Crashing at the Drive Thru, Craft Beer’s LA Moment, and More A.M. Intel

Justin Taylor IN at Andaz West Hollywood

WeHo’s Andaz hotel is bringing chef Justin Taylor onboard the Riot House restaurant, to help overhaul the hotel’s dining program. Expect lots of small bites and plenty of vegetables from the East Coast native, who was previously at the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York.

A crash at Jack in the Box

Customers of Echo Park’s Jack in the Box on Sunset Boulevard got a strong surprise yesterday as a crash on the street sent a vehicle right into the drive thru lane. Two people were sent to the hospital, though one person driving a car that apparently belongs to the Dodgers organization has already been released, says The Eastsider.

Big wins for LA breweries

This year’s Great American Beer Fest has come and gone, and Los Angeles really cleaned up with medals. The teams behind places like Highland Park Brewery (which earned its first gold) and Arts District Brewing all got in on the mix, with 19 total area medals being handed out, says LA Weekly.

Jessica Largey is important

Take some time to read through this lengthy, but very worth it, post on Instagram from chef Jessica Largey. It’s a personal and touching reflection of her journey through Manresa, the James Beard Foundation Awards, and beyond, and hits some seriously important topics — like mandatory paid time off for employees at her upcoming restaurant Simone — along the way.

Caffeine-free coffee comes to Venice

There’s a 10-day coffee pop-up coming to Abbot Kinney thanks to Swiss Water, who will be hosting a decaf party in Venice beginning this Friday. The party goes down at 1421 Abbot Kinney, and will showcase the company’s apparent ability to take beans from your favorite roaster and decaffeinate them without losing the flavor. They’ll also be hosting evening events with food and cocktails throughout the run.

Dinner With Friends is dinner and a show

Feastly’s next turn is with a mid-October run called Dinner With Friends, done in partnership with InHouse Theatre. The idea is to turn each $85 coursed meal into a full theatrical experience, complete live action as guests eat dinner.

Chez Tex launches lunch

Venice newcomer Chez Tex is launching lunch as of this coming Thursday, running from 11 a.m. on. Dine in and takeout options will begin being available starting at 8 a.m. with Counter Culture coffee and pastries from Superba; the opening lunch menu is below.