Andy Ricker Talks Tipping Again, Another Clifton's Departure, and More A.M. Intel

IXLB Launches tomorrow

As of around lunchtime tomorrow, you'll be able to enjoy Hollywood's newest takeout shop: IXLB Dimsum Eats. The little dumpling corner store that could begins soft-opening for service on Friday, rocking 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours.

LA Mag names Caroline Pardilla new Drinks Editor

In a long-overdue move, LA Magazine has decided to name Caroline Pardilla (aka Caroline on Crack) as their new Drinks Editor. The beloved cocktail blogger has been writing for the magazine for some time now, and will moving more into the print side of things now.

Aaron Polsky leaves Clifton’s

Innovative barman Aaron Polsky is no longer slated to be working the drinks menu at Shadowbox, the downstairs speakeasy underneath Clifton’s. Originally slated to be an innovative and highly imaginative drinking experience helmed by longtime New York bartender Polsky, it seems he’s decided to move on to manage Harvard and Stone, a place he says is "more in line" with his personal approach to being a bartender.

With Love Market & Cafe comes to South Vermont

There’s a new coffee shop coming to South Vermont near the 10 freeway. It’s called With Love, and it’s part of a larger marketplace concept aimed at bringing quality groceries and food to the Koreatown-adjacent area. With Love will have cold brew on tap plus a full range of espresso drinks, and free WiFi. 1969 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, opens Monday.

Andy Ricker is talking tipping again

Though he got into some hot water last time he talked about tipping in Los Angeles, Pok Pok's Andy Ricker isn't slowing down. In this Instagram post, he lauds the team at Alimento — and specifically Zach Pollack — for creating what he describes as "the short term answer to a huge problem" within the restaurant industry: that of the tipping discrepancy between front and back of house.

This may be the short term answer to a huge problem the restaurant industry is coping with: income inequality between front and back of house, entrenched tipping culture with customers and skyrocketing costs. Hats off.

A photo posted by Andy Ricker (@pawkhrua) on Mar 6, 2016 at 7:50pm PST

Cochon 555 comes to Santa Monica

This coming Sunday there’s going to be a lot of pork going down at the Viceroy in Santa Monica. That’s the home of Cochon 555, the roving all-pig dinner party/competition that pits a few of each city’s most important chefs against one another for pork supremacy. This year’s attendees include Brooke Williamson, Carlos Salgado, Bruce Kalman, Jason Neroni, and last year’s winner: Walter Manzke. Want in on the Sunday afternoon affair? You can get your tickets here.

Viviane does Ojai Vineyard wine dinner

Relative newcomer Viviane is already used to living the good life, thanks to its beautiful digs and poolside location. To further play that role, they're hosting a wine dinner with Ojai Vineyard on Tuesday, March 15. The $88 all-inclusive meal runs six courses and includes pairings with chef Michael Hung's cooking. Make your reservations through the restaurant directly.

Five Guys jumps to FIGat7th

Downtown's FIGat7th open-air marketplace is getting a burger addition, thanks to the inbound arrival of Five Guys. The popular East Coast burger chain lands inside the TASTE Food Hall on site, with plans to open later this year.