Shibumi Now LA’s Only Restaurant Serving True Kobe Beef, and More A.M. Intel

A rare designation

Downtown Japanese restaurant Shibumi is in some rare company, becoming the first Southern California restaurant (and just the 13th in the entire United States) to serve actual Kobe beef. That’s per the Kobe Beef Association themselves, and apparently the honor comes with a plaque and everything.

Kobe beef, like many designations including wagyu, has been routinely mischaracterized on menus across the world, making the true certification that much more rare — as opposed to, say, the Kobe beef sliders on a happy hour menu at Dave & Buster’s. Shibumi will begin offering small tastes of the product on their menu (or as a possible supplement) in the coming weeks.

Another Croft Alley

West Hollywood hit Croft Alley is growing into a rumored space on Hill Street, somewhere between 7th and 8th Street. The expansion from the Melrose Place original should mean a jump into serving morning coffee and evening beer and wine, too.

Guacs to City of Industry

Big, brash Mexican option Guacs is expanding from its Diamond Bar beginnings into a new City of Industry spot on Friday. The updated address is 13350 Crossroads Parkway North, City of Industry, and the party starts at 3 p.m.

Cava continues

Fast casual option Cava has officially opened at USC Village as of yesterday. The Mediterranean counter-service option now has seven locations across California, and is keeping daily hours at 3201 S. Hoover from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The running Rooster

LA’s popular Rooster Truck is expanding into Austin soon, taking over the now-former La Barbecue space. The truck is the brainchild of Rouha Sadighi, who has made more than a name for herself slinging the Rico Suave breakfast burrito around town. It’s so popular these days, you can even find it on deck at places like Alfred Coffee every day, served from behind the counter.

Travel back in time

LA Weekly put out a fun piece earlier this week on the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Van Nuys. The ivy-colored eatery is a true throwback, harkening all the way to World War II (though it technically only opened in 1973). There’s an original World War I plane out front, and the whole place has the look and feel of “a bombed-out Normandy bunker.”

Lawry’s late night

World famous Lawry’s in Beverly Hills is expanding its offerings with a new late night happy hour and lounge menu, starting tonight. The idea is to scale down the scope of a meal at the traditionally meat-heavy eatery by offering inexpensive smaller options (including a prime rib sandwich) alongside $5 beers, $7 wines, and $9 cocktails. The full lounge and late happy hour menus are below.