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, […]
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 […]