LA Is America's Hot Sauce Capital, Ludo Should Run for Mayor, and More A.M. News

Stephane Bombet's measured approach

Restaurant Hospitality talks with Bombet about his reasoned approach to building a restaurant empire, and how oversaturated the L.A. market may already be. Along the way he throws some love to his own Hanjip, which is trying to bring an elevated Korean barbecue experience to Culver City.

La Dolce Vita does the 50 year dance

Celebrating a half-century in the restaurant business is no easy feat — particularly in Beverly Hills — so to celebrate the longtime Italian spot (which named Frank Sinatra as an opening investor) is throwing a party. Starting February 1, you’ll be able to experience a three-course $50 tasting menu full of favorites: their Caesar salad, tiramisu, and spaghetti bolognese. Yes, you get a glass of Chianti with it.

Is LA the hot sauce capital of America?

KPCC sure seems to think that LA tops every other American city when it comes to our wealth of hot sauces, particularly of the Mexican and Asian variety. Better still: many of the most iconic brands (Tapatio, Huy Fong Foods) began as simple family operations, right here in Southern California.

Ludo keeps winning awards

This one is a bit more civic-minded, as opposed to something in the restaurant world exclusively, but still: pretty cool. Not to mention, of course, that he's already a French knight. Maybe he should consider a life in politics after his days of cooking are done.

So proud of my little Frenchy. 20 years ago came to Los Angeles with 2 suitcases, $100 and speaking no English. Today he was honored by Los Angeles City for all of his accomplishments and contributions to the City of Angels, and that little thing he got from France aka "knighthood". Thanks @ladymrod #soproud #proudwife #lalife #liveyourdream #chevalier #20yearsofludo

A photo posted by Krissy Lefebvre (@frenchchefwife) on Jan 26, 2016 at 4:29pm PST

Help bring EBT to the farmers market

One of the issues with farmers markets, beyond their limited availability and relative dearth in many most-in-need areas, is the lack of access for folks who would like to pay with their EBT card, which are benefit transfer cards used by many low-income people. If you'd like, there's a petition circling around you can sign to help raise awareness.

Big time Bordeaux tasting in Santa Monica starts tomorrow

There’s a gigantic private Bordeaux tasting going down this weekend at the Museum of Flying at the Santa Monica Airport. The charity event (proceeds go to Food on Foot, an LA nonprofit) costs only $69, and is being put on by Wally’s Wine.

Oscar breakfast to the stars!

It's almost Oscars time, which means Bar Bouchon is turning up the heat in the kitchen. Chef Thomas Keller's more casual spot in Beverly Hills will be doing a two week-long breakfast leading up to the party late next, and the full menu is below.

Oscar Week 2016 Bar Bouchon Breakfast Menu