Horse Thief Soft Serves Thurs, New Chef at Tart, More!

DOWNTOWN— Looking for some July 4th barbecue? Horse Thief, the Texas-style smoking meat operation from college friends Russell Malixi and Wade McElroy, soft opens tomorrow at Grand Central Market. Here's a look at the menu. All that outdoor seating is theirs, pretty great. [EaterWire]

BEVERLY HILLS— Year and a half old custom salad cafe Choppe Choppe, which moved from Culver City to N. Camden, has closed up shop, notes Toddrickallen. [Toddrickallen]

MID-CITY— Executive chef Nick Erven, formerly of Messhall, is now cooking at Tart, that restaurant connected to Farmer's Daughter Hotel across from The Grove. Check out his new seasonal Southern bill of fare. [EaterWire]

WESTWOOD— Chilly Ribbons likens its flavored shaved ice to "frozen cotton candy," offered in over 40 flavors like butter pecan and green tea. The first of five LA locations will open at 1135 Westwood Blvd. in early August, with five additional dessert shops headed to San Diego. [EaterWire]

[Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]