Ricardo Zarate Plans New Resto, Soleil Adds New Poutine Menu, Michael Jackson Dinner at Akasha

WEST SIDE— LAW catches up with Mo-Chica mastermind Ricardo Zarate for an informative q&a. He divulges that plans for his second restaurant, Moche, are on hold (apparently he didn't get those investors?), though whenever it does go it will be like Nobu Peruvian. He thinks it's going to happen, but in the meantime, Ricardo is considering a third venture involving anticucho or skewers. Think robata but Peruvian, all skewers under $5, westside, booze, open kitchen, the works. In other news, Ricardo, who was once executive chef at Wabi-Sabi on Abbot Kinney, left the sushi spot last month. [LAW]

WESTWOOD— As of tomorrow French eatery Soleil Westwood launches a new poutine menu. A total of 10 "designer" poutines will grace the menu plus one poutine of the day. There will even be a foie gras poutine... [EaterWire]

CULVER CITY— Also happening tomorrow is Akasha's Michael Jackson-themed dinner: "MJ's Greatest Bites." Chef Akasha Richmond was Michael Jackson's private chef during the Bad and History Tours. For the night, she's teaming up with Mani Niall (Mani's Bakery, Just Desserts) to cook up MJ's favorite dishes.

GOLDEN TEMPLE WILD MUSHROOM & TOFU SALAD
napa cabbage, carrots, snow peas, toasted cashews, ginger-miso dressing

SPICY CAJUN SHRIMP
skillet cornbread toast

NEW MEXICAN RED CHILE & CHEESE ENCHILADAS
rice, black beans & guacamole

SWEET POTATO PIE
pecan "ookie" crust

BANANA CREAM PIE

And, of course, MJ's hits will play all night long.

Menu available 5:30p to close.
— Yvonne Ip