DineLA Preview Observations, Benny's Tacos Adds Drive-In Service, Dominick's and Little Dom's Offer San Gennaro Menu

HANGOVER OBSERVATIONS— Yesterday at DineLA's preview event hosted by Napa Valley Grille, restauranteurs, chefs, and foodies gathered to hear opening statements from DineLA organizers, sponsors, and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigoso. To raise enthusiasm and awareness for DineLA, the preview event featured a Quickfire Challenge (a la Top Chef), judged by American Express VP Tom Mullen, Mayor Antonio Villaraigoso, and Mark Lieberman of LA INC. The Quickfire Challenge focused on the "evolution" of LA food from taco stand to food truck, and chefs David Lefevre (Water Grill), Mark Peel (Campanile) and Ben Ford (Ford's Filling Station) chose ingredients from a table of fresh produce picked up by Joseph Gillard (Executive Chef at Napa Valley Grille) that morning. During the 15 minute challenge, guests were served beef jerky bread pudding, chicken crepes, mini chorizo sausage and quail egg breakfast sandwiches, beignets with caramel sauce and carrot cake smoothie shooters (among other delectable treats) by Grille staff. Mark Peel's guinea hen won the the first Quickfire Challenge, but the ultimate champion won't be decided until the final event next week. [EaterWire]

VENICE— Newcomer Benny's Tacos has opened a late-night drive-through window which starts taking orders at 10PM. [GS]

WEHO/LOS FELIZ— Dominick's and Little Dom's are both celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro by offering a specialty menu through Sept. 26 of Italian-American street food.

Stiglioli - Grilled Steak topped with Smoked Mozzarella, $7

Sausage & Peppers Sandwich, $5

Porchetta Sandwich, $10

BBQ Balsamic Vinegar Short Ribs, $9

Roasted Tomato & Artichoke Foccacia, $4

Sausage & Cavolo Nero Foccacia, $4

Crab Fritters, $10

Rice Ball, $4

Zeppole, $4

Gelato, $3