Mark Houston’s Legal Issues End as Former Girlfriend Drops Suit Alleging Abuse

Houston news

Serial restaurant and bar owner Mark Houston is no longer in legal limbo for allegations that he abused former model girlfriend Lucy McIntosh. Eater has obtained documents that show the that Houston and McIntosh have “dismissed all litigation pursuits against each other, and neither party has paid the other party anything to resolve the litigation.” That means McIntosh’s suit alleging “physical and emotional” damage is no more, and Houston’s defamation and extortion suit has been dropped as well. In the statement provided to Eater, Lucy McIntosh further stated under oath that “Mark Houston was never an abusive boyfriend.” Houston, along with his brother, own and operate nightlife operations including La Descarga, Pour Vous, Break Room 86, and Black Rabbit Rose.

Evan Kleiman’s own words

Evan Kleiman of Good Food spent some words discussing Anthony Bourdain, particularly his “lovely, loyal” side. Despite the “bad boy” image he occasionally cultivated, Kleiman says, Bourdain was one of the best and kindest folks in the business.

Soft serve star

A new soft serve option is now open in Monterey Park. It’s called Big Softee, and it lands with a ton of classic flavors at 128 S. Atlantic Boulevard.

World Cup openings

Wirtshaus on La Brea and sister restaurant Rasselbock in Long Beach are both hosting viewing parties for the World Cup this year, starting on June 14 and running as long as Mexico and Germany do.

The best around

Chefs Jessica Koslow, Sara Kramer, Sarah Hymanson, and Mei Lin are all participating in PlaceInvaders dinners this month in support of (RED), the AIDS-fighting non-profit. The private residence dinners run this weekend, and costs between $130 and $150 a pop.

Montebello brews

Angry Horse Brewing is doing a five-course beer pairing dinner later this month out in Montebello. The $40 June 22 event features food from chef Jose Vasquez of Eastside Eats LA.

Shutdown notice

Le Macaron, the replacement for embattled La Maison du Pain bakery on Pico Boulevard, has been shut down by the health department. No word on when it will reopen.