Here’s a Sneak Peek at El Monte’s Gorgeous New Googie-Style Norms

Norms to El Monte

The San Gabriel Valley city of El Monte is in line for a new Norms restaurant next month. The longstanding diner chain has been in talks with the city to bring a 6,800 square foot standalone to their revitalized Main Street project for years, and now it’s looking like the ribbon-cutting will happen on Tuesday, July 3. What makes this particular project at 10620 Valley Boulevard so worthwhile? The Googie architecture, a Norms staple from its older days but little-seen in modern restaurant build-outs. This location will have the same iconic signage and swoopy roofline as the protected location along La Cienega — and hopefully it will stand for just as long.

MiniBar for a cause

MiniBar Hollywood is donating $1 for every tequila or mezcal drink to the ACLU, with the expressed intention of supporting that group’s efforts to fight family separations at the border. The deal runs the entire month of July.

Market woes

It was a tough Wednesday night for Malbec Market in Eagle Rock, as the takeaway wine and food shop was broken into through the glass front door. The register was taken, and police are seeking more evidence to try to link someone to the crime.

Dessert fest

There’s a fun pastry pop-up happening on June 28 at Leclaireur in West Hollywood. It’s entirely dessert and cocktail-focused, and comes by way of Ramon Perez (David Myers Group) and Chris Ford (Beverly Wilshire). Brandyn Tepper and Eugene Shaw will be doing collaborative cocktails as an add-on as well. Tickets are $135.

The Golden child

There’s a new chef overseeing the menu at The Golden Bull in Santa Monica: Greg A. Daniels. The longtime Salt Air lead is now putting dishes on at the old-school haunt, which dates to 1949.

Shake Shack moves

Ventura County’s first Shake Shack is coming, landing at the Promenade at Westlake in the fall. Here’s what the space is projected to look like.

Families welcome

Maple Block Meat Co. is closing out LA Beer Week with a Smog City takeover on Sunday night. Expect outdoor games like cornhole, lots of beer, and barbecue galore. The party is family-friendly and free to attend, though anyone who buys a special $25 ticket in advance can get a burger and four beer samplers in the deal.

Barbecue party

Speaking of barbecue, there’s a meaty new pop-up happening in Hollywood on Friday, June 29. The evening affair will feature cuts from South Bay mainstay Bartz BBQ, sold by the pound as big platters to waiting diners at the Eastown property on Hollywood Boulevard.