Prominent Restaurant Architect Who Designed Otium and Bestia Has Died

One of the most prominent restaurant-focused architectural designers of the past decade, Osvaldo Maiozzi, has died. Maiozzi, 68, worked frequently with Bill Chait during the Sprout days, turning out work for such prominent restaurants as Bestia, Otium, Republique, Redbird, Sotto, and Angelini Osteria, among others. According to one person close to Maiozzi, the designer fell ill while working on what would become Bavel, stricken with a rare neurological disease known as corticobasal degeneration, which ultimately confined him to a wheelchair even as he continued to work on projects like Tartine Manufactory. The Italian Maiozzi, who graduated from the University of Rome in 1981 before relocating to Los Angeles, was a beloved figure within the Los Angeles restaurant community.

And in other news:

— Plans are firming up for the future of the Taix space in Echo Park. The near-timeless French restaurant will become the site of 170 apartments, reports Urbanize LA, with the restaurant returning to the ground floor of the new building once construction is done.

— Slab in West Hollywood is now offering vacuum-sealed barbecue to reheat and eat later.

— New plant-based Pura Vita Pizzeria is now open in West Hollywood, operating Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. via pickup or delivery only.

— Olvera Street is struggling during the current pandemic, reports LA Times, with vendors seeing little to no foot traffic, and restaurant finding it hard to adapt to delivery and takeout only.

— Dave’s Hot Chicken has inked a big new deal to expand into Canada, with plans for at least ten stores.

— Jerry’s Deli is back with a more pared-down menu of favorites, including classic sandwiches like pastrami and corned beef, bagel sandwiches, and salads. The menu is below.