Elf Cafe Finally Expanding, Cognoscenti Coffee at Normandie Hotel, More!

ECHO PARK— Good news for the many fans of Elf Cafe. The vegan eatery, which has been in the throes of expanding for years at this point, is finally adding 448 square feet (right now it occupies 700 square feet) by moving into the adjacent Branche Boutique space. Chef/owner Scott Zwiezen has also filed for a beer and wine license. [Echo Park Now]

SILVER LAKE— That still unnamed new bar at Sunset and Sanborn from those behind Cafe Stella is set to open on Bastille Day. Inside expect a modern aesthetic but with antiqued brass fixtures and cocktails served neat. [EaterWire]

K-TOWN— Cassell's Hamburgers, which is headed to the under construction Normandie Hotel, just might land Cognoscenti Coffee as a neighbor. Cogno founder Yeekai Lim, who earned a reputation around town for his better brews, now runs a pop-up espresso bar at the Normandie weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If his coffee bar proves popular enough, he might claim a permanent space. And then there's that Culver City project ... [LAist]

DOWNTOWN— Last month Ben & Jerry's commenced construction on a new scoopery inside Union Station, reports Brigham Yen. The sweets shop should start scooping in "early summer." [Brigham Yen]

[Photo: Quarry Girl]