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Fig & Olive's concerning commissary kitchen
The Washington City Paper is still hot on the trail of that now-distant salmonella outbreak at Fig & Olive DC (remember, LA was also affected), even uncovering the upscale chain's commissary kitchen in Long Island City, New York. That's where many premade dishes, including the truffle risotto that likely caused all the hubbub in the first place, originated from, before being sent out and reheated at locations across the country. Apparently that kitchen was, at least for a time, made inactive during the salmonella scare.
New produce vendors at Grand Central Market
Apparently two longtime produce vendors disappeared essentially overnight at Grand Central Market Downtown, though a newer, fancier option is now moving in. The redone effort is called District Market, and it lands in January. The space will feature lots of (but not exclusively) organic produce, as well as take-home dry goods and ingredients.
Gourmet vending machines at Westfield Century City
There’s been a lot of churn at the Westfield mall in Century City of late, with restaurants closing at a pretty speedy clip. The newest solution on site? Satisfy customers with gourmet vending machines, says the LA Times. Apparently they’re technically called Gift Boxes, and they sell everything from Poketo clothing to Alfred Coffee merch and drinks. There’s even a DIY cocktail kit (booze not included).
Carmela Ice Cream makes for the Valley
Woodland Hills, to be exact. The local ice cream makers currently enjoy a location in Pasadena as well as Third Street in Los Angeles, but are now branching out into the deeper reaches to bring summertime coolness to always-warm Woodland Hills. No official details on an opening date just yet.
The best under-$15 bites in LA
This one per The Unemployed Eater, who routinely rocks the year-end cheap eats lists. This time around, there’s poké at Sweetfin, brisket at Maple Block Meat Co., and brioche French toast at Republique. Check out the full list.
Free Smitten ice cream in Silver Lake
To celebrate the opening of their first Southern California location at The Point in El Segundo (and to tease their upcoming Sunset Blvd. location), Smitten Ice Cream is doling out samples today in front of Intelligentsia Silver Lake. Their now iconic red wagon will be on hand from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., serving the locals with a variety of flavor samples.
Life & Thyme continues its series on the California drought
In this latest installment, lifestyle/food publication Life & Thyme hits the restaurant scene in the Central Valley hard, finding farm-to-table spots in Fresno and beyond, and chatting with the owners about how the drought is affecting their way of life.
Roku rocks lunch
The Sunset Blvd. stalwart Roku is now doing lunch during the weekdays, rolling out hours from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There’s a three course teppanyaki option, or the lunch combo menu shown below.
