Some of LA’s Biggest New Restaurant Openings Draw National Praise

Good news

Some of LA’s most exciting new restaurants are getting some outsized attention this morning. First up is Bavel, which was just named the restaurant of the year by the Los Angeles Times (it was also Eater LA’s winner, back in December). Other winners today include Ma’am Sir, Charles Olalia’s Filipino dinner spot in Silver Lake, and Mei Lin’s buzzy Nightshade in the Arts District; both were given best new restaurant titles by GQ. Congrats to the winners.

Assemble the team

Michael’s in Santa Monica is officially turning 40 years young. The iconic Westside restaurant helped to shape some of LA’s best culinary talent, and now they’re getting some members of the gang back together for a blowout anniversary party this weekend. The lineup includes names like Sang Yoon, Brooke Williamson, Ryan Denicola, Miles Thompson, and legends like Jonathan Waxman and Mark Peel, and the $150 tickets help to benefit No Kid Hungry.

Dealfeed

Bluestone Lane is getting in on the Earth Day deals today, offering $1 off any drink for those who bring in a reusable container.

Zarate’s kitchen

Check out Ricardo Zarate inside the kitchen at Los Balcones in Studio City. The Peruvian star chef discusses his background, his favorite flavors, and works up a mean plate of quinoto.

Industry talks

UCLA is hosting its 23rd annual restaurant industry conference this Thursday. The sprawling daylong affair plays hosts to panels, forums, educational seminars for industry insiders, real estate brokers, and the like.

Audrey and eggs

Speaking of Westwood, Audrey, the new restaurant inside the Hammer Museum, launched brunch over the weekend. The opening menu for the weekend service is below.