LA Coffee Chain Bans Kawhi Leonard From All Locations After Failing to Sign With Lakers

Banned, for now

It looks like some folks around Los Angeles are turning on Kawhi Leonard after his decision to join the Clippers over the Lakers last weekend. The busy social media account for Alfred Coffee put out notice of an outright ban for both Kawhi and new teammate Paul George “from all Alfred locations,” and promised more details to come on the matter. While the whole thing certainly seems tongue-in-cheek from owner and LA native Josh Zad, Eater did reach out just to confirm, and will update if Zad responds.

Keep it healthy

It looks like Smitten Ice Cream has given up plans to open in Silver Lake, as signage is going up today at 3100 W. Sunset Blvd. for Mixt instead. The fast-casual, healthy-ish company has outlets up and down California and beyond, including one in Bunker Hill and another in Miracle Mile area. Expect mostly salads and grain bowls inside, with an eye towards opening this fall.

No more tipping

Don’t look now, but Barcito has done away with its no-tipping policy. Owner Andrea Borgen explains the change on social media, saying the push to move to a tip-based model comes after years of trying to spread awareness for how all of her employees are able to paid, and now that some of the statewide laws of changed she’s moving in a new direction. Check out the full statement below.

Goodbye sweets

Milk Tavern has closed in Koreatown. The Instagrammy boozy ice cream and dessert spot near Monty’s Good Burger and Beer Belly had its final day of service at the end of June.

New names

Chef Brian Bornemann is in at Employees Only. The cocktail-focused West Hollywood restaurant opened with chef Sascha Lyon, but now is moving in a new direction under the former Viale dei Romani/Tasting Kitchen chef.

Coming together

The Arts District location of Soho House is coming together nicely. According to LA Magazine the members-only club is currently seeking new entrants, but for those just wanting a peek inside there are a couple of renderings of the space itself in the story as well.

Two friends

Two of the city’s great young chefs, Jon Yao of Kato and Andy Doubrava of Rustic Canyon, are collaborating on a couple of meals later this summer. The first goes down July 23 in Santa Monica, while the second happens at Kato on August 13. The 12-course affair runs $165 per person.