Joan's on Third Adds Wednesday Dinner, Barbecue at Freddy Smalls, More!

MID-CITY— Changes underway at Joan's on Third. In addition to establishing a restaurant and market in Studio City, the original West 3rd Street cafe has expanded its meal options to include $24 Wednesday night family dinners. The seasonal menu changes weekly, this Wednesday try a butter lettuce salad with beets, grilled citrus half chicken, sides of mashed potatoes and green beans, with Salt & Straw ice cream and a plum torte for dessert. [EaterWire]

DOWNTOWN— Top Chef judge Gail Simmons is hosting a fancy dinner at Patina on September 19 along with chef Joachim Splichal. The French meal paired with French biodynamic wines will be collectively cooked by Govind Armstrong (Post & Beam), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), Charles Olalia (Patina), Brooke Williamson (Hudson House), and Ricardo Zarate (Picca). Dinner costs $150 a head and proceeds go to Angelman Syndrome Foundation. [ELA]

WEST LA— Freddy Smalls is throwing a backyard barbecue on August 18 at 2 p.m. Basically, management is going to turn the bar's back parking lot into a barbecue expanse and chef Charlie Parker is planning to cook corn on the cob with barbecue spiced butter, beer-steamed crabs, grilled tri-tip and more. It's $45 for all you can eat. [EaterWire]