Free Doughnut Madness at Astro Yesterday Proves LA Still Loves a Good Food Line

Long, long lines

Looks like the word got out yesterday regarding Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, the D.C.-area import that crash landed in Downtown Los Angeles. Not only does the mashup of sweet and savory still work on an elemental level, but the restaurant sweetened the deal with a free doughnut giveaway.

Folks on-site say the line stretched to Grand at times, with the first folks lining up almost an hour before opening. In all Astro reportedly worked through 1,500 customers during their truncated first day, proving that the legacy of lining up for free food is far from over in Los Angeles. Just ask Howlin’ Ray’s.

A great taco deal

Want to see how many tacos you can eat? You can do just that tonight at Brewyard Beer Co. in Glendale, as the craft beer newcomer hosts an all you can eat taco party on the first Thursday of every month. Just show up, toss down $10, and get fed.

Lucky Peach parties

Though it’s soon to leave this mortal coil, food publication Lucky Peach isn’t done partying just yet. In fact, the team is out in force for their new cookbook All About Eggs, and you can hang with them plus Kris Yenbamroong at Night + Market WeHo from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Beer and snacks will be served.

Uncle John’s vibes again

Downtown’s Uncle John’s Cafe has just passed through the final stages of a revamp. The long-running Chinese-American eatery is hosting a grand reveal of the Spatial Affairs-designed restaurant this Friday, all under the guidance of new owners Shirley and Petrina Ng.

The OC’s next bakery

A bright new bakery is coming to Fountain Valley soon, called Paderia Bakehouse. It’s actually landing at the end of this week, turning out tons of pastries and breads for the area, and all in one seriously sleek environment.

Your next merger

The Burgerlords team is back with another burger merger, this time doing a limited run with the fellas from Badmaash. As per usual, the plan is to offer two burgs (one vegan) only between April 7 and April 9 in Chinatown.

West Coast rules

Forget NYC: the West Coast is truly the place to be when it comes to dining, says Food & Wine. Not only is Los Angeles firing on all cylinders, but San Francisco is a destination all its own, while Oakland and even the Central Coast continue to shine as well.

The Bombay spot

Bombay Palace in Beverly Hills is starting a new brunch this weekend, and it’s dubbed “samosas & mimosas.” The cleverly-titled party is as advertised: For $25 guests get a drink, a choice of samosa, and an entree, with bottomless mimosas an additional $10.

Save the burgers

Over on Curbed LA, a discussion has sprung up about possibly saving an old 1960’s burger spot in Mid-City. The teal-painted LA Burger is an institution in the area, and now City Council member Paul Koretz is trying to save it from demolition.

Signage for Encino

Looks like signage is up for the forthcoming Woodley Proper and Frankland’s Crab & Co. in Encino. The sister restaurants to chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee are entering their final stages, and should be ready to serve by mid-spring.