The re-rise of ramen
Just when you thought one trend (ramen) might be supplanted by another (poke), the city surprises. Ramen has reemerged as all the rage lately across Los Angeles, which is good news for noodle fans and anyone desperate for a cold weather streak so they can tuck into a hearty bowl of the stuff from anywhere in town.
Just in the past couple of weeks, Andre Guerrero’s Ramen Room has come to life along Ventura Boulevard, while not far down the street Luke Reyes’ Oh Man! Ramen is also up and doing daily lunches from inside Scratch Bar in Encino. Places keep popping up all the time, including the world famous Ippudo now headed for Santa Monica, with no sense of slowing down soon.
Case in point: This DINE50 ramen pass, put out by the same folks who do the massively popular annual Ramen Yokocho festival, that gives avid ramen lovers access to 50% off bowls. All you have to do is buy the $3 pass and you’ll get access to 25 unlimited half-off bowls from from places like Daikokuya, Asa Ramen, and Dosanko Larmen in West LA. That’s pretty intense, and just goes to show you how popular ramen remains in Los Angeles.
If you already want in on that next trend though, you’ll have to start prepping your knowledge of fast casual döner kebabs, because they’re coming — fast.
Free steak for veterans
As a way to thank veterans for their service, Black Angus Steakhouse (with locations in Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Monrovia and beyond) is giving away a free sirloin steak dinner for active military and veterans with valid military I.D. The special runs all day today.
Shrimp Daddy comes to Smorgasburg
There’s a new player at Smorgasburg this weekend, by the name of Shrimp Daddy. Run by June Quan, the spot is doing Hawaiian-style garlic butter shrimp and mac salad, served in heaping carved pineapple bowls (or on a plate if you’re weak).
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse x Jen’s Splendid Ice Creams
Two of the biggest names in sweets are collab’ing for the next few Saturdays, as the Jeni’s truck is parking outside Mr. Holmes in Highland Park on weekends. The plan is to marry pastries and ice cream in glorious ways because simply, well, why not? Saturdays only, this weekend through December 3.
SpireWorks gives it all away
Westwood’s upcoming SpireWorks is planning something big, with a free food day on Wednesday, November 16. As part of their grand opening, the döner kebab company is giving everyone a free meal, drink, and dessert between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Expect lines.
Red Bread returns
Erstwhile bakery Red Bread is back and kicking around Los Angeles, this time as a direct-to-customer baking option selling pies and cookies to the masses. Want to score some fun stuff for any upcoming holiday needs? You can do that right this way.
Wing fest at The Greyhound
Want just a ton of wings today? Head to The Greyhound in Highland Park, where they are doing a one-day-only wing festival that dishes out half-priced wings, buckets of House Beer, and more. All day long, today only.