Check Out West LA’s New Colorful Modern Vietnamese Hideaway

Good looks

Here’s a first finished peek inside Khong Ten, the casual new modern Vietnamese restaurant that opened along Pico Boulevard. The former Freddy Smalls space has been given a lift thanks to lots of floral print and plush touches, plus a defining golden ceiling. Chef/owner Kim Vu and partner Don Andes held their official opening party last night after some quiet nights serving the neighborhood, and are now fully ready to rock and roll.

All gone

Koreatown’s quiet Second Floor Restaurant seems to have closed up shop earlier this month. That’s per Yelp, which lists the place as down for the count just six months in.

Paella party

The Bazaar is hosting a new series of paella nights on Thursdays out on the terrace. Expect lots of Spanish flavors, plus cooking demonstrations, sangria, and more. The party starts at 7 p.m., and reservations are encouraged.

Hungry on Wilshire

Pan-Asian restaurant The Hungry Trader has opened on Wilshire, working a menu of rice bowls and wraps that carry flavors from Thailand, India, the Middle East, and beyond. 5224 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.

The timeline

Burt Bakman of Trudy’s Underground BBQ and the upcoming Slab spoke to LA Magazine about his brisket timeline, the hours spent trimming, tending to fire, and turning out some of the city’s best Texas-style barbecue.

The Wing arrives

Curbed LA has the details on the new female-focused co-working space The Wing, which will offer desk space and offices to members, as well as a cafe with food from a rotating collection of local female chefs.

Another flip

Another day, another flip of a now-former Bardonna space. This time it’s the location in Brentwood, which is set to become a place called Neck of the Woods under the same owner, Joshua Pourgol. The pastel colors, vibrant plants, and neon signage have a distinct Alfred feel, and the menu (below) winds from coffee to teas to smoothies, grain bowls, all-day brunch, and pastries. 11725 Barrington Court.