LA's Food Superheroes, Whittier's Throwback Steakhouse, and More A.M. Intel

The superheroes of LA's food world

Zagat shares a really heart-warming story of the under-represented superheroes of the local food community, from Alex Weiser to the guys behind Tender Greens. It's a good read about the good guys in the business.

Kosher Chinese hits new heights

LA Weekly shares details on Shanghai Diamond Garden in Pico-Robertson, which in 2004 managed to switch over its entire menu to be Kosher friendly. Business at the restaurant jumped as a result, making the place one of the key spots for Kosher-keeping Jewish families in the neighborhood.

CAST brings in Larry Monaco

There’s a new chef at CAST, the seafood-focused restaurant inside the Viceroy Santa Monica: Larry Monaco. The journeyman chef has been all over town lately, most recently helping to open Fritzi DTLA, and before that he was briefly in charge at Barnyard Venice. Expect a larger array of easygoing seafood options, plus available fare for the vegans and gluten-free set.

Check out The Steak Corral

Offbeat L.A.'s Nikki Kreuzer loves Los Angeles' old, out of the way restaurants, and it shows in her awesome Instagram feed. A recent highlight? The ropin' little man in front of Whittier's Steak Corral Restaurant on Washington Boulevard.

Boneyard Bistro’s big boil

Next Wednesday, Boneyard Bistro will be hosting their annual Sherman Oaks seafood boil. The Louisiana-style boil will feature everything from crawfish to shrimp to Alaskan king crab and lobster tails, with reservations available via OpenTable.

Bruce Kalman’s life philosophy

Bruce Kalman talks with eyewear company David Kind about his background and technique, telling the brand that opening a restaurant is perhaps the scariest thing anyone can do, and that the core of creating something special is quality ingredients and relationships.

All quiet at Maru in Los Feliz

Looks like Maru in Los Feliz is still plotting for a late summer official opening. The place first came to life back in May but disappeared for a while, leaving only some papered over windows and the painted signage. Ownership says an August 1 reopening is likely, which will bring even more specialty coffee to the area .