elizabeth Levitt was in an unusual predicament. She was a graphic designer in the alcohol industry and her husband decided to stop drinking. “My job no longer aligned with my lifestyle,” she said. Levitt eventually stopped drinking alcohol, too. She decided it was time for a change, which led her […]
Delicious To-Go: Ready-made meals for Runway’s outdoor events
By Jessica Koslow Playa Vista is fun for families all year round. With its outdoor play structures and parks, the summer season ushers in more activities that pair perfectly with a picnic from one of the Runway’s restaurants. In July and August, catch a flick on the big screen at Movies Under the Stars at […]
Epic Cookies: Derrick Fox brings mega-sized sweet treats to Playa Vista
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, […]