Chris Feldmeier Steps Into New Role at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach

Chef shuffles in the South Bay

It didn’t take long for Manhattan Beach mainstay Love & Salt to find a new chef now that Michael Fiorelli has decided to move on. The incoming name is none other than Chris Feldmeier, the former Moruno co-owner who more recently has been working at Gabi James in nearby Redondo Beach. It’s worth noting, of course, that Gabi James is the work of Sara Gabriele and husband Adam Aro, while Love & Salt is run by sister Sylvie Gabriele and father Guy Gabriele. Reps for Love & Salt say that Feldmeier won’t officially take over until September, and that he’ll still be involved at Gabi James as well.

The whole story

LA Times writer Frank Shyong tells the incredible tale of Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown. The beloved institution has been in operation for more than 80 years, and the generational stories that come out of such a revered institution are not to be missed.

Tender love

Howlin’ Ray’s is taking a page out of the Dave’s Hot Chicken playbook, expanding its tight menu in the near future to include big, crispy chicken tenders. Look out.

Aubergine x Maude

Award-winning Carmel restaurant Aubergine is coming to Maude for one night only. The August 13 fine dining event will feature multiple courses as well as available wine pairing upgrades, and runs $175 per person for the food alone.

Playa Mesa moves

Costa Mesa has itself a new restaurant. The place is called Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen, and it comes by way of seasoned vets Mario Marovic and Andrew Gabriel, who have helped to open The Country Club, Wild Goose Tavern, and others. Expect upscale modern Mexican food with lunch and dinner service (plus brunch on weekends), located at 428 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa.

The W’s next name

Chef Charles Lacad is in as the executive chef of The W Hollywood. The property’s new culinary lead comes to Hollywood by way of The Omni in San Francisco, and the Four Seasons in Lanai.

Almost there

Things are getting close for Ronan on Melrose. The upcoming pizza and full bar space sits in the back half of the former Mao’s Kitchen and is nearly complete, meaning an opening next month seems more than likely. In the meantime, owners Caitlin Coyne and Daniel Cutler are hard at work curing the new oven and putting together a ton of finishing details.