LA’s Oldest Barbecue Restaurant Expands With New Location Deep in the Valley

Barbecue fanatics, pay attention

Don’t look now, but Gus’s BBQ is on the expansion path yet again. The South Pasadena original, which holds claim as the oldest still-operating barbecue restaurant in Los Angeles County, has expanded and modernized in recent years with a new bar-focused outlet in Claremont. Now the team is at it again, at least according to this Craigslist post asking for bartender help for a new location at 20179 Rinaldi Street in Porter Ranch, which is home to a gigantic new mixed-use development known as the Vineyards. Expect an opening rather soon.

Ice cream days on Melrose

Alfred Coffee’s original location on Melrose Place is now using CVT ice cream. The roving soft serve truck has installed one of its branded CVTeeny machines, which means lots of affogatos and afternoon cones for those who need a sweet treat.

Ready to eat

There’s an off-menu meatball sub situation happening at the West Hollywood location of Pizzana right now. The two-day-only dish is being made in celebration of chef Daniele Uditi’s turn on the Chef Show on Netflix, where he made this same dish.

A little less meat

Meanwhile, Meat District Co. has closed in Pasadena. The casual restaurant did everything from burgers to ribs to steak, but struggled to find a sustained audience in one of the city’s more touristy blocks.

No such thing as too much pie

189 by Dominique Ansel is bringing back its annual pie nights. The evening affair will feature unlimited slices and ice cream for four days in early October, but tickets for the party actually go on sale this Friday (so best to plan ahead).

A fresh face

Fellow restaurant in Westwood has a new chef. Vincent Michael is now in to oversee the kitchen, having previously spent time at Cru in Silver Lake and at Angelini Osteria.

Be in the know

There’s a fun wine party happening in Silver Lake on Saturday, September 28. The RSVP-necessary Pinkies Up event features lots of natural wine and runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; the address will be disclosed only to those who will attend. Downtown sandwich shop E Stretto will also be in attendance.