Mario Alberto Lands at Freddy Smalls, Additional Expansion for Joan's on Third, MORE!

WEST LA— When Chimu closed abruptly last October, Downtown lunchers lamented the loss of a standout Peruvian restaurant. At the time, chef Mario Alberto Orellana had decided to partner with Jason Michaud of Local to launch new eatery Red Hill in Echo Park, however since then any Facebook or Twitter posts regarding Orellana and his kitchen staff's involvement in Red Hill have been removed. Orellana was last seen working the line at Freddy Smalls Bar + Kitchen in West L.A. [EaterWire] — MK

AROUND TOWN— Even more good news for fans of Joan's on Third. While a second gourmet market/cafe is planned for Studio City, more locations are expected to open around the city within the next two years. [EaterWire]

PASADENA— Tonight Scott James Teague, head bartender of Demi Monde NYC and a Pegu Club vet, lands behind the bar at 1886 to prepare his own menu of elixirs in addition to bar's winter list. [EaterWire]

COACHELLA— From the Twitter feed of club guy Brent Bolthouse: "NEON CARNIVAL COUNTDOWN :: 94 DAYS." [Twitter]

[Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]