A Literal Burger Expert Is Flipping Patties at Smorgasburg on Sunday

The Motz connection

George Motz is in town, and he’s going to be doing a little pop-up with the Smorgasburg team on Sunday. Motz is the author of Hamburger America, a definitive guide to the history and present scope of America’s enduring burger culture, as well as the host of Travel Channel’s Burger Land.

Motz will be setting up a stall at the weekend-only outdoor Downtown bazaar in order to serve up Oklahoma-style fried onion burgers, a smashed-patty style with a regional focus. Expect long lines at this one, though rumor has it he might be doing some more underground pop-ups elsewhere in Los Angeles, too.

Work for David Chang

Momofuku founder David Chang is still looking for some help at his upcoming Chinatown restaurant. There are a ton of postings up for gigs at North Spring now, so anyone interested should apply away.

Scoundrels abound

The Walker Inn team is doing a seasonally-themed cocktail tasting menu called The Holiday Scoundrels, with unique and one-off drinks and collaborations all month long. The inspiration comes from famous villains of holiday movies gone by.

Wine shop perfection

Bon Appetit comes away mighty impressed with Lou Amdur and his namesake Los Feliz wine shop in this new profile. The locally popular wine lead is still somewhat under the radar nationally, but his shop has become a go-to for chefs across the city to stop in, check out new (and often little-seen) stuff, and just chat.

Hot chicken everywhere

Discover Los Angeles is on the case of the hot chicken trend, showing off some of the best places around town to enjoy the stuff. There’s McFly’s All-Natural, Howlin’ Ray’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, plus more than a few classic places like Nickel Diner and Boneyard Bistro.

Republique’s new leads

There are a couple of new names to know around Republique these days, as Chris Carrillo — a longtime worker who’s been cooking since day one — steps in as chef de cuisine. On the wine side, Sam Rethmeier (Frasca Food & Wine) steps in as overall Wine Director.

Love for the classics

Video food production team Black Buddha takes a look at Villa Moreliana inside Grand Central Market. The carnitas favorites have been at it more than a while, and they show no signs of slowing down.