Silver Lake's Other Grocery Store Bar, Josiah Citrin Does Brunch, and More A.M. Intel

Max City BBQ supports Orlando

Eagle Rock favorite Max City BBQ is hosting a fundraiser on Monday, June 27 to raise money for those affected by the recent shooting in Orlando. 100% of the proceeds from the restaurant garnered between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. will be sent to the National Compassion Fund, a nonprofit that works to disperse funds directly to victims.

Simbal’s plate size grows

Simbal in Little Tokyo is experiencing a growth spurt, at least on the plate. The popular Vietnamese dining option is moving towards more shareable plates like a pile of crispy smoked pork belly for $32. You can also work that into a family-style tasting menu for $40 a person, which would include several other dishes from across the menu. The new offerings are available now.

Silver Lake's own Gelson's playing catch up

Now that Whole Foods 365 is open, it looks like Gelson's is playing catch up. The upscale Silver Lake grocery store has been in construction mode for a couple of months now, trying to bring an expanded fast casual sit-down food, coffee, and bakery component to compete with what Whole Foods is working with nearby. That includes a Wolfgang Puck pizza option, and this beer an wine section, which was only just recently revealed publicly — but isn't open quite yet.

It’s Crab Cake LA time

LA’s biggest crab cake party is coming back around for the fourth year, and is being led by the Voltaggio brothers plus Duff Goldman and Ben Feldman. The party is going down at Maple Block on July 31, with tickets running $150 a pop. Don’t worry: proceeds benefit the non-profit Chrysalis.

The Social List throws a summer block party

Long Beach’s The Social List is throwing a summer party on June 29, complete with a tap takeover from the folks at Pizza Port Brewing. There will be music, art, food, and more, with the event running 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. next Wednesday.

Thirsty Thursdays at Obica

Santa Monica’s Obica is looking to pull in the crowds on Thursday nights, with a full 50% off every bottle of wine on Thursday nights. Some are rarer than others, but the Italian list is certainly no slouch, so if you’re into all things wine and cheese this might just be the way to go.

Sawyer heads to Palm Springs

Silver Lake newcomer Sawyer is heading to Palm Springs this weekend, landing at the Ace for Wine Not? The party will bring out lots of wine, lobster rolls, and ubiquitous amounts of swimwear across what should be two very hot days in the desert. The party is $25 a head, or free for guests.

Charcoal Venice adds brunch

It’s brunch time at Josiah Citrin’s Charcoal, with new options like a $16 three-egg omelette and $12 avocado toast making appearances. You’ll also find a $14 burger and a variety of other morning/midday fare, with brunch hours running from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only. The full menu is below.

Charcoal Brunch Menu