Mega-Popular Alamo Drafthouse Plans to Open Downtown by 2018, and More A.M. Intel

Alamo Drafthouse, finally

By the time Alama Drafthouse actually opens in Los Angeles, some five years will have elapsed since first introduction. That’s no one’s fault, really; The project they’re going into (The Bloc) has been hit with plenty of delays, pushing back the timeline and causing more than a few wrinkles for everyone involved.

But earlier this week the Drafthouse team recommitted themselves to the project, announcing plans to be up and running by 2018, and hopefully on the earlier side of that timeline. That’s good news for movie fans but better news for The Bloc, which is in need of some goodwill after watching much of the rest of Downtown get built up around them as they continue to be mired in construction. And soon enough, LA’s movie-watching experience is going to be a whole lot more awesome, with themed movie runs, more comfortable seats and better dining choices, and lots of other quirks that have made Alamo Drafthouse one of the most popular movie house chains in America.

Chino Prison food

Ever wondered about the food in prison, like how it’s actually made and what it really looks like? Check out this longish piece over at LA Weekly that details the whole thing, from the cost of the meals to the people actually responsible for making them.

The Tinfoil experience

Going off the Menu wrapped its second season around Los Angeles, with chef Graham Elliot taking Chris Oh to Tinfoil Liquor & Grocery in Highland Park to chat with Jeremy Fall and company. And yes, they talk about the secret password.

Jon & Vinny turn to Delta

Fairfax hitmakers Jon & Vinny have turned to Delta for Airlines for their next project, helping to launch a menu for the company’s trips out of LAX to New York City and Washington, D.C. Not that travelers will be able to get a perfect reflection those Jon & Vinny meatballs while thousands of feet above the ground (though they likely will serve something similar), but still it’s probably an improvement.

Long Beach’s best coffee

Food GPS has found what they believe could be among Long Beach’s best coffee shops: Commodity Coffee. They interview owner Alan Gomez about his time at other shops like Portola, and the LBC’s continued transition.

Old school butchers rule

KCET gives some love to European Deluxe Sausage Kitchen in Beverly Hills, mostly for their secret collection of South African specialties. A cuisine type not much represented here in the States, this unassuming meat shop offers biltong and a variety of other unique snacks for those in the know.

Backyard Bowls grows

It’s another new location for Backyard Bowls, the reasonably healthy-eating acai bowl shop with locations across Santa Barbara and on Beverly Boulevard. This latest hits at 8th and Hope in Downtown, right in the middle of the office lunch mix, right next to Philz Coffee. The company has expanded their menu to include toasts and other things, and is doing half-off everything this weekend. 801 S. Hope, Downtown.