Minh Phan’s Popular Porridge & Puffs Pop-Up Returns Today

The porridge is back

Exciting LA pop-up Porridge & Puffs is back, with chef Minh Phan announcing a new Silver Lake location for her rotating series. The dinner parties first got started in Hollywood back in 2015 as a way for Phan to add some extra excitement to her small restaurant Field Trip, but her famous porridge eventually took over to become the primary conversation for the place as a whole.

Field Trip ultimately shuttered two years ago, with Phan saying at the time that she was eyeing a permanent porridge location. That still hasn’t been finalized, but in the meantime expectant diners can head to the Proof commissary kitchen next to Gingergrass on Glendale Boulevard for a taste of what’s to come. That’s where Phan and team will be slinging porridge bowls for the next few Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to bring cash.

Taste Talks starts

The annual Taste Talks conference is landing in Los Angeles this weekend, with conversations among some of the city’s best culinary leaders. That includes Curtis Stone, Isa Fabro, Jon Yao, and plenty more — all spread across two days of talking, eating, and cooking out.

Indie chefs unite

Speaking of chefs, a ton of out-of-towners will also be in Los Angeles November 5 - 7 for Indie Chefs Week. The relatively new national series seeks to put younger talent on the line next to big names like Michael Fiorelli of Love & Salt, or Jeremy Fox of Rustic Canyon. It’s all going down at Rose Cafe in Venice, with big ten-course dinners running at $150 that are slated for each night.

State Brewing starts

South Bay brewery upstart State Brewing Co. is almost ready to reveal its official taproom. The place has been a long time coming, but a private weekend with nearby beer friends means the property is just about ready for launch. Pending some final city approvals, expect an announcement on opening in the coming weeks.

A new tenant turns up

Looks like new life for the former Knuckle & Claw in Santa Monica, as Toddrickallen reports that a group called Fresh Bowls is currently under construction there. Expect even more easy-eating healthy fare for Main Street.

Standing up for a cause

The rotating Outstanding in the Field dinner series is coming to Santa Monica next, with chefs from Nopalito in SF and Kokopelli in Tijuana joining forces with LA’s own Elia Aboumrad. The five-course affair on October 30 will help support the rebuilding efforts in earthquake-stricken Mexico.