LA’s Restaurant Scene Continues to Band Together for a Cause

Party for a cause tonight in West Hollywood

Much has been made over the past few weeks of the many demonstrations, charity events, and full-on restaurant walk-outs taking place across Los Angeles, all in support of a loose #resist notion against the current administration in Washington. Tons of feelings, both positive and negative, have been cropping up on both sides, but there’s no denying the rise in cultural activism across America has bled into LA’s restaurant sector, and the hospitality community in many ways feels closer than ever.

On the more lighthearted end of the spectrum there’s tonight’s Not My President’s Day party at The Abbey in West Hollywood. Perhaps America’s most famous gay bar will be supplying gogo dancers dressed as President Trump, and will be selling themed cocktails all night. There are future plans for coordinated rallies and charity events at The Abbey as well, but for tonight it’s all about the political party.

Bye bye Romano’s

No more Romano’s Macaroni Grill for El Segundo, as the Rosecrans Avenue location has called it quits. Toddrickallen is at the scene, noting the faux brick’ed corner location is all boarded up.

Not another one

Another day, another break-in at a beloved Eastside establishment. This time it’s Found Coffee in Eagle Rock, with ownership waking up yesterday to a shattered front door and some missing windows.

Westwood’s got some thinking to do

In a new op-ed inside the Daily Bruin, a case is made for Westwood to overhaul their outdated thinking when it comes to food trucks. Already a neighborhood not keen to allow in street vendors, the Bruin editorial board behind the op-ed says civic leaders should be focused on creating a small business and mobile food-friendly environment where everybody wins.

Craft beer along the river

The LA Times takes a look at Dry River Brewing, the upstart craft beer operation along the edge of the LA River, technically in Boyle Heights. It’s an interesting look at a newer beer option in the heart of LA, and one still finding its footing beyond store shelves and with their own soon-to-come taproom.

Another charity bake sale

Baking is big business in our current political climate, as evidenced by the upcoming Bake & Gather events taking over Los Angeles. Pastry chefs and breadmakers like Zoe Nathan, Roxana Jullapat, Harriet Ha, Elizabeth Belkind, and Paige Russell (among many others) will be working monthly events from now until summer, including a February 25 shindig at Rustic Canyon Park in Santa Monica that’s being backed by Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, Rusticoffee, and Caffe Luxxe. Sold pastries from the 9 a.m. to noon event will benefit the ACLU and Public Counsel.

Jimmy’s heads for Santa Monica

There’s an official opening party on March 2 for the new 220-seat Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern in Santa Monica. The address at 1733 Ocean Avenue should make for a marquee destination for the growing brand, following their other expansion into the Westfield Topanga.

Photo time with Life & Thyme

There’s an awesome new photo exhibit from the Life & Thyme team coming to the Ace Hotel on March 12, and it features a ton of the best female chefs in Los Angeles. Dubbed Doyenne, the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. shindig will also feature food and drink, with proceeds to benefit Planned Parenthood.