Snags Continue to Plague Downtown LA’s The Bloc Development

Building Blocs

It looks like all is not well at The Bloc in Downtown. The mega-development has been in the works since 2013, with plans to convert the former Macy’s Plaza in the Financial District into a walkable, indoor-outdoor mall akin to the nearby FIGat7th, or an even more condensed version of what the Americana team has been doing of late in Glendale.

Except, that’s not really happening. As real estate site The Real Deal notes, tenants and timelines have been hard to pin down. Construction delays have hampered the project some (and continue to plague the planned opening of upscale movie theater Alamo Drafthouse), though some projects like Everytable have come online already. Add in a parent company allegedly beset by financial issues and it seems as though The Bloc’s full form could still be a ways from materializing.

A long tome coming, too

In other “still waiting” news, Curbed LA has a nice early peek at the future home of the Beverly Center’s food hall. The tall, airy space is being overseen by celebrity chef Michael Mina and should offer some pretty spectacular sightseeing once it’s completed, but that’s not expected to be until late next year.

Joachim Splichal’s wine

Patina founder Joachim Splichal has his own wine, operating under the label Domaine de Cala. The affordably-priced rosé hails from Provence, and is now being sold at Whole Foods.

All Flavor on Melrose

Keith Garrett of All Flavor No Grease says he’ll be on the Melrose block today, pulling up for some quesadillas and tacos at The Parlor near La Brea. These things are subject to change, of course, but it sounds like a heck of a lot of fun to try and check out just in case.

Even more Massimo

Looks like a big media push is going to be keeping chef Massimo Bottura busy in Los Angeles, including a dinner on May 4 at Providence. The meal is a nine course mash-up between chef Michael Cimarusti’s Michelin-starred restaurant and Bottura’s beloved Osteria Francecscana, and it’s so exclusive they aren’t releasing pricing details or a reservation link — you’ll have to call the restaurant directly.

The Night + Market cookbook peek

Want a little look inside the cookbook process? Check out what Kris Yenbamroong is going through with his upcoming collection of recipes and stories, set to drop this fall.

Yorkshire Square is here

The LA Times gives some love to the new Yorkshire Square Brewing, a true English-style real ale pub recently opened in Torrance. Pints are pulled in the traditional style here, with an official opening party coming on Saturday, May 6.

Darts party

Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank is turning seven (at least under owner Tony Yanow’s tenure), which means it’s time for a party. Stop in on Saturday May 12 or Sunday May 13 for a two-day shindig where new fresh California craft beer kegs get tapped every hour. There’s even a custom brew collaborated on with the folks from Bluebird Brasserie and Kern River Brewing.

Kato starts today

Today’s the first day to get in on Kato’s two-week residency at The Cannibal’s butcher shop in Culver City, and you can find the full opening menu below. It looks like a lot of fun, and judging by the restaurant’s well-received previous one-day lunch pop-up, pretty delicious too.