Mid-City’s Brunch Game Gets Big Boost Thanks to a Former Sqirl Veteran

A new face

Popular breakfast and lunch chef Matt Wilson has a new gig, running the kitchen of Paper or Plastik Cafe on Pico Boulevard in Mid-City. The unassuming corner coffee stop holds a dance studio in the back and has for years anchored the area for laptop warriors and anyone looking for a quick bite of food and a pick-me-up, but now with Wilson at the helm the plan is to push the envelope quite a bit further. Wilson is most known for his time at Sqirl and Wild at Canele, so expect options like kimchi chicken and waffles, yellowtail conserva tartines, and the like; there’s even a burger with beef from Standing’s Butchery on Melrose. Breakfast runs daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 pm., and dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hotel updates

Menuism writer David Chan has the latest on the San Gabriel Valley’s changing dining culture, and it starts with the emergence of a big, expensive, new hotel restaurant scene.

Laker mania

A number of sports-watching venues around town are doing big things for the first Lakers home game this season, including the W Hotel in Hollywood. That’s where newly-minted LeBron fans can catch the game on a 30-foot screen while ordering themed drinks and food. There’s even a free raffle for anyone who shows up in Laker attire.

Oriel is one

Chinatown French wine bar Oriel is turning one tonight, and to celebrate the team is turning out a variety of new dishes to coincide with the launch of their new happy hour, which will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Expect $4 bites, $5 beers, and $6 glasses of wine.

Ice cream days

While it’s certainly no longer summer, that shouldn’t stop the greater Valley from enjoying Bingo Milk Bar, a soft serve upstart in Studio City that Ventura Blvd. Magazine says is bright, fun, and rather tasty.

Malibu bites

LA Magazine is hosting its annual Food Event out in Malibu on Sunday, featuring a number of big names like Bone Kettle, Eataly, Casa Vega, Hamasaku, and more. Tickets start at $130.

McDowell’s again

Fat Sal’s in Hollywood is bringing back its limited-time pop-up of McDowell’s, the fictional restaurant from the film Coming to America. Expect a few one-off menu items and a pop-up barbershop right next door, all running from October 28 through Halloween.