Cassell’s, Chick-Fil-A, and More Officially Open at LAX’s Terminal 1

New faces

LAX’s busy Terminal 1 renovation just got a big boost, with the opening of their new food court over the weekend. The crowds were quick to descend on a variety of local names and flavors, from Trejo’s Tacos to Pei Wei to Cassell’s, the latter of which is doing burgers as well as a bar. All of the options open at 6 a.m. or earlier too, including Chick-fil-A, which opens daily at 4 a.m.

Bel-Air and brisket

One of the biggest barbecue parties of the year is happening at Hotel Bel-Air on Wednesday, September 5, with grilled and smoked meats from such luminaries as Nancy Silverton, Ryan DeNicola (Chi Spacca), Eric Werner (Hartwood), Wolfgang Puck, Tim Hollingsworth, and Burt Bakman of Trudy’s Underground Barbecue. The spendy event runs $350 a head and includes wine pairings, with some of the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Guatemala.

The biggest party

There’s a massive pizza party happening at Jon & Vinny’s on September 9, featuring Chris Bianco, Anthony Mangieri (Una Pizza Napoletana), and Marc Vetri. The reason for the $135 get down? Vetri’s got a new pizza cookbook coming out.

Pool time

The NoMad’s rooftop team is gearing up for a summertime movie extravaganza on the rooftop. It’s called Swim Up Cinema and it launches tonight with a screening of The Beach. Admission is just $1, and there’s a concession stand for drinks and snacks all night long.

Blending for bucks

The Blending Lab on West Third Street is doing a gigantic harvest sale through the whole month of September, when all bottles of wine are priced at $25. The unique wine shop actually sources grapes from all over California but makes its own wine in Los Angeles County, then sells the finished product direct to consumers.

The rights thing

LA Chefs for Human Rights is coming back on September 24. The charity event is led by Bryant and Kim Ng of Cassia, with help from the n/naka crew, Steve Samson, Carlos Salgado, Zoe Nathan, and more. All money goes to The People Concern charity, and two-seat ticket packages start at $5,500, in hopes of raising over $150,000 for the night.

Clover change

The Clover Juice on La Brea has officially rebranded, landing the new name Little West. The sunny, renovated space offers room for takeaway drinks as well as pre-made salads, pastries, and goodies like jams and snacks.